Choosing a Bike: The Complete Guide To Electric Bikes

It is hard to believe, but electric bicycles have been around since 1985. However, in the past decade, electric bicycles have undergone a tremendous transformation – from large, heavy, and quickly depleting devices they have become sleek and versatile modes of transport. More and more often we see electric bicycles on MTB trails, city streets, and on the road. Let’s review the most common reasons to purchase an electric bicycle and the criteria that can help you do so.

Types of Electric Bicycles

Although most people are most familiar with electric city bikes, the modern selection of e-bikes is much broader and mirrors the variety found in classic bicycles. For example, in VELONOVA’s assortment you will find:

• Electric Mountain Bikes. You can find both aluminum frame and carbon electric MTB bikes, and choose between “full suspension” or “hardtail” types.

• Electric Hybrid Bicycles. For those seeking versatility, we have selected especially lightweight models with capacious batteries, allowing you to cover up to 130 km on a single charge.

• Electric City Bikes. Convenient shopping baskets, a design adapted for child seats, and a frame on which you can comfortably ride even in a business suit – these are the advantages chosen by many who wish to live more sustainably.

• Electric Road Bikes. Adrenaline and mountain enthusiasts opt for the fastest electric road bikes, which in appearance are almost indistinguishable from a regular road bike.

• Electric Gravel Bikes. An unparalleled choice for adventure seekers – the electric gravel bike enables you to cover vast distances even in the most challenging conditions, whether riding on dirt, asphalt, or forest trails.

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Bicycle?

If you have already decided on the type of bicycle you need, it’s time to start looking at other criteria. We most commonly discuss the following with our customers:

Price

When looking at electric bicycle prices, you will notice that they can sometimes vary. The most affordable yet quality models will cost between 2000–3000 euros, while the price of the most innovative and fastest bicycles can reach up to 14,000 euros. In fact – don’t forget that if you plan to purchase an e-bike by scrapping your polluting car, you can receive state support.

Power

The power of an electric bicycle is perhaps the most important selection criterion. Often, customers ask us, “Do I need an electric bicycle with 1000W or 2000W?” and we remind them that a bicycle is not a moped – its purpose is not to do the work for you, but rather to help you overcome obstacles and tire less. The power of the bicycles in our range varies from 240W to 565W. The lowest power is sufficient for city bikes – it essentially doubles your pedaling power. You will also find a lightweight 240W motor in hybrid bikes, in some MTB and gravel models, and in light road e-bikes – as this amount of power is usually enough for sporting activities.

Those tackling steep climbs and rough terrain may opt for an intermediate 320W motor. You will find such a motor in some gravel bikes. And the most powerful – a 565W motor – is installed in MTB bikes that can conquer the most challenging trails and descend slopes quickly.

Battery

Just like power, the battery capacity varies depending on the bicycle model. Those looking for a lightweight and versatile model may prefer a smaller battery, while those intending to cover long distances with their electric bicycle will seek higher capacity. Typically, e-bike battery capacities start at 236 Wh and go up to 710 Wh. The smallest 236–320 Wh batteries are found in models where the battery is almost inconspicuous – in road bikes, gravel, elegant city bikes, and the lightest MTB bikes.

The larger 500–710 Wh batteries are installed in city bikes and some hybrid as well as MTB models. Such batteries allow you to travel a great many kilometers – meaning you can charge your bike less frequently and not worry about it running out of power.

Accessories

When choosing a bicycle, you will notice that different models vary in terms of built-in lighting, mudguards, shopping baskets, anti-theft protection, and many other bicycle features. With an electric bicycle, you can also purchase additional accessories – for example, an easily mountable extra battery that will extend your range by an additional 60+ kilometers.

Weight

With an integrated motor and battery, electric bicycles inevitably weigh more than classic ones. However, thanks to innovations, the weight difference is continuously decreasing. For example, standard electric city bikes weigh 20–25 kg, while an ultra-light electric road bike weighs only 13 kg. In other words – similar to a common aluminum frame bicycle. If you plan to carry your bike up stairs, weight should be an important factor in your decision.

Manufacturers

Many buyers choose manufacturers based on personal preferences, but we always emphasize that a properly chosen manufacturer is not only about the name, but also about quality. That is why in the VELONOVA bicycle store, you will find 3T, Specialized, BMC, and BH bicycles, which are valued worldwide and considered among the highest quality.

• "Specialized" Electric Bicycles

  The most popular choice among VELONOVA customers – Specialized bicycles are updated every season, becoming even faster and more powerful. The electric models from the American manufacturer Specialized come in all types: the “Como” city bike, the “Creo” road bike, “Kenevo” and “Levo” MTB, and “Tero” and “Vado” hybrid bikes. According to Specialized, all these models were designed with an emphasis on speed and style – incorporating advanced electronics and an eye-catching design.

• "BMC" Electric Bicycles

  Swiss manufacturer BMC produces both Tour de France-winning bicycles and comfortable models for city cyclists. At VELONOVA, you will find all the most popular electric BMC bicycles: the hybrid “Alpenchallenge” and “257”, the mountain “Fourstroke”, and the road star – “Roadmachine”. These models combine Swiss quality, aerodynamically refined forms perfected by athletes, and a distinctive design.

• "3T" Electric Bicycles

  Everyone knows that Italians are crazy about bicycles. 3T illustrates this perfectly. They created their electric gravel bike “Racemax Boost” by preserving the iconic design of the “Racemax” model and adding only 3 extra kilograms to the bike. The result is an exceptional bicycle that, on a single charge, can help you cover more than 100 km and climb 1500 m. For those seeking versatility, the “Ultra Boost” model – configured by 3T for city cyclists – offers a more comfortable seating position. Just like in the “Racemax” model, the “Ultra Boost” motor and battery are almost unnoticeable.

• "BH" Electric Bicycles

  Bicycles from the Spanish manufacturer BH are known worldwide for their quality. At VELONOVA, we offer the popular “Core City Wave” bike favored by all city cyclists – a stable, ergonomic, reliable, and affordable choice with a light 250W motor. And if you choose another electric model from this manufacturer, contact us and we will ensure it reaches you.

Electric Bicycles for Kids

Hit the road – the whole family. The creators of electric bicycles did not forget about children, and taking care of us little cyclists is a pleasure. At VELONOVA, you will find fun and durable Specialized “Turbo Levo SL Kids” electric bicycles, which can help you pedal continuously for more than 5 hours on a single charge. On this MTB bike, your child will easily overcome any obstacles and learn to navigate forest trails, and most importantly – have a great time.

Pros and Cons of Electric Bicycles

Like any other item, an electric bicycle has its advantages, disadvantages, and, of course, persistent myths. We often hear concerns from customers about potential electronic failures and battery performance, but many of these worries are unfounded. Electric bicycles have been on the market for many years, so there is no need to fret over malfunctions. By purchasing a bicycle from a reliable manufacturer, you are investing in quality, and sometimes even in a sustainable mode of transport that can even replace a car.

However, as electric bicycles rapidly increase on the streets, it is clear that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Our customers highlight the following benefits of electric bicycles:

• Versatility – suitable for taking children to kindergarten, shopping, exercising, or commuting. Everyone can ride an electric bicycle – both children and seniors.
• Sustainability – it’s good to travel by a vehicle that doesn’t pollute.
• Convenience – with advanced electronic systems, there is no need to worry about theft or unexpected battery depletion.

If you need more help choosing your electric bicycle, we invite you to visit our bicycle store at J. Baltrušaičio g. 1, Vilnius.