Electric bikes- the greener way to ride- are surely catching on the world over. Slowly but surely, people across the world are realizing the benefits of these bikes and how they can save on costs as well as save the environment. Of course, the rising fuel costs and the depleting fuel deposits are other triggers. Considering the awareness, where there were just a handful of e-bike manufacturers a few years ago, today, there are a plethora of them.
Research has shown that kids are in better shape if they ride their diy electric mountain bike into school instead of walking. Regular physical activities will result in a more positive mode for anyone. With an electric bike, pedaling is assisted, making it easier to bike up hills and will increase the fun factor for your kids.
Riders of older ages can use electric bikes with ease. The design makes it easy to get on and simple controls make maneuvering a breeze.
Biking is a great exercise to encourage weight loss without straining your joints – a great benefit plus for those cyclists with arthritis. It’s an enjoyable pastime; releasing endorphins that make you feel good and, reduce the risk of heart disease and Type II diabetes as well as keeping your body flexible! Perfect if you’re not feeling as strong as you used to.
Electric bicycling is one of the healthiest ways to get around today. It is also a very inexpensive form of transportation. No license is required (in most locations). There is no road tax to pay and you don’t use fuel, so you’re doing your part to preserve the environment too.
Just imagine, no MOTs, no tax or petrol expenses and a fitter, healthier you!
And as always, choice leads to confusion. E-bikes are a new segment of transport and people still don’t know much about them. And because of the lack of knowledge, they end up buying the wrong one. Here is what you should be looking at while buying an electric bike and then making an informed decision.
Electric Bike Motor
The capacity of the motor determines the speed of the e-bike. Of course, other parameters affect the speed like the weight of the rider and the wheelbase diameter. Most battery powered trike manufacturers specify the capacity of the motor in RPM and Watt. More wattage means more power which means more speed.
Batteries of Electric Bikes
Different e-bike manufacturers use different batteries for e-bikes, with the most common of them being sealed lead-acid batteries. Each battery has its pros and cons and it depends on your requirements and your budget. However, lead-acid batteries should be your preferred choice because of three reasons- low-cost, maintenance-free, and easily available. The same cannot be said about other battery types, especially in areas of cost and availability.
Cost
Of course, when buying anything, the cost is a determinant factor. The same holds for electric bikes too. Finding the right balance between the price and the quality is the key issue. Going for dirt cheap electric bikes is not a good idea investing in an expensive e-bike is not recommended either. As the Buddha said, “adopt the middle path.”
The Decision
The three factors above are a tough nut to analyze. Therefore, the best way to go about buying an electric bike is to take a test drive. It will give you an idea of the right quality, the power of the motor, the distance it can traverse in a single charge, etc., which will help you decide whether it fits your needs or not.
Experience the ride and then make the decision. Happy green commuting!