3 Key Considerations When Shopping For Electric Bikes Near Me
People have now become more aware of the threat of climate change. So, it makes perfect sense to adopt the latest eco-friendly trends to at least minimize our impact on our planet.
Among these trends, electric bikes have been soaring in popularity. An electric bike, or e-bike for short, is a zero-emission type of transport that incorporates electrical technology for convenience.
However, the rising popularity of e-bikes also gives way to many different e-bikes to choose from. For the newbies in e-bikes, selecting the right one can be daunting.
Not to worry, this list of key considerations will help make your e-bike shopping a lot easier.
- Go For A Test Ride
Regardless of the type you choose, perhaps the most important (and fun) part of shopping for an e-bike is test riding.
By doing a test ride, you can put aside all technicalities, research, and reviews you’ve read online to answer the most crucial question: Do I love this e-bike?
After all, it’s you who will ride this e-bike from now on. Your comfort and preference are of utmost importance. And test riding can help you determine if a specific bike feels right. It also allows you to check out the bike’s features and compare it with other brands and models.
Most e-bike retailers offer test rides. You can simply go to their physical store and test their bikes in the designated area. By visiting a dealer near you, you can get additional info about their e-bikes and help you in choosing the right one.
- Types Of Electric Bikes
In general, e-bikes are divided into five types. These include:
- Electric Mountain Bikes
Equipped with a powerful motor, mountain e-bikes can help you ride uphill and downhill with ease and efficiency. Their wide tires and flat handlebars are also ideal for rough terrain.
- Electric Road Bikes
Like e-mountain bikes, e-road bikes lean towards performance. They’re suitable for going out for long rides and are specifically designed for speed. Thus, they’re often limited to rack options and not that comfortable for commuting.
- Electric Hybrid Bikes
Hybrid bikes are a good option for city riding. This type of e-bike is designed for casual riding and comes with plenty of commuting features. Also, hybrids are some of the most affordable e-bikes available. However, they’re quite heavy and can be an issue should you find yourself in front of a staircase.
- Folding E-bikes
Folding e-bikes are the complete opposite of hybrids. As the name implies, they’re foldable for easy storage or carrying onto public transport or stairs. However, they often have a smaller battery and reduced range due to their size. Thus, they’re only best for shorter city commutes.
- E-cargo Bikes
An e-cargo bike can be an electrically assisted bicycle, tricycle, or quadricycle. These bikes are purpose-built with a cargo-carrying capacity suitable for transporting several people, particularly kids, or various items such as parcels, food, and heavy goods.
- Battery And Range
All e-bikes use some kind of battery, particularly rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, since they’re quick to charge and relatively lightweight. It’s the same batteries used in today’s electric cars.
Since e-bikes rely on batteries, you need to consider the battery range. In general, the bigger the battery capacity, the longer the range. This means if you need to commute long distances, you’ll need a battery that won’t die out in the middle of your commute, leaving you to manual cycling until you reach your destination.
In addition, the longer the range of an e-bike, the less you’ll need to charge your battery. So, make sure to check the manufacturer’s recommended distance range.
While these recommendations can give you a better idea of the e-bike’s range and battery capacity, there are other variables you need to consider.
For instance, if you’re in a hurry and use your e-bike at full power for speed, you’re more likely to drain it faster. But you don’t need it operating at full capacity all the time, especially when strolling around your neighborhood.
In addition, some factors may also affect the range you get from the battery, such as the terrain you ride, the weather, and your weight.
Takeaway
As more people try to reduce their carbon footprint and help Mother Earth recuperate, e-bikes have become a significant contributing factor paving the way for a better and healthier planet.
Using e-bikes shows environmental responsibility without sacrificing your comfort. It allows for a longer commute, and it’s fun to ride. However, like any vehicle, e-bikes require a hefty investment. So, you’d want to make sure you’re choosing the right e-bike for your needs by reviewing the points mentioned above.
Happy shopping!
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