Thinking of making the switch to electric? An e-bike can keep you riding for longer, get you where you need to go faster and make your commute a breeze.

Here’s our comprehensive guide to all the essential factors you need to consider, including motor types, battery range, and more.

Buying electric bikes can feel confusing at first, so before you make that all-important purchase, equip yourself with all the knowledge you need to choose an e-bike that best suits your needs, lifestyle, and budget!

Buying Electric Bikes – Checklist

E-bikes continue to gain popularity at an impressive rate, and it’s easy to see why. They’re a great choice for anyone who wants a more efficient & fun way to get around.

What electric bike should I buy?

Which electric bike is right for you depends on many factors. When purchasing your e-bike it is important to first consider the different disciplines available:

Electric Mountain Bike (eMTB): Designed for off-road use, these bikes have robust frames, wider tyres with knobby tread for better grip on rough terrain, and powerful motors for tackling steep inclines and rough trails. They often feature full suspension (front & rear) for added comfort on uneven surfaces.

Electric Road Bike: Built for speed and efficiency on smooth, paved roads. These bikes typically have a lightweight frame, thinner tyres, and a motor that assists at higher speeds. They are optimized for longer-distance, fast riding, and are ideal for road cycling enthusiasts who want assistance during climbs or on longer rides.

Electric Commuter Bike: Designed for everyday urban use, these bikes often have a comfortable geometry, and medium-width tyres, and are equipped with features like racks, fenders, and lights. They prioritize ease of use, comfort, and reliability for short to moderate distances, making them ideal for commuting to work or running errands.

Motor & Battery

When buying an e-bike, the motor and battery are two of the most crucial components, as they directly affect performance, range, and overall riding experience. Here’s what to look for in each:

Motor

1. Motor Power (Wattage):
   • 250W: Common in most e-bikes, it provides adequate assistance for flat roads and moderate hills.
   • 500W–750W: Ideal for more demanding terrain, such as hilly or off-road conditions. Offers more torque and power.
   • 1,000W+: Found in high-performance or electric mountain bikes (eMTBs), these motors provide even more power for steep hills and rough trails.
2. Mid-Drive vs Hub Motors:
   • Mid-Drive Motor: Located in the bike’s bottom bracket, this provides better weight distribution and efficiency, especially on steep terrain. It’s often favoured in high-performance bikes like eMTBs and road bikes.
   • Hub Motor: Located in the wheel hub, this type is simpler and typically cheaper, making it common in commuter and city e-bikes. It’s great for smooth, flat terrain but not as efficient on hills.
3. Motor Torque:
   • Measured in Newton meters (Nm), torque determines the motor’s ability to help with hills and acceleration. More torque means better hill-climbing and overall power. eMTBs often have motors with higher torque (e.g., 60-80 Nm).
4. Motor Location:
   • Rear Hub: Provides a natural, “pedal-assisted” feel but can add weight to the rear wheel.
   • Front Hub: Adds weight to the front but can be better for stability in some cases.
   • Mid-Drive: Most balanced, offering better control and efficiency, especially in variable terrain.

Battery

1. Battery Capacity (Wh – Watt-hours):
   • This is the most important indicator of range. A higher capacity means more energy storage, translating to longer rides.
   • Typical battery capacities range from 300 Wh to 750 Wh. For commuter bikes, you might get around 30-60 miles (50-100 km) on a full charge, depending on conditions, motor efficiency, and rider input. For more rugged eMTBs, expect around 20-40 miles (30-60 km).
2. Battery Voltage:
   • 36V and 48V are common voltage levels. Higher voltage typically translates to better performance (e.g., faster acceleration and higher top speeds).
   • 48V systems are usually more powerful and efficient, especially for steep terrain and faster rides.
3. Battery Type and Chemistry:
   • Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries are the most common and offer a good balance between weight, cost, and lifespan.
4. Charging Time:
   • Check the battery’s charging time – it can differ greatly from model to model, but you can usually expect a charge time of around 3 to 7 hours. Some e-bikes also feature fast charging options.
5. Removable vs. Integrated Battery:
   • Removable: Easier to charge off the bike and replace. Ideal if you need to store the battery separately (e.g., in a cool, dry place).
   • Integrated: Often gives the bike a sleeker look and can be more secure, but it can be a hassle if you need to remove it for charging or replacement.

Bike Style & Frame

There’s a wide variety of styles & frames for you to choose from when selecting an e-bike. Here’s a breakdown of just a few examples:

FULL SUSPENSION

• Design: Full suspension e-bikes have both front and rear suspension systems. These systems absorb shocks and bumps from rough terrain, providing a smooth ride on uneven or off-road surfaces.
• Purpose: These bikes are designed for mountain biking or trail riding, where rough trails, rocky paths, and other challenging terrains are common.
• Frame Material: They are typically made from strong, durable materials like aluminium or carbon fibre; designed to handle the stress of off-road riding.

COMMUTE

• Design: Commute e-bikes are built for urban commuting and are often designed with comfort and practicality in mind, featuring a mix of features from both road and mountain bikes. Some might have a front suspension fork or a simple rigid frame. Some commute e-bikes feature a ‘step through’ design for easy mounting/dismounting.
• Purpose: These are designed for daily commuting in urban environments, often with a focus on comfort, practicality, and convenience.
• Frame Material: Similar to road bikes, but often with added durability to withstand daily use in the city. Aluminium is common.

ROAD BIKE

• Design: Road e-bikes have a rigid frame (no suspension) and are designed for smooth, paved roads. The frame is typically lightweight to facilitate speed and efficiency.
• Purpose: These bikes are meant for on-road cycling, ideal for commuters or recreational cyclists who prefer a fast, efficient ride on smooth, paved surfaces.
• Frame Material: These frames are often made from lightweight materials like carbon fibre or aluminium for speed and performance.

Wheel Size & Tyres

The wheel size of your e-bike will not differ from traditional bikes, with an e-MTB usually using 27.5 or 29er wheels (or possibly a mixed-wheel setup) and an e-road bike using 700c.

E-bikes run at higher speeds and require more durability from their tyres. Here are two examples of e-bike-specific tyres:

Range

The range of an e-bike depends on factors like the motor, battery size, terrain, rider weight, and level of assistance. Here’s a general idea of what to expect from different types of e-bikes:

Electric Mountain Bikes

• Range: Typically 30 to 60 miles (48 to 96 km) on a full charge.
• Factors: Range can vary based on terrain. Off-road riding tends to drain the battery faster. If using higher assist levels, the range may be lower.

Electric Road Bikes

• Range: Usually 50 to 100 miles (80 to 160 km) on a full charge.
• Factors: Road bikes are more efficient because they are ridden on smooth, paved surfaces, and the motor usually operates at a lower assist level. Lightweight frames and compact battery packs contribute to a longer range.

Electric Commuter Bikes

• Range: Generally 40 to 80 miles (64 to 128 km) on a full charge.
• Factors: These bikes are optimized for city riding on flatter terrain, which helps increase range. The motor often provides moderate assistance, and the battery is sized for daily commuting distances.

Size Chart

Ensuring you have the right size e-bike for your height is crucial. Choosing an e-bike that’s the right size will greatly improve your comfort & enjoyment on every ride. Click here to see our Bike Size Guide and get an idea of the size you require, you can also Book a test ride at your local store to get a more definitive idea of what size you need!

Electric bike buying checklist

Below is a checklist covering all the main factors from this article. Use it to narrow down your search and pick the right e-bike for you!

Motor & Battery ◻

Bike Style & Frame ◻

Wheel Size & Tyres ◻

Range ◻

Size Chart ◻