Do electric bikes sound like an episode of the Jetsons to you? Need to know how to buy an electric bike today?
Electricity has been around longer than in the United States as Benjamin Franklin demonstrated. Indeed, Andrè-Maire Ampére was born the same year as the revolution.
The dreams of the futurists of the 18th and early 19th centuries are finally here today. We have the materials and the know-how to make our transportation convenient, economical, and ecologically responsible.
The ways that e-bikes are defined and rated can be confusing. Keep reading to get the most bang for your buck and know how to buy a bike with confidence.
Why Ask the Question?
The easiest way to buy an electric bike is to simply go to a manufacturer’s site and buy one. This is rarely, though, the best way to go about it.
There are many factors to consider such as build quality, quality-of-life (QoL) features, range, speed, ecology, economics, and more. Fortunately, we can answer many of the “how-to’s” right now.
Let’s start with amps, volts, and watts.
Watts In It For Me?
Watts are like the horsepower of an electric bike — or, more specifically, its motor. You need to have a fairly high wattage in order to get from A to B in style and ease. Volts are a bit like your gas tank, and amps are how fast that tank gets used up.
To be fair, there’s no exact comparison to “volume” in the electrical world except for energy density. That’s how experts determine which type of battery to use. Li-ion, for example, is quite energy-dense.
Watts are determined by a simple equation of W = V*I. V is volts and I represents current, measured in amps (Ω).
Looking for a bike with high voltage and at least two amps is ideal. Most e-bikes won’t pass 20mph or a certain voltage and amperage due to regulations.
Class Is In Session
There are three classes to e-bikes:
- Class 1
- Class 2
- Class 3
No, one is not “better” than the other, but people do have their preferences based on their situation.
Class 1 bikes are pedal-assisted. This means that after you hit 20mph the motor won’t push any further. This doesn’t mean you can’t pedal yourself faster, but you’ll be on your own.
Class 1 bikes can go anywhere normal bikes can go, even off-road.
Class 2 bikes include the features of class 1 but have a throttle, often at the thumb. It operates with or without pedaling. It’s great in city riding where you’re mixed with traffic.
Class 3 e-bikes have different rules in different places, but in general, they assist your pedaling up to 28mph instead of 20. This also means that the battery does more work and needs higher amps. They’re almost never allowed on trails that also don’t allow any motorized vehicles.
European e-bikers can hit a max speed of 25kph and a motor with less than 250 watts of power.
Motor location does a lot for power but changes the weight ratio of the bike. It can be in the rear or front hub, or directly between your pedals. It tends to be better for balance and power when it’s centrally mounted.
How to Buy an Electric Bike
Feeling more confident about what to look for in an e-bike? You should have an understanding of the benefits of an electric bike in various classes, how to buy different types of electric bikes, and what electric bike options you have.
Now that you know how to buy an electric bike, make sure that no one up and steals it when you leave it locked up. They’re a high ticket item and an in-demand commodity.
To find out more technology tips like these, keep browsing our articles for the latest news and advice!
