Riding an electric bike on a sunny day at the beach

Things to Know Before Buying an Electric Bike

E-bikes are the next big thing, and why shouldn’t they be? They are a fantastic technology that can help people in everyday life! Now anyone can take longer commutes to work or cycle up hills without putting in the extra effort!

The good news is that this worldwide surge of popularity isn’t forecasted to diminish any time soon!

In fact, the global market for e-bikes is expected to amount to 20 billion US dollars by 2023. Moreover, by 2028, this number is expected to rise to 48.5 billion US dollars.

So, what do you need to know before you get an e-bike? Here’s a checklist for you.

Person parking an electric bike under a tree

A Bike That Fits Your Purpose

There are many bikes to choose from that have many styles and have various purposes. You need to find an electric bike according to your needs—for example, if you live in an apartment where you need to carry your bike up the stairs, you’ll want to invest in an e-bike that’s lightweight and foldable.

And for that, you need to know your types of electric bikes.

Types of Electric Bikes

Electric bikes are designed for different purposes and functions. Each is geared toward specific needs and activities that require an efficient motor and battery combo. These include electric road bikes, mountain bikes, e-cargo bikes, hybrid bikes, and folding bikes.

E-Cargo Bikes
E cargo bikes can even replace cars in many situations because they are designed to carry heavy weights and accommodate children.

E-Mountain and E-Road Bikes
E-road bikes or mountain bikes are on the leaner side and offer excellent performance. These bikes are designed to offer a light bike frame, suspensions, and powerful brakes so that bikers can enjoy a smooth ride on uneven tracks.

Folding E-Bikes
Folding e-bikes are the right option for your daily, shorter city commutes. The beauty about these bikes is that they can be easily stored in your hallway or lockers and tucked away neatly. However, the batteries in these bikes are smaller.

Hybrid E-Bikes
Hybrids are the perfect option for riding in the city and can also perform well for commuting purposes. They’re the right fit if you’re looking for casual riding. Moreover, hybrid bikes are also quite inexpensive. The only downside is that they are heavy to carry around.

Electric bike on a hilltop over a city

Batteries and Power

Different versions of rechargeable lithium-ion batteries power your e-bikes, and their capacity is measured through watt-hours. This is important when deciding the range of your bike.

Their beauty is that these batteries are low weight and are quick to charge. These batteries can last up to approximately 800 full charge cycles. You can help them live longer with proper care and maintenance.

The battery is attached to the down tube, and sometimes it can be attached to the rear rack. In some e-bikes, they’re cleverly hidden in the down tube near the bottom bracket or underneath the seat. These are more expensive models and make your e-bikes look like regular bikes.

Consider the Range of Your Bike

The range of your bike is the total distance your bike can travel without running out of battery. This is important when it comes to charging. This will probably be the most important thing to know when you’re buying your bike.

Your range should be based on your battery’s capacity, the weight of the rider, its speed, and route. The longer your range is, the less you’ll have to charge your batteries.

Types of Motors

When it comes to motors, there are two types: The mid-drive and the hub motor. Electric bikes don’t have a throttle, and the power assist will only kick in once you start pedaling.

Your mid-drive motor is located in the middle of your e-bike in the bottom bracket area. Meanwhile, the hub motor sits inside the front or rear wheel hub.

If you’re looking for peak performance and responsiveness, go for mid-drive motors, but if you’re a city cyclist, you should go for hub motors.

Rider riding bike on the beach

Have we convinced you to get your hands on a fantastic electric bike? Well, then check out our inventory for our diverse and varying range of bikes. At SWFL Golf Carts, we pride ourselves on bikes of all designs and styles with a sleek build and battery power fit for your needs.

And if you haven’t made up your mind yet, why not get an electric bicycle rental in Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Naples, and Cape Coral to try your hand and see what bike fits you best!

Contact us here for further details.

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