Are you keen to buy an electric bike? It’s no lie that electric bikes are a world of fun! But they’re also extremely useful as a method of transportation. As children, we used to love racing around on bikes (granted, they weren’t electric), but imagine our surprise when they started being used by adults as a means of getting to work or university. These days, electric bikes come in all different shapes and sizes and have variable speeds and power settings to accompany them.

The wide range of electric bikes on the market makes it difficult to choose which one is right for you. In this article, we plan to change that. Here, we’ll give you a guide on how to choose the right e-bikes for your needs.

What can electric bikes be used for?

Modern electric bikes are pretty versatile. Considering that they can hit speeds of up to 60kmph and have a range of almost 100km, there’s so much you can do with them. From using them for a quick trip to the shop to using them as your daily travel method. Here’s a list of what people use electric bikes for in Australia:

  • Commuting to Work or School
  • Running Errands
  • Leisure and Recreation
  • Tourism
  • First and Last Mile Connectivity
  • Social Outings
  • Exercise
  • Environmentally Friendly Transportation
  • Delivery Services
  • Exploring New Areas
  • Event Transportation
  • Urban Mobility Solutions
  • Accessibility

How to Choose the right Electric Bikes for adults

Whether you’re getting e-bikes for fun or as a convenient form of transport, its important to choose the right one. Here’s how we’d suggest you choose your electric bikes:

What will you need it for?

The reason we ask this first is because this will determine everything else. For instance, if you want a bike that can take you to the shop and back, then going for one with a high range and faster speeds might be unnecessary. But, if you’re navigating through traffic for a few kilometres every day, you’d probably need an e-bike that is a little more robust. There are also the bikes that lie in the middle. They’re able to go to reasonable distances, handle different terrains, and go pretty fast. Either way, you need to choose a bike based on what you need it for.

How long will the battery last

In terms of electric bikes, we use the word “range” to describe how long the battery will last. This means you have a set distance that the battery will be able to run for while you ride. In most cases, this is just an estimate because we need to factor in how people ride, their weight, and what they’re doing with the bikes.

In most cases, though, your average e-bike will have anywhere from 20km up in range, with the maximum being around 90km. Consider your travel habits and how you’ll use the bikes and choose the range accordingly.

Speed

Bikes don’t need to be insanely fast, just fast enough for you to weave through traffic and still get to your destination in time. Look for bikes that’ll give you anywhere from 30kmph upwards. That should be more than enough to zip through traffic.

Motor Power

While you need your speed in navigating busy streets, you also need a powerful motor not just for acceleration but for a certain level of climbing ability. This is especially important if you plan to use your electric bikes in hilly or rugged terrains. Choose a bike with sufficient motor power for your needs, capable of handling more than your normal stress and pressure on the road.

Weight Capacity

It’s also important to check the bike’s weight capacity. Most bikes have a weight capacity between 100kg to 150kg, however, there are some that might not be suitable for a heavier person, so best to be sure before you buy the wrong one.

Portability

Having a bike that’s portable is a long shot, but not impossible. While they may not be as portable as electric scooters, some electric bikes are easy enough to carry with you if you need to get up and run somewhere quickly. However, like traditional bikes, you can lock them up with a bike lock if need be.

Tires and Suspension

Consider the terrain you’ll be riding on. If you’re riding in urban areas, then your tyres can be smoother with finer tyres. However, if you plan to tackle the outdoors with your bike, you’ll need thicker, stubbier tread that’ll give you better traction on the dirt. Good suspension is also vital for a comfortable ride. You don’t want to feel every bump you hit, right?

Brakes

Thus far, we’ve spoken about speed, power, and battery capacity, but we also need to consider safety. This is where good, reactive brakes come in handy. Look for a bike that has disk brakes. With disc brakes, you’re assured good braking times that’ll help you avoid any unforeseen or seen obstacles while you ride.

Budget

Finally, price! We’d suggest that you work out a budget beforehand to see what you can afford in the market. This will help get an understanding of what bikes and specifics fit your budget and will help you choose the best bike. You might want to consider saving and purchasing a bike that can do more than just the bare minimum. Life changes and so do its demands. A bike that’s capable of more could offer you more versatility as your life develops and changes.

Final Thoughts

Comparing different electric bikes can be challenging, especially since there are so many great options on the market these days. So, remember to consider your needs first, and then go down the list to decide what bike suits your needs perfectly. We wish you all the best!