The Ultimate Electric Bike Buying Guide

Electric bikes (e-bikes) are quickly becoming the most in-demand category of bikes on the market—and they're getting more popular every year! With fully customizable options that allow you to adjust how much (or how little) your bike's electric components assist you, electric bicycles offer an ideal combination of fun, comfort, and performance while still providing heart-pumping exercise. No matter what type of riding you want to do (recreational, commuting, endurance road or gravel, mountain biking), e-bikes allow you to ride farther, longer, and more frequently.

Remember that feeling you had as a kid, riding around the neighborhood on your earliest bike as if you owned the world? E-bikes can recreate that experience, offering a boost to expand your riding possibilities in terms of distance, speed, terrain, inclines, and more. Wherever you want to ride, electric bikes can make it happen.

Diving into the world of e-bikes can be a little daunting though. What kind of electric bike should you buy? What features and technologies do they offer? How are they different than riding a traditional bike? We cover all that and more in this ultimate e-bike buying guide, including the following:

• Benefits of e-bikes
• Types of electric bikes
• Key features to consider
• Choosing the right electric bike
• Maintenance and care tips
• Buying electric bikes at ERIK'S

If you're reading this Ultimate Electric Bike Buying Guide, you probably already have a sense of the benefits of e-bikes. But it still bears repeating how many positive impacts this cycling innovation can have for you and the world around you.

Health and Fitness

Some cyclists have the misconception that riding an electric bike is somehow “cheating”—that it won't provide you with the invigorating exercise of traditional cycling. That's simply untrue! Increased cardiovascular fitness, improved joint health, enhanced mental well-being, and reduced stress on the body are just some of the health benefits.

A number of recent studies back up this claim. A 2019 report from Brigham Young University found that riding an electric mountain bike resulted in 94% of the average heart rate that occurred while riding a traditional mountain bike. Another 2019 study published in Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives concluded that “physical activity gains from active travel are similar in e-bikers and cyclists,” partly because “e-bikers take longer trips by e-bike and bicycle, compared to cyclists.” Similarly, a 2021 report from the American College of Sports Medicine showed that electric biking incentivizes active transportation and that cardiometabolic responses are of “moderate intensity” while riding an e-bike.

In short, the facts show what e-bike riders have discovered for themselves: electric bicycles encourage riding longer and more often, improving both physical and mental health and avoiding the frustration of being stuck in rush-hour traffic for hours of your work week.

Environmental Impact

So, what about electric bikes' impacts on the planet? Not surprisingly, they're overwhelmingly positive too! Our transportation is responsible for more than a fifth of all CO2 emissions worldwide, and e-bikes emit only about 3.5 grams per passenger mile (g/pm) of carbon dioxide, compared to 80–176 g/pm for public transportation and 240 g/pm for the average car.

Combine all that with the fact that e-bikers ride more often and for longer distances than most traditional cyclists, and it's easy to understand why an individual electric bike can reduce CO2 emissions by 225 kilograms per year (equivalent to the emissions produced by a passenger flying from Philadelphia to Chicago).

Cost Savings

If saving the planet wasn't enough, then saving enormous amounts of money should provide added motivation. According to Project Drawdown, electric bikes could save consumers $1.07 trillion in lifetime net operating costs between 2020 and 2050, while costing $402.06 billion less to implement than cars.

Thanks to savings not only in upfront costs but also in fuel, repairs, parking, registration, etc., an individual could save an average of $5,094 per year by choosing an e-bike over a gas-powered car. While annual ownership costs of a car amount to about $6,600, annual ownership costs for an average e-bike are barely more than $800. So even if the price tag on your dream electric bike looks a little daunting at first, keep in mind that you'll quickly make up that amount by regularly commuting on an e-bike instead of a traditional vehicle.

Convenience

Last but definitely not least, electric bikes are simply more convenient. Anyone who's been stuck in rush-hour traffic can attest to the frustration of all that wasted time (and those added dollars) that could have been saved if they had breezed home after work on an e-bike instead.

This testimonial from an ERIK'S customer probably says it best: “I use my electric bike primarily for commuting purposes. My commute is 20+ miles each way, which can be tiresome on a regular bike after a long day at work. Zipping along on an e-bike beats sitting in traffic any day, not to mention you're still getting a nice workout!”

Even if you don't commute, though, the ease and convenience of an electric bike can't be overstated. The mere presence of a motor on the bicycle—however much you want it to assist your pedaling—means it's easier than ever to go out for a ride regardless of windy conditions, steep inclines, fatigue, distance, etc. In other words, you can be more confident than ever on two wheels, which may result in your riding more often for longer distances, and with greater satisfaction.

Just like there are different kinds of non-electric bicycles for whatever kind of riding and terrain you prefer, the world of e-bikes is just as vast and diverse. In this section, we'll cover the various kinds of electric bikes, including their benefits and best-use cases.

Electric Mountain Bikes

Electric mountain bikes (or eMTBs) make riding on the trails even more fun and exciting. Ambitious riders find themselves able to tackle singletrack that wasn't possible before, going for longer distances and embracing the challenges of the toughest trails.

Just like a non-electric bicycle, eMTBs require pedal power to generate movement. The difference lies in electric mountain bikes' battery and motor, which provide varying levels of assistance to make pedaling easier and more robust.

For many mountain bikers, this means they're able to extend their riding options and explore trails previously out of reach. They can cycle further, tackle steep hills that once daunted them, or just ride their favorite trails over and over to their heart's content! This is especially important for travel tourism, which often revolves around mountain biking. Electric mountain bikes allow cyclists to ride more of the trail systems they travel to in a limited amount of time. Just make sure to check local trail regulations for eMTBs before your excursion.

Shop all electric mountain bikes at ERIK'S.

Electric Road Bikes

If you're a road cyclist who enjoys long scenic rides on paved or gravel paths, electric road bikes are probably for you. The extra pedal power on electric road bikes will make navigating the city a breeze, and they'll allow you to bike away the weekends, going faster and farther than you ever have before!

Even within this subcategory of e-bikes, there are many different options, including endurance road, performance road, and gravel electric bicycles. These different types of e-road bikes utilize finely tuned geometry to achieve ultimate performance for your particular type of riding. Whichever specific kind of electric road bike you're looking for, it will allow you to explore uncharted terrain and reach new peaks in your cycling performance.

Shop all electric road bikes at ERIK'S.

Commuter Electric Bikes

E-bikes make it especially easy to navigate the city on your commute, whether you're on your way to work or running errands around town. You can make cycling part of your daily commute and avoid showing up to work hot and sweaty—depending on the level of pedal assist you choose, your electric commuter bike does most of the work for you!

With a variety of mounts for racks and bags to carry groceries and other supplies, electric commuter bikes also avoid the hassle of wondering how you'll transport everything on two wheels. There are even electric cargo bikes, such as the Specialized Globe Haul and the Aventon Abound, that are specifically designed for commuting while carrying a lot of cargo. In other words, electric commuter bikes are about more than getting from point A to point B—they're about doing so in style, comfort, and ease, making your ride simpler in the process.

Shop all electric commuter bikes at ERIK'S.

Electric Trikes and Recumbent Bikes

One specific kind of recreational e-bike is ideal if you're looking to maximize comfort and ease of riding: electric trikes and recumbent bikes. These e-bikes are designed to allow the rider to sit more comfortably than a standard upright bike by taking stress off the spine, hands, and hips. Electric trikes and recumbent bikes have three wheels, providing balance that an upright bike cannot (and conserving energy in the process).

Recumbent trikes can be adjusted to fit a wide range of body types and are a perfect solution for cyclists who are recovering from injury or experiencing mobility impairments. Not only that—these electric bicycles are fun to ride, too, offering maximum comfort while riding close to the ground!

Shop all electric trikes and recumbent e-bikes at ERIK'S.

Now that you know the broad categories of electric bicycles, how do you choose exactly the right one for your needs? The various components of e-bikes make it possible to find the ride that's just right for you, but they can be daunting to explore at first glance. Let us guide you through their key features and offer a road map through the expansive world of electric biking!

Motor Types

The motor, of course, is what gives electric bikes their juice—the higher the wattage, the more powerful. There are two basic types of motors on electric bicycles:

• Mid-drive motors (aka center drive motors) are the most current technology and are much preferred over hub motors. Placing the motor toward the middle of the bike keeps the center of gravity lower and as centrally located as possible, giving the bike a balanced feel. Mid-drive motors also allow for easy tire changes, since the wheel comes off like a standard bike.
• Hub motors sit inside an enlarged hub that's built directly into the rear or front wheel. Hub-drive e-bikes can be a little harder to control because there is extra weight over one of the wheels.

Battery Life and Range

Your e-bike's rechargeable battery (which enables the powerful motor) is the second most important component on your electric bicycle. Its capacity and various other features greatly impact range and performance.

There are various placement options for e-bike batteries, including external, integrated, and internal placement (with internal options being either removable or non-removable). It can be helpful to opt for e-bike batteries that are easy to remove; this makes it easier for long-term storage and loading or unloading e-bikes on car racks. That said, the integrated or non-removable batteries can still be serviced by e-bike mechanics (including those at ERIK'S locations!), so there are lots of great options for battery placement, and one isn't necessarily better than another.

The distance an e-bike can go on one battery charge varies between models, but it can be more than 60 miles! An electric bicycle's range depends not only on its motor and battery, but also on variables like speed, the level of assistance you ask the bike to provide, rider and cargo weight, and the terrain you're on.

Your e-bike's display will show how much battery power and range you have left while you ride, and some e-bikes even have optional smartphone apps that allow you to set how much assistance you're getting from the motor and battery based on the length of your ride.

While motors are measured with watts (the total amount of work performed at a given moment), e-bike batteries are measured in watt-hours (the amount of work that can be provided over a period of time). A battery with a higher watt-hour rating will supply more power to the motor and have a longer range.

There are two basic types of batteries found on electric bicycles:

• Lithium-ion batteries are the most desirable because they're made of lighter materials and have the longest lifespan.
• Sealed lead acid batteries are less expensive, but they have shorter lifespans and are much heavier. (The latter type of battery is becoming increasingly rare—in fact, ERIK'S doesn't stock any e-bikes with sealed lead acid batteries!)

For more info, check out our blog post about e-bike battery safety!

Speed and Power

The maximum speed you can ride on your electric bike depends on the combination of motor and battery, with the technology on more high-end models providing you with more “get up and go.”

There are three classes of electric bikes based on the level of potential motor assistance:

• Class 1 e-bikes must be pedaled to receive assistance, have a maximum speed of 20 mph, and are allowed on city streets and most bike paths.
• Class 2 e-bikes have a handlebar-mounted throttle that operates motor assist even when the bike isn't pedaled. These electric bikes also have a maximum speed of 20 mph and are allowed on city streets and most bike paths.
• Class 3 e-bikes can have a throttle as long as it doesn't accelerate the bicycle over 20 mph. They're allowed on city streets but NOT on most bike paths and trails.

For all three classes, once above the maximum speed, the motor will stop giving you pedal assistance. Most bikes are capable of the same top speeds based on their class, but a motor with higher wattage will reach that maximum speed more quickly.

When browsing e-bikes, it's a good idea to check your state and city's current cycling laws. A great resource is People for Bikes' state-by-state guide to e-bike regulations.

Weight and Frame Material

E-bikes are heavier than non-electric bikes because of their motors and batteries. On average, they're about 44-55 pounds, though they can weigh anywhere between 33 and 80 pounds. (In comparison, a non-electric bike weighs an average of about 22 pounds.) This isn't surprising when you consider that most e-bike motors weigh about 4-11 pounds, and batteries weigh in the neighborhood of 10-20 pounds.

In other words, electric bikes aren't a great option for throwing them in your trunk and hitting the road. If you're transporting your e-bike(s) long distances, you'll want to invest in a solid car rack that can handle at least 60 pounds per bike. (Tray-style hitch racks are a good option for carrying electric bikes.)

Of course, your e-bike's frame material will also impact how much it weighs. Most electric bike frames are made of one of the following:

• Aluminum: Most e-bikes in the common market are made with aluminum alloy, a lightweight and stable material. This metal can handle rugged terrain, but it can be stiff and rigid, leading to discomfort on longer rides, and it's vulnerable to corrosion.
• Carbon fiber: Many high-end e-bike frames are built of carbon fiber for superior performance. This polymer is made from carbon sheets and molded resin, making it stronger, lighter, and more durable.
• Steel: This is a durable material that's easy to repair, with elastic properties that are somewhat compliant for enjoyable rides on an e-bike. Inexpensive to boot, steel e-bike frames are also dense and stiff to stand up to the weight and torque of an e-bike's motor and battery—but that also makes it the heaviest frame material.
• Titanium: Another lightweight material that resists corrosion, titanium makes for flexible electric bike frames that absorb shocks and vibrations, resulting in a comfortable ride. Relatively few e-bike frames are made of titanium, though, partially because it's difficult to integrate electrical wiring through it.

Suspension and Tires

No one likes a rough, turbulent ride, and that's especially true on electric bikes: the ability to ride faster and farther than ever before won't matter much if you're uncomfortable in the saddle.

That's why e-bike suspension is so important. It allows your bike's wheels to move up and down, absorbing jostles (especially on rough terrain) while staying in contact with the ground.

There are three main types of e-bike suspensions:

• Front suspension: The most common type of front suspension is the fork, which consists of two struts that connect the e-bike's front wheel to the head tube. The fork includes an internal coil or air spring, which absorbs shocks from the front wheel. This kind of suspension is usually sufficient for everyday riding, commuting, and riding for exercise.
• Rear suspension: A rear suspension system usually includes an extra shock absorber to improve tire contact with the ground, boosting control and reducing fatigue. (It's extremely rare for electric bikes to have rear suspension only.)
• Full suspension: This describes e-bikes with both front and rear suspension, as on electric mountain bikes (or eMTBs) designed for off-roading. Full-suspension eMTBs offer a more comfortable ride than hardtail bikes (i.e., electric mountain bikes with front suspension only). That said, full-suspension bikes are usually heavier and more expensive. This kind of suspension is best for extreme mountain bikers or cyclists dealing with joint pain.

Similarly, there are several types of electric bike tires on the market, and they all come in various sizes. As with non-electric cycling, you'll want to choose the kind of tire that aligns with your riding preference. Electric bicycles can be outfitted with road tires, cyclocross tires, commuter tires, or mountain bike tires, among others, with varying widths and tread patterns to optimize certain conditions.

Generally, wide tires (2 to 2.8 inches) are preferable for off-road or mountain biking, while thin tires (30–50 mm or 1.2–2 inches) are best for urban commuting. Folding electric bikes often feature 16-inch wheels, since they're small, portable, and ideal for riding in the city; however, 26-inch to 29-inch wheels are considered the standard size for e-bikes, offering a good blend of stability and versatility for various riding styles. Fat tires offer increased stability, better traction, and enhanced comfort, while thin tires provide good acceleration, increased speed, and agile handling.

The important thing is to ensure the tire size is appropriate for your e-bike's frame and consider how it will impact your ride. To make the best decision, consider the manufacturer's suggestions, where you'll be riding, the weight or cargo you'll be loading onto the bike, and your personal tastes.

Braking Systems

Finally, what about braking? Electric bikes have increased speeds and higher weights than non-electric bikes, making it even more important to have safe and reliable brakes. Once again, there are many different braking systems that might be featured on electric bikes:

• Hydraulic disc brakes are seen by many as the best braking system for electric bikes. They provide higher stopping power, accurate control, and good heat dissipation.
• Mechanical disc brakes aren't as responsive as hydraulic disc brakes, but they're a solid, simple, and affordable e-bike option.
• Rim brakes, which use friction pads to press against the wheel rim, aren't as common on electric bikes. They may provide enough stopping power for lighter, slower e-bikes, but they're less efficient in wet conditions and can lead to early wheel rim wear.
• Regenerative brakes use the motor to help slow the e-bike down. When you apply the brakes, the motor turns the bike's kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is stored in the battery for subsequent use. Regenerative brakes can extend the overall range of an e-bike, but they're often utilized as a backup braking system in conjunction with traditional brakes, not as the primary stopping mechanism.

One final braking feature to mention on e-bikes is the motor cutoff switch, which automatically turns off the motor when the brakes are applied. However, this isn't present on all e-bikes (notably Turbo bikes). It's important to ensure the motor cutoff switch is properly integrated and functioning to enhance rider control and overall safety.

The reasons for investing in an e-bike are numerous and significant. But, once you're ready to take the plunge into the world of electric cycling, how can you be sure that you're finding the perfect model for you?

Assess Your Needs

Take another glance at the first part of this article and ask yourself: What am I primarily looking for in an e-bike? Do I want to use this as my main mode of local transportation, running errands and visiting friends? Do I want to explore paved or gravel trails in and outside the city on weekend getaways? Do I want to tackle some rough off-road terrain on rustic singletrack excursions? Your answers to these questions will help determine if you should get an electric road, mountain, or commuter bike (or a recumbent, recreational e-bike, etc.).

Find the Right E-Bike for Your Buck

If you've browsed e-bikes before, you've probably noticed there's quite a range in electric bike pricing. The higher the price, the fancier the components you'll get (such as high-powered batteries and motors and cycling computers with all the bells and whistles).

Sometimes it's worth it to invest more upfront for a bike rather than pay down the line for an upgrade. On the other hand, if you're just entering the world of electric cycling, maybe you want to start off with a basic model that still proves the thrill, fun, and mobility that have made e-bikes so popular.

The point is, there are amazing e-bikes at all kinds of price points! ERIK'S stocks a deep selection of electric bikes from the best brands in the industry, like Specialized and Aventon. Entry-level models start around $1,200 while high-end models can cost $14,000 or more. If you're in Minnesota, you may want to take advantage of the state's e-bike rebate program (but be forewarned-rebates are limited and demand is high!).

Test Riding

This is true of any bicycle, but especially an electric bike: make sure you try it before you buy it! There are a wide range of different bike geometries and riding styles (like step-through frames and various suspensions), so stop into your local ERIK'S shop for a test ride and find out what works best for you.

All ERIK'S shops have e-bikes, and they are all available for a test ride to give you a feel for the boost and to help you get familiar with the controls. Swing by your local shop anytime to talk with our professionally trained staff, or chat with us online (hit the Chat button in the lower-right corner of your screen)!

Finally, one of your best sources of information is feedback from other e-bike riders, especially those who have similar skill levels and riding preferences. Of course, it's sometimes necessary to take customer reviews with a grain of salt (and put them in context with advice from e-bike specialists). But there's a growing, increasingly passionate network of electric bike riders out there, and they all want to share the love!

Join the conversation-for example, with organizations like People for Bikes—and discover firsthand how e-bikes are changing the world of transportation.

First and foremost, you should always refer to the manufacturer's guidelines for taking care of your particular e-bike. Each brand and model is a little different, and specific maintenance guidelines will be unique for each one.

Regular Maintenance

Maintenance of an e-bike is largely the same as a non-electric bike. Motors are sealed and don't require special maintenance. That said, here are a few general maintenance tips to keep in mind:

• Keep your e-bike clean, the drivetrain well-lubricated, and the tires properly inflated.
• Check regularly for loose bolts and broken parts.
• Refer to your manufacturer regularly to see if there are software updates.
• If there is an issue, visit a dealership or qualified e-bike mechanic. Don't take apart or try to fix the motor or battery yourself!

Battery Care

The major difference with electric bikes is that you need to keep the battery properly charged, which is as simple as plugging it into an outlet after a ride. Most e-bikes allow you to charge the battery while it's either mounted to the bike or after removing it to bring it indoors.

Here are a few other pointers for extending your e-bike's battery life:

• Keep the battery partially charged and store it in a cool, dry place.
• Charge the battery only with the correct charger supplied by the manufacturer.
• You might want to clean the battery contacts occasionally. You can do this with a soft, dry brush, a cloth, and (optionally) switch lubricant.

Check out our blog post for even more e-bike battery safety and maintenance tips!

Storage Tips

One of the great things about electric bicycles is that they can be ridden in any weather—they can withstand the cold and rain, as long as the motor and battery aren't submerged. Even so, you'll probably need to store your e-bike long-term for at least part of the year. Just remember these easy and convenient storage tips:

• Clean your e-bike before storing it.
• Avoid storing the e-bike with a fully charged or a fully dead battery. The battery should be charged about 50-70% while stored long-term.
• Extreme temperatures and moisture are not good for long-term storage. Keep yours in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight.
• During winter, charge and store the battery at room temperature, and re-insert the battery into the bike immediately before riding.

We have a blog post about electric bike storage and winter care, too!

Why buy an e-bike from ERIK'S? Let us count the ways!

1. Expert Guidance: ERIK'S is the Midwest e-bike expert. Our electric bikes are built by professional assemblers following ERIK'S strict quality standards. After assembly, every e-bike gets quality-checked to our 100-point standard. This double check ensures your bike is built right!
2. Wide Selection from Quality Brands: ERIK'S offers a huge selection from the most trusted brands in the industry, like Specialized, Aventon, BMC, and more. We also stock a wide variety of e-bikes in different riding styles, including road e-bikes, eMTBs, commuter e-bikes, recreational e-bikes, and more. At ERIK'S, we only sell quality electric bikes that we know, ride, and service.
3. Test Rides: As mentioned above, you're welcome to stop into your nearest ERIK'S store and test ride any e-bikes we have in stock!
4. Customer Reviews and Testimonials: ERIK'S customers aren't shy about listing all the reasons they love their electric bikes! Check out just a few of their testimonials about the incredible, amazing e-bike.
5. Financing and Warranty Options: Once you purchase your e-bike from ERIK'S, you can be confident we have your back. We offer a parts warranty that extends the manufacturer's warranty on non-electric components on new bikes purchased from ERIK'S for as long as you own your bike. If your e-bike has issues, we'll service it or work with the manufacturer to fix the problem. Not to mention an array of financing and layaway options so you can buy the perfect e-bike as soon as you find it!

What is the best electric bike for commuting?
We're partial to the Specialized Globe Haul ST and the Aventon Level.2, but you can't go wrong with any of our electric commuter bikes!

How long does the battery of an electric bike last?
Typically, an e-bike battery lasts between three and five years if it's well maintained. (A lithium-ion battery will slowly lose its capacity over time, even if it's not used.)

Are electric bikes suitable for long-distance rides?
Yes! There are many variables that affect an e-bike's maximum distance on a full charge, but that distance typically ranges between 25 and 70 miles. Riding an e-bike leads to less fatigue than traditional cycling, allowing you to ride farther than ever, and electric bikes' fast-charging capabilities means you can get back on the road quickly, even if you have to stop off for a charge.

Can I ride an electric bike in the rain?
Yep! Most e-bikes are designed to be ridden in all types of weather—even through the snow during winter months. However, you shouldn't ride through puddles so deep that your motor or battery are submerged. After riding your electric bike in the rain, make sure to clean and dry it off!

What type of motor is best for an electric bike?
There really is no single kind of motor that's best for an e-bike—it all depends on what kind of riding you'll do and your preferences surrounding motor power, speed, distance, cost, battery life, and so on. While mid-drive motors have become more popular than hub motors recently, each kind of motor placement has its benefits.

How do I choose the right size electric bike?
Although e-bike manufacturers do provide sizing specs, the best way to make sure an electric bike is the right size for you is to stop into an ERIK'S location for a test ride.

We hope our Ultimate Electric Bike Buying Guide provided everything you need to know about this exciting cycling revolution. To recap, here are some of the main points we covered:

• There are various types of electric bikes (road, mountain, commuter, recreational, trike/recumbent, and more!) to suit whatever kind of riding you prefer.
• Various motors and batteries offer a wide range of power, speed, distance, handling, and other considerations.
• Similarly, e-bikes have a variety of suspension systems, tires, and braking mechanisms to optimize different kinds of cycling.
• E-bikes tend to be heavier than traditional bicycles, and most e-bike frames are made of materials like aluminum or carbon fiber.
• Electric bicycles provide many benefits for the rider and the environment.
• Maintenance is relatively simple for e-bikes, though there are a few battery upkeep and long-term storage tips to keep in mind.
• For your e-bike and accessory needs, ERIK'S is your trusted authority!

We look forward to getting you out on the trails (wherever they may be) on your brand-new e-bike! Browse our online selection or visit us for expert advice and to test-ride your perfect fit.