Despite its relatively young "chronological age," the electric bike has quickly become one of the must-haves in the bike industry, thanks to the boost from environmental, sustainability, and mental health factors. If you've landed on this article, it's because you want to know what is and how to choose an electric bike (and yes, also how much it costs). Most importantly, you're wondering which model best suits your needs. We're excited to share this "electrifying" guide to help you make one of the best purchases of your life.
Key factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Bike
Price, motor and battery performance, display settings, and frame characteristics are just a few of the aspects to evaluate when choosing an electric bike. But first, let's take a closer look at what an electric bike is and how to choose the one that best meets your needs. This basic yet practical guide is designed for anyone approaching the world of e-bikes for the first time, as well as for experienced cyclists who want to learn more about a category that has become an integral part of daily life for over 5 million people across Europe (data from 2023).
A bike with "Superpowers"
The first time you ride an electric bike or e-bike, it feels like discovering you have "superpowers." This is because e-bikes provide what’s known as "pedal assist," where your pedaling is supplemented by the power of a motor. This feature significantly expands the possibilities for using a bike: from simple, fast, and sustainable transportation (without breaking a sweat) to tackling challenging terrains or demanding routes.
The Features of Electric Bikes
Let's bust the myth right away: "It’s easy to ride an electric bike." Not exactly. In fact, you might need to pedal a bit harder to counterbalance the extra weight compared to a road or gravel bike. There's no throttle (otherwise it would be classified as a moped), but the motor's support, typically distributed across three or four levels (depending on the model), enhances your pedaling, reduces physical effort, and makes traveling on specific routes easier and more comfortable.
Some electric bikes can exceed 25 km/h, but these are legally considered mopeds, which means you'll need a license plate and proper insurance. Moreover, to choose the model best suited to your needs, it's essential to understand the technical characteristics that set e-bikes apart from traditional bikes. Let's explore these features together.
1. The Motor
The motor is the beating heart and defining feature of every electric bike. To be road-legal, electric bike motors must have a maximum power output of 250 W, with a top speed capped at 25 km/h. More powerful models are designed for off-road use or private terrains.
A powerful motor allows an e-bike to provide substantial assistance even with minimal pedaling effort. Assistance levels regulate the motor's power output (and therefore speed) based on the rider's pedaling force. However, the more you rely on the motor, the faster the battery drains, reducing the bike's range. That’s why it's crucial to pedal and develop good riding techniques to balance muscle effort and motor use effectively.
There are different types of motors, each tailored to specific technical needs and intended uses, with significant variations in price and performance. Generally, motors can be divided into two categories based on their placement on the bike frame:
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Hub Motors: Integrated into the wheel hub;
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Mid-Drive Motors: Integrated into the bike’s bottom bracket.
This distinction is an essential factor in determining which e-bike to purchase, considering both usage and budget.
Hub Motors
Hub motors are versatile and sealed units that, barring technical issues, require no maintenance. For this reason, they are typically installed on "simpler" electric bikes designed mainly for leisure or where lower weight and a cleaner aesthetic are desired—such as modern road or electric gravel bikes.
Generally, this type of motor only comes equipped with an external speed sensor. However, more advanced versions with internal sensors are available, often found in high-end models, particularly electric road bikes. When choosing an electric bike, budget plays a significant role. The simplicity of hub motor construction significantly impacts the overall cost, making it a more affordable option. From a design perspective, it remains an ideal and often necessary choice for more budget-friendly models.
Mid-Drive Motors
Mid-drive motors are technically more advanced and are found on most mid-to-high-end electric bike models. Positioned at the center of the frame, near the bottom bracket, they deliver assistance directly to the pedal stroke through the crankset rather than as rear-wheel propulsion. The power modulation is managed by an internal sensor that detects the force applied to the pedals and the rider’s "intentions." This allows the motor to lighten the pedaling effort only when necessary. Compared to a hub motor, a mid-drive motor offers virtually no lag between the start and stop of power delivery, as it operates in sync with the rider's pedaling. This makes for a smoother and more responsive ride.
Mid-drive motors not only provide a smoother, more natural pedaling experience but also optimize battery consumption. They offer better range, a progressive power boost that adapts to the rider's needs, and exceptional efficiency on mixed terrains. This configuration is ideal for tackling off-road trails, steep climbs (such as in mountain biking), or long rides on varied terrain (as in bike touring), where precise power delivery or intense use is often required.
2. The Battery
Another critical component to consider when purchasing an electric bike is, without a doubt, the battery. A more powerful motor consumes more energy, reducing overall range. Comparing the various electric bike models on the market reveals a wide range of technical specifications, as numerous factors influence battery performance.
Most manufacturers use removable batteries for convenience, making it easier to charge and avoid exposure to cold and damp conditions in garages or basements, which can negatively affect performance. Increasingly, brands are adopting integrated frame designs to protect the battery cells and create electric bikes that resemble traditional muscle-powered mountain bikes. Despite space limitations, manufacturers are developing larger batteries to increase capacity. The higher the battery's watt-hour (Wh) rating, the greater the range—but this also means additional weight.
3. Display and Assistance Levels
Electric bikes are, of course, more than just a motor and a battery. When choosing the right e-bike, other important features to consider include:
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Assisted Pedaling Activation: the more performance-oriented the bike, the smoother and more responsive the pedal assistance will be;
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Assistance Levels: most bikes offer 3 to 4 levels of assistance, allowing riders to save battery power (Eco mode) or achieve higher speed and torque (Turbo or Boost mode). Lower-cost models with hub motors often feature only 1 or 2 assistance levels.
Additionally, many modern electric bikes come equipped with a range of integrated accessories, such as an LCD display mounted on the handlebars.
LCD Display on the Handlebars
When riding an electric bike, having a handlebar-mounted computer is highly recommended for tracking battery life, pedal-assist mode, distance traveled, speed, and other useful data. Most e-bikes come equipped with an onboard computer and an LCD display on the handlebars, providing essential information. Pedal-assist mode is typically activated via a small remote control positioned on the left side of the handlebars.
Some brands favor more minimalistic and integrated solutions (with displays less exposed in case of a fall), while others offer advanced features, such as GPS navigation or smartphone app integration. Notably, some apps even allow riders to unlock the bike's built-in lock.
4. Component Quality and Price
Just like traditional bicycles, the quality of components significantly impacts the price of electric bikes. Materials, brakes, tires, gears, and drivetrains of higher quality tend to be more durable and responsive, contributing to both the bike’s performance and its cost.
When it comes to frames, most available on the market are made of aluminum or carbon, while electric bikes designed for commuters may also feature steel construction. The material and frame design, combined with the size of the motor and battery, are the main factors influencing the bike’s overall weight and price.
SPOILER ALERT: Check out the best electric bikes for sale under €3,000—perfect for getting started while maintaining quality, reliability, practicality, and fun!
5. Maintenance
The last thing to know about electric bikes is maintenance. Like all bicycles, and depending on the technical features, e-bikes also need some "care," especially due to the higher stresses they endure, particularly e-MTBs. It is therefore recommended to perform bi-weekly or monthly maintenance (depending on the frequency of use) on the drivetrain, brakes, and wheels.
