More and more people want to buy an electric bicycle, so what should we pay attention to before buying an electric bicycle?

1. Types of electric bicycles

Most electric-assist city models might be called “all-round experts.” They will usually have fenders (or at least fender mounts), usually come with lights, and may have brackets for shelves so extra stuff can be carried.

It can be said that the type of electric assist has covered every segment of traditional bicycles. With the addition of electric assist, more innovative and interesting models have been derived to meet the personalized travel needs of modern society.

2. Electric bicycle motor system

Mid-mounted motors are a popular choice for electric-assist models, and they mount a motor between the cranks that powers the rear wheels when the rider pedals. The mid-mounted motor maintains sufficient stability and balance of the body’s center of gravity because it reduces the weight of the motor and integrates it into the frame.

Rear-wheel motors are another option, but front-wheel motors are less common on electric assist.

The battery is usually mounted low in the down tube, also for stability, and more and more e-bikes hide the battery out of sight inside the frame.

More expensive models tend to have larger-capacity batteries for added range, with the option to plug in a second battery if you want to go further.

There’s usually a control unit on the handlebars that’s at your fingertips to choose the level of assistance and keep tabs on battery status while riding.

3. Battery life

Some battery life is pretty accurate or even conservative, but if you plan to use the e-bike for riding outside the immediate vicinity, or don’t have access to convenient charging.

Generally speaking, you need at least 250Wh or more battery capacity to achieve decent range. Most e-bikes have a maximum output of 250 W, so if you use the motor at full power, this will only give you a little over an hour of battery life, but that rarely happens in practice.

In practice, the motor will work less hard than this, but your bike’s range will depend on where you ride, the level of assist you choose, and other factors.

4. Additional accessories

For practicality, it’s nice to have fenders and front and rear lights as part of the package, giving riders an all-weather ride.

Also pay attention to the rear rack, so riders can use the e-bike for shopping or long trips.

If you plan on doing longer rides on your e-bike, adding a second battery will give your bike a huge boost in range.