The Most Important Features When Choosing an E-Bike

Having an electric bike (e-bike) at your disposal can be the perfect commuter option depending on where you live. More efficient than your average vehicle, e-bikes are capable of speeds greater than 30mph, making it easier and more efficient to get where you need to be.

That said, it is imperative to pick the right e-bike. But how do you make that decision? With a few helpful tips, you can find the features that will make the biggest impact and provide you with an e-bike that meets all of your needs.

Motor
Though it may go without saying, the motor is one of the most important features on any e-bike you choose. If it is your primary method of travel, it has to be strong enough to get you there quickly and reliably. Choose a motor that isn’t up to the task, and you could be stuck using your bike without the “e” involved.

Each e-bike comes with different mounting locations and features. Mid-drive mounted motors typically tend to be a bit more powerful offering more torque, but they are also more expensive. If push comes to shove, mid-drive mounted should be the choice because it is the fastest and most reliable motor you are going to find.

Battery Range and Charging
The power of the motor on your e-bike is only as good as its battery. On the typical e-bike, the battery will last somewhere in the 25-50 mile range. For the most part, that is enough to cover the commute of many riders. The good news is that you can use the bike even after the battery runs out, it’s just a bit heavier and harder to propel.

Know how far you intend to ride your e-bike each day. Find a battery that will hold a longer charge and meet your distance. Charging is important as well. Depending on the battery type, it should take between three and six hours to reach a full charge, though you can get away with around 90% charge for most journeys.

Pedal Assistance
The entire point of buying an e-bike is to move at a faster rate of speed without having to compensate through your own pedaling. For that reason, pedal assistance is up there in terms of important features. You need to find one that will help keep you going for longer.

For the most part, you are going to find a motor that is around 250 watts or so. These pedal assist motors generally have a cutoff of around 20-25 mph, though it varies depending on the bike. Depending on your preference, there is torque sensor and cadence sensor pedal assist, each offering their own perks and downsides accordingly.

What Kind of Power?
Finally, you need to know how fast you want to go on a regular basis. This goes back to the motor but knowing how fast you want or need to travel regularly will be a very strong determining factor when it comes to making a choice. While “faster” might feel like an obvious choice, it isn’t necessarily.

For the most part, standard e-bikes are going to be in the 250-350W range. This will see a top engine speed of 20mph, usually with pedal assist limits. Next is the 500-1000W engine, considered to be “extra” power. Top speeds are generally around 35mph but can vary. The most powerful are in the 2000-14000W range. These bikes are akin to mopeds or even motorcycles, capable of going anywhere from 45-90 mph depending on the controller, voltage, and a number of other factors.