With the need for using alternative forms of energy for transportation being higher than ever, the popularity of e-bikes is at an all-time high. The sales of electric two-wheelers in India have increased by 132% in the last financial year. E-bikes are a global phenomenon- make no mistake about that. And the pandemic has increased the sales of e-bikes exponentially worldwide.
Now, a variety of e-bikes are available in the market. In such a scenario, picking the perfect e-bike for your needs can be tricky. Not to worry, this guide will help you to choose an ideal electric bike for yourself.
The Three Classes of E-Bikes
With so many options available in the market for e-bikes, it becomes crucial to acquaint yourself with the kinds of e-bikes before you buy one.
- Class 1: It only engages when you pedal. At 20 mph, the motor stops assisting. No throttle.
- Class 2: It has a throttle-only mode in addition to a pedal-assist option that has a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3: Similar to class 1, it only has pedal assistance. However, the maximum assisted speed lasts up to 28 mph.
What Are The Factors You Should Look For Before Buying An E-Bike?
- Cost: With almost every e-bike being reasonably expensive, its price and your budget become essential factors in your purchase of an e-bike. E-bikes can range anywhere from Rs. 30,000 to multiple lacs- from in-budget e-bikes to ultra-premium e-bikes. Therefore, the buyer should be prudent before investing in electric vehicles.
- Categories of e-bikes: There are multiple categories of e-bikes in India and globally- electric mountain bikes, electric cruiser bikes, electric road/commuter bikes, electric cargo bikes, electric folding bikes, electric fat bikes, and other speciality electric bikes. Your use of the e-bike, be it for commuting, cruising, hauling cargo, or trail riding, should be consistent with the features you are looking for in e-bikes.
- Speed: When choosing an electric bike, speed is one of the most crucial factors. If you buy a bike that isn’t powerful or fast enough, riding it might be frustrating because it won’t move as quickly as you’d like. Therefore, always consider the electric bike’s top speed and performance figures before making a purchase decision. Electric bikes with a slow top speed typically travel between 50 and 60 km/h, while electric two-wheelers with a top speed between 70 and 90 km/h.
- Battery: The power source in each bike receives a lot of attention from the manufacturers. But it has much to do with the kind of e-bike you buy. Depending on your route, weight, level of assistance, and the number of stops, the estimated battery range may change.
Most batteries require three to five hours of charging from empty, but large-capacity batteries take longer. Some electric bikes allow the simultaneous use of two batteries. More batteries may lengthen your trip; additionally, you have a backup battery in case the primary one dies. Batteries built into the frame allow you more space for carrying stuff. However, external batteries are easier to recharge and swap out.
- Charging: Electric two-wheelers typically include home charging stations with an electric scooter or motorcycle. The home charging docks provide standard charging. In India, only the most premium e-bikes come with the option of fast charging. The lighter electric bikes can use the standard power outlet in your house or office for charging. So, before purchasing an e-bike, consider the charging options you want.
- Maintenance cost: The cost of maintenance for e-bikes is much lower when compared with traditional two-wheelers. Fewer moving parts and the absence of an internal combustion engine make it much easier to maintain an e-bike.
- Service and Brand support: The limited number of options in the Indian market makes it a confusing task to buy an e-bike. However, along with the specifications of the particular e-bike, you should check for the overall quality of service the brand offers. The bigger the brand, the stronger the support provided after product sales. Also, the more famous brand means more charging stations. Hence, it will be easier to charge your e-bike.
- Other vital factors to consider: In addition to the above factors, a few additional crucial details can affect your choice of an e-bike. They include pedal-assist activation, built quality, reliability, warranty, and running costs. The integrated accessories are also essential to any e-bike.
Only the best electric cycles in India come up with the entire range of integrated accessories- lighting, racks, smartphone integration, built-in security, frames, etc. They might sound like additional features that don’t shouldn’t affect the performance of an e-bike too much, but in reality, they are essential in enhancing your experience of riding an e-bike.
Therefore, the next time you step out to choose the perfect fit for yourself from amongst the best e-bikes, look out for all the above factors carefully. This guide will undoubtedly be helpful to prospective e-bike buyers as it focuses on various e-bike-related details.
