How To Choose An Electric Bike
Posted June 29, 2022 in Electric Bikes, Cycling by eriksbikeshop
If you’re considering buying an electric bike, ERIK’S has many options for you to choose from. From e-bikes made for casual riding around town to those made for aggressive mountain biking on singletrack – we stock something for everyone! Knowing how o choose an electric bike that is right for you can be overwhelming with so many choices. This guide shares four key questions to answer that will help you hone your search and choose the right e-bike for you.
Once you’ve answered these questions you can hone your e-bike search and head into your local ERIK’S shop for test rides! If you don’t live nearby an ERIK’S call or chat with our Customer Service Experts for assistance in selecting a bike online.
1. How Do You Plan To Ride?
“I’m a casual cyclist that rides mostly for fun and fitness.”
Our recreational e-bike models are perfect for those that enjoy riding on paved trails for fun or running errands around town by bike, possibly with groceries or kids in tow, with a bit of extra “oomph” when you want it!
“I’m a road cyclist that commutes to work and/or enjoys long weekend scenic rides, sometimes with the goal of expanding my performance.”
If you’re looking for a bike to commute to work on efficiently or something that will help you ride that weekend century with your friends, our E-Road bikes will make it happen – with extra pedal power!
“I’m an off-road warrior and love riding in the dirt!”
If you want a bike you can take on gravel and get dirty, electric mountain bikes will do that and make you feel like a singletrack superhero while you’re at it!
If you want to learn more about electric bikes before you make your selection check out our Electric Bike Buying Guide, our Electric Mountain Bike Buying Guide, and our Electric Road Bike Buying Guide.
2. How Fast Do You Want To Go?
Whether you’re shopping for a recreational eBike, an E-MTB, or an E-Road Bike you’ll find a variety of motors and batteries featured that offer a range of turbo boosts. The more expensive models will feature motor/battery combos that give you more “get up and go”.
Additionally, there are three classes of electric bikes based on the level of potential motor assistance. Electric Bikes in Class 1 and 2 provide pedal assist up to 20mph. eBikes in Class 3 provide assistance up to 28mph. Many of our e-road bikes are in Class 3 providing more speed on those long road rides. Learn more about batteries, motors, and e-bike Class levels here.
Let our ERIK’S staff know if more speed is desired and we’ll be sure to show you the models made to go fast!
3. What’s Your Budget?
ERIK’S stocks a deep selection of electric bikes from the best brands in the industry like Specialized and Aventon. Entry-level models start as low as $1299 and high-end models can cost $14,500+.
As you can see, there’s quite a range in electric bike pricing. The higher the price, the fancier the components you’ll get. Sometimes it’s worth it to invest more upfront for a bike with nicer wheels, brakes, and/or something else rather than pay down the line for an upgrade.
4. What Size Bike Do You Need?
Riding the right-sized electric bike impacts your comfort level, your safety, and your overall performance. Most importantly, the right-sized e-bike will really allow you to experience the FUN these bikes provide!
If you visit us in-store, our awesome staff will help you determine which size electric bike is appropriate for you. Then, you can take as many models out to test-ride as you’d like. This will help you discover which one fits you the best and provides the most comfortable riding experience.
If you’re shopping online with us be sure to review our Bicycle Sizing Chart. Using your inseam and height, you can figure out which bike size is ideal for you. Our chart is a general reference. Some brands’ sizes will vary slightly. When you are shopping online, click the “sizing information” link on the left sidebar of the bike product page to see individual brand sizing recommendations. If you have any questions, we’re here to help! Give us a call or chat for assistance.
Ready To Get Your Turbo Smile On?!
With these four questions answered on how to choose an electric bike, you are now ready to begin your electric bike search! Check out our awesome selection of e-bikes online or visit your nearby ERIK’S to take a few styles on a test ride today!