4.6 out of 5
4.6 out of 5
Electric bikes are wonderful things, and make the joys of cycling more accessible to more people. But the technological involvement and advancements make choosing the right bike for you more difficult than ever. There is an ever increasing range out there, and with that, a huge variation in quality, performance and price. Choosing the wrong bike can also have far more serious consequences, as highlighted in an article by The Times this weekend (https://www.thetimes.co.uk/art...). Faulty E-bikes and scooters have been responsible for a fire every 2 days in London so far in 2023, and sadly people have died as a result.
As always, you get what you pay for, and buying cheap, imported products without adequate/any safety checks is a big NO! You cannot put a price on your/your family's lives. ALWAYS look to buy from a major brand and from a reputable retailer. That should go without saying. With that hopefully covered off, we thought we'd jot down a few tips to consider when looking to buy an eBike.
There are three key things to focus on when considering an eBike purchase:
1. The motor placement
2. The battery range
3. The manufacturer of the electric system
1. Mid/crank drive systems are the gold standard for electric motors. This is partly because the weight is placed centrally and low down for better balance, but mainly because the motor is placed before the bike's gearing and can therefore take advantage of the torque multiplication of the gears. This makes it more efficient and the rest of the bike's components are normal bike parts that can be serviced by any bike shop.
Hub motors are a cost effective style of system, however this puts the weight over the rear wheel and if the wheel is punctured, the electric system needs to be disconnected to take the wheel out in order to repair the puncture. Hub motor systems aren't as responsive as mid drive systems as they don't sense the riders inputs from the pedals as directly. This can cause a slight lag in the motor kicking in and out.
Front hub motors are the cheapest system, however, the power being put through the front tyre can result in poor steering, particularly in the wet. They should be avoided unless the bike can't take any other style of system (e.g. folding bikes).
2. Battery capacity affects the available range the bike can go, however, the battery is a large percentage of the cost of the system. Therefore judging how far you anticipate riding in a day could save you some money if you don't need a large capacity battery for the majority of your riding.
3. Rarely are bike manufacturers themselves designing and making the electric systems in-house. There are a range of companies making eBike systems ranging from large companies like Bosch and Yamaha to cheap DIY options from Asia. It is strongly recommended to pay the premium to get a system from a larger company who can support you with long warranties, adequate safety testing and a good dealer network if something does go wrong during your ownership.
In terms of maintenance, Electric motors put a lot more force through the drive train. This wears the drivetrain quicker than a normal bike. Keeping the chain cleaned and lubricated is even more important with an eBike. Changing into an easier gear before stopping at the traffic lights will also help extend the life of the chain.
If you have any questions about eBikes, or need advice on your next purchase then please get in touch and we will be happy to help.
CLICK HERE to view our full range of eBikes
