Are you planning to go all out on living an active lifestyle? Or are you shifting to a more eco-friendly alternative? If yes, it’s undoubtedly the perfect time to invest in an electric bike!

In this blog, we’ll give you the top reasons why you should invest in an electric bike as well as the downsides to it.

• What is an electric bike?
• Pros of electric bikes
• Cons of electric bikes
• Kinds of electric bikes
• How to choose the perfect electric bike

So, what are you waiting for? Start your 2022 right and read on!  

What is an Electric Bike?

An electric bike is the modern and upgraded version of a regular bike. An electric bike is much easier to ride as you get extra boosts and support from its motor.  This, in turn, allows you to enjoy longer trips even with minimum effort. An electric bike is perfect for those looking for a less strenuous physical activity that offers better mobility than a regular bike. What sets an electric bike apart from traditional bikes is that it comes with additional components such as the battery, electric motor, and controller, which helps you ride more seamlessly and effortlessly, even ill.

Pros of Electric Bikes

EFFORTLESS RIDING

Electric bikes are known for offering an effortless biking experience. Unlike regular bikes, electric bikes come with a motor and battery that gives you every boost when pedaling. Electric bikes come with either pedal-assist or throttle-assist. The effect is that you won’t have a hard time pedaling even for long periods and even when climbing uphill.

An electric bike is perfect for thrill and adventure seekers as it allows them to ride even on rough terrain. With an electric bike, riders can reduce stress and impact their knees and joints. The best part is that you can say goodbye to sweaty rides.

FAST AND TRAFFIC-FREE

Electric bikes offer so much variety, so you’ll undoubtedly find one that fits your needs and preferences perfectly. Depending on your daily requirements, you can choose to have a smaller built or a bigger built.

Plus, you get to reach your destination faster than when riding a regular bike without much fuss. That’s precisely why it’s the perfect choice for urban commuters who are tired of city traffic. With an electric bike, you can cut your commute time in half, giving you back control over your time.

PROMOTES AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE

According to a study conducted in Switzerland, riding an electric bike is just the same as riding a regular bike for fitness activities. While riding an e-bike is pedal-assisted, it's still a form of exercise after all and is still good for your health, both physically and mentally. What’s great about an electric bike is that it promotes an active lifestyle without pushing your body too much, so you can ride safely at your own pace, depending on your capability.

COST-EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT

Riding an electric bike is an excellent alternative to driving a car around the city. Urban dwellers can save time when riding an electric bike as they can just glide their way in between cars and pass through narrow alleys. Because of this, you can save money on fuel expenses and parking fees, and tickets.

When you ride an electric bike, you won’t have to worry about price fluctuations in petrol since you can just plug and play anytime. With an electric bike, you can easily travel up to 50 miles on a single charge, depending on the unit you’ll be getting, making for an efficient mode of micro-transport.  

ECO-FRIENDLY

Climate change and global warming are happening before our eyes, so I can’t stress enough the importance of taking an active part in preserving our planet. When you shift to an electric bike from a vehicle, you’ll be doing a big favor in saving our world. Plus, because an electric bike uses electricity and not fuel, you’ll tremendously decrease the emissions that a vehicle emits typically. Essentially, you’ll be helping improve air quality when you shift to electric bikes.

Cons of Electric Bikes

HIGH PRICE POINT

It’s undeniable that electric bikes are way more expensive than regular bikes. But that’s mainly because it comes with more components, including a motor and battery. But don’t worry! There are budget electric bikes that you can find in the market today; check out the Best Electric Bikes under $1000 and Best Budget Electric Bikes.  

LIMITED LIFESPAN

If we’re talking about the longevity of an electric bike and a regular bike, it’s safe to say that a standard bike lasts way longer. That’s primarily because traditional bikes do not require much maintenance compared to an electric bike with a motor and battery, which require regular checking. Typically, an electric bike’s mechanism may become faulty if it’s not well-maintained, unlike with an ordinary bicycle that you can just keep for long periods and still be able to use reasonably well after some time.

HEAVIER THAN REGULAR BIKES

Of course, since electric bikes come with additional components, they’re also heavier in terms of size. While this may be a con for some, this can easily be solved when you look for lightweight electric bikes. Many electric bikes come in lightweight and compact built that allow you to take them anywhere you go. For one, you may check out this selection of the Best Folding Electric Bikes.

MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR ARE MORE COSTLY

As earlier mentioned, electric bikes require regular maintenance. Because of this, you can expect that you’ll spend more money on maintaining an electric bike than a normal bike. But don’t worry, not all electric bikes require maintenance as often. There are many high-quality electric bikes out there that are durable and can last long without regular maintenance. But of course, as a good owner, you must always see to it that your electric bike is safe to ride to ensure its reliability and safety.

Types of Electric Bikes

Now that you already know what an electric bike is, its pros, and its cons, it’s essential to distinguish the different kinds of electric bikes. To make your life easier, we’ve detailed it for you below:

ELECTRIC COMMUTER BIKES

For looking for a ride that can easily take on city roads and uneven terrains, then having an Electric Commuter Bike is the best option. With this kind of electric bike, you can enjoy the best of both worlds – city riding and off-road adventure. An Electric Commuter Bike is the best choice for people looking for sustainable transportation that they can use without exerting too much effort for any kind of terrain.

Check out this best-selling electric commuter bike: Nakto Camel Women 36V/10Ah 250W-350W Cruiser Electric Bike With Plastic Basket.

FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKES

If you’re looking for a handy and compact electric bike, consider getting a folding electric bike. A folding electric bike allows you to dismantle it into a more diminutive form, which in turn will enable you to carry it around and store it in small spaces, even in the trunk of your car. This kind of electric bike is the best option for students and employees looking for a more efficient daily commute. So, if you’re looking for an electric bike that allows for effortless handling, a folding electric bike is undoubtedly your best option.

Check out this best-selling folding electric bike: Green Bike USA GB Low Step Fat Tire 48V/18.20Ah 750W Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike.

ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKES

Adventure seekers will love an electric mountain bike. This electric bike boasts a more durable built and better performance than other electric bikes. Electric MTBs come with bigger tires and thicker framing, making them more durable and capable of withstanding harsh environmental conditions. So, if you love going on off-road adventures and you need a powerful ride, getting an electric mountain bike should be your top choice.

Check out this best-selling electric mountain bike: Rambo Rebel 48V/21Ah 1000W Fat Tire Electric Hunting Bike 2021 Model.

ELECTRIC ROAD BIKES

For those looking for a reliable ride for their daily commute, buying an electric road bike will surely be worth every penny. An electric road bike is perfect for city rides and engineered in a way that allows you to ride faster and last longer. So, if you typically ride long-distance trips, then an electric road bike will come in handy.

Check out this best-selling electric road bike: Ecotric Vortex 36V/9Ah 350W 7 Speed Cruiser Electric Bike.

CARGO ELECTRIC BIKES

If you’re looking for a utility bike, try investing in an electric cargo bike. An electric cargo bike offers the perfect combination of functionality and utmost performance through its powerful motor and spacious cargo. What sets it apart from other electric bikes is that it allows you to carry tons of loads without worrying about its performance. So, if you’re looking for an electric bike that has a massive carrying capacity that still allows you to go on fast speeds and long-distance trips, then an electric cargo bike should be your top choice.

Check out this best-selling cargo electric bike: Nakto Pony 36V/10Ah 250W Cargo Electric Bike PON20002.

BEACH CRUISER ELECTRIC BIKES

If you’re looking for a more laid-back kind of electric bike that feels like a Sunday ride every day, consider getting a beach cruiser electric bike. Beach Cruiser Electric Bikes offers its users great comfort and style because of its wide saddle seat, step-thru built, and swept-back handlebars. This framing allows you to sit upright and comfortably, which is excellent for women wearing dresses. With this electric bike, you will enjoy cruising even for long periods.

Check out this best-selling beach cruiser electric bike: AmericanElectric Steller Step-Through 48V/15.6Ah 750W Fat Tire Electric Bike 2021 Model.

ELECTRIC STEP-THRU BIKES

For those looking for an electric bike that offers maximum accessibility and comfort, getting an electric step-through bike is a perfect option. This kind of electric bike provides its users with the most upright riding position paired with a framing that makes it highly accessible so getting on and off is a lot more effortless. This kind of electric bike is perfect for everyday casual rides. Plus, the best part about an electric step-through bike is that it provides you with great style without needing to sacrifice comfort.

Check out this best-selling electric step-thru bike: Ecotric Peacedove 36V/10Ah 350W Step-Thru Electric Bike.

ELECTRIC BIKES FOR WOMEN

Pedaling a bike is not comfortable for all women. That’s mainly because of the restrictions on the kind of clothes that a woman should wear to ride a bike. The good news for you is that this is not the case anymore as many electric bikes are now designed even for women wearing Sunday dresses, allowing for easy access. Conclusion: There are electric bikes designed to accommodate women’s needs in terms of comfort and accessibility without sacrificing performance.

Check out this best-selling electric bike for women: Elby S1 48V 500W Electric Commuter Bike.

MID-DRIVE ELECTRIC BIKES

Mid-Drive Electric Bikes are electric bikes that come with mid-drive motors. Mid-Drive Electric Bikes are built to provide their users with maximum performance while requiring minimal effort. Mid-drive electric bikes drive the crank instead of the wheels, releasing a significant amount of power and achieving a more substantial boost and effortless ride.

Check out this best-selling mid-drive electric bike: Rambo Pursuit 48V/14Ah 750W Fat Tire Electric Hunting Bike 750 26 2021 Model.

TANDEM ELECTRIC BIKES

Want to double the fun? If yes, then try getting tandem electric bikes. This kind of electric bike is built to carry two riders. Its frame and build allow two riders to pedal simultaneously and at the same pace. With a tandem electric bike, you get double parts for almost everything except for the wheels since you only get two wheels. Just imaging getting a twin electric bike.

Check out this best-selling tandem electric bike: Micargi Raiatea 48V/10.4Ah 500W Tandem Electric Bike EB-RAIATEA-F.

What to look for in an Electric Bike?

An electric bike is perfect for everyday use, so make sure to choose one that won’t deteriorate quickly.  Before making the purchase, make sure that you only get a high-quality electric bike. Many electric bikes may seem significant initially but will just end up breaking down after just a few days for having low-quality components.

To spare yourself from this issue, we’re giving you exclusive tips on what to consider when getting an electric bike.  

Capacity & Range

An Electric Bike is designed for all kinds of riding, from daily commuting to off-road adventures. This means that you’re faced with several options to choose from for battery capacity. Of course, you’d want to have a more heavy-duty battery for off-road adventures, and you want to have a more stable power when riding around the city. We recommend that you get one that has a bigger battery capacity that’s enough for your daily trips. Generally, the average range of an electric bike can is 25 miles on a single charge and comes with a minimum of 250-watt battery.

A bigger battery has a more significant weight carrying capacity and long-distance trips. So, if this is your main concern, make sure to consider the kind of battery that comes with your chosen electric bike.

Top Speed & Motor

In terms of performance, you should look for the maximum speed and motor that comes with an electric bike. For electric road bikes, you might want to get a unit with faster speeds than other ebikes, such as beach cruiser bikes. Of course, you don’t want to get an electric road bike that has the same pace as a beach cruiser bike, as it will defeat the purpose of having a road bike.

As for the motor, you have three options - the front-hub, rear-wheel, and center-drive systems. The front-hub is the cheapest yet and least powerful choice. The rear-wheel engine provides a reliable boost for those who prefer a higher torque, and the most preferred option is the center-drive system because of its benefits and ease of use.

Frame & Fork

Electric bike comes in different shapes and sizes depending on your preference. Some ebikes are exceptionally lightweight and smaller, making them very easy to ride for everyday trips. There are also those built with extra components to withstand harsh environments and carry different loads. Whatever you choose, make sure to get a built that perfectly fits your needs.

Comfort

When it comes to comfort, it’s better to choose one that comes with full suspension forks. Most electric bikes come with full suspension. You have the option to choose between having a rigid or suspension fork – the former is preferred if you’ll be riding primarily around city paved roads. At the same time, the latter works perfectly for bumpy and uneven terrain.

Aside from having suspension forks, you should also check out the saddle seat. You don’t want to have one that comes with a narrow shape since it may cause bum pains unless, of course, you’re used to it. For a lazy and more comfortable ride, you might prefer to get a wide saddle seat that’s perfectly shaped to provide you with full bum support while improving blood flow.

Safety Features

When buying an electric bike, you have to put safety at the topmost consideration. Of course, you want to have an electric bike that offers safety features such as reliable brakes, a complete lighting system, and more. Ensuring that you have excellent safety features will give you peace of mind when riding outdoors.

It’s also better to have an LED screen that should provide you with a complete overview of your trip information, including speed, distance traveled, and battery life, so you’re won’t be riding blindly.