E-bikes have changed the lifestyle of the Australian people, the way they travel, exercise and their outdoor activities. As costs of fuel increase, traffic jams become more and more frequent, and people are more concentrated on sustainable transport, e-bikes have become a viable transportation option to any rider of any age and condition. You may be driving through the city, riding on the weekend trails, or just want to enjoy the ride by having an easier way to ride on, but the appropriate brand of electric bicycle can make the ride or the run worth the money.
Nevertheless, when there is this number of models, features, and price points to consider, it might seem daunting to locate the most appropriate electric bicycle to meet your requirements. This electric bike purchase guide Australia will take you through all the necessary details that you need in order to make a good purchase.
The Question of How to Select an Electric Bicycle According to Your Needs
The first thing in choosing an e-bike is the way you intend to use it. The features and specifications of different riding purposes differ.
Commuting
When you want to get rid of your car to do your daily trips to work/errands, your primary considerations should include models that reach at least 40-60km range, have inbuilt lights, mudguards and a comfortable upright sitting posture. E-bikes used by commuters may also have convenient accessories such as racks and baggage carrying panniers.
Fitness and Recreation
To riders who want to work out, but need some extra power, e-bikes are the way to go, with various power modes that allow you to have the motor assist you the required degree of assistance. Find models that have responsive pedal-assist systems and that give you a natural riding experience and at the same time one that exercises you.
Off-Road Adventures
Mountain e-bikes or fat-tire models can be used in trail riding and on rough roads. These are usually sturdier in their suspension, have broader tyres to offer them better grip, and stronger motors to overcome steep shots and rough trails.
Cargoes and Family
When you have to take children, animals, or heavy materials, you may want to consider the cargo e-bikes with longer frames, strengthened structure, and increased weight limits.
The Major Characteristics to Be Considered During a Purchase of an E-Bike
Knowing what to consider in an electric bicycle may assist you to avoid the buyer remorse and also to make sure that your investment will be worth it in the long run.
Motor Type and Power
E-bike motors are usually hub-based (in the wheel) or mid-based (needed in the area around the pedals). Hub motors are usually cheaper and do not need as much maintenance and mid-drive motors are more balanced in weight and performance in hilly climbs. Australia has legal restrictions on the e-bike motors, which are restricted to 250W continuous power and will switch off at 25km/h when throttle assistance is enabled.
Battery Life and Range
The battery capacity is represented in watt-hours (Wh) and it is a direct indicator of the distance that you can travel on a single charge. Majority of good e-bikes have between 300-700Wh which gives them a range of between 40-100km, depending on the terrain, weight of the rider and the level of assist. Think of where you will charge your battery and also, is it removable and easy to charge indoors.
Comfort and Fit
As with traditional bicycles, it is important to get the correct sizing as well. Always test ride to check the position of handlebars, the comfort of the saddle and the ergonomics. Suspension systems and adjustable parts can make rides much more comfortable, particularly during longer rides.
Weight and Portability
The motor and the battery make E-bikes weigh 18-30kg. Depending on how the necessity to take your bike upstairs or put it on a car trunk, the light models can justify the additional cost.
Electric Bicycles in Australia
The various categories can be understood to reduce your search in learning to select an electric bicycle.
City and Commuter E-Bikes
These are intended to ride in paved road and urban setting and they have convenient features such as chain guards, inbuilt lights, and comfortable geometry to provide ease of riding.
Mountain E-Bikes
Trails and rough terrain with a suspension system, knobby tyres and tough frames which are capable of jumps, drops and technical riding.
Folding E-Bikes
Small bikes that can be folded in order to be conveniently stored and transported, they are suitable to commuters with less space or to people who use a combination of bicycles with transport options.
Cargo E-Bikes
Using long frame bicycles to transport children, groceries or equipment, which may have strong motors so the weight does not burden the bicycles.
Fat-Tire E-Bikes
Fat-tire bikes have large tyres (usually 4 inches or larger) that help in riding over sand, snow, or loose ground where the regular bike will not be helpful.
Top 10 Buying Your First E-Bike Common Mishaps to Be Avoided
Novice consumers are known to commit unavoidable mistakes that can result in disappointments or unwarranted costs.
Making a Choice Based on Price
Though the price is significant, the cheapest one is usually associated with low quality components, low range, and low after-sales services. It is important when it comes to quality and you are dependent on your e-bike on a regular basis.
Neglect of After-Sales Service
E-bikes have to be maintained periodically and can use repairs. Buying its products through stores whose service centres are based locally or whose warranties are supported by a good warranty is a way of saving a headache in the long run.
Ignoring Legal Requirements
In Australia, make sure that your e-bike does not go against the local rules on the power of the motor, speed, and the places you can ride. There are particular provisions in certain locations on bike paths versus road.
Purchasing Sight Unseen
An e-bike can be gorgeous on the Internet, but feel not at all comfortable in reality. Test ride as many models as you can to compare handling, comfort and power delivery.
Underestimating Your Needs
Don’t think only about the present needs, think about the emerging ones. In case you would like to ride farther sometime and transportation capabilities, selecting a more flexible model at the beginning will save you the hassle of having to upgrade shortly after.
Conclusion
To choose the most appropriate electric bicycle guide, one should align his or her needs with the appropriate features, learn about various types that can be offered, and prevent the regular tricks of buying. You have to commute around Sydney, walk some trails in Victoria, or drive along the coastline in Queensland, there is an e-bike that will perfectly fit your lifestyle.
Research, test ride where you can and invest in quality parts which will be in service to you many years down the road. The right electric bicycle buying guide Australia strategy does not emphasize on short term savings but long term satisfaction.
Ready to ride? Research electric bicycles for sale at Go Easy Online and get the ideal model that suits your lifestyle and finances.
Source: How to Choose the Best Electric Bicycle for Your Needs
