In recent years, the bicycle industry has evolved by offering electric motors for road bikes, mountain bikes and hybrids. Nearly every major manufacturer has released an e-bike to meet the public’s growing demand. Although all-electric bikes have motors and batteries, the design and power options differ depending on the brand. Whether you favor a beach cruiser electric bike or a hybrid, you have numerous options. If you’re considering buying an e-bike, you can review these facts before making a purchase.
The Ideal Size
Regardless of the bike’s power and battery options, a suitable e-bike must feel comfortable to ride. A model that’s too big or small for your size is challenging to control and more hazardous on the road. Try out a few different brands and styles to see which electric bicycle for sale fits you. If your town does not have a bike shop and you plan on ordering online, check the seller’s return policy. Some companies allow you to test a bike for weeks or months, and if it’s not for you, you can ship it back and try another model.
The Motor Placement
Although bike makers use similar electric motors on their products, the placement of the motor differs between brands. Some companies offer mid-drive motors, and others use hub-driven designs. Mid-drive motors are located on the bike’s mid-section near the battery, and hub drives are positioned on the rear wheel hub.
If you want an e-bike for casual street riding or a short commute to work, a hub-driven model is better suited for your purposes. Hub drives are typically less expensive, but they’re reliable and durable. The problem with hub drives is the location of the motor. Placing the motor in the hub puts more weight on the rear of the bicycle.
In contrast, a mid-drive model distributes the weight to the center and offers a more balanced ride. When you’re shopping for high-performance bicycles, mid-drive motion is the preferred layout by manufacturers. Mountain and hybrid models use mid-drives to stay balanced on steep climbs and rapid descents. You can read sixthreezero bike reviews for additional advice on e-bike riding.
The Battery Range
The battery range mentioned in an e-bike’s product description is an approximation. The tire pressure, temperature, elevation, and body weight can significantly influence the bike’s range. Mountain bikes typically use larger batteries because they need more power, but more power also adds more weight. Most e-bikes give you an hour of riding with 25 km/h of powered assistance.
The Torque Rating
For casual riding and commuting, you only need a motor that delivers 35 to 40Nm of torque. For high-end mountain bikes, the torque ratings are higher and vary between 50-75Nm. Higher torque models provide greater powered assistance but also drain the battery quicker.
If you prefer an e-bike that feels more like a standard non-powered model, choose a bike with a lower torque rating. Some manufacturers offer frictionless motors that assist your pedaling with a more subtle action similar to a traditional bicycle.
Whether you’re shopping for mountain bikes or street bikes, try out several models before making a purchase. You can find e-bikes and essential equipment at a trusted online bike shop.
