Do you want to buy an electrically assisted bicycle? We have listed 10 criteria to know when choosing the right electric bike before checking out , whatever the type of bike and your budget. And join us on the roads!
What are the criteria for choosing an electric bike? The keys to making a good comparison
We have listed 10 criteria which help guide the choice of your electrically assisted bike: use, engine, type of assistance, price, maximum autonomy in highest mode, removable battery or not. , ease of repair, frame, weight and equipment.
What you will do with your electric bike
This seems obvious, but this first tip is not always self-evident. Before spending several hundred (or even thousands) of euros on an electric bike , before even knowing which electric bike to buy , make sure that you enjoy the practice, that your journey is feasible and that you have no additional problems (impossible to park it, plug it in, secure it , etc.).
It’s also time to know what type of bike you’re going to choose: strictly commuting, so comfort above all and a very upright position so as not to have back pain? Journeys and pleasure, so with a little more power and perhaps more road-style wheels? City, certainly, but with big hills and therefore the need for a good engine so as not to have to pedal too hard? Paths between two villages and therefore need a lot of autonomy to make the round trip? Electric mountain bike for fun trips in the mountains and countryside?
The motor of your electric bike
If we remove the classic mechanics of a bicycle, the motor is the centerpiece of your electric bike. We advise you to pay close attention to its torque, expressed in newton meters, which will accompany you on climbs and allow you to start at high speed, which, in town, is quite important for your safety.
Bosch is one of the undisputed leaders in the mid and high range and our tests show us each time that their models meet the cyclist’s specifications. Bosch’s blind spot is in light engines ( the SX range planned for 2024 will fill this pitfall ) where brands like Fazua and Mahle are doing very good things. Read for example our test of the Origin Help Fast Urban , whose torque is more than enough to have fun and swallow the climbs, for a featherweight bike.
Try different types of bikes before buying, including different types of engines. A pressure sensor motor (sometimes called force or constraint) gives pedaling much closer to what you will have with a mechanical bike. A rotation sensor motor, which is found on more entry-level bikes, will necessarily have a slower response to your pedal strokes and a small delay between the activation of the motor and your pedal. The effect, once launched, will be a little more moped and less bicycle .
If you buy an unregistered, unapproved speed bike with an accelerator and you drive it without a helmet: congratulations, you have just taken the first step towards your future end (and the guarantee that no insurance will not cover your damages). Avoid those things that are dropshipped or sold by unaware stores.
Price is an important element in choosing an electric bike, because there are very good and very bad bikes at all prices. Generally, you can tell yourself that electric bikes without any bad surprises start around €2,000. Less expensive, there are often compromises to be made — or excellent surprises, which we introduce to you on Numerama.
When you go up in price, it is possible to find more high-end components, more powerful engines, more accessories and, very often, gadgets. The connected aspect of a bike can easily cost it €1,000 compared to a bike with the same characteristics, but without this package. Don’t hesitate to read our tests and guides to find out how to spot the right bikes!
The maximum distance the bike can travel on turbo
When a manufacturer announces a range range, expressed in kilometers that the bike can travel on one charge, always look at the lower number. This is the one that most corresponds to normal use of an electric bike: very often, if you lean towards this type of cycle, it is because you do not want to make any effort – especially for a journey between home and office .
If a bike can do “40 to 120 km” on a charge, imagine that the advertised 40 km reflects a usual scenario in which you will mainly use the most powerful mode of the motor. Some manufacturers offer fairly precise calculators, taking into account your weight and the average elevation of your route.
The ability to have your VAE repaired easily
An electric bike is expensive and you have every interest in taking care of it. It is recommended to have it serviced every 1,000 to 2,000 km depending on your use. But unlike a mechanical bike, which can be repaired anywhere, the shop you choose must have the skills to troubleshoot the electronics and the electric motor.
Basically, if you buy a bike in a store, they will certainly be able to take care of after-sales service. But if you opt for an online purchase, you should remember to ask the retailer or brand if they have partnerships with physical stores. Otherwise, the risk is to have your bike immobilized for a long time due to logistics: between the moment you detect a breakdown, the outbound truck transport, the repair and the return transport, it may take Several weeks.
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