Huge technological advancements have been made in the wonderful world of riding bikes. Today, they are selling like hot cakes all over the world. The main reason why they have gained such popularity is due to the fact that these bikes offer an easy, convenient, affordable, and easy way to move around. Modern electric bikes not only offer freedom of movement but are also a great way to exercise and stay fit; they feature a 48v electric bike battery.
There are so many choices out there that actually picking out a single model can prove to be a daunting experience. Before you head down to the bicycle shop and actually get yourself a bike, there are a number of questions that you need to ask yourself to make the buying process easier.
Some important questions to ask
Before buying an electric bike, you need to carefully think about what you need and what you expect from the bike. Some of the things that you ought to consider are your height and weight, how often you will use the bike, and what distance you will cover.
Narrowing things down helps you get a more specific candidate and find a bike that’s really appropriate for you. Other more important factors that you should consider include:
- The power
The power of an electric bike is 250W. Even though the power is restricted by law, the bike’s performance is largely dependent on the placement of the motor. For example, if you have a hill assist feature, you should install it inside the pedal axle for optimum results.
Motors that have the best torque deliver the best mechanical power.
- The battery
While choosing the type of bike to buy, you also need to consider the battery’s autonomy, its composition, and the availability of a warranty. You should also check to see whether the battery is detachable or not.
The actual autonomy of the battery depends on whether or not you use the bike on a daily basis, the cyclist’s weight, his/ her weight, the wins, temperature, and the type of terrain.
- The brakes
Most electric bikes weight about 20kg and achieve high levels of speed. This means that it’s mandatory to have an excellent quality of brakes. The best and safest brakes are hydraulic brakes.
Motor brakes are also functional; they recover the energy when you brake and use it to recharge the battery. Motor brakes are electric so they work faster. It’s recommended that you always wear protective gear. Don’t be caught off guard by the sheer speed of electric bikes.
- Protective gear
It’s strongly advised that people always wear helmets when riding an electric bike. Other accessories that are highly recommended include a danger indicator, a rear-view mirror, and a high vis jacket.
- The type of pedal power assistance
The two types of pedal power assistance are the:
- Monitor sensor
These get the pedal going after about 2 to 3 pedal rotations. The speed at which you are peddling doesn’t really matter.
- Power sensor
These start the pedal power assistant immediately you start peddling and increase the speed when you cycle faster. They’re also more comfortable and quite pricey.
- Where will you ride
Before you can decide on the type of bike that will meet your needs, you should start by figuring out exactly where you will ride the bike. Do you intend to use the bike to explore natural-surface paths or will you limit its usage to paved surfaces?
If you plan on riding on pavements, you should get a road bike. If you need a bike for exercise, a fitness bike would be a great choice. If you commute for longer distances, the best type of electric bike for you would be the city bike, especially one that has pedal-assist features. Lastly, if you intend to ride entirely off-road, then a sturdy mountain bike would be a great choice.
- Test Ride
Always try the bike before you buy it.
Whenever you’re going for a test drive, always make sure that you dress the part. Wear everything that you’re required to wear when riding the bike. Ask the employees at the bike shop to set everything up for you. They should inflate the tires, adjust the seat, and set the suspension.
If you’re not so sure about how to do these things by yourself, ask the staff for a demonstration.
Normally, a good test drive will take about 15 to 20 minutes. While at it, you should shift through all the gears and check how the bike negotiates the corners.
Later on, choose what feels best for you.
- Your actual budget
This is a really important factor that you need to consider. Often you will notice that the cheapest bikes are cheaply made and poorly assembled; these do not last very long. More expensive bikes give you more value for your money and usually last longer.
