The tech world is one of the fast paced there is today. Keeping up with technology can be a job in itself. As a matter of fact, many of the professionals who we refer to as I.T experts or gurus have to specialize in one part of the whole field to be able to provide you the end consumer with some value and quality service. So if you just are not able to keep up with all of it, cycling apps included, don’t beat up yourself about it. Thank God and appreciate the fact that you can use the latest social media platforms when riding your electric bikes.
Click here to see our favorite Electric bike on Amazon!
Electric bikes, shortened as E-bikes, are one of the latest advancements that technology has to offer. True, bike have been around for a long time now, but it is the while concept of having an electronic bike that is all confusing. Does one have to pedal? Does it use gas like cars do? Do you have to pay insurance for it? And with scanty information available on the internet regarding this, it easy to lose it all.
Electric bikes explained
The one thing you should understand is that electric bikes are not mopeds. Yes they do come with a battery, but you will still need to pedal for a while. Unlike moped, they are limited on how fast they can go, usually 15mph. when they hit this speed, the motor shuts down automatically and it’s all up to you.
Many of the e-bikes available in the market are pedal assist but there are some that have full throttle. There are those that combine the two features. These are however designed for road use and commutes mostly. The batteries are usually made of Lithium ion, though not all of them and will require about 3 hours to recharge.
A point to note; with Electric bikes, you will be handling 7kg (or even more depending on the bike you will purchase) in comparison to the regular commuter bikes. They also are more costly.
Why would you want an E-bike?
Reading blogs and magazines, you will get that they offer numerous benefits than conventional bikes including cost saving (given they do not require insurance or licensing), improve one’s health and get you more in touch with the community.
But honestly, their actual advantage is in the fact that they provide efficiency in hill climbing or when you are cycling against the wind. They also offer better range. If you are one of those individuals who experience pain in the knee or are asthmatic, an electric bike can be a breath of fresh air for you. It can and will bring back the life to your cycling.
They will see to it that you get to work fast even in the summer heat without sweating a lot. You will also not be a recipient of the irritating roadblocks and traffic. In this light, they are better than mopeds or even cars.
That said let’s go over some pointers to help you get the very best electric bike for you.
Choosing an e-bike
Go to your local dealer
It is recommended that you get you electric bike from a local dealership. There are several benefits for you doing this. First and foremost, you will have the opportunity to test the various rides that the dealer has available. You will be able to experience and determine their comfortability first hand. Speaking of various rides, you are bound come across different types including beach cruisers, touring, commuter, folding, mountain and cargo.
In the unlikely event that it does not meet your standards of preference,the dealer will be more than happy to make alterations for your comfort. After all, changing up a seat to suit and fit your needs is nothing in comparison to making profit – he is running a business.
In addition to getting a bike that fits your needs, you will also have an idea of how the different bikes available perform. If you are on the fence about which you prefer between a pedal assist and one with full throttle power, a personal experience will help you to make up your mind. Don’t shy from testing all the bikes that catch your eye.
Last but not least, when you get your bike from a local dealer, they will provide you with repair and maintenance assistance for as long as the warranty lasts. Any issues big or small will be handled by them for you gladly.
But if you are one of those who have fully embraced technology and prefer getting your electric bike online, then you should read numerous reviews about the bikes you are considering. This will provide you with an idea of whether the ebike is a good purchase or not. Also, ensure that the company provides support and warranty after purchase. If they don’t, chances are you will experience a lot of problems with no one to help nor guide you through them.
How much power would you require?
With E-bikes, bigger is not necessarily better. Sure a powerful system will give you great speeds and an adrenaline rush but they usually are heavier. To quench their need for power, they feature large and heavy batteries. For the most part, large electric bikes with powerful systems will feel more like slow motorcycles rather than a bicycle which is what you are looking for.
A 250-350 watt battery powered bike will suffice. It may not seem like much but it is all you need to get through a normal day.
Where the power is applied in a bike also affects the feel of its power. For instance, mid drives tend to feel slightly more powerful since their power is evenly distributed to the bicycle gearing. They however require to be shifted to the proper gear lest the become inefficient.
What Range is best?
Having a lot of range is the answer right? Well, not quite. With wide range comes an increase in cost. Battery packs are one of the most expensive parts of electric bikes. Given the costs, it is very important that you settle on a realistic range.
For a standard ebike, expect it to have about 400 watt hour battery. This will run for about 20-35 miles depending on the geography of the area you ride in, your weight and just how much pedal power you put into it.
It is always a great idea to have your battery charger at all times so that you can power up the battery while you taking a break. This will extend your range. Use a higher assist only when you need it. For instance, you could turn it on when going up a hill or moving against the wind.
How much should you expect to spend?
Like with all other products and equipment, you will always get what you pay for. As such it is very important that you think of how you will use your bike before you make your purchase.different features as you have just seen will affect the cost of an electric bike.
If you will be doing a lot of riding (that is if you need to use it to commute to and from work), you should get yourself a high quality bike one that can withstand the constant use. Go for a lower cost bike if you will be riding occasionally.
Best Ebike Reviews – Three Great Choices
Prodeco Phantom X2
It is both powerful and stylish (a rare combination). It is one of the few electric bikes that is recommended for use by every commuter who would like a bike to help with regular commutes all over town without too much perspiration. It is not only affordable and aggressive; it also marries the best of two worlds – electric bikes and folding bikes.
It features unique and impressive qualities. It is lightweight, foldable, made from aluminum and comes with mountain bike wheels for increased traction and efficiency on all kinds of roads and trails. To provide you with a smooth ride, it comes with a magnesium suspension fork which absorbs all of the vibrations as you ride. With this, you will feel less tire after your cycling and will have more control over the bike as you ride. Speaking of control, it comes with an 8 speed rear derailleur and speed twist shifters not to mention Avid disc brakes that are efficient in bringing the rider to an instantaneous halt.
This beauty features great strength courtesy of its 500W direct drive motor that comes mounted on its rear wheels. This motor has the ability to give you great speeds of upto 20mph which is enough to cruise comfortably past other riders. With its mind blowing Lithium ion battery (advanced), measuring 38V, you will have a great range of between 28-38 miles for every charge. What’s not to love about this bike?
Click here to check Prodeco Phantom X2 on Amazon
Currie eZip Trailz Men’s Electric Bike
What better way to experience the new world of electric bikes than to get one for yourself. But here is the thing, and probably a concern that has been holding you back, electric bikes are for the most part expensive and you just cannot afford to do some trial and error with them.
But this is not the case with all electric bikes. The Currie eZip Trailz is a great exception. Available for only $500, you can experience what the world is fussing all about. The eZip Trailz is one of the most decent electric bikes available with basic and decent features that you can rely on to get from one point to the other.
With its high quality steel frame, you are assured of durability and comfort. Add to this other features including linear pull brakes, suspension forks and an incredible 7 speed Shimano derailleur complimentary SRAM gear shifters. You are bound to have the time of your life.
As for its electric system, it comes with a DC motor with 450W. this is more than enough to give you the thrill you are looking for. It can push the bike to speeds of 15mph and works on both twist and go and pedal assisted throttle modes. You can select either you prefer.
Click here to check out Currie eZip Trailz on Amazon
Yukon Trails Outback 26
If you are looking to enjoy the great outdoors in a whole new and different way, get yourself this ebike. It is light weight (lighter than many of the bikes in the market) courtesy of its aluminum frame, can achieve speeds of 15mph with its 250W battery and do much, much more. It will take you from the smooth roads to beaten old forest paths and trails. Its suspension fork and seat coupled with the Shimano 7 speed drive train will provide you with not only a smooth ride but also a comfortable one even when you are on a rough road. Its front and rear brakes will keep you in control at all times able to stop whenever you feel the need to.
It is powered by a 24V lithium ion battery and run by a 250W motor that provides a whopping 15mph with its pedal assist system. The battery will provide a range between 25and 35 miles for every charge when the battery is full.
If you are looking for a rugged bike, then this is the best choice to hit those trails with. It will help you escape the busy city streets and enjoy the peace the great forests have to offer.
Click here to check it out on Amazon
Closing thoughts
Electric bikes are remarkable. Actually, they are more than remarkable. They are out of this world. Their complimentary ability to the human body will better you and help you connect better with your environment and other people.
Conclusion
The above tips will more than help you focus on the important things when you are choosing an electric bike. Just try not to be bogged down by all the tech talk you are bound to come across in your search for the best in the industry. Comfort and safety should be at the very top of your list of concerns.
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