Biking saves money and promotes a healthy lifestyle. Plus, cycling is fun! But as you take your first steps from the curb, you may wonder what type of bike to buy: electric or traditional? Both have pros and cons that can make it difficult to decide which type of bike should be purchased.
In this article, we look at what each has to offer and provide some helpful hints for choosing the right one for you.
Electric Bikes vs. Traditional Bicycles: Pros and Cons
An electric bike’s biggest advantage over a traditional bike is that it can go much farther than its human-powered counterpart before the rider needs to pedal again.
Battery Life
Fully charged batteries placed inside an electric bike’s frame will offer a range of 40 to 80 miles between charges, depending on how much power is being used. These ranges, however, are best estimates, and the actual range may be longer or shorter because of hills, weather conditions, and other factors. It can be difficult for riders to accurately gauge a vehicle’s range because each manufacturer will have different testing procedures which use varying methods to achieve their results.
City Riding vs. Country Riding
Traditional bicycles are good for city riding, but you can’t always expect them to take you through the country. The main concern is that traditional bicycles are heavier than their electric counterparts. This means that it’s harder to pedal because of the added weight, and it’s harder to reach high speeds because their additional weight slows down their acceleration.
Physical Design
The physical design may also be a factor in choosing an electric bike over a traditional one if the two options range in price or weight. Some electric bikes may be more comfortable for longer-distance use than traditional ones if they have thicker tires and handlebars. They may also have larger seats, which feel more comfortable to many riders than smaller ones with less padding.
Spokes
Spokes are another factor in choosing an electric bike over a traditional one.
Traditional bikes have spokes, which are cables or rods that help support their tires. A good quality spoke on a traditional bike will last around 5,000 miles before it must be replaced. Most high-quality spokes can also support their tire on their own without the cable or rod.
Electric bikes typically have fewer spokes than traditional ones because they don’t rely on them for strength or support but instead on the frame and the wheels themselves. Since there’s no need for extra wiring on electric bikes, they’re lighter than traditional ones and easier to carry around or store when not in use.
How to Know if You’re Ready for an Electric Bike
It’s important to know the right time to invest in an electric bike because it can take some time to fully understand how an electric bike will fit into your life. Learning the proper technique for riding an electric bike can be challenging at first, so you may need to take some breaks or practice before you feel completely comfortable.
You should also consider the terrain where you plan to use your new e-bike and whether you’re experienced with such a vehicle. If you’re not, it may be a good idea to look for a bike with a lower top speed so you can get the hang of the “e-bike” experience before going all-out.
It’s also important to think about how your commute will change if you switch from a traditional bike to an electric one. An electric bike may require more planning as far as parking because it’s not as easily stored as a traditional one. You may also want to know how charging your e-bike will affect your electricity bill before making the switch to ensure it won’t cause you any problems.
Why Should You Purchase an Electric Bike?
Electric bikes are great for commuters because they’re easy to fold up and store in a closet when not in use. They also have the added benefit of being able to help you stay fit by helping you pedal on a more regular basis and travel more distance. If you’re not sure how much riding an electric bike will do for you, consider taking a test drive with a friend who already has one to gauge your reactions, or rent an e-bike to get the feel of it.
If you’re looking for e-bikes, we can help you out. SWFL Golf Carts offers e-bike on rent in Naples at affordable rates. You can also order a range of electric bicycles without a shipping fee from our website.
We also deal in e-motorcycles and golf carts in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Estero, FL. contact us here to learn more about our products.