Over the years, the electric bicycle (or e-bike) is becoming an increasingly popular means of transport. This popularity has led many brands such as this electric bike manufacturer to ride the wave of the trend and present their proposal. The result is now a very varied and vast choice, with different specifications and features that can adapt to anyone’s needs.
So if you are among the people looking for an e-bike, at the moment you may find yourself a bit confused. For this reason, in this article we present a buying guide to clarify and help you understand the key points for choosing the best electric bicycle for you.
Where and for what will you use your electric bicycle?
This is the most important question of all. Depending on how it is used, a bicycle’s specifications can change dramatically to suit ground conditions, riding position and so on. You will know very well that a road racing bike is not suitable for climbing mountains, just as a mountain bike could be difficult to use in the city.
The motivation is also important: will the electric bicycle be used for the commute from home to work? To play sports? Or for a spontaneous Sunday trip? Once you have identified the place and the way, then it will already be easier for you to find your way around the world of e-bikes. And as the flow of wholesale electric bikes from China increases, you can get the electric bike of your dreams at an affordable price. Today there are a number of Chinese brands that offer a variety of quality electric bicycles at wholesale prices, one of which is Haidong Bike.
Types of e-bikes
– Electric city bike (e-city): they are designed for daily commuting around the city, as the name suggests. The frame is lower and the handlebar instead higher, allowing a more upright and comfortable seat.
– Trekking or cross (e-trekking): if you are looking for a middle ground between a bike suitable for use in the city but also to do some off-roading that is not extreme, this category is the one for you.
– Racing (e-road): the classic shape of the racing bike, with a high frame for a lowered seat and dynamic air, combined with an electric motor to increase the cyclist’s performance.
– Off-road (e-MTB): with a passion for the mountains, climbs and off-roaders, you can’t help but choose an electric mountain bike. It is the type in which electrical innovation is making more investments.
– Commuting (e-fold): designed essentially for the commute from home to work in the city, to be transported on vehicles and in the office without being too bulky and heavy.
And these are just a few! Suffice it to say that only the MTB world includes many other categories. But we’re not here to go into details; already by identifying which of these is the right model for you, you already have a very good starting point.
What distances do you want to travel with the electric bicycle?
The distance and the frequent use of your new electric bicycle are parameters to be taken into consideration. If you are looking for a bike with which to travel a few kilometers, perhaps just for a few strolls with the family on the weekend, then you can orient yourself on something less performing (but not of poor quality). If, on the other hand, your goal is long mountain tours to do usually, it is better to think about a higher budget.
The importance of the engine
The electric motor (along with the battery) is the focal point of an electric bicycle. It is the part that basically provides you with assistance in pedaling and helps you travel longer distances or steeper climbs with less effort. The function is simple: just pedal to activate the motor that will give a boost to your pedaling making the journey much easier. You can also decide how much to get help from the system.
The motor of the pedal assisted electric bicycles has a power of 250W, maximum 500W. The speed is limited to 25 km / h and, once reached, the engine stops. If the bike in question allowed a higher speed, then it would in effect be a moped for which a license and insurance on the vehicle are required.
The motor can be installed in two positions:
Rear motor: is mounted on the rear hub, thus minimizing pedaling effort. This type is particularly suitable for folding, city or trekking bikes, for asphalted or mixed terrain.
Central engine: positioned close to the pedals, it is suitable for sporty but also balanced driving, thanks to the lower center of gravity. It is in fact preferred for e-MTBs and uphill routes.
The quality of the battery
If the engine is the heart of the electric bicycle, then it is the arteries that represent the importance of the battery. This in fact brings energy (oxygen, continuing with the metaphor of the human body) to the engine, thus allowing it to function.
Like most electronic devices at the moment, e-bikes use lithium batteries with a duration ranging from 500 or 900 charging cycles. After that it will start to lose capacity and keep less and less charge, which is why it is important to invest in a good quality battery and be cautious in its use.
Choose the right size of the electric bicycle
As you well know, the size of the electric bicycle is not universal. In fact, it varies according to the height of the cyclist and his riding preferences.
We hope this article was useful to you and let us know if you have proceeded to give yourself a new and modern e-bike!