It's hard to believe, but electric bikes have been around since 1985. However, in the past decade, electric bikes have undergone a significant transformation – from large, heavy, and quickly draining devices, they have become sleek and versatile vehicles. Nowadays, electric bikes are commonly seen on MTB trails, city streets, and roads. Let's review the most common reasons to buy an electric bike and the criteria to help you choose one.
Choosing a Bike: The Complete Guide To Electric Bikes
2024-03-14
Viktorija Kaupienė
Viktorija Kaupienė
Types of Electric Bikes
While most people are familiar with electric city bikes, the modern selection of e-bikes is much broader and mirrors the variety of classic bikes. For example, in the VELONOVA range, you will find:
- Electric mountain bikes. You can find both aluminum frame and carbon electric MTB bikes and choose from full suspension or hardtail types.
- Electric hybrid bikes. For those seeking versatility, we have selected especially lightweight models with high-capacity batteries, allowing you to ride up to 130 km on a single charge.
- Electric city bikes. Convenient shopping baskets, child seat-friendly design, and a frame that allows comfortable riding even in a business suit – benefits chosen by many who want to live more sustainably.
- Electric road bikes. Adrenaline and mountain enthusiasts choose the fastest electric road bikes, which look almost identical to regular road bikes.
- Electric gravel bikes. An unparalleled choice for adventure seekers – the electric gravel bike allows you to cover long distances even in the most challenging conditions, riding on dirt, road, or forest paths.
What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Bike?
If you have already decided what type of bike you need, it's time to start looking at other criteria. Here are the most common factors we discuss with our customers:
Price
When looking at electric bike prices, you'll see that they can vary significantly. The cheapest but quality models will cost 2000-3000 euros, while the most innovative and fastest bikes can cost up to 14,000 euros. Note – don't forget that if you plan to buy an e-bike after scrapping a polluting car, you may be eligible for state support.
Power
The power of an electric bike is perhaps the most important criterion. Often, customers ask us, "Do I need a 1000W electric bike, or a 2000W one?" and we remind them that a bike is not a moped; its purpose is not to pedal for you, but to help you overcome obstacles and get less tired. The power of the bikes in our range varies from 240 W to 565 W. The lowest power is sufficient for city bikes – it doubles your pedaling power. You will also find the lightweight 240 W motor in hybrid bikes, some MTB, gravel models, and on light electric road bikes – as this power is usually sufficient for sports.
Those riding steep hills and gravel can choose intermediate power of 320 W. You will find such a motor in some gravel bikes. The most powerful – 565 W motor is installed in MTB bikes, which can tackle the most challenging trails and speed through off-road routes.
Battery
Like power, battery capacity varies depending on the bike model. Those looking for a lightweight and versatile model will prefer a smaller battery, while those who want to cover long distances with their electric bike will look for the highest capacity. Typically, e-bike battery capacity starts at 236 Wh and goes up to 710 Wh. You will find the smallest 236–320 Wh batteries in models where the battery is almost invisible – road, gravel, elegant city, and the lightest MTB bikes.
The larger 500–710 Wh batteries are installed in city bikes and some hybrid and MTB models. These batteries allow you to travel many kilometers with high power – so you can charge your bike less often and not worry about it running out of power.
Accessories
When choosing a bike, you will notice that different models have different built-in lighting, mudguards, shopping baskets, anti-theft protection, and many other bike elements. With an electric bike, you can also purchase additional accessories – for example, an easily mountable extra battery that will extend the lifespan of your bike and provide an extra 60+ kilometers.
Weight
With the built-in motor and battery, electric bikes inevitably weigh more than classic ones. However, thanks to innovations, the weight difference is constantly decreasing. For example, standard electric city bikes weigh 20–25 kg, while a very light electric road bike weighs only 13 kg. In other words – similar to a typical aluminum frame bike. If you plan to carry your bike up the stairs, weight should be an important variable in your choice.
Manufacturers
Many buyers choose manufacturers based on personal preferences, but we always emphasize that the right manufacturer is not just a name, but also quality. Therefore, in the VELONOVA bike store, you will find 3T, Specialized, BMC, and BH bikes, which are highly valued worldwide and considered some of the highest quality.
-
The most popular choice among VELONOVA customers – Specialized bikes, which renew every season, becoming even faster and more powerful. The American manufacturer's Specialized electric models are of all types: "Como" city bike, "Creo" road, "Kenevo" and "Levo" MTB, "Tero" and "Vado" hybrid bikes. According to Specialized, all these models were designed with a priority on speed and style – incorporating advanced electronics and eye-catching design.
-
Swiss manufacturer BMC produces both Tour de France winning bikes and comfortable models for city cyclists. At VELONOVA, you will find all the most popular BMC electric bikes: hybrid "Alpenchallenge" and "257", mountain "Fourstroke" and the road star – "Roadmachine". These models combine Swiss quality, aerodynamically refined by athletes, and unique design.
-
Everyone knows that Italians are crazy about bikes. 3T perfectly illustrates this. They created their electric gravel bikes "Racemax Boost" without changing the iconic "Racemax" model's shapes and adding only 3 extra kilograms to the bike. The result is a unique bike that can help cover more than 100 km and 1500 m elevation on a single charge. Those looking for versatility will also like the "Ultra Boost" model, which 3T configured for city cyclists, creating a more comfortable seating position. As with the "Racemax" model, the "Ultra Boost" motor and battery are almost invisible.
-
Spanish manufacturer BH bikes are known worldwide for their quality. At VELONOVA, we offer the "Core City Wave" bike, loved by all city cyclists – stable, ergonomic, reliable, and affordable with a lightweight 250 W motor. If you have chosen another electric model from this manufacturer – contact us, and we will ensure it reaches you.
Children's Electric Bikes
On the road – the whole family. Electric bike creators have not forgotten children, and we are happy to take care of the little cyclists. At VELONOVA, you will find fun and durable Specialized "Turbo Levo SL Kids" electric bikes, which can be ridden 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, while most importantly – have a great time.
Pros and Cons of Electric Bikes
Like any other item, an electric bike has its advantages, disadvantages, and of course, some myths. The most common concerns we hear from customers are about possible electronic failures and battery performance, but many of these are unfounded. Electric bikes have been on the market for many years, so there is no need to worry about breakdowns. Buying a reliable manufacturer's bike is an investment in quality, and sometimes a sustainable vehicle that can even replace a car.
However, with the rapidly increasing number of electric bikes on the streets, it is clear that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Our customers highlight the following benefits of electric bikes:
- Versatility – suitable for taking children to kindergarten, shopping, sports, commuting to work. Anyone can ride an electric bike – children and seniors alike.
- Sustainability – it's great to travel with a vehicle that does not pollute.
- Convenience – with advanced electronic systems, you no longer have to worry about theft or unexpected battery drain.
If you need more help choosing your electric bike, we invite you to visit our bike shop at J. Baltrušaičio g. 1, Vilnius.
Related Products
Related Posts
Choosing a bike: balance bikes
Find out the benefits of balance bikes for kids, how they help develop balance and coordination, and how to make the transition to a regular bike a smooth one. Discover the best balance bike models and find the right one for your child...
Now is the best time to trade in your polluting car for a new bike
Cyclists are increasingly common in cities - it's not just a matter of fashion. The State, together with the European Union, is also helping to encourage cycling by implementing support projects to encourage less polluting transport choices. Lithuanians are being encouraged to ditch their polluting ..
Choosing a bike: the complete guide to Gravel bikes
Gravel bikes are one of the most versatile bikes because they can be ridden on a wide range of surfaces. With a bike in this category, you can easily adapt it to suit your needs, whether you're riding on gravel roads, off-road, city streets or forest paths. However, if you're interested in Gravel bi..