The electric bike is on the rise. But it’s not easy to choose your first electric bike when you don’t know anything about it. From the urban e-bike to the trekking electric bike, mountain bike or road bike: discover our guide to help you know how to choose your electric bike.
What type of cyclist are you?
The answer to this question will help you direct your choice towards a type of electric bike. First think about what you plan to use this vehicle for: will it be used for your commute? More for long weekend walks? Will you use your bike for sport or do you plan to carry your children on it?
For use in the city, there are folding electric bikes (perfect for those who take public transport), but also comfortable and efficient urban electric bikes or even electric cargo bikes , to accommodate all your children and/or packages. !
If you want to ride on the road, your choice will be an electric VTC , or a speed bike , specially designed for speed enthusiasts.
How to try an electric bike?
To buy an electric assist bike, it is essential to check that you enjoy riding with it. Most of the time, bicycle sales stores allow you to test the model that tempts you around the store. A way to form your own opinion and better guide your choice.
Here are the points of attention not to be overlooked during your test:
the level of assistance: ideally, test the electric bike on a slope to check that the level of electric assistance suits you. Shift several gears and take a few turns, driving in a straight line is not enough to realize the bike’s performance;
the brakes: brake gradually, flat and on a downward slope, and give a sharp jerk to test the quality of the braking system;
weight: if you cannot lift your bike, you will have to opt for a lighter model!
E-bike motors can be located at the front wheel, rear wheel or bottom bracket. Depending on its location, your feeling will be radically different. Today there are three main configurations:
Motor integrated into the front hub : driving is flexible, simple, practical, especially in town. There is more weight in the steering, however.
Motor integrated into the rear wheel: driving is more dynamic and responsive. This type of bike is recommended for sporty cyclists.
Pedal motor: used on almost all high-end models, the pedal motor offers more progressive driving assistance, thanks to torque, cadence and speed sensors. The weight is also better balanced because the motor is in the center of the bike. Although it is generally more expensive than in-wheel motors, the solution is considered ideal by many electric bike enthusiasts.
Electric bikes equipped with Bosch, Shimano or Yamaha motors are considered the most advanced on the market. They will undoubtedly be a preferred choice if you want to make electric cycling a regular practice. More affordable, Bafang also offers attractive value for money.
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One of the criteria for choosing an electric bike can also be the autonomy and longevity of its battery.
Today, e-bike batteries almost all use lithium-ion technology, but large disparities still exist in their capacities. Typically, the capacity of an electric bike battery ranges between 300 and 600 Wh. The actual range of your electric bike will then depend on the efficiency of the motor but also the weight of the cyclist, and the level of assistance you use.
Our advice: choose Bosch, Shimano or Yamaha batteries, which have proven themselves. Like motors, these three suppliers work with most electric bike manufacturers. If you need extra battery life, some models work with two batteries (but they are heavier).
How much should you invest in an electric bike?
From less than €500 to €2,000 or even much more, there are electric bikes at all prices. In addition to the quality of the electrical components – motor and battery – it is also often the cycle part equipment which justifies the price difference.
Our advice: if you want to make electric cycling a regular practice, do not invest less than €1000 to €1200 for an urban model at the risk of being disappointed by the reliability. In the field of electric mountain biking, count on €2,000 for a quality model. A substantial investment which can be partly covered by the electric bike purchase bonus and certain financial aid granted locally .
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