Buying an electric bike is a little more complicated than picking up the latest Xbox game or getting a new winter jacket.
When you decide you want to take the plunge and buy an electric bike,
there are a few steps to the process and different things you should consider when choosing between models.
Start by deciding your budget
Not only will this make the process easier, but it’ll also stop you from becoming tempted by an electric bike that is out of your price range.
It’s best to have an ideal budget in mind, with a little wriggle room if you get blown away by a model that’s a little extra.
You want to make sure you have a firm upper price range that you can afford to pay either upfront or in installments.
Focus on the quality of components
While we often consider aesthetics when purchasing either an electric city bike or an electric mountain bike, you want to stop and think about the components.
What makes an e-bike different from a traditional bike is its motor, sensor, and battery.
Each of these parts will affect your ride experience and how far you can travel with assistance from the motor.
You’ll want to work out the average distance you’ll be traveling and make sure you find a motor that can facilitate a range higher than that.
You want to account for the eventual battery drain that will occur naturally over time.
Make sure to check the battery charging time for each model
While most e-bikes take only a few hours to fully charge, you might decide you want a shorter charging time so you can top it up during the day while you’re at work or before running errands.
Folding bike or no?
Another factor you’ll want to consider is whether you want a folding electric bike.
Models like Ridel Tripster e-bike has a folding frame that allows you to easily store your electric bike at home or in the office, and its compact design makes it easy to move around the city.
Think about the extras
Don’t forget to think about added extras and how they can benefit you.
These features will usually be what determines which model you end up choosing.
Consider your lifestyle needs and what would be practical for you.
Models like Ridel Cruzer electric city bikes features a front basket,
which is ideal for carrying your groceries if you intend to use your e-bike for daily use.
Electric bike for commuting
If you’re looking for a bike for commuting, look out for safety features like the luminous ring on Ridel ‘Ora’ electric bike.
When you’ve got your shortlist down to two, compare each model based on the points above.
Don’t rush the process and wait until you know which one you want to go with.
Either go in-store to pick up your shiny new electric bike or press ‘add to cart’ and wait for it to show up in a day or two.
Conclusions
Taking your time with the buying process will ensure you find the right e-bike for you and that you spend your money wisely.
Don’t be afraid to ask for a second opinion or reach out to the manufacturer to ask any questions you might have before buying your chosen model.
Once you have your electric bike, you’ll be ready to hit the road and show it off to your friends.
