What to Consider When Buying an Electric Bike

Before you start looking for a bike, figure out why you want one and what you’ll use it for. This will help guide your other decisions about the bike.

• Are you riding on a paved bike path, a mountain trail, or are you riding to work and will encounter traffic?
• What’s the distance to work? How long are the bike paths in your neighborhood?
• Generally, the more features a bike has and the more powerful it is, the higher its price tag will be.

Electric Bikes: Types of Classes

• There are three main types of electric bikes, each with a different level of motor assistance.
• Class 1: Also known as pedal-assist or pedelec, this type of bike has a motor that only activates when you pedal and stops when you reach 20 mph. These bikes can be used on all types of roads and trails, making them versatile and affordable option.
  
• Class 2: This variety of e-bike is operated by a throttle and can be ridden without pedaling. More regulations are in place for this class of e-bike, so make sure to research which streets and trails allow them.
• Class 3 electric bikes are similar to class 1 in that the motorized assist stops at 28 mph. Unlike class 1, however, these types of bicycles offer higher performance benefits like speed and hill-climbing capabilities but come with a heftier price tag.

The key components: Battery, Distance, and Motor

Batteries power electric bike motors, so the first thing you should consider is how much battery capacity you’ll need for your travels. More battery energy will allow you to go faster and stronger up hills, but using more battery force may reduce the length of your trip. Electric bike retailers offer a variety of choices in terms of power and mileage range. We recommend an ebike only with reputable lithium ion cells such as Samsung or LG.

Battery Charge Time

The batteries on electric bikes are rechargeable, and some will require more time to fully recharge than others. Most batteries can fully recharge within three to five hours.

Spare Batteries

Some e-bikes allow you to use multiple batteries at the same time, allowing you to go much farther. When one battery dies, the other can be used as a backup.

Mounting Setup

At zoomy bike, we understand that everyone has different preferences when it comes to their electric bike battery. That’s why we offer both frame-mounted and all in one battery mounting options.

Motor Location

• Hub-Drive: You can usually find these motors in the hub of the rear or on the front wheel.
• Mid-Drive motors are located on the bottom bracket under the pedals.