Is An Electric Bike Right For Me?

If you’re in the market for electric bikes then you’re on the right page.

A lot of people go through the daily commute to work, school, or wherever you need to be in the morning. You always think of the cheapest modes of transport available—or else the cost will make a significant dent on your budget.

The usual options include driving to work, taking public transport (bus, train, tram etc.), or bike or electric bike. Well, if you’re place is of work is just a block or two away then why not walk, right?

One of the most economical of the options above is using an electric bike or eBike. It doesn’t cost as much as a car and it doesn’t guzzle a lot of petrol or gasoline.

Apart from that, you are doing the environment a favor. It has an electric motor so you can keep going even if you get tired of pedaling around. However, electric bikes are not for everybody.

Best City Commute Electric Bike

NAKTO City 26″ Electric Bike

The NAKTO Electric Bike for Men and Women 26″ is one of the most popular models of ebike for everyday use.

Using a streamlined steel frame with a rustproof coating and a load upgraded front-end basket the NAKTO is a durable yet fashionable electric bike that is as much a statement of elegance as a tool of efficiency.

The Lithium-ion battery used to power the NAKTO Electric Bike can be used continuously for 2-4 hours and can be detached for easy charging out of the elements. With three different modes of transportation ranging from full propulsion to human powered, this electric bike can take you where you need to go easily and quickly.

Advantages Of An Electric Bike

They are a convenient alternative to conventional bikes of course. You can hit 20 mph with it without spending a lot of human power.

That way you can save your energy for work. And yes you don’t arrive at your destination sweating like you’ve just been through a marathon. These bikes aren’t motorcycles but they still represent a significant cost.

So before you shop for one you should know the pros and cons. Let’s begin with the advantages of an electric bike:

• eBikes are battery powered
  Electric bikes are battery powered and they last for hours. That makes them absolutely cheaper than cars or even motorcycles. You don’t need to spend a huge amount of cash on gas, which simply means you get more savings.

• They are environmentally friendly
  Since electric bikes don’t run on gas or petrol, there are no greenhouse gas emissions from these bikes. Their footprint is very small, which means they do not add to any traffic congestion on the road. That means less pollution less traffic.

• Almost sweat free
  Some would say that electric bikes are completely sweat free. Well, that deserves a qualified yes. Sure you’re not going to pedal most of the way.

  However, there will be a few rare occasions when you will run out of battery power so you will have to pedal sometimes. But hey that will rarely happen. You’ll know when the charge is running low on your eBike.

• Convenience
  Electric bikes can be used pretty much everywhere. Well, there are certain rules and laws in some places where these bikes aren’t allowed on bike lanes and other areas. But they’re not that many.

  Sometimes electric bikes are a faster option compared to other means of public transport. Imagine a heavy traffic day. If you’re in a car, you would have to sit in traffic but with an electric bike you can just weave through the bike lanes and get to work or school on time.

• They are quiet
  We know motorbikes can be really noisy and they can be a nuisance for some folks. Electric bikes on the other hand are a lot quieter and you can drive by pedestrians without causing a ruckus. You get an enjoyable quiet journey as you go to work.

• They can be used to cover longer distances
  Have you ever taken your bicycle over hilly terrain? Obviously the way up will be a huge challenge. Guess what. An electric bike can do the hard work for you.

  Since these bikes are battery powered, you can take them on long rides and they can be a big help when going over hilly or other types of difficult terrain compared to a conventional bike.

• They are faster than regular bicycles (for your average rider)
  Electric bikes are definitely faster than regular bicycles. The power you get from the electric motor gives you a huge boost.

• They are easier on your back
  When you ride on most electric bikes you sit in an upright position. That puts a lot less strain on your back.

  Some conventional bicycles will have you sitting in a position where you are leaning forward. That position will strain not only your back but also your neck. Sitting upright will also give you a better view of the road thus allowing you to spot and avoid obstacles better.

• They are relatively safer
  Electric bikes are faster than conventional bikes but they run slower compared to motorcycles and cars. The speed of an eBike makes them easier to manage at such speeds thus making them safer.

  Apart from that, you won’t have to pedal as much which means that you won’t have to strain your knees.

• Ease of use
  Electric bikes are also easier to use and drive compared to cars and motor bikes. You don’t need complex riding skills to operate one. The minimum requirement is that you know how to ride a bike. The rest is easy since all you have to do is let the electric motor push your bike forward.

  Apart from that, you don’t need a driver’s license to drive an electric bike. It’s also easier to buy an eBike than a car or a motorcycle—they’re much cheaper too.

Disadvantages Of An Electric Bike

• Cost
  Compared to regular bicycles, eBikes are kind of a bit more expensive—well, it depends on the model and make of the bike. The things that add to the cost of an electric bicycle is the battery and the motor.

  The motor of course will need maintenance from time to time. Apart from that, another recurring cost that you will have to shoulder is the battery.

  The battery will need a replacement when it has reached the end of its serviceable life. You’ll know when it is already faulty when the battery life is already reduced. Well, if the battery runs out after you arrive to work then you know you need to replace it.

• Limited speed
  If you are really in a hurry then you might find that an electric bike can be frustrating sometimes. Yes, they are faster than conventional bicycles.

  However, the recommended top speed of an electric bike is only at 20 miles per hour. If you’re on a clear road (no traffic) and you’re late for work, cruising at 20 mph is no fun at all.

• You don’t get a lot of exercise
  You won’t be pedaling most of the time when you are on an electric bicycle. That means you won’t be getting a lot of exercise when you’re using one. If you’re looking forward to some exercise then get a conventional bicycle.

• Tire trouble
  Just like other types of bicycles the tires on an electric bike can also get a blowout or a flat. A flat tire won’t be a big problem in case you have to change the tire. It’s pretty easy to lift and the tire can be easily removed. You can outfit your bicycle with a quick release axle to make tire changes a lot easier.

  An electric bicycle on the other hand is a lot heavier. Some of these bikes weigh some 50+ pounds. On top of that, some of the mechanical parts that run the motor can get in the way.

  That means you have to remove those parts first before you can get to the business of replacing or fixing your flat tire.

• Maintenance issues
  Yes it is true that an electric bike requires less maintenance compared to a car. However, if you compare the maintenance needs of a regular bicycle then that can be a disadvantage.

  You need to maintain the tires and other parts just like a regular bicycle. However, you also need to maintain the motor and pay attention to the battery. The extra work adds to the inconvenience that you have to put up with.

• Battery problems
  Some batteries that are used for electric bikes can last for years. The service life varies from one manufacturer to the other.

  Note however that as the battery gets worn out the less distance can your electric bike cover. On top that, as the battery gets older, the longer will be its charging time.

  If you’re unlucky, you may end up running out of battery power in the middle of the road.

• The resale value of an electric bike is very low
  This can be a pro and a con as well. Well, if you want to sell your used electric bike, you might be surprised to find out that it has a very low resale value.

  But if you’re in the market for one and you prefer to buy a used one, then you’ll be happy to find cheap ones on sale. However, you will have to replace the battery, which can be an added cost.

• Recharge times may be longer than you expect
  It will take some time to recharge the battery for your electric bike. Some people recharge their batteries overnight. Well, the recharge times will vary from one battery model to another. Pay attention to these details when you buy batteries or when you recharge your bike.

• Road restrictions
  Electric bicycles aren’t allowed on bicycle lanes in some areas. This means you will have to ride your bike on the regular lanes, which means driving with cars, buses, other vehicles which can be dangerous.

• The weight can also be an issue
  We already mentioned earlier that an electric bike can be a bit heavy. They weigh around 50+ pounds for each unit—give or take a few. They will be more difficult to push in case you get a flat tire. Changing tires can also be a bit difficult due to the bike’s weight.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing an eBike

Now that you know the pros and cons of using an eBike, you can decide if getting one is the best option for you. Here are a few factors to consider in case you decide to buy one:

• Price
• Geometry and design
• Battery type, voltage, and capacity
• Engine/Motor type
• Assistance
• Components and features

Price Of An Electric Bike

One of the first things that you will want to know is the price of the bike. This is of course an important criteria since you need to consider your budget. The price of a bike, just like any other thing you buy, will also determine the quality of the parts and materials that were used to construct your electric bicycle. The really quality eBikes will have better engines, type of assistance, braking system, frame, and type of transmission. The price range of a good (not the cheap kind) eBike is from $600 to $2,000+. On average, the really good electric bikes, the ones we highly recommend, cost around $1,700 or roughly around 1,500 euros. Here are some average prices that you should know about:

• Entry Level Electric Bikes—a good entry level bike will cost anywhere from $600 to $1,000.
• Mid-range Electric Bikes—these would cost anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500. The price and quality will depend on the factors that were mentioned earlier.
• Top Level Electric Bikes—they cost anywhere from $2,500 to $4,000
• Premium High End Electric Bikes—they cost $4,000 and up, some even upwards of $10000.

Motor Type

Electric bikes vary by the type of motor and where it is location. They also vary by engine weight and wattage (or power). The type of motor installed on your eBike will affect its power and speed.

There are basically two types of motor or engine locations:

1. Mid drive motors
2. Hub drive motors

Mid drive motors:

Mid drive motors are the ones that are installed at the pedal. They have torque and pedaling cadence sensors built into them. These engines will provide you with the assist when you pedal harder and makes your accelerate even faster when you do.

CONS:

• They are more expensive
• They have more parts, making them harder to maintain
• They wear down the bracket components of a bike

Hub Drive Motors:

Hub drives are the motors or engines that are installed on the hub of the rear wheel. However, note that there are hub drives that are installed on the front wheel.

Note that we do not recommend hub drive engines in the front wheel. They are less stable especially when turning along curves. Hub drive engines also have sensors but they aren’t as sensitive to your pedaling cadence.

CONS:

• They will make it a bit more difficult to fix flat tires since you will have to deal with the motor/engine first before you can get to the tire.
• They won’t feel like a natural ride since they tend to push (or pull in case the hub engine is installed on the front wheel) you. It would be like someone’s giving you a huge jolt every time you speed up.

Weight

Some engines are lighter and others are heavier. The weight ranges from 6 to 11 pounds, give or take a few.

Wattage

You should also consider the wattage of the engine. Sure a higher wattage will give you more power but it will consume a lot more battery power. Consider getting a longer lasting and higher capacity battery if you have an engine/motor that has a higher wattage.

Type of Assist

There are two types of assists that the engine of an eBike will give you—all or nothing assist and progressive assist. The assist depends on the engine design.

• All or Nothing Assist:
  This is like an on or off type of engine function or assist. If it is on then the sensors will just wait for you to pedal. As soon as you do the assist will turn on and you will feel that someone is pushing you forward.

  When it is off, then the engine is off and you won’t get any assist at all.

• Progressive Assist:
  With this design, the assist you get will depend on how hard you pedal. The harder you pedal the faster you go.

Battery Type

The type of batteries will vary by watt hours, charge time, and mount style. Note that some electric bikes will allow you to install more than one battery. That means you get more running time with the eBike.

• Watt Hours:
  The watt hours will tell you the total running time of the eBike. This will depend on the type of battery installed on the bike.

  Lead batteries are cheap but they have a shorter battery life.

  Ni-Mh are lighter and lasts a bit longer but they have a memory effect.

  Li-Ion batteries are also cheaper and slightly lighter and they give you a good compromise when it comes to battery life and cost.

  LiPo batteries last 5 times longer but are more expensive.

• Charge Time:
  Usual charge times last from 3 to 5 hours. However, larger capacity batteries require longer charge times.
• Mount Style:
  Some batteries are mounted on the seat tube while others are on the downtube. There are also batteries that are integrated into or on the bike frame.

Conclusion

There are other considerations like the accessories and other extra features. However, these are the primary factors that should help you determine the type of electric bike that you will buy.

We hope that this information has been a big help to you.