Whether you're looking to elevate your commute, explore new terrain, or simply embrace the future of personal mobility, your first electric bike purchase might just be the most significant lifestyle upgrade of the year.

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Which Electric Bike Matches Your Lifestyle

The electric bike market is expanding rapidly. There are many options available to meet different needs and preferences. In this guide, we'll recommend various types of electric bikes based on how you plan to use them, helping you find the perfect match for your lifestyle.

The Urban Commuter

For the discerning professional navigating city streets, the commuter e-bike represents the perfect marriage of practicality and style. These models prioritize comfortable upright positioning, thoughtful integration of commuter-friendly features, and designs that transition seamlessly from bike lane to boardroom.

Gazelle Ultimate C380+ HMB

The Gazelle Ultimate doesn't merely transport you—it elevates the entire concept of the daily commute. With its Bosch Performance Line Speed motor delivering up to 85Nm of torque and speeds of 28mph, this Dutch-designed masterpiece offers one of the smoothest ride experiences on the market. The ingenious Enviolo CVT system provides stepless gear transitions, while the optional dual battery setup extends range to an impressive 100 miles.

Key Specs:

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line Speed (85Nm torque)
• Top Speed: 28 mph (pedal assist)
• Battery: 500-625Wh (optional dual battery)
• Range: Up to 100 miles with dual battery
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Price: $5,000 - $6,000

Riders praise the Gazelle Ultimate C380+ HMB for its premium components, comfortable ride experience, and excellent after-sales support. It's considered ideal for both city commuting and longer recreational rides.

Specialized Turbo Como 4.0

The Como 4.0 brings Specialized's legendary attention to detail to the electric commuter category. Its frame geometry encourages an upright riding position that allows you to maintain awareness of your surroundings while reducing strain during longer rides. The proprietary 2.0 motor delivers 70Nm of torque with remarkable subtlety—you'll feel the assistance without the jarring surge that characterizes lesser models.

Key Specs:

• Motor: Specialized 2.0 motor (70Nm torque)
• Top Speed: 28 mph (pedal assist)
• Battery: 710Wh
• Range: Up to 62 miles
• Brakes: SRAM hydraulic disc brakes
• Price: $3,500 - $4,500

The Specialized Turbo Como 4.0 receives high marks for comfort, practicality, and performance. Riders appreciate its versatility across various riding scenarios, from urban commuting to country roads.

The Laid Back Cruiser

If your vision of the perfect ride involves leisurely waterfront paths, neighborhood explorations, or casual weekend excursions, the cruiser category deserves your attention. These models emphasize comfort above all, with relaxed geometries and features designed for riders who prefer enjoyment over exertion.

Electra Townie Go! 7D

The Electra Townie has defined the cruiser category for years, and its electric iteration maintains the soul of the original while adding thoughtful power assistance. The brand's Flat Foot Technology allows riders to place both feet firmly on the ground when stopped without sacrificing proper leg extension while pedaling—a seemingly simple innovation that transforms the riding experience for those who prioritize stability and comfort.

Key Specs:

• Motor: Bosch Active Line motor
• Top Speed: 20 mph (pedal assist)
• Battery: 250Wh
• Range: Up to 40 miles (low assist level)
• Brakes: 180mm mechanical disc brakes
• Price: $3,000 - $3,500

The Electra Townie Go! 7D receives praise for its comfortable riding position, smooth ride experience, and reasonable price point. It's perfect for city cruising, though larger riders may find it limiting.

Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser

For those who appreciate vintage motorcycle aesthetics reimagined for the electric age, the Cafe Cruiser delivers surprising performance at an accessible price point. The step-through frame design eliminates the awkward mounting dance, while swept-back handlebars position your hands and arms naturally for relaxed control.

Key Specs:

• Motor: Bafang 500W rear hub motor (750W peak)
• Top Speed: 28 mph (pedal assist)
• Battery: 48V 15Ah
• Range: Up to 45.56 miles
• Brakes: Zoom hydraulic disc brakes
• Price: $1,700 - $2,000

Riders love the Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser for its retro looks, comfortable riding position, and affordable price. It's ideal for casual rides but may not be suitable for heavier loads.

The Adventurous Spirit: Electric Mountain Bikes

The off-road enthusiast need not choose between rugged capability and electric assistance. Today's electric mountain bikes bring sophisticated suspension systems, powerful motors, and terrain-conquering components together in packages that expand your trail possibilities exponentially.

Trek Rail 9.8 XT Gen 3

Trek's expertise in traditional mountain bikes translates perfectly to the electric category with the Rail 9.8 XT. The Bosch Performance Line CX motor—widely regarded as the gold standard for eMTB applications—delivers impressive torque for conquering steep ascents that would challenge even elite riders on traditional bikes. The sophisticated suspension system absorbs trail chatter and major obstacles alike, while maintaining responsive handling that belies the bike's substantial capabilities.

Key Specs:

• Motor: Bosch Performance Line CX
• Top Speed: 20 mph (pedal assist)
• Battery: 500-750Wh
• Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes
• Price: $8,000 - $10,000

The Trek Rail 9.8 XT Gen 3 earns praise for its exceptional off-road performance, comfortable riding position, and high-quality components. It's perfect for trail riding, though the ride can be somewhat rougher on smoother terrain.

Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp

Where many electric mountain bikes emphasize raw power, the Turbo Levo SL takes a more nuanced approach with its lightweight motor system. At significantly lighter than typical e-MTBs, this proprietary system adds minimal bulk while providing meaningful assistance that extends your range without fundamentally changing the mountain biking experience. The carbon frame further reduces weight, resulting in a remarkably agile machine that excels on technical singletrack.

Key Specs:

• Motor: Specialized Turbo 1.2 motor (50Nm torque)
• Top Speed: 20 mph (pedal assist)
• Battery: 320Wh (compatible with Range Extender)
• Brakes: SRAM Code RS hydraulic disc brakes
• Price: $7,000 - $9,000

Riders praise the Specialized Turbo Levo SL Comp for its lightweight design, excellent climbing performance, and premium components. It's ideal for trail riding but may not be suitable for extreme off-road conditions.

The Practical Powerhouse: Cargo E-Bikes

For urban dwellers replacing car trips, parents transporting children, or anyone who needs substantial carrying capacity, the cargo e-bike category offers practical solutions with unexpected joy factor. These models are engineered to handle significant loads while remaining manageable in urban environments.

Tern GSD S10 LR

Tern has accomplished something remarkable with the GSD—creating a cargo bike that carries like a pickup truck but parks like a standard bicycle. Despite its impressive 440lb capacity (including rider), the GSD's wheelbase is barely longer than a traditional bicycle, allowing it to use standard bike racks and occupy minimal space in apartments. The Bosch Cargo Line motor provides specially tuned assistance optimized for moving heavy loads from a standstill.

Price point: $5,500 - $6,500

Yuba Spicy Curry

With its distinctive low-rider rear cargo section, the Yuba Spicy Curry creates a stable platform for transporting children, groceries, or bulky items with a remarkably low center of gravity. The longtail design accommodates Yuba's extensive ecosystem of accessories, allowing owners to customize the bike for specific carrying needs—from simple grocery runs to school dropoffs with multiple children.

Price point: $5,000 - $6,000

Folding Electric Bikes

For apartment dwellers, multimodal commuters, or travelers who want to bring cycling possibilities with them, folding e-bikes solve storage and transport challenges without excessive compromise in the riding experience.

Tern Vektron S10

The Vektron brings legitimate performance to the folding category, with component selection and ride quality that rivals non-folding commuter bikes. The Bosch Active Line motor provides smooth, natural assistance while maintaining reasonable range, and the 10-speed Shimano Deore drivetrain offers sufficient gearing range for challenging hills even when battery conservation is required.

Price point: $4,000 - $4,500

Brompton Electric

The Brompton Electric takes the iconic folding design that has dominated European cities for decades and adds thoughtful electric assistance. The result maintains the original's unmatched folding compactness—easily stowed under a desk or in the smallest apartment closet—while providing meaningful assistance for longer commutes or challenging terrain.

Price point: $3,500 - $4,000

Retro Moped Style E-Bikes 

For those drawn to vintage motorcycle aesthetics reimagined through the lens of sustainable electric technology, brings exciting options. The Qiolor brand has made waves with its remarkably affordable yet style-forward designs.

Qiolor Tiger JR (Retro-Style Commuter)

With clear cafe racer inspiration, the Qiolor Tiger JR brings surprising performance wrapped in design language more commonly associated with premium European brands. The powerful rear hub motor provides ample assistance, while the mechanical disc brakes deliver reliable stopping power. Thoughtful touches like the ergonomic seat and customizable panels allow riders to personalize their experience.

Key Specs:

• Motor: 500W brushless rear hub motor (750W peak)
• Top Speed: 24 mph (pedal assist or throttle)
• Battery: 48V 10Ah removable lithium-ion
• Range: Up to 55 miles (pedal assist), 32 miles (throttle)
• Brakes: LOGAN mechanical disc brakes
• Tires: CHAOYANG 20″×4.0″ fat tires
• Weight: 87 lbs
• Maximum Load: 400 lbs
• Price: Under $1,000

The Qiolor Tiger JR receives praise for its retro aesthetics and value for money. Users appreciate its performance, range, and customization options. It's considered one of the best options under $1,000, offering a good balance of style and functionality.

Qiolor Tiger RE

The full-size Qiolor Tiger RE steps up the performance with a more powerful motor, enhanced battery options, and upgraded braking system. The fat tires provide stability and comfort on various terrains, making this a versatile option for both urban commuting and light off-road adventures.

Key Specs:

• Motor: 750W brushless geared motor
• Top Speed: 26 mph (pedal assist)
• Battery: 48V 15Ah lithium-ion (optional 35Ah)
• Range: Up to 60 miles with standard 15Ah battery, 130 miles with 35Ah battery
• Brakes: 180mm hydraulic disc brakes
• Tires: 20″×4.0″ fat tires
• Weight: Approximately 98 lbs 
• Price: Not specified, but likely higher than the JR model

The Qiolor Tiger RE earns accolades for its powerful motor, excellent hill-climbing ability, and sturdy construction. Users appreciate its versatility for both urban commuting and off-road riding. The hydraulic disc brakes are considered highly effective.

Beyond the Spec Sheet

While comparing motor wattage and battery capacity provides useful information, the perfect electric bike for you transcends simple specifications. Consider these factors as you narrow your search:

Intended Use Honesty

Be realistic about how you'll actually use the bike, not how you imagine using it in your most ambitious scenarios. If 95% of your rides will be urban commuting with occasional light trails, an electric mountain bike's sophisticated suspension and aggressive geometry may prove unnecessary complications rather than benefits.

The Test Ride Imperative

Specifications tell only a partial story—the way a bike feels in motion reveals its true character. Arrange test rides for your shortlisted models, paying attention to:

• Natural riding position comfort for your body proportions
• Intuitive controls and display readability
• Motor response characteristics (some feel more natural than others)
• Handling dynamics with the motor both active and inactive

Battery Range Reality Check

Manufacturer-stated ranges typically reflect ideal conditions—flat terrain, moderate speeds, and minimal wind resistance. For realistic planning, reduce these figures by 20-30% and consider whether the resulting range meets your typical needs. Remember that replacement batteries represent significant investments, making battery quality and longevity critical considerations.

Component Longevity

The electric drivetrain may capture attention, but traditional bicycle components—brakes, derailleurs, chain—require equal consideration. Quality in these areas significantly impacts maintenance requirements and long-term reliability.

Investment in Daily Joy

While quality electric bikes can be expensive, think of them as an investment in transportation, not just recreation. They can replace car trips, reduce public transportation costs, and turn stressful commutes into enjoyable experiences.

The right electric bike does more than get you from point A to B—it changes how you move through your world, combining practicality with the simple joy of effortless motion. In , an electric bike could be your most rewarding purchase.

What electric bike are you considering for ? Have you test-ridden any of our recommended models? Share your experiences and questions in the comments below.

FAQs

How far can electric bikes go on a single charge?

Range varies significantly depending on the battery size, motor efficiency, rider weight, terrain, and assistance level. Most ebikes offer 30-60 miles of range, with some premium models reaching 100+ miles with extended battery options.

Are electric bikes worth the money?

For many riders, absolutely. Electric bikes can replace car trips, reduce transportation costs, make commuting more enjoyable, and extend your cycling range. Consider how often you'll use it when evaluating the investment.

Do I need a license to ride an electric bike?

In most U.S. states, you don't need a license to ride Class 1 or Class 2 electric bikes (up to 20mph). Class 3 ebikes (up to 28mph) may have additional restrictions in some areas. Always check your local regulations.

E-Bike Buyer's Guide

Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an E-Bike

E-bikes have changed the landscape of the bike world in the last decade, and we think that’s great! While they’ll never completely replace traditional bikes, E-bikes mean more people than ever are making cycling a part of their everyday lives. Whether that means you can self-shuttle yourself up to your favourite downhill trails, ditch the car and commute all year round, or just have one less excuse not to enjoy a perfect summer weekend – there are endless possibilities for E-bikes to inject a little extra fun into your life.

In this guide, we’ll try and demystify some of the information surrounding E-bikes and give you the knowledge and confidence to choose the perfect electrically-boosted ride. Keep reading to find out more about E-bike classes, motors, and batteries as well as what types of E-bikes could be right for you.

Not quite what you're looking for? Choose a category below to explore the rest of our articles.

Want more information on Wholesale Electric Bike? Feel free to contact us.

What is an E-Bike?

E-bikes, sometimes called electric bikes or pedalec/pedal-electric bicycles, are a just like any other bicycle except they include electronic motorized assistance in addition to pure pedal power. Through the use of motors, batteries, and controllers, e-bikes can either propel themselves under electronic power alone or aid and multiply the power generated by the rider through the pedals.

Is an E-Bike Right for You?

Choose an E-Bike if...

• You want to ride faster, longer, and more often.
• You want to stay active without putting as much strain on your body
• You'd like a bit of extra support tackling steep climbs or keeping up with faster cyclists.
• You want to have less excuses to not ride everyday

We think there’s an e-bike for every type of rider. They’re a great way to ride longer, faster, and more often. Whether that extra electric power helps you to tackle the steepest hills, carry more gear, or keep you from breaking a sweat on your commute to the office – we think they’re a great way to get more people on bikes more often. E-bikes not only improve the accessibility and versatility of cycling, but they can add a lot of fun while doing it.

MYTH: E-Bikes Make Cycling Less Active
While some people believe that e-bikes make cycling less active, we couldn’t disagree more! 

What we actually find is that riders who have embraced electric bikes put less strain on their bodies and tend to ride longer and more often than they ever did before. E-bikes don’t limit the things you can do on a bike, instead they open up a whole new world of possibilities. And while there are some e-bikes that have throttles and can be operated part-time on electric power alone – to get the most efficiency and enjoyment out of an e-bike it’s always better to keep pedaling!

Demystifying E-Bike Classes, Motor Types, and Specs

When you read or hear about e-bikes, it can sometimes feel like completely uncharted territory. With all the classifications, stats, and technical comparisons to sift through, many find it hard to find out what to look out for and what everything means for them. Our goal in this next section is to unravel some of the mysteries and make sure you know what's important and what's not.

What Are E-Bike Classifications?

While it hasn’t been universally adopted, e-bike brands and advocacy groups have pushed for a clear and simple 3-class e-bike classification system. This classification system is growing in popularity and has already been implemented in many jurisdictions. The three classes are defined by their maximum assist speeds and whether they have a throttle that allows the motor to provide power without needing the bike to be pedaled. While this has some affect on the everyday use of an e-bike, it’s more of an important thing to know as it can dictate where you can ride your bike due to regional laws and regulations.

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only up to 32 km/h (20 mph)
• Class 2: Throttle and pedal-assist up to 32 km/h (20 mph)
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only up to 45 km/h (28 mph)

Everything You Need to Know About E-Bike Motors

Hub-Drive Motors

• Powerful and robust power delivery
• Simpler designs and more affordable price point options
• Ride quality and handling can feel less natural

Hub-drive e-bikes replace the standard hub and axle with an electric motor. The majority of hub-drive bikes are rear wheel drive, but front hub models do exist. Since the motor doesn’t need to be integrated into the frame of the bicycle, hub-drive e-bikes tend to be simpler and more affordable. Most throttle e-bikes tend to be hub driven as the pedals and drivetrain don’t need to be moving to provide power to the wheels.

Hub-driven electric bikes have a distinct ride that feels powerful and robust. Since the motor is farther away from your feet and the pedals, and more weight is placed behind the rider at the rear wheel – the overall ride quality and feel of hub-drive bikes can feel less natural.

Mid-Drive Motors

• Smooth and natural power delivery
• Centralized weight for better handling
• Options for integrated drivetrain components

Mid-drive electric bikes have their motor attached to the main frame of the bicycle at the bottom bracket junction. Instead of driving the rear wheel directly, mid-drive motors provide assistance at the chainring, and power is delivered through a conventional drivetrain. Because mid-drive bike frames are specially constructed to contain and handle the motor, the entry price point for mid-drive bikes usually starts higher than hub-driven bikes.

Since rear wheel movement is still mechanically tied to the pedals and your feet, mid-drive bikes feel and handle a lot more naturally. The central mounting location of the motor also aids in overall bike handling as the bulk of the weight is centred beneath you. In the best-case scenario, mid-drive e-bikes feel like riding a traditional bike – except you now have superhuman power and stamina.

One downside is that mid-drive e-bikes have a tendency to damage and wear out conventional drivetrains faster than rear-hub electric bikes. Luckily, in the last few years this has become less and less of a concern as drivetrain manufacturers like Sram and Shimano have started offering drivetrains designed and built with e-bikes in mind.

Full-power vs Lightweight Motors

Whether they’re hub-drive or mid-drive, E-bike motors can also be categorized into full-power and lightweight. Both options can be great but what works best for you will come down to your goals and the type of riding you want to do.

Full-power motors like the Bosch CX Performance line, Giant’s Yahama powered Syncdrive Pro 2, and Specialized’s Turbo 2.2 are strong and powerful but are bigger, heavier, and generally need to be paired with a larger battery.

Lightweight motors like Mahle’s rear hub motors, the TQ-HPR50 used by Trek, and Specialized’s Turbo SL lineup trade some of the top-end power for a lighter, more efficient motor in a smaller overall package.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Motor Power & Torque

The assistance and power delivered by an e-bike motor is measured in three ways – the maximum or nominal power in watts, the maximum torque in newton-meters, and the assistance or support level.

The power rating of an e-bike motor is measured in watts (W) - think of this like the horsepower in your car. Some manufacturers will market the nominal or continuous power – which is the maximum power a motor can provide for an indefinite amount of time without damaging itself. Other manufacturers will list the maximum or peak power and this is the upper limit of power that the e-bike motor can provide but only for short bursts. In our experience, wattage numbers aren’t the biggest factor affecting overall ride quality as not every manufacturer uses them in the same way and that can make it hard to directly compare bikes.

That’s where torque comes into play. The maximum torque of an e-bike motor is measured in Newton-meters (Nm) and tells you how much force the motor can apply. When people talk about the power and punch of an e-bike motor – they’re generally referring to the torque of the motor. The higher the max torque, the steeper terrain you can climb and the faster you can accelerate from a standstill. Using maximum rated torque is our recommended metric for determining how powerful an e-bike feels.

Some manufacturers will also talk about the assistance multiplier or maximum support factor of their motors. This isn’t normally referring to a mechanical limit of the motor but about how the software takes the power a rider puts through the pedals and tells the motor how much of the available electric power and torque to provide as assistance. Manufacturers can tune the maximum assist rating to affect overall ride feel and efficiency and most e-bike will have a few presets that you can choose between.

Breaking Down the Numbers: Battery Capacity & Range

Battery capacity is normally measured in watt-hours (Wh) which is the total power output a battery can sustain in one hour. For e-bikes this usually ranges from about 250-800wh though larger batteries exist and some bikes can handle multiple batteries. While knowing the overall battery size of an e-bike is important, it shouldn’t be used as an absolute metric when determining the actually ride time or range of an e-bike. That’s because there are so many factors affecting the actual output of the motor including software, terrain, rider inputs, and more.

Luckily, most e-bike manufacturers will provide some sort of estimated range for their e-bikes – just remember that these are for best-case scenarios and are not directly reflective of actual use.

Types of E-Bikes: Finding the Right Fit for Your Ride

E-bikes are becoming more and more popular and it’s now easier than ever to find the perfect electric bike for whatever type of riding you plan on doing. Keep reading to see a breakdown of some popular e-bike categories and a few of our favourite electric bike picks.

Trek Domane+ SLR

Giant Defy Advanced E+

Road E-Bikes

Road e-bikes have come a long way in the last few years as motors and batteries have gotten smaller, lighter, and more efficient. Bikes like Giant’s new Defy E+ or Trek’s Domane SLR+ are able to fit lightweight and efficient motors into a package that looks and rides like a normal endurance road bike but with a few hundred extra watts at your disposal.

Specialized Turbo Creo 2

Salsa Tributary

Gravel E-Bikes

Gravel e-bikes are a great way to get out and explore beyond the beaten path. With powerful motors and wide tire clearance they have the versatility to get you out the door to anywhere you feel like riding. The Specialized Turbo Creo and Salsa Tributary are two of our favourite gravel bikes – combining capable and reliable motors with enough battery power and comfort to keep you riding for hours.

Trek Slash+

Giant Trance X Advanced E+ Elite

Mountain E-Bikes (eMTB)

With plenty of power to tackle steep technical climbs and long fire roads, an E-MTB can help you get in more laps than you’ll know what to do with.  If you’re looking for full power and massive range to unlock more rides and new terrain, check out the new Giant Trance Advanced E+. Or if you’re looking for a super-capable enduro ripper that just happens to have a motor, check out Trek’s all-new Slash+ with its nearly silent, lightweight TQ motor – you’ll forget you’re even on an e-bike.

Specialized Turbo Vado SL

Trek Allant+

Commuter/City E-Bikes

Hybrid e-bikes or those designed for urban or recreational use are built for comfort and convenience. They help put excuses to bed and make riding into work or school a breeze. No shower facilities at the office? That’s not a problem if you’re not even breaking a sweat. With versatility and convenience at the forefront – bikes like the Specialized Turbo Vado SL or Trek’s Allant+ can help you get to the office, to the grocery store, or out for a weekend adventure.

Electra Townie Go!

Trek Verve+

Comfort/Crusier E-Bikes

Looking for a super comfortable e-bike for taking advantage of sunny afternoons and precious long weekends? Comfort and cruiser e-bikes are the perfect option for people who want to have some fun and get active without having to invest in stretchy pants or fancy gear. With their easygoing design, cushioned seats, and smooth rides - bikes like Electra’s Townie Go! or Trek’s Verve+ lineup let you cruise effortlessly while you soak in the sun.

Momentum Pakyak E+

Trek Fetch+ 2

Cargo E-Bikes

Whether you’re taking the kids to school or loading up on groceries for your next backyard barbecue – a cargo e-bike is a great way to ditch the chaos and traffic and put a little more fun into everyday errands. A new style of cargo bike seem to pop up every year but they all put an emphasis on having a comfortable, stable ride so you can load them up with anything you can think of. Check out the endlessly customizable Momentum Pakyak E+ or Trek’s new Fetch+ 2 powered by Bosch’s cargo optimized motor.

E-Bike Features and Technology

Electric bikes have brought the feature-full tech revolution to the bike world. While new features and technology are constantly evolving, here are a few of the top ones we think you should look out for when choosing your perfect e-bike.

Integrated/Removable Batteries

Integrating the battery into the frame of the e-bike keeps designs looking clean and stylish while making sure the bulk of the weight is centred beneath you and any racks are cleared up for hauling all your stuff.Some e-bikes also make removing your battery as simple as possible. This is a great feature since finding a place to charge or store a battery is a lot easier than finding a place for the whole bike.

Integrated Display/Controls

If you love having all your ride information available at a glance, look for e-bikes with integrated displays or a way to pair your mobile device to act as one.

Want to switch up power levels while riding technical terrain or in busy environments? Look for an e-bike with a handlebar mounted remote that puts control right at your fingertips so you never have to let go of the bars.

Mobile Apps and Connectivity

We live in app-based world and e-bikes are no exception. Some of the latest e-bike systems from Bosch, Trek, Specialized, and Giant all offer Bluetooth and ANT+ connectivity so you can pair them with your bike computer, mobile device, or their dedicated mobile apps.

These apps can include features like navigation and ride planning, motor tuning and over-the-air updates, and even electronic locks and GPS tracking.

Range Extenders Batteries

Got range anxiety? Look for e-bike systems that can hook up to an external range extender or even a second full-size battery. This is great if you plan on doing longer rides or carrying more gear and opens up even more possibilities for what you can accomplish with your e-bike.

It’s also a great option if you want to use a lightweight e-bike for shorter rides during the week but could use a bit of extra range when exploring on the weekends.

Throttles and Walk Assist

Some e-bikes will have throttles so that you can keep on cruising while giving your legs a break. Because of their implementation and use, you mainly see throttles on hub-drive e-bikes and bikes that include throttles are considered class 2.

In contrast to a throttle, some e-bikes will have a walk-assist mode which provides low-speed power for those times when you need to get off and push your bike up steep or technical terrain. Unlike a throttle, these won’t work while you're seated on the bike and only provides assist at walking speeds. As such, walk assist features don’t affect the classification rating of an e-bike.

If you're looking for a deeper dive on throttles versus pedal-assist, check out our comparison article HERE.

Integrated Drivetrain Technology

One of the newest features coming to e-bikes is fully integrated drivetrains. With electronic shifting and a host of sensors built into the e-bike – they can do things like shifting automatically so you can spend less time pushing buttons and more time focusing on having the time of your life.

Since these features rely on complete system optimization, they only exist on select bikes that have a motor system and integrated electronic drivetrain from the same manufacturer. Look for bikes that pair a Shimano Steps motor with Shimano Di2 LinkGlide drivetrains or a Sram Powertrain equipped bike with Sram's T-Type Wireless drivetrains.

E-Bike Safety and Regulations

Helmets and Safety Gear

We always recommend riding your bike with a properly-fitted helmet that’s in good condition – and e-bikes are no exception. There may even be laws and regulations in place in your area that make helmets mandatory, but even if that’s not the case we still believe that everyone should be riding with a proper cycling helmet.

Helmets and safety are even more important since e-bikes tend to weight more and operate at higher average speeds. Luckily, there are now helmets designed specifically for the increased weight and speed associated with e-bikes – look for helmets designed and tested around the NTA- standard which was created specifically for e-bikes and other micromobility vehicles.

Looking for more information on choosing the perfect helmet, making sure it fits properly, and taking care of it? Check out our bike helmet guide HERE.

Local Laws and Regulations

As e-bikes have grown in popularity, many areas have put in place laws and regulations about how and where you can use them. This can mean limitations on what class of e-bikes can be used, the maximum assisted speeds, battery certification standards, or even if you can operate an e-bike at all. Always check the local rules for the area you plan on riding in and use your best judgement for inevitable grey areas making sure to respect the safety and enjoyment of other riders, pedestrians, vehicles, and area users.

E-Bike Battery and System Safety Certification 

Our recommendation is to make sure that the e-bike you’re looking at has been designed, built, tested, and certified to meet or exceed internationally recognized safety standards. Look for certified e-bike batteries and systems that meet or exceed standards from UL, EN, CE, FCC, UKCA, PSE, KC and/or BSMI. Please refer to local laws and regulations regarding what standards are most applicable in your area.

With such large, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, e-bike battery safety is incredibly important. With e-bike batteries and systems from reputable brands, you can rest easy knowing the risks are minimal and that safety has been taken into account at every step of the design, engineering, and manufacturing process. On the other hand, improperly designed or manufactured batteries can cause things like personal injury and fires.

E-Bike Care and Maintenance Tips

An e-bike can be a big investment so the proper maintenance, care, and operation will make sure you’re maximizing the durability, range, and ultimately the enjoyment of your e-bike. Check out our E-bike starter guide for essential tips on charging and storing your e-bike battery, cleaning your bike, and even best practices for shifting.

E-Bike and Battery Care: Expert Tips

Cost Breakdown: What Factors Affect the Price of an E-Bike?

While there are great e-bikes available at a host of price points, there are certain factors that can affect the overall price. At its most basic, those factors come down to a combination of material costs and the time and resources needed to research, engineer, and manufacture the different components and features of a bicycle. With that in mind, here are three of the main differentiating factors that affect price when it comes to e-bikes.

Materials

More advanced frame and component materials like carbon fibre or titanium can help decrease weight or improve durability but are generally more expensive to engineer and manufacture. This affects not only frames but individual components like wheels, drivetrains, and brakes.

Integrations and Features

Integrations and other added e-bike features like hidden or removable batteries, built-in displays and controls, and custom-built mobile applications help to improve the user experience and aesthetics but add complexity to the design, engineering, and manufacturing process.

Motor and Battery

Lighter, more efficient, and more powerful e-bike motors and batteries are coming out every year but the research, engineering, and design of those batteries and motors takes teams of highly qualified people, time, and resources.

FAQ - The Most Common E-Bike Questions

Want to learn more? Check out some more commonly asked questions below. If you can't find the answers you're looking for, feel free to reach out and we'll be more than happy to help!

While both e-bikes and motorcycles have two wheels and a motor, that's where the similarities end. E-bikes are designed to be ridden like traditional bicycles – they have pedals, are based around standard bicycle geometries and components, and the powered assist is limited to a maximum speed based on classification and jurisdiction.

Most e-bikes don't charge the batteries while you're pedaling as this would be less efficient than just riding the bike under pedal power alone. While some e-bikes do have regenerative braking, they are not nearly as effective as those built into electric vehicles. Our opinion is that features like regenerative pedaling or braking add unnecessary complexity to the system for limited benefit.

E-bike batteries generally last hundreds up to a thousand charge cycles or more. Advanced battery management systems in the newest e-bike systems from brands like Bosch, Giant, and Specialized ensure the longevity and safety of the high-capacity lithium ion batteries used in their bikes.

See our guide on E-bike care and maintenance for tips and best practices to keep your battery lasting as long as possible.

Definitely! Just makes sure that any battery or charging contact points are safely covered to prevent corrosion or damage. If you do get any of the contact points get wet, just leave them uncovered and let them dry before re-installing the battery or plugging in your charger.

While most jurisdictions don't have requirements on e-bike licenses, many will have regulations on what type of e-bikes are legal and where they can be ridden. As always, please refer to the rules and regulations put in place wherever you live or plan on riding.

In most places, e-bikes are treated just like any other bike and you can ride them anywhere you could a traditional bike. However, there are many places where e-bike use is regulated or prohibited so make sure to read up on any laws and rules for the areas you plan on riding in.

In general, you can't upgrade the motor in your e-bike or switch brands after the fact as e-bikes are designed and built as a complete system. Batteries, on the other hand, can sometimes be upgraded to a larger capacity but this depends on the exact e-bike make and model.

If you want to purchase an extra e-bike battery or you need a replacement, most manufacturers have spare batteries available for purchase. The cost varies by brand, model, and capacity but in general will range from $600-$.

Our advice is to always use the manufacturer recommended and approved parts for your bicycle. Not only can third-party parts cause damage to your e-bike, some can even be a safety concern. Using unapproved third-party parts on your e-bike will also void the manufacturer warranty.

Absolutely! While cold temperatures can reduce overall range, e-bikes are a great way to extend your riding season and get the most out of winter. For the best results we recommend starting with a warm battery and that will limit worst effects of the cold on your e-bike battery and systems.

For more tips on winter riding and bike care, check out our complete guide HERE.

Not sure if you need a throttle or pedal-assist only bike? Check out our complete guide HERE.

E-bike geometries are based on their traditional bike counterparts, so start with a size that you would normally ride or check out the size chart for the bikes you're interested in.

Looking for more info? Check out our complete ROAD BIKE or MOUNTAIN BIKE sizing guides.

Our team of experienced mechanics can repair, tune, or upgrade all the basic bicycle components of pretty much every e-bike – that includes wheels, drivetrains, brakes and more. We also have the knowledge and tools to diagnose and repair all the e-bike systems that we sell including Bosch, Shimano Steps, Sram Powertrain, Giant, Specialized, Mahle, and more. If you have an e-bike system and aren't sure if we can help you with your service issue – don't hesitate to reach out and ask. Click HERE to find out more about our great service departments and to book your appointment today!

Got everything you need to know? Shop online or visit us in-store to find the perfect bike for your next adventure.

Want to keep learning? Check out some of our other guides below.

Road Bike Guide

Gravel Bike Guide

Gravel Tire Guide

Winter Cycling Guide

Suspension Guide

or

Explore the Complete Ridley's Blog

If you are looking for more details, kindly visit China Electric Motorcycle.