how to buy electric bike

How to buy an electric bike:

Deciding on what electric bike to purchase is not nearly as easy as riding up a steep hill on an ebike. There are a lot of e-bike choices and filtering through all the information can be overwhelming.

Our e-bike buying guide is meant to help you navigate your e-bike purchase with confidence, and help you make the right e-bike choice for you.

Your e-bike fit:

Electric bikes come with a variety of design features that are useful for different people and different purposes. It’s up to you to decide what is most important and what is not important at all, and communicate that to the retailer. Try to prioritize what you most want your e-bike for. If comfort is key, then a step through frame might be best. If hill climbing is crucial, then a hub motor over 250 watts or a mid-mounted motor is what will work. If riding long distances is your cup of tea, then a large battery of over 400 watt hours is paramount. Understanding your personal needs will help you focus your attention toward the right bikes. We are happy to help you fit your e-bike fit with our e-bike selection wizard.

Wizard

Choosing your Retailer:

Buying an electric bike should be as much about buying into an e-bike shop as it is about the product itself. You should judge your place of purchase on three points: vibe, commitment, and quality. The vibe is the feeling you get when you walk into the shop. Is the staff friendly, knowledgeable and helpful? Commitment refers to the shop’s visible enthusiasm for electric bikes. Do they have many ebikes or just a few stuck in the back of the shop? Knowing that the shop is committed to the ebike movement means they will be willing and wanting to help you make the most of your ebike years down the road. What quality of e-bikes are they selling and how much knowledge are they willing to share? Traditional bike shops often do not have a great deal of knowledge of expertise when it comes to e-bikes, and may not be able to handle the service issues of an e-bike as well as a retailer that focuses on e-bikes. The bottom line is go with a retailer that you feel will support you both through and after the sale.

Buying local is always a good idea; they are the ones you will turn to if you have a problem, and if it weren't for their investment in a brick & mortar shop, they you would not be able to test ride & kick the tries of your e-bike. That being said, we do sell online, and support those sales as if we met face-to-face. The fact is e-bikes are rapidly spreading across the country, but not all areas have access to quality e-bike shops. In that case we are happy to serve you, and if you call us we may be able to recommend a retailer in your area.

Understanding Batteries:

The single most expensive component on your e-bike is your battery. That's why choosing an e-bike with a good battery & taking care of it are so important. Thanks to the electic car movement driven by Tesla Motors battery technology has greatl;y improved and the cost has been dramatically reduced. We can expect this trend to continue. The short of it is that the two main type of batteries are SLA (Standard Lead Acid), and LiOn (Lithium Ion). There are also many types of LiOn, which you can find out more about using the link below. SLA batteries are cheap, heavy, unstable & not good for the environment. We do not recommend these batteries. All batteries have a maxium number they can be fully charged and dischared (cycles). SLA batteries get 100-200 cycles. A good LiOn battery will get 600-1000+. Your retailer should be able to advise you about expected battery life on an e-bike. Also, when your the battery needs to be replaced, please consider using the link on our home page to recycle it. :)

Batteries

Quality Vs. Value:

Price versus value is always a consideration in any purchase. This goes the same for e-bikes. Depending on how often you plan to use your e-bike you may want to go for the best quality you can afford...which does not always mean most expensive. While it is difficult to find a decent e-bike for under $1000, it can be done. Most under $1500 you want to stay away from as they typically have SLA batteries, or are random companies sprung up to sell a container of e-bikes, and then out of business by the time you need any help with a warranty. A $1000 e-bike with no battery replacement is one expensive useless machine. We have a few brands that we feel comfortable recommending for the value conscious consumer that wants an introduction to e-bikes but is on a very tight budget.

Building a good lithium-ion based electric bike that is reliable and has quality components isn't cheap. For most throttle operated ebikes or ebikes with a cadence sensor, expect to pay at least $1500. For ebikes with a torque sensor, expect to pay over $2500. The good news is that a quality ebike can pay for itself very quickly when used as alternative transportation.

Generally, you should expect that your ebike should last from five to ten years at a minimum with regular service. Don't skip the regular tune-ups and maintenance especially if you are relying on your e-bike for transportation. The cost to maintain an e-bike is far less than that of caring for a car.

Sustainability is about more than just running on electricity: it’s about the way the bike was built, the quality of its construction, and the after-purchase service to keep it in good condition.

Trust your Intuition:

Test Ride:

The most important, and fun, part of buying an electric bike is test riding. Trying an electric bike allows you to put aside specs, reviews and research and just answer the most basic question: ‘Do I love this bike?’ If yes, then start asking a few other questions: ‘Does it climb hills in the way I need it to?’; ‘Does the bike fit me in the way I would like it to?’, ‘Does it have the quality and functionality I would like?’

With so much information out there, some of which is contradictory, making an informed e-bike purchase may seem a struggle. Once you have done your homework and found a qualified retailer, the best strategy is to put your trust in your intuition. If you've followed some of these steps, you should feel well prepared and ready to join the e-volution on your brand new e-bike.

Welcome to the new world of fun & eco-friendly alternative transportation.

Warranty & Service:

Buying an electric bike is a big investment, regardless of whether it is $1000 or $6000+. You want a reliable warranty that will protect your investment. Ask your retailer questions about the serviceability and quality of the warranty of the e-bike you are considering. A two-year warranty on parts, motor and battery is reasonable to expect from most electric bike manufacturers with most products selling for over $2000.

The quality of the bicycle itself, irrespective of the drive system, is extremely important, and doubly important if you plan on riding it day in and day out. While bicycle component quality is fairly easy to judge by looking over the listing of parts; motors and batteries can be a little more difficult. When in doubt, research the motor and battery brands. But remember that the quality of the components won’t make a bit of difference if your electric bike is not set up and tuned correctly. Your local independent e-bike dealer is your ally in maintaining the quality components you invested in.

...and always trust your dogs opinion.

Need help narrowing down the choices? Start with our "E-BIKE SELECTION WIZARD", or just email or call us. We are always excited to share our knowledge & help people find the perfect e-bike fit. 1-800-866-8852

Better Service Lower Prices THAT'S How We Roll

How to buy an electric bike:

Your e-bike fit:

Choosing your Retailer:

Understanding Batteries:

Quality Vs. Value:

Trust your Intuition:

Test Ride:

Warranty & Service:

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