How To Choose an Electric Bike

Electric bike motors function in different ways. Mid-drive motors and hub motors are the most prevalent types of motors: Hub-drive motors are set at the front or rear wheel — a front hub or rear hub motor, respectively.

Motors with mid-drive are positioned in between the front and rear wheels. Mid-drive motors allow for a lower center of gravity, thereby enhancing stability. For this reason, mid-drive motors are usually preferred (and pricier).

Motor power can also vary. The more wattage a motor has, the more powerful it is. E-bike motors generally range from 250 to 750 watts, although some have motors of 1,000 watts and up. Higher-watt motors are more powerful, but they’re also heavier.

The motor runs on a battery that can be recharged. The battery capacity of an e-bike is also something to think about because it affects the battery range, or how far you can ride before you need to recharge it. While a bigger battery usually has a bigger capacity and longer battery life, it will also be heavier, reducing range.

Frame and Suspension

The design of a bike's frame depends on the type of bike. For example, an e-MTB has a more robust frame than a commuter bike. However, there are also different frame styles.

The main distinction is step-through (sometimes written “step-thru”) versus high-step frames (sometimes called step-over frames).

To sit on the saddle, step-through frames allow you to step directly into the frame. With a high-step frame, you have to swing your leg over the seat and rear wheel to hop on.

High-step frames have an extra frame tube running from the front of the bike, below the head tube, to the back wheel. Because of this extra tube, which gives the front of the frame a triangular or diamond shape, it’s impossible to “step into” the bike. Check out Talaria xXx.

The ideal frame for you will largely depend on your purpose and personal preference. A high-step frame, for instance, is inconvenient for frequent mounting and unmounting and can be challenging for elderly people with mobility issues. Take into consideration the bike's suspension in addition to the frame. A bike with only front or rear suspension will give you a bumpier ride than a full-suspension system. Again, it all depends on what you intend to do with your bike. If you’re planning off-road adventures, we recommend a full-suspension bike. If not, it’s less of an issue.

Brakes and Gears

The brakes allow you to make fast stops, reducing the risk of collisions. The most popular are mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes:

Hydraulic disc brakes offer greater stopping power

Mechanical disc brakes don’t offer the same sharp stops but they still get the job done — plus, they cost less than hydraulic disc brakes

While disc brakes allow you to stop, the e-bike gears let you adjust the bike’s assist levels, making pedaling easier or harder.

Gearing systems include derailleur gears, hub gears, and single-speed gears. Hub gears are less maintenance but are more costly and weigh more.