Electric bikes have grown a lot in popularity in recent years. With the rise of cycling and its dominance on the road, it's no wonder that more people are trying to get their hands on an e-bike. It's easier for commuting and it can save you from traffic and spending thousands of pesos on gas.
If you have no idea where to begin, here's a handy guide on what you should look for when it comes to buying an e-bike.
Purpose
Think about when and where you'll use your e-bike. When considering which one to buy, it's best to first know why. Do you want to go on long rides with friends? Do you plan on getting one for your daily commute to work? Would you prefer something that folds or are you okay with a bike that takes up a lot of space?
Knowing these factors would help you determine which design and functionality should you look for and can help narrow down your choices for your future e-bike.
Weight
While e-bikes are relatively heavier than regular bikes and this is already expected, it is still best to check the weight based on your riding style and use. If you plan to bring your bike to the metro, or if you live in a place with four flights of stairs, then you might want to consider something lighter and easy to carry. While technology has played a huge role in keeping most bikes lighter, it is still best to have a feel of what you plan to get, making sure that the weight is just right for you.
Battery
While e-bikes use almost the same technology, batteries can still vary in size, weight, and most importantly, capacity. One of the things that you should look for when buying an e-bike is the position where the battery is located. It's most commonly placed to the downtube, but can sometimes be attached on top of a rear rack. Other models also have it near the bottom bracket or within the seat post, giving it a cleaner finish.
Although the aesthetics may be a huge consideration for others, the power is really what would set it apart. The power of your e-bike would depend on your weight and if you intend to ride up on inclines. If you are fairly small and would be just going around the city, a 250-watts battery may already work. If you plan on going through somewhere hilly and are relatively a bigger person, then you'd probably need to get 500-watts to accommodate your need. Generally, when choosing a battery, it is best to come back to your purpose and see what would satisfy your main considerations.
Range
Range pertains to the total distance that you can ride before running out of juice. This means that the longer your battery range is, the less you'll have to charge it in rides. While there are many variables when it comes to battery consumption, having an idea of your e-bike usage would make the decision easier when choosing the range of your battery. Much like everything else, the higher the specs are, the more expensive it can get.
Price
Last, but not least, you would need to consider the price. While e-bikes are becoming more common, their prices have already gone down compared to where it was a few years ago. Being able to understand what you need, how much your budget is, and where you can compromise would definitely help in getting something that you'll be happy with.
If you are interested in getting an e-bike, Cykel has an online catalog that you can check, along with all the specs of our available units. You can also experience our bikes through a test ride and we would be more than happy to help you determine the best e-bike for you.