Electric bikes have seen a major boost in popularity in recent years. Electric bikes offer plenty of benefits, including being easier to ride than traditional bikes. Whether you are an experienced cyclist or just starting out, you may be curious about making the switch to electric bikes.
This article will offer an informative guide for the curious beginner who wants to get into the electric bike trend.
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Different Types of Electric Bikes
Electric bikes are just like traditional bikes, only they use an electric motor to power them. This means that you can typically pick an electric version of a regular bike. You have a few different types of best electric bikes that you can consider, such as:
Road Bikes/Street Bikes
These are electric bikes that are made for navigating through towns and cities. These aren’t the most powerful of the options, but you get enough power for what you need. You can get the acceleration to safely manage any traffic lights and safely break when needed.
While these are great for commuting around cities and towns, you need to be aware of where you are able to legally ride these bikes around.
Mountain Bikes
Electric mountain bikes give you the ability to travel further distances than you may be able to with a traditional bike. This is especially useful for those people with joint issues or who have lower fitness levels so that they can enjoy the adventure of mountain biking, without exerting as much energy.
There’s a misconception that using electric mountain bikes is cheating and takes away from the experience. The reality is that while pedal-assist can make riding easier, you still get the physical and health benefits of biking.
Folding Electric Bikes
Folding electric bikes are usually basically street bikes but have the ability to fold. This makes them easier to take with you, such as taking them on the subway or bus with you after biking to your stop. Then, you can quickly open it up and bike to your destination. These are convenient bikes that you can easily transport with you wherever you go.
Why You Should Get an Electric Bike
Now that you know about your different options, you may be wondering why you should even bother getting an electric bike. This may be especially true if you already ride a regular bike around. The switch to an electric bike can be a great idea for a seasoned cyclist or someone who wants a more eco-friendly transportation option than a car.
The fact is that electric bikes are convenient, efficient, and easier to ride is why you should consider getting an electric bike over a traditional bike.
Factors to Consider When Buying an Electric Bike
Some factors to consider when buying an electric bike include:
- Power: Power is an important consideration, especially when you are looking at items like mountain bikes. If you’re going to be on any rough terrain at all, power is a major thing to look at.
- Tires: You can select bikes with fat tires or those with traditional-sized bike tires. Fat tires are better traction and stability, but some people like the sleeker look of slim tires. The type of tires that you choose depends on what type of biking you will be doing.
- Frames: Do you need your bike for commuting? If so, you may want a bike with a foldable frame so that you can easily take the bike with you.
How to Select the Right Electric Bike
There are plenty of options on the market for electric bikes, so how do you choose the right one? This section will offer you the best advice to help you pick the perfect bike for your wants and needs.
What Do You Need?
You need to first think about what your needs are for the bike. Do you want a daily commuter? Do you just want something to go on adventures with? Do you want a versatile option? Once you know what your needs are for the bike, you can start thinking about the different features, such as the range and speed the bike is capable of.
Go for a Test Drive
You don’t necessarily have to purchase the bike from where you test the bike, but this is a good opportunity to get a good feel for what type of bike you’re interested in. You may think you like a bike, but when you ride it, you realize that it isn’t the best option. You can always find that bike (or a similar one) online after you test it out.
Warranty
You want an electric bike that was built to last. This means that it’s important to look for a bike with a great warranty. You should expect a good bike to have at least a 2-year warranty on the parts and battery, especially when you are spending a lot of money on the bike.
Quality
Quality is so important because you are spending a decent amount of money on an electric bike, so you want to make sure that it lasts you. Make sure that you are getting a bike that uses high-quality materials and has great services.
Don’t Just Go with the Cheapest Option
It’s always tempting to purchase the cheapest option that you can. However, you often get exactly what you pay for when it comes to electric bikes. To have the essential features and reliability you want with an electric bike, you need to be willing to spend a little extra for better quality.
Conclusion
Electric bikes are awesome items to have, whether you want a daily commuter or something to go on adventures with. You can get a lot of benefits from spending time on your electric bike, including helping you improve your health. Your experience when riding an electric bike can greatly depend on the option that you choose. That’s why it’s important to select the right option for your needs.
