With increasing electrification, more and more people are debating the pros and cons of electric bikes. The advantages of an e-bike in everyday life are actually pretty obvious: high mobility, fairly low costs and the good conscience of contributing to environmental protection. Naturally, you can also use an ordinary bike if you are physically fit or only want to cover short distances. So, the question remains: which one is better in principle?
In this article, we aim to give you a meaningful comparison that should help you make the right choice for yourself. Electric bike vs. regular bike – ultimately, this is often a very personal decision.
Electric Bike vs. Regular Bike: A Comparison
Although people tend to only distinguish between e-bikes and conventional bicycles, there is, in fact, another important category: the pedelec, which is the most common variant of e-bike used in Europe.
Here is a brief comparison of all three variants:
| Bicycle | Pedelec | E-Bike | |
| Motorisation | Without motor | Electric motor | Electric motor |
| Acceleration | Pedalling | Pedal assistance | Without pedalling |
| Recommended distance | Short | Long | Long |
| Driving licence & insurance | Not necessary | Not necessary | Necessary |
Pedelecs are so popular in Europe because they combine the advantages of a conventional bicycle with electrification. You get a pleasant pedal assistance up to a speed of 25 km/h, but legally, it is still treated as a regular bicycle.
In reality, all of Ampler’s stylish e-bike models are pedelecs, so you can just hop on and ride off without a special driving licence, number plate or insurance.
A Brief Checklist: How Do You Plan to Use Your Bike?
Probably the most critical factor in deciding between an e-bike or a regular bike is your personal use case. Due to their practical motorisation, e-bikes are particularly suitable if you regularly cover longer or more difficult routes.
These questions can help you decide:
- Do you cover long distances that would be quite strenuous with a regular bicycle?
- Do you want to ride fast and comfortably without breaking a sweat?
- Do you regularly ride through difficult terrain and routes with a higher gradient?
- Are you very sporty and want to get the most out of a bike tour?
This results in many useful applications in everyday life, where an e-bike can bring all its advantages to bear. So if you are looking for reliable support when cycling, you will really benefit from the motor assistance.
Electric Bike vs. Regular Bike: Advantages and Disadvantages
The many advantages of an e-bike are immediately apparent in a direct comparison. It allows you to cover even long distances quickly and without much effort. Seniors in particular benefit from the increased mobility that allows them to easily manage transport in their everyday life. But even e-bikes and fitness are not mutually exclusive. After all, you typically ride much longer distances with motor assistance, which makes up for the lower energy consumption when pedalling.
E-bikes are generally associated with high acquisition costs, and many people wonder why e-bikes are so expensive. This is due to the fact that costly components like the motor and battery automatically increase the price. However, if you start leaving your car at home and use your modern e-bike for many of those trips, you can actually save a lot of money. Another disadvantage can be that the average e-bike weight is higher than that of a regular bike, but these days there are lightweight models such as Curt from Ampler Bikes, which weigh just under 14 kg.
Electric Bike vs. Regular Bike: The Riding Experience
Another deciding factor is the riding experience, which is rather different on an e-bike. Initially, the additional drive provided by the electric motor can take some getting used to. Depending on the level of pedal assistance selected, it almost seems as though you are hardly pedalling yourself, but after a short acclimatisation period, most cyclists no longer want to do without it. The difference becomes particularly apparent on more difficult routes with an incline. While an e-bike masters the ascent almost effortlessly, even the fittest riders struggle on a conventional bike. And for the vast majority of cyclists, the riding experience, which was so unfamiliar at first, and the handling of an e-bike become second nature in no time at all.
Who Benefits From Using an E-Bike?
One of the questions, when it comes to evaluating the electric bike vs. the regular bike, is which type of bike suits which clientele best. Due to their many advantages, modern pedelecs are pretty much suitable for everyone, but there are certain target groups that can benefit enormously from their use.
- Commuters: Those who have to commute a longer distance to work every day can potentially replace the car or public transport, without the risk of arriving at their workplace all sweaty and dishevelled. Furthermore, e-bikes are faster than normal bikes, so you can spend a little more time in bed in the morning or enjoy a more leisurely breakfast. It is a practical, cheap and comfortable alternative that also affords you a lot of freedom.
- Athletes: E-bikes are ideal for demanding tours. Sporty bikes allow you to complete even more demanding routes and really put your skills and endurance to the test.
- Seniors: People of advanced age frequently have to make severe restrictions regarding their mobility. An e-bike gives them back a bit of mobility so that they can easily master all routes in everyday life.
Naturally, an e-bike is also worthwhile for young people who are looking for an environmentally friendly alternative to other means of private transport.
3 Practical Tips for Buying an E-Bike
Finally, we would like to give you three practical tips to help you choose the e-bike that suits you best. There are many manufacturers and even more models on the market, so a thorough comparison of all offers is almost mandatory.
1. Choose The Right Model
The frame type has a significant influence on practicality in everyday life. Low-step frames and an upright sitting position are ideal as comfortable variants for a relaxed ride in the city. Active and sporty sitting positions, on the other hand, are particularly suitable for long distances and tours – such models often have a classic high frame.
2. Pay Attention to the Range and Charging Time
An equally important factor is the range. It should be at least 50 km (31 miles) and, depending on the setting, considerably more. This ensures that you can ride for several days at a time without having to recharge in between. It also shouldn’t take longer than three hours to fully recharge the battery so that you don’t have to wait around forever, while your bike is charging.
3. A Lightweight Bike is Easier to Handle in Everyday Life
Finally, it is essential to keep the weight as low as possible, which should ideally be well under 20 kg (44 pounds). Regardless of whether it’s an e-bike or a conventional bike, it is crucial in general that you can lift your bike effortlessly and even carry it through the stairwell without any problems if necessary.
The Bottom Line
There is a clear winner in the battle of the electric bike vs. the regular bike, as an e-bike is worthwhile for virtually everyone! E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular because they can offer riders numerous advantages, and modern technology allows you to cover long distances without much effort. Therefore, a pedelec is ideal for commuters and senior citizens, and even athletes will find many useful applications. However, whether an e-bike or a regular bicycle suits you better is ultimately a matter of preference.
If you want to ride long distances in comfort, a stylish and robust e-bike from Ampler is certainly an excellent choice. Why don’t you schedule a test ride today?