You need a reliable method of transportation but still are not sure on what is the best option for you. A vehicle is too expensive to purchase, maintain, and keep filled with fuel. A bicycle will not do because your place of employment or education is too far. Public transportation is expensive over time for far and stops may be inconvenient for you.
If this sounds familiar, an electric bike may just be the solution for you. Demonstrative of its name, an electric bike has the frame and functions of a regular bicycle but includes a motor that helps propel it when the rider activates it.
While an electric bike may be a logical choice compared to methods of transportation mentioned, there are still factors to consider before committing to buying one. Keeping the following in mind will ensure you make the right decision when buying an electric bike.
1. Area
While it may be easy to commit to an e-bike because they are cheaper, good on the environment, and more cost-efficient to operate than a motor vehicle, you need to be mindful of the area where you reside.
If you live in a busty metropolis, electric bikes can be helpful because you probably do not have a long commute, there are ample paths for you to use, and the area may be flat enough. However, cities are also busier and if your bike cannot reliably keep up with traffic, you are putting your safety at risk especially if you live where no paths exist.
If you reside in a rural area an electric bike will be stable on dirt or gravel roads however if there are any elevations in the ground any more than some minor hills, you may have issues getting up them even with the motor on.
2. Motor mount
You may have bought your electric bike with the intention of using the pedals for exercise with the helpful option of using the motor when you feel like it. But the bottom line is, the chances of you using the motor are great or you would have just bought a regular, motor-less bicycle. Therefore, it is important to consider the motor and where it is mounted.
With electric bikes, there are two popular options: hub-mounted or crank-mounted. When the motor is mounted at the hub, the motor is attached to the back wheel. These types tend to be very quiet and handle well on steep inclines because of their ability to propel the back wheel.
However, the motor makes the back wheel heavier and overheating can occur because the motor is sealed and there is no where for the heat to escape. Crank-mounted motors power the crank drive on your bike and work in confluence with the gear system. These types consist of a fan that allows heat to escape the motor and perform even better than hub-mounted bikes because of their ability to work with the gears. Drawbacks include costs of repairs and wear and tear on the gear system.
3. Commute
You may have purchased your electric bike for work, school, or general errands and activities. While it is a great and cheap way to get around, you need to be mindful of your commute to ensure an electric bike is right and will work for you.
Electric bikes have lithium-ion batteries that can allow you to go anywhere from 50 to 150 kms on a full battery before you will have to charge again depending on the battery you purchase. At the higher end this is an impressive distance and you can always charge your battery once you reach your destination so it is charged before you have to use your bike again.
However, if your commute involves a distance that exceeds this, you may have to look at a different option such as a scooter that has a stronger battery or a motorcycle.
