Hot Tips for Buying an Ebike

Are you tired of spending hours in your car stuck in traffic? Is the commute to work getting you down as you always seem to be late no matter what route you drive? If so, it might be time to invest in an eco-friendlier mode of transport that will take you where you need to go without you having to worry about traffic. You guessed it – it might be time to get an ebike. But how do you know which bike to buy and what accessories you’ll need? The following are some buying tips to keep in mind when you’re out shopping.

Think About Accessories

There is nothing worse than buying a great sound system and realizing that, to make it work, you need a separate set of cables to hook it all up. And, more often than not, those cables are not included in the box. Apply the same logic when buying an ebike as you will have to invest in certain accessories to get on the road. From helmets and lights to baskets, fenders, repair kits and battery packs, there are many ebike accessories to choose from online so take some time to get familiar with the different options available.

Research

Think about what it is you want to achieve with your new purchase. Is comfort the most important factor for you? If so, a step-through frame may be best. Will you want to ride long distances? You’ll need a battery of 400 watt-hours or more. Once you determine what is most important to you, research the different brands that are available. If there is a store near you that sells ebikes, make it your business to go in there and test ride as many as you can. Make a comparison of each bike you ride and chat to the retailer about the things you liked and disliked. This should help to narrow your search and leave you with just a few options that tick all your boxes.

Check the Power Maintenance

Something that cannot be overstressed enough when it comes to research is the power option. While the Apple/Android debate rages in phones, the one consistent discussion is about which phones have greater power versus longevity. The same debate is relevant in the ebike market. Be sure to ask questions about the power of the battery and ask if there is a possibility to use a battery pack for those extra-long journeys. If you are planning on using your ebike for long distance, make sure you ask about travel cables and the difference having one would make. Also, if you are given the option for a charge- at-home module, make sure you take into consideration your electrical responsibilities. If you live in a shared house, for example, with shared amenities, your fellow housemates may not be too happy that there’s a sudden surge in the electricity bill. These are all things to keep in mind when it comes to power.

Safety Is Priority

Regardless of whether you took school-mandated cycling safety tests or whether your dad pushed you downhill on a tricycle when you were five, you learned one way or the other that cycling, and falling off, is painful. Skinned limbs and the occasional bumped head are all that you can really expect in terms of blowback when you fall off a traditional bike. Like with petrol bikes, however, ebikes can go faster and that means there’s an increase of potential danger and damage. That said, follow the rules of the road, invest in the right safety gear, don’t speed and you’ll limit the risk of falls and clashes.

Check the Warranty

Whether you want to spend 1k or 6k, buying an electric bike is a big investment. Ensure you get the biggest bang for your buck by securing a warranty that will cover you for at least two years.

Buy Cheap, Buy Twice

This is so true when it comes to electric bikes. It’s not cheap to manufacture a good quality ebike that is built to last with high quality parts so don’t make the mistake of buying cheap. Prices range from $600 to $8000 so there’s a huge difference in features and quality. Find a retailer near you that deals in ebikes and see what prices they’re charging. Compare those with manufacturers online and then make a decision on where you’ll get the best value for your money in the long run.

Regular Servicing

It’s important to remember that an ebike is not a toy – it’s a form of transportation and you must treat it accordingly. The quality of the bike frame and its parts must be to an exceptional standard and all parts need to be serviced regularly if you’re going to get the best riding experience. After all, you wouldn’t expect to drive your car for months on end without having it serviced and checked for sufficient oil and water?