There are numerous advantages that a modern e-bike can offer you. But there are also some important points that you should consider before buying. From the right frame to the motor and battery power, there are many different factors that can and should influence your purchase decision. Therefore, we’ll explain what to look for in an e-bike, to ensure that you can make an informed decision, which e-bike is really worth it.
We would like to point out 10 things to know before buying an e-bike. Bearing this advice in mind, you are guaranteed to find the model that best meets your needs and can enjoy your new e-bike for a long time.
How Does an Electric Bike Work? A Brief guide for Beginners
At first glance, it seems to be a complicated technology, but when you have a closer look, it is actually quite simple. An e-bike is basically a bicycle with a motor that runs on electrical energy thanks to its built-in battery. As you would expect, an electric bike can’t be charged while pedalling, but the battery can easily be changed via a standard household socket and is even sufficient for a distance of 100 km or even more, depending on the model. However, due to the additional components, the weight of an e-bike is usually somewhat higher than that of a conventional bicycle.
Most e-bikes in Europe are pedelecs because they assist the rider in pedalling and cannot accelerate on their own. This restriction is intended to provide additional safety and to resemble a conventional bicycle when in use. At the same time, the bike must comply with a legal limit of a maximum motor output of 25 km/h so that no additional licence or insurance is required. So, if you were wondering how fast electric bikes go, here’s your answer.
How to Find an E-bike That Suits You
When buying an e-bike, there are many factors to consider in order to find the right model. The variety of bikes on offer is huge these days, as e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular. Commuters, seniors and even athletes – many people like to take advantage of this practical transport option. Therefore, it’s crucial to know what to look for in an e-bike before you make a purchase.
Which Frame Suits Me?
The frame is the first important decision to be made, as it determines how well the new e-bike can be used in your everyday life. So, once again, it’s vital to know what to look for in an e-bike. If you require a city bike, for example, frames with an upright posture are especially suitable for relaxed city cruising. Electric bikes for petite riders should ideally have a smaller frame, while older people generally opt for a low step-through. On the other hand, more athletic riders tend to prefer a frame with a crossbar and a sporty riding position.
E-bike Weight
In case you are unsure what to look for in an e-bike, another important factor is the weight. Due to the additional motor and batteries, some models can weigh much more than an ordinary bicycle. But the use of modern and lightweight materials frequently compensates for this disadvantage. Ideally, your new e-bike should weigh less than 20 kg so that it can be easily lifted and transported if necessary.
Which Type of Motor Is Suitable?
Although by definition, an e-bike is a bike with a motor, there is not much to consider as far as that motor power is concerned. Most manufacturers already use a motor with the appropriate power, depending on the frame and intended use. For example, the power of a city bike is usually somewhat lower than that of a sporty mountain e-bike, but the former is mainly used on flat roads and thus requires less power. On average, around 250 W is completely sufficient for most applications.
However, one of the things to look for in an e-bike is the location of the motor. Whether you opt for a mid-drive motor or a hub-drive motor in the front or rear wheel depends primarily on how you want to use your bike. Mid-drive motors are particularly suitable for mountain bikes or off-road bikes, whereas most city bikes have a hub-drive motor. The Ampler Bikes team will be happy to advise you in detail on this topic, and you can also find answers to many questions in our support portal.
What to Look For in an E-bike Battery
The last issue to look for, when buying an e-bike, is the battery, which should ideally have enough capacity for a range of 50 to 100 kilometres. Then you usually won’t have to charge the bike every day and can even cover longer distances without any problems. Any battery with more than 300 Wh (watt-hours) is absolutely sufficient for most riders and can last for up to 100 km, depending on the settings and your riding style.
For e-bikes, modern lithium-ion batteries are most commonly used, as they have a good life cycle, are safe in a controlled environment and have an excellent power-to-weight ratio.
Are Special Offers Worth It?
Discounted offers may seem like good deals at first glance, but this essentially means that the price has been calculated with this discount in mind from the beginning. So if you pay the full price, you are actually paying too much. That’s why providers like Apple, Tesla and also Ampler Bikes rely on transparent and clearly calculated e-bike costs and prices. You don’t have to wait for an alleged bargain with us – our e-bikes are always excellent value for money.
What Does the Dealer’s Service Offer?
Many dealers usually offer additional services such as maintenance and repairs. When buying an e-bike, you should consider which of these you really need and, above all, how expensive they are. In some cases, it can make sense to compare the service offers of different dealers and workshops. After all, car drivers don’t like to go to the most expensive authorised workshops – the same applies to e-bike users. It’s advisable to compare all services and prices beforehand.
Is It Good Value for Money?
The issue of value for money is particularly complex when it comes to e-bikes. This is because there are many different factors and preferences that can affect personal perception. On average, a good e-bike currently costs around 3,000 euros or more, so that it can guarantee high-quality workmanship, lightweight materials and the latest technologies.
With cheaper models, you often have to accept greater compromises, which can have a negative impact on the service life. Therefore, when buying an e-bike, you should always make sure not to fall prey to false economies. The longer you can ride your e-bike, the better the value for money.
E-bike 101: Be Sure to Take a Test Ride
No matter how good the advice on buying an e-bike may be, in the end it is the first impression on a test ride that clinches the deal. You can’t really assess the riding experience, weight and workmanship properly, unless you test the bike out yourself, and thus minimise the risk of making a bad bargain. This is especially relevant for people who are riding an e-bike for the first time! After all, an e-bike is a long-term purchase, so it has to suit you perfectly.
All dealers usually offer a short test ride. At Ampler Bikes, you can always schedule an appointment online for a test ride. Our Ambassadors are experts when it comes to our e-bikes, and they will also be happy to help you and to point out what to look for if you are planning to buy an e-bike.
The Bottom Line
If you want to know what to look for in an e-bike, before buying, there are a number of important points to consider in order to find the model that suits you best. It’s advisable to pay particular attention to the following factors:
- A frame that fits your needs and your everyday life.
- Low weight so that you can easily transport the bike, if necessary.
- Enough motor power to ensure smooth acceleration.
- A powerful battery so you don’t have to charge it every day.
Ampler Bikes’ high-quality bikes meet all these requirements and also offer excellent value for money. We will be happy to advise you if you intend to buy a bike – contact us today.