How to choose an electric bike

When choosing an electric bike, you first need to proceed as you would when choosing a regular bike - this means clarifying:

• What purpose will the bike serve? (transportation, sports, tourism, etc.)
• Where will you ride your bike most often and on what roads? (roads, cycle paths, forest and field paths, all types?)
• What riding style (type of sitting) should the bike provide (sporty - more leaning forward or more upright, comfortable?)
• How often and how far will you ride your bike? (how many times a week, how many kilometers?)
• what other functions do you need - compactness (frequent transportation), carrying luggage, equipment for riding in the wet, in the dark, etc.

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Find the ideal model for your needs I want to choose an electric bike

Mountain bikes (MTB)

Depending on the individual answers, you can lean towards one of the basic types of bikes:

The bikes are designed for riding on a variety of terrain, from easy to difficult. They can also be ridden on the road, but the type of tires, suspension travel, and frame geometry are not ideal for riding on the road. The type of terrain and riding style (sports, recreational, touring) and the appropriate bike equipment are also important. In the case of electric MTBs, it must be assumed that the electric equipment increases the weight of the bike, and electric mountain bikes are usually designed for easy to moderately difficult terrain. The level of equipment is also lower for electric mountain bikes and, given the expected use, is sufficient.

In some cases, MTBs have their own men's and women's versions. In the men's version, the upper beam tube is led up, in the women's version it is lowered - running diagonally down from the steering head. However, more athletic women usually choose "men's" geometries, which have greater stiffness, a more feminine design and a more significantly sloping top frame tube.

Mountain bikes can be adapted more for road riding, for example by fitting narrower tires, retrofitting with fenders, lights, etc., then their use becomes more universal, while maintaining off-road potential. This developing category is often referred to as SUVs.

Trekking/cross bikes

Bikes designed for both light terrain and roads and cycle paths. This bike is chosen by a cyclist who intends to travel on various types of roads and on the road. He/she will get into the terrain more by mistake, but he/she must sometimes ride on a dusty road during his/her tourist wanderings. Prepared field and forest roads, cycle paths and road crossings. The frame geometry provides a more comfortable - upright position than that of mountain bikes. This type of bike is popular in flatter cyclo-tourist areas.

The term "cross" (cross) bikes is slightly misleading, because for some it evokes difficult terrain ala motocross, for others it evokes bikes designed for traditional cyclocross. The origin of the word comes from the combination of cross-category, i.e. bikes with characteristics between road and off-road categories.

Their analogue is "trekking" (trekking) bikes, which are additionally equipped with mudguards, a rack, and lighting from the factory, i.e. equipment for traveling even in adverse conditions. Cross bikes can usually be retrofitted with removable additional mudguards, racks, and lighting for this purpose, which can be used if necessary.

Both categories of bikes tend to have narrower and less off-road tires than mountain bikes, and the wheels also tend to be larger in diameter, usually 28".

These bikes usually come in men's and women's versions. In the men's version, the upper frame tube is led upwards, in the women's version it is lowered - running diagonally downwards from the steering head.

City bikes and touring bikes

Touring bikes are designed mainly for roads and rather paved paths. The frames are characterized by an open structure - one frame tube (without the upper tube connecting the steering head to the seat tube). The bottom-mounted frame allows for comfortable entry and exit, a comfortable seat. Variants with the lowest entry are also available , making boarding as easy as possible, suitable for seniors.

Touring bikes are better equipped than city bikes in terms of engine, suspension and equipment and serve as a comfortable means of transport. The frame geometry is usually adapted to longer trips (upright seat) and the equipment of the electric bike is also adapted to road trips (shorter suspension travel, more comfortable saddle, shape of handlebars, etc.). These bikes are chosen mainly by cyclists who use their bike for trips on roads and paved paths, in a comfortable style.

Bikes in this category tend to have men's and women's versions. In the men's version, the upper frame tube is led upwards, in the women's version it runs diagonally downwards from the handlebars. These bikes are very similar in type to city bike variants.

Stylish city bikes - cruisers are adapted to urban conditions. The frame is usually adapted for easy boarding, even in urban clothing. Travel is expected to be for shorter distances in urban traffic. They are equipped with fewer gears. The frame has a geometry for a completely upright sitting position. In women's versions we find full chain cover, baskets, etc. In cruisers there are also versions in retro designs, representing an expression of style. Single speed types are also gaining popularity.

Folding electric bikes

The shape of the frame and the size of the wheels are fully subject to the requirement for compactness and practicality. They are suitable for shorter distances on a hard surface and are also very well suited for urban use. Smaller wheels (usually size 20") handle uneven terrain a little more difficult, but they excel in maneuverability in urban conditions. Again, you can choose variants with a low step-in and various levels of equipment, including full suspension. Exceptionally, folding mountain electric bikes for recreational riding on light terrain also appear.

Road bikes

These bikes (simplified by the former Favorit) are intended more for sporty riding on roads. The frame geometry is designed for low aerodynamic resistance and low weight, the tires are thin, the frame is unsprung. They are found only sporadically in the e-bike category and are built more to order.

In general, when initially selecting a type, the following applies:

For short rides, a comfortable seat and a low entry (low frame tube position), turn your attention to urban e-bike models. If you need the ability to get the bike into a small space (caravan, boat), turn to folding e-bikes.

For hiking with a predominance of asphalt roads and cycle paths, choose cross and trekking electric bikes (with mudguards, rack, lighting).

For hiking off-road, cycle paths and general nature walks, choose the mountain e-bike category.

 

Next, you need to determine the appropriate frame size:

 

Maximum frame sizes:

Wheel diameters (in inches)

• 10" -26" - children's bikes
• 20" small folding wheels
• 26", 28" city and touring bikes
• 27.5", 29" - mountain bikes
• 28" - cross, trekking and road bikes

2) Next, you need to consider the individual requirements for the bike's electrical equipment:

What type of electrical equipment would be best suited in terms of:

a) Physical requirements and riding style, i.e. to what extent you will need the assistance of the bike:

Will you rather rely on constant motor assistance, or are you more interested in the characteristics of a regular bike, where you will only use occasional assistance uphill?

If you prefer a "effortless" quiet ride, consider a rear motor and a higher battery capacity (see below). If you prefer a sportier ride and occasional assistance, look at mid-engines and regular battery capacities.

How far will you ride, how often will you have the opportunity and desire to recharge the bike?

For rides of a few kilometers, a battery up to 14Ah is sufficient; if you are going to ride for tens of kilometers, be sure to look for batteries above 15Ah.

What level of components (fitting) will you need?

Depending on the type of bike, choose a sufficient battery capacity, number of gears and control method. For riding shorter distances, e.g. for seniors on roads, a smaller number of gears is more suitable, and simpler controls, e.g. an LED control panel. For longer trips in varied terrain and riding styles, higher battery capacities, more gears and assistance settings are suitable. For sporty riding, where the battery is more of a reserve, the equipment will be equivalent to a regular trekking or mountain bike, with enough gears, appropriate equipment and a favorable weight.

Keep in mind that the range of an electric bike decreases significantly in hilly terrain, but also when starting frequently in the city. The weight of the rider, headwinds and the quality of the surface on which you ride also play a role. It is therefore advisable to choose the battery capacity with a margin to avoid discomfort and the risk of the electric bike running out prematurely. Riding is then more difficult than on a regular bike due to the higher weight. With a stronger battery, you also extend the battery life thanks to the less frequent need for charging.

b) Which design concept of an electric bike will suit you best, given your style of use?

This mainly concerns 2 design parameters - battery position and motor position. Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, but the trend is clear:

E-bike battery position

Classic batteries were most often cuboid-shaped and were placed either at the back of the e-bike carrier or as a separate unit on the frame tube. In new types of e-bikes, the battery is clearly being integrated with the frame, or placed in the frame tube, so-called battery integration, so that the appearance of the bike is as little disturbed as possible.

The position of the wheel's center of gravity is particularly affected by different battery positions.

• The battery on the carrier has a higher center of gravity and can therefore affect the bike's handling a little more, but it can also blend in with the carrier in a suitable way and allow the frame area to be free like on a regular bike (for a bottle, handbag, etc.).
• The battery behind the seat tube lowers the center of gravity, but as a result lengthens the frame construction. This concept has gradually almost disappeared from the offerings.
• The battery on the front frame tube allows the use of conventional frame tubes, but it looks unaesthetic and is only marginally available in manufacturers' offers on the cheapest models. A clear trend is batteries integrated into the main frame tube. It is a bit more bulky, but with today's cell capacities it is possible to fit batteries with a capacity of up to 25 Ah (900Wh). The battery is easily removable and can be charged inside and outside the bike.

E-bike motor position

The motor can be located in the rear wheel, in the center of the pedals, or in the front wheel.

• In the past, the most common location was in the rear wheel, where there is optimal downforce on the driven wheel and rolling inertial forces are well absorbed (you don't turn with the driven wheel). At the same time, the center of pedaling could be solved in a completely standard "cycling" way. Rear hub motors are also usually equipped with a frequency sensor that evaluates how fast you pedal, but not how much force. The motor then helps with the force that you set on the control panel. So you can just turn the cranks slightly and let yourself be "driven" by the motor, which will be appreciated by seniors and undemanding recreational riders.
• The motorization in the front wheel is used only in Dutch-type bicycles, where the rear wheel usually also has an encapsulated derailleur. When riding uphill and "pulling" the handlebars, moving on unpaved roads or slippery surfaces, the driven wheel may slip, making the concept unsuitable for any more sporty touring electric bicycles. The greater weight of the front wheel also slightly negatively affects handling. Overall, the driven front wheel concept is more suitable for a quieter ride on a quality surface.
• The mid-drive is the most widespread concept, which has also become popular in lower price categories of e-bikes thanks to more affordable motors. It is equipped with torsion sensors that evaluate how hard the rider pedals and the motor then helps accordingly. The condition for motor assistance is that the rider pedals with his own strength and the motor helps him as much as he pedals himself (within the selected level on the control panel). It is therefore impossible to ride without pedaling. A minor drawback of the mid-drive is the increased stress on the chain, gears and derailleur (the motor's power is transmitted through the chain and gears). The number of gears is also limited and the purchase price is higher. On the other hand, the motor operates in a smaller (more favorable) speed range and the weight is concentrated more in the center of pedaling.

c) What should be the level of equipment, weight and aesthetics?

In relation to practical use, it is advisable to think about what type of control you prefer - whether simpler settings - a diode or LCD panel with 3-4 levels of assistance or more sophisticated LCD panels with multiple functions, settings and, for example, communication with a mobile phone.

• From a practical point of view, it is important that the bike suits the method of use, especially the size, type and shape of its frame - the rider's seating position.
• The mechanical components include the number and type of gears, the brakes used and, in the case of a suspension bike, the type of fork. For light use, even the lowest levels of equipment can be sufficient - e.g. Shimano SIS, Zoom brakes, etc., but they have a shorter lifespan. For recreational and tourist use, the equipment should be at least Shimano Altus or Acera and a higher level of hydraulic brakes (Shimano, Tektro..)
• Last but not least, it is good to take into account the weight of the electric bike not only for riding, but also for possible handling, storage, etc. The battery design has a significant influence here, where most bikes now use lightweight lithium cells, as well as the frame design, which is overwhelmingly made of aluminum alloys. However, overall, there are differences of 2-5 kg ​​between the weights of individual types, which can play a significant role both for maneuverability and for riding without a motor or handling.

d) Last but not least, how much are you willing to invest in the bike?

Broadly speaking, the market offer can be divided as follows :

• The price category up to 25,000 CZK incl. VAT today represents the basic level of e-bikes and their equipment. These are e-bikes with rear drive (small folding bikes usually always fall into this category).
• The average price level is usually between 2000 and 40000 CZK. In this category we find electric bikes with rear drive and larger battery capacity, as well as the first models with center drive and capacity up to 15Ah.
• Bikes with superior equipment can be found in the CZK 40,000 to 50,000 category. At these prices, you can rightly expect some superior parameters, better battery capacity, a center drive (usually Bafang M400), hydraulic brakes, and equipment at the Shimano Alivio level and higher.
• Above 50,000, there are bikes with premium motors or the highest battery capacities, air forks and at least Shimano Deore, Sram Eagle and higher.

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