These 6 tips will ensure your success in getting your next e-bike
During the last year, cycling has seen a surge in popularity mainly as an alternative to public transportation. As one of the most effective and sustainable micromobility solutions, cycling is claiming its deserved high status in both rural and urban areas.
With the growing demand for mobility solutions like electrical bikes and e-scooters all over the world, many users neglect ride-hailing services and wish to purchase their own bikes or electric scooters. E-bikes are predicted to grow from 3.7 million bikes sold in 2019 to 17 million in 2030. Although in the long run, bike-sharing will surely play an important role, the pandemic has pushed folks to purchase rather than rent. During the last decade, powered bicycles, also known as e-bikes, have become immensely popular.
We've put together a short checklist to help you in choosing your next e-bike.
1. Landscape
While e-bikes are a great way of conquering hills and traveling long distances, it is worth checking the specificities of the landscape your future bike is meant for. The type of hub motor, battery, and frame all serve different purposes. The rule of thumb is: the longer your average commute and the greater the incline, the more power and battery longevity you need. Head and tailwind can also dramatically impact the range of an e-bike.
2. Distance and Frequency
What is the average distance you will be commuting? That can help you choose between battery capacity, charging times, and overall longevity. According to ABC News, the average distance to the office in the United States is 16 miles. Your bike should cover that distance without needing a charge — even better if it can carry you back home as well.
3. Charging Possibilities
Where can you charge your e-bike? Does your workplace offer an option to charge the battery? It is also worth checking your city map to locate available charging infrastructure.
Check out the Bikeep app for interactive maps to locate the nearest e-bike charging station or smart bike parking to you. Charging stations are becoming as essential as gas stations, and knowing where they are can make all the difference on a longer commute.
4. Price Range
E-bike pricing ranges from $400 all the way up to $80,000. That latter price point — currently listed as the most expensive e-bike in the world — certainly has more features than a casual rider would need. So how do you choose? Make sure your e-bike is purpose-built for your use case.
- Riding offroad? Look for a larger drive-hub that can provide more torque in steep or slippery conditions.
- Commuting to the office? Opt for stiffer suspension and a large-capacity battery — the suspension ensures power is directed toward travel, while the battery handles longer stretches without charging opportunities.
For regular users, a lower-cost or even second-hand e-bike will do the trick. It also helps to compare the price of a bike to a similarly priced car — you will get excellent value, with comparatively low maintenance costs. Factor in the health benefits, and you might even find yourself trading in a gym membership for a daily ride.
5. Maintenance and Insurance
Vehicles require care. It is wise to insure your bike and, where appropriate, your own health for added security. Once or twice a year, take your bike for a seasonal maintenance check with a mechanic. Have them inspect the tires, chain, and lights, along with wiring connections, metallic contacts, and the battery itself.
6. Traffic Rules
Traffic rules apply to cyclists too, and these vary by region. Before hitting the streets, familiarise yourself with local laws. Key areas to check include which lanes cyclists are permitted to use, relevant traffic signs, and obligatory safety gear such as helmets and high-visibility vests.
Although there are many things to consider when buying an e-bike, the benefits of cycling immensely outweigh the difficulty of the initial decision-making process. Municipalities, commercial real estate managers, politicians, and micromobility enablers like Bikeep are all working to actively encourage active lifestyles that include bicycling. When choosing your next e-bike, know that you are contributing to this movement — a push towards more sustainable and prosperous urban areas.
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