eBikes can be confusing and overwhelming to first understand
There is a lot to take in when thinking about an eBike. For this blogs purpose, we are going to stay focused on the first time, entry level buyer.
Price, cost can vary from $500 up to $10,000+
For entry level eBikes, expect to pay between $500 and $2,000
Under $1,000
There are good bikes for under $1,000
Expect to find lesser known brands
Expect to see lower range (10-30 miles)
Expect to see more affordable components (motor, battery, etc)
Expect to see less add-ons and features
$1,000 to $2000
There are some great bikes and brands in this range
Expect to find great range (20-60+ miles)
Expect to see higher quality components (motor, battery, etc)
Expect to see bikes with racks, fenders, lights and more
Class, this designates the bikes top speed
Class 1: ebike with pedal assist only and no throttle. The top assisted speed is 20 mph. When you reach this speed, the motor automatically switches off.
Class 2: An electric bicycle with a top speed of 20 mph assisted and by a throttle.
Class 3: An electric bicycle with a top speed of 28 mph assisted and by a throttle.
Battery, lithium-ion batteries can be mounted on the rear rack, on top of the frame or right into the frame.
Most offer around 800 full charge cycles before they need to be replaced
Charge time is different for each bike but most are 3 to 6 hours.
Most can either be charged in the bike or removed and charged.
Range, this is the distance a bike can go on a single charge
This is most peoples most important spec of a bike
This will vary for every bike, as many things will affect it:
The bikes battery, motor, tires and other components affect it
Pedal assist level and usage, throttle usage, how much you pedal all affect it
Most brands are very good about giving the estimated range and not exaggerating
Say the range is 20-40 miles
The high end of 40 miles would be only using Pedal Assist 1 the whole time
The low end of 20 miles would be on the highest Pedal Assist or throttle the whole time
Many people will see an even farther range than is reported by the manufacturer
Motor, either in the rear or front wheel's hub or in the pedal housing
Mid-drive motor is when the motor is in-between the pedals
This is beneficial as it gives a smoother right and take off and lower center of gravity
This is usually only found in higher end eBikes, $2000+
Hub motor is in the wheel's hub
This is the most common motor
It is almost always found in the rear wheel's hub
You will find in almost all sub $2000 eBikes
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