The bicycle has been a part of modern society since the dawn of the Industrial Revolution. While they’re most commonly associated with leisurely cycling, there are many more uses for bicycles than just getting from point A to point B.
This is especially true in cities where people need a reliable form of transportation that won’t take up precious parking space or congest the roads with cars. If you’ve noticed that your daily commute to work, school, or wherever has become quite a chore lately and you’d love to ease up on your routine, a cruiser bicycle could be what you need.
However, before you jump into the e-bike craze as one might assume, there are a few things you should consider first.
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike is a bicycle with an electric motor. They work on batteries that can be charged via a power outlet, Solar Panel, or another e-bike. E-bikes have been growing in popularity because of their convenience and ease of use.
The motor, which is usually placed in the front wheel, provides power when you pedal and can completely replace the need for pedaling when you’re in a flat area where there’s no path or pavement to pedal on.
A lot of e-bike models come with electric assist that can allow the user to pedal without the effort of pedaling and can make riding a bike easier for people who are recovering from injuries or are just not physically able to pedal as much.
If you are recovering from an injury, e-bikes can help you exercise your legs and get your cardiovascular system moving again. E-bikes can also help you get around when you’re recovering from an illness or surgery that has left you unable to pedal as much as you normally would.
Which type of e-bike is right for you?
With all the different types of electric bikes, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. E-bikes that have pedal assist are the most common and are ideal for new riders who don’t have the coordination or strength to pedal without the motor.
Some e-bikes also come with a throttle lock, which allows the rider to “throttle up” or “throttle down” depending on the power they want to use. There are also electric bike models that have a seat, making it easier for those who may be recovering from an injury or those who just don’t have the strength to pedal.
The Benefits of an E-Bike
You can ride your e-bike anywhere there’s a power outlet. You can even take your bike with you on public transportation as long as you have a bike-friendly bag to keep your bike from getting damaged. E-bikes are also cheaper to operate than traditional bikes. They have fewer parts that need to be maintained and aren’t reliant on a person to pedal them like a bike is.
Unlike a traditional bike where you’re sitting and straining your back, an electric bike gives you a smooth ride and can help you get back in shape if you’re recovering from an injury or ailment.
Electric bikes are extremely green and environmentally friendly. They don’t emit any exhaust or produce any noise when they’re in use and can even help reduce congestion on the roads.
5 Things to Check Before Purchasing an E-Bike
When looking to buy an e-bike, there are a few factors you’ll want to consider before making your purchase. You’ll want to look at the size of the motor, how many gears the bike has, any safety features, the style, and the price.
Before you buy, make sure you do some research on the e-bike you’re considering. You can also ask friends, family, or online reviews for their thoughts on a certain model. While most e-bikes are pedal-assist, you might want to consider a model that has a throttle or pedal assist so you can pedal when you want to.
If you have an injury that makes it difficult for you to pedal, you might be able to choose a bike with a throttle lock so you can pedal at a slower speed.
The Disadvantages of an E-Bike
Like traditional bikes, e-bikes have their disadvantages as well. For example, they’re often heavier and more expensive to buy than a normal bike and may not be as suitable for off-road use. Also, because they have an electric motor instead of a chain, e-bikes don’t qualify for tax breaks for purchasing a bike.
These disadvantages don’t necessarily mean an e-bike is a bad choice. They just mean you’ll need to make sure you’re aware of the pros and cons before purchasing one. With that being said, an e-bike can be a great way to get around your city and save you money while doing it.
How to choose the best e-bike?
Now that you know just a few things about e-bikes, you’re ready to start shopping. Before you do, there are a few things you should keep in mind to make sure you get the best e-bike for your needs.
Before you even think about the price or features of a bike, you’ll want to make sure the bike is easy to pedal. While e-bikes with pedal assist are a bit easier to pedal than a regular bike, they still need to be pedal-assist to be efficient. If you find it too hard to pedal, an e-bike won’t be very helpful.
With most e-bikes, one of the biggest advantages is that they don’t have a traditional chain. This makes them a lot quieter than traditional bikes and helps with the environment.
Final Words
If you’ve decided that an e-bike is the right solution for your transportation needs, there are a few things you should keep in mind before making your purchase. First, you’ll want to make sure the bike has the features you need and fits your budget.
Next, you’ll want to make sure the bike has the right size to accommodate your weight and how you pedal. And lastly, you’ll want to make sure it’s easy to pedal and get around. If you follow these tips, you should be able to find the best e-bike for your needs.
