How to Choose an Electric Bike

How to Choose an Electric Bike

In recent years, electric bicycles have risen in popularity. Bike enthusiasts enjoy them for the sport while the eco-conscious choose them as a green alternative to classic transportation. City dwellers are also riding the eBike wave, taking advantage of their convenience and economical cost. If you’re new to the world of eBikes, you may be wondering where to start. Electric bikes come in a wide variety of styles and price ranges, each with distinct functions and features. Before you choose an eBike, follow this simple buying guide:

Electric Bike Styles

The first thing you should consider is how you will be using your electric bike. Do you plan on tackling a mountain or will you casually ride around town? There are 9 basic eBike styles, each designed for a specific terrain or function:

Road eBikes

Built to function on pavement, electric road bikes feature narrower wheels with a light tread. They’re optimized for speed and longevity. This style is a well-rounded, multi-purpose choice, designed for roads, sidewalks, and bike paths. It’s ideal for urban and suburban lifestyles, fast-paced commutes, and leisure rides.

Mountain eBikes

For the outdoor adventurer, mountain eBikes are built for off-roading. Equipped with special tires, extra shock absorption, and unique braking systems, these models can handle the rough terrain and incline of hill and mountain treks.

Trail eBikes

If you enjoy the serenity of nature and the ease of pre-planned trails, opt for an electric trail bike. These all-terrain bikes are functional and versatile, able to easily transition from pavement to off-road paths. Trail eBikes feature long-range batteries, perfect for those all-day trips. They also include quick, precise braking systems, designed to handle smooth and gravelled roads.

Commuter eBikes

If an eBike is your primary source of travel, consider investing in an electric commuter bike. Engineers thought of every detail necessary to provide a safe, smooth, and comfortable ride. The ergonomic design provides upright posture and lumbar support, increasing visibility and comfort. Since commuter bikes share the road with other vehicles, they need to be able to keep up with traffic. For this reason, commuter eBikes include long-range motors and batteries, dynamic handling, precise braking systems, and headlights.

Comfort eBikes

When comfort is a priority, electric comfort bikes tick all the boxes. These user-friendly bikes are perfect for touring, leisure, and everyday adventures. Designed with ergonomics in mind, these models will keep you upright and well-supported during longer rides. Additionally, they’re often powerful, lightweight, and easy to mount and dismount.

Cruiser eBikes

Joyriders will appreciate the casual ride of a cruiser. Common around beachside towns and semi-urban neighborhoods, electric cruiser bikes put an emphasis on style and comfort. Though they’re mainly designed to support laid-back rides around town, they’re still durable enough to handle road debris and sand kick-up. So feel free to take your cruiser to the beach or the store (and any place in between).

Cargo eBikes

Lack of storage used to be the biggest downside to bikes. Not anymore! Electric cargo bikes are one of the latest innovations to hit the eco-transportation market. These styles provide ample cargo space without sacrificing functionality. Some even offer additional seating. They’re also designed with safety in mind, built with strong, long-lasting materials and lockable features. You now can take your eBike grocery shopping or bring your pets or children along for the ride.

Folding eBikes

Minimalists will appreciate the practicality of a folding bike. Perfect for city slickers, travelers, and tiny home dwellers, electric folding bikes provide a space-saving solution for riders. These lightweight, compact models easily fit into small places. You can take them on buses and trains or store them in trunks or closets. Many models are also stronger and lower maintenance than standard eBikes, making them the perfect accompaniment to your simplistic lifestyle.

Compact eBikes

Also known as “Mixte” bikes, compact eBikes combine minimalist style with ease-of-use. With a small, lightweight frame, they can easily weave through busy urban environments and store in small apartments. One of the biggest advantages of compact eBikes is their shareability. Unlike standard models, compact electric bikes are adjustable at the seat base and able to fit a variety of heights.

Electric Bikes by Price Range

Another important factor to consider is your budget. How much are you willing to spend? Are more expensive eBikes worth the cost? There are 5 price categories for electric bicycles:

Low-Cost eBikes ($300-$1,000)

If you’re looking to dip your toes into the electric bike scene but don’t have much money to spend, a low-cost bike could be an option. Some jokingly refer to these $300-$1,000 bargain bikes as “disposable” since you’ll likely toss them once they break. Since they come with cheap, generic parts and limited range batteries, you won’t need to bother with maintenance.

Budget eBikes ($1,000-$1,500)

A budget electric bike is the perfect starter bike, especially if you’re working with limited funds. At a $1,000-$1,500 price range, you can find a decent eBike with limited features. These bare-bones models won’t have all the bells and whistles of higher end bikes, but they will get you where you need to go. If you take care of them and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for use, they could last a couple years.

Mid-Range eBikes ($1,500-$4,000)

Mid-range eBikes are the sweet spot for most avid eBike users. They provide just the right amount of features at a reasonable price. They’re also significantly higher in quality compared to low-cost and budget options. At $1,500+, you’ll see brand-name brakes and shifters while those in the $4,000+ range may include hydraulic disc brakes and premium components. With proper care, a mid-range eBike should last 3-5 years.

Premium eBikes ($4,500-$7,000)

At the $4,500-$7,000 price range, it’s safe to say that you’re getting a high-quality product. In addition to brand name components, these high-performance bikes also feature big brand motors. Since these bikes come at a hefty cost, we wouldn’t recommend them for the novice eBike rider (unless, of course, you have the expendable cash). Premium electric bikes are mainly for committed hobbyists and expert riders.

High-End eBikes ($7,000-$12,000)

High-end bikes are kind of like luxury cars. You probably don’t need them, but wow, they can be a lot of fun. In addition to premium frames, parts, and motors, you’ll get some fancy top-tier features that enhance the quality of the ride. One example is a high-end electric downhill bike. Built for extreme inclines, these eBikes will easily tackle a mountain, providing a ride that feels silky smooth despite the intense terrain.

Choose an eBike from eRyde Electric Bikes LA

If you’re new to electric bicycles, welcome to the family! At eRyde Electric Bikes LA, we know each and every rider joins the eBike community for a different reason. Whether you’re looking to experiment, take on a new hobby, or transform your lifestyle, we have a bike with your name on it. Our experienced Bike Advisors can walk you through all of our in-store makes and models as well as suggest custom order eBikes designed to fit your specific goals and needs. Stop by today to find the right electric bike for you (we’ll even let you give it a test run!).