Combining the classic bicycle look and lightweight feel with the added power of a battery and plenty of modern design, electric bikes really do offer the best of both worlds.
Find the perfect electric bike and take your bike to the next level
Whether you’re new to cycling, just starting out with your workouts, or getting some help on those challenging hills, an e-bike might just be the way to go. But with so many options, it can be hard to know where to start. Our electric bike buying guide is designed to help you understand how to choose the right bike for you, from bike type to battery size. Choosing an electric bike or a traditional bike is just the beginning. You’ll have many different options – from the number of gears to the type of brakes, and whether the battery is integrated internally or externally. Electric bikes are available in women’s, men’s and unisex styles, and the style that’s right for you depends on your body size, riding style and the type of travel you’re going to be doing. So, keep reading for our comprehensive electric bike buying guide and everything you need to know about choosing the right bike for you.
What is an electric bike?
An e-bike (electric bike) is exactly what it says on its packaging – it’s essentially a conventional bike, plus one powered by electricity. The engine and battery have been added to provide extra help on climbs and more acceleration when you need it. To comply with UK law, the motor speed of e-bikes is limited to 15.5 miles per hour (25 kilometers per hour). That means you won’t get any electric boost if you’re riding the bike at 15.6 mph or higher. Also, there are limits to the assist power of an e-bike – your e-bike shouldn’t produce more than 250W in top mode. Electric bikes also need to have two pedals as the primary form of propulsion. For these reasons, electric bicycles are also sometimes referred to as “electrically assisted bicycles” and “walking bikes”. The battery of an e-bike provides assistance, rather than powering it independently. Unlike a motorcycle or e-scooter, an e-bike’s battery only charges when you actually pedal. As with non-electric bikes, there are many varieties to choose from. City dwellers may be interested in urban e-bikes or commuter e-bikes, while more adventurous people may be looking for electric mountain bikes.
Which electric bike to buy?
As with choosing any type of bike, before you decide which type is right for you, it’s important to consider how you’ll be using your e-bike. There are many different types, all with power propulsion and pedal assist.
Best electric commuter bike
A commuter e-bike designed for navigating through traffic on the way to work means you can get to the office effortlessly, so you can be ready for the next day. Because the e-bike’s motor can propel you forward, you can even save a few minutes for your morning routine. For those new to e-bikes, lightweight options like the Raleigh Array make it easier to ride; 60 miles on a 400wh battery, shifting through seven gears, and The OLED display on the pneumatic flat handle controls the speed.
Hybrid Electric Bike
A true combination of the best things in the world, an electric hybrid bike offers the power of an engine, the control of a road bike and the handling of a mountain bike. For long commutes and heavy traffic, a high-quality hybrid electric bike is the perfect choice. For example, a Raleigh Motus with a Bosch e-bike battery can provide up to 250% more cycling output, so you’ll cut your commute time considerably.
Folding electric bike
Make your commute easy and take the load off your shoulders with a folding electric bike. Whether you stash it on the train, keep it under your desk in your office, or even tuck it into your suitcase on the weekends, a folding bike can make adventures or commutes easy. Models like the Stow-E-Way combine a strong battery, stable wheels, and all the power of a top-of-the-line electric battery to deliver a high-quality ride that’s ready to pack.
Electric mountain bike
If you’re going to be riding off-road or uneven terrain, an electric mountain bike (eMTB) or off-road e-bike is ideal for all adventures without all the hard work. While using a battery means a mountain e-bike is slightly heavier than a pedal bike, it pays off faster, helps on rocky surfaces and hills, and has great control.
Electric cargo vehicle
For those who need to carry a lot, the e-Cargo bike is the ideal solution, combining storage space with electric assist. As a sustainable alternative to motor vehicles, using an electric cargo bike for transportation is a great way to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. The Stride 2 family cargo bike, for example, uses a Bosch e-bike battery that can travel 40 miles on a single charge and has enough cargo space for students to go to school, make deliveries and even go to the supermarket every week.
Maintenance of electric bikes
Choose the right e-bike and it will really become part of the family. Well, maybe not quite, but it’s certainly a treasured possession you want to take good care of. Read our e-bike maintenance guide and check out some of our favorite tips below:
General Electric Bike Repair
Just like a car, it’s important to maintain and inspect your e-bike to make sure the battery, motor, and other components are all working properly. To schedule service, find your local Raleigh appliance store here.
Electric Bike Battery Maintenance
It is very important to take extra care when you store your bike, especially during hot summers or winters. One option is to remove the battery from the frame and place it in a safe indoor location. Store your bike at 30-60% charge – you can monitor charge levels and plan charging by using the handlebar display.
Electric Bike Motor Repair
Because the motor is hermetically sealed, you don’t need regular maintenance or inspections. When you take your bike in for routine maintenance, a local expert will check that the motor is in good working order. How to Clean an Electric Bike All common cleaning methods like wiping the frame and keeping the wheels free of grit, but carefully clean the connections with an alcohol-based bike cleaner before spraying on a suitable bike lubricant (like GT85) to remove the water device is also important. It’s also a good idea to wipe your e-bike display with a dry cloth to remove any dirt or dust.
It’s okay to hose a muddy bike, but avoid electrical components (battery, motor, and display) and never use a jet or pressure washer.
Post time: Sep-24-2022