Guide

Electric Bike or Assisted Pedaling: Which to buy

The electric bike – also called an e-bike – is becoming a real mass phenomenon! These vehicles are practical, light, easy to maintain, and at low cost: in short, as mentioned by the New York Times, ” Tesla too cheap “! And it really is so, because these pedal-assisted bikes can really make a difference in the city or on the way home.

In this article, we will guide you through the discovery of electric bikes, studying their characteristics and the main features to which you will have to pay the most attention. Later, we will guide you to purchase the electric bike that suits your needs and your budget, recommending the best e-bikes for quality/price ratio!

Electric Bike: What is it and how to choose it

If we wanted to define an electric bike in a few words, it would be enough to say that it is a very simple and normal bicycle, but with a battery installed on it that allows it to move without the need for pedaling. The rechargeable battery powers an electric motor that turns the wheels, and that can push an e-bike even more than 25 km/h (which is by law the maximum speed).

In reality, the question is slightly more complicated, and they exist in many different variations and features that can often be controlled even with a bike app. This is why it is not appropriate to talk about the ” best electric bike “, and each of you will have to choose the model that best suits your needs. Here are some tips on how to choose your smart bike:

  • The ” type ” of bicycles: as you know, bicycles have different shapes, sizes, weights, and frames depending on the type of use they are to be used. If used in the city you will have to give preference to a small, light bike (perhaps a folding one), but if you have to do the shopping, then look at the rear rack. Instead, opt for large and wide wheels if you want to go hiking in the mountains.
  • Assisted pedaling: all electric bikes are equipped with pedal assistance and thanks to your pedaling. They allow you to recharge the battery and thus increase your autonomy. But there are two types of pedal assistance: a ” realistic ” with an effort sensor that simulates pedaling (for cycling enthusiasts), and one instead with which to pedal always without effort.
  • Where will you go? Apart from the type of bike, your choice must also be conditioned by the length of the route and consequently by the autonomy that your electric bike will have to allow you to make the necessary routes and then return home. It is true, bad that goes ” you ride “, but if you have to do it every time, then a bike with assisted pedaling would not make much sense!

By following these three simple tips you can surely make a smart purchase that is within your reach. But before we see the best electric bikes to buy that we have selected for you, let’s go into even more detail and see what their main features are!

Electric Bike: Main features

In this paragraph, we will devote ourselves to analyzing all the most important components of an electric bike, dwelling on the main features and the most important aspects to consider before buying.

The common element of each electric bike is an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. Assisted pedaling allows the engine to be activated to boost the bicycle. The thrust must stop when you stop pedaling or when you reach the maximum speed of 25 km/h, with a maximum power (expressed in Watts) of 250W.

FRAME

The element that immediately catches the eye of an electric bike is its frame, often slightly different from that of a simple bicycle. It is designed to accommodate one or more batteries and, usually, to be folded back on itself.

Obviously, a lot of changes depending on the type of frame – as specified in the previous paragraph – which varies depending on the use: city routes, mountain tours, cycling, etc.

Depending on the materials and the quality of the electric bike, the weight can be very low, and it is generally preferable to choose a bicycle with weight even much lower than 30Kg. The ideal would be to stay below 23 kg for maximum versatility.

ELECTRIC MOTOR

No less important is the choice of the electric motor: it can have different functions and is usually connected with a small ” on-board computer ” to signal speed, remaining autonomy, and much more. Some bikes are even connected to a smartphone app with even more advanced features like calorie counting or kilometers driven.

There are generally two types of electric motors: brushed (with brushes) with alternating current, and the most modern – because they are less bulky and lighter – brushless (brushless) with direct current. Moreover, brushless motors are preferred for their lower maintenance requirements.

Finally, keep in mind that there are ” programmable ” electric motors that can manage acceleration in a personalized way or not. Some enginesĀ have only one speed (acceleration increases – up to its maximum – while pedaling). On others, you can select a speed (as if you had gears) to control acceleration.

BATTERY

Finally, the last main component of an electric bike is the battery: its discharge decides the power and autonomy of the bicycle and is one of the fundamental components of which to know the characteristics before buying.

Their capacity is expressed in Ampere-hour (Ah) and, just like for your smartphone, the more ” capacious ” it is, the more it will allow greater autonomy.

Generally, we recommend a capacity of at least 6-8 Ah to guarantee an autonomy of around 40 Km and fast recharge times (on average 3-4 hours). But even here it is important that you choose according to your needs since obviously more battery also means more weight and more space.


The best selling electric bikes

Soon we will show you the bikes with assisted pedaling, in our opinion, the best to buy. First though, here are the 10 best-selling electric bikesĀ currently on Amazon. But be careful, the fact that they are the most sold does not mean that they are the best to buy in terms of functionality, reliability or value for money.

Bestseller No. 1
Jasion EB5 Electric Bike for Adults with 360Wh Removable Battery, 40Miles 20MPH Commuting Electric Mountain Bike with 350W Brushless Motor, 7-Speed, 26" Tires and Front Suspension (Standard, Dark)
  • 350W Motor & Upgraded Display - The EB5 electric bike equipped with a 350w...
  • Removable Large Battery - The EB5 e-bike is equipped with 360Wh lithium-lon...
  • 4 Working Modes - PAS Mode: The motor will assist you with a moderate amount of...
  • Riding Comfortably and Handily - The 26" puncture resistant tires are for...
  • Minimalist Appearance & Lightweight Frame - A highly efficient, city style...
Bestseller No. 2
Ridstar Electric Motorcycles for Adults, 1000W 15AH 25MPH Max 35Miles Ebike,20'' Fat Tire Dirt Bike, Bicicleta electrica para adultos UL2849
  • 怐Conquer Mountains怑 - The Risdtar q20 Lite electric bike features a powerful...
  • 怐Long-Lasting Battery Life怑 - Equipped with UL-certified 48V 15Ah capacity...
  • 怐Ideal for Daily Commuting怑- The q20 Lite e-bike has 20" shock-absorbing...
  • 怐All-Weather & All-Terrain Performance怑 - Say goodbye to heavy traffic and...
14%Bestseller No. 3
Oraimo Electric Bike for Adults,350W BAFANG Motor(Peak 500W), 4A 3H Fast Charge, UL Certified 468Wh Li-ion Battery, 26' Mountain Ebike Shimano 21 Speed, Air Saddle Adult Electric Bicycle
763 Reviews
Oraimo Electric Bike for Adults,350W BAFANG Motor(Peak 500W), 4A 3H Fast Charge, UL Certified 468Wh Li-ion Battery, 26" Mountain Ebike Shimano 21 Speed, Air Saddle Adult Electric Bicycle
  • 3 Hour Fast Charging: Charge your battery in just 3 hours with the 4A standard...
  • UL Certified Li-ion Battery: Experience freedom on the road with a 36V 13Ah...
  • 350W Bafang Motor: Take on any terrain with ease with the 350W Bafang motor that...
  • Ergonomic Design: Enjoy a comfortable ride with the electric bike's front fork...
  • Assembly & Customer Services: The electric mountain bike comes with a 12-month...
Bestseller No. 4
Heybike Race Max Electric Bike for Adults with 750W Peak Motor, 28mph Max Speed, 600WH Removable Battery Ebike, 27.5" Electric Mountain Bike with 7-Speed and Front Suspension
  • COMBINATION OF FEATURES AND VALUE-With detachable 48V, 12.5Ah battery, the Race...
  • SAFETY & DURABILITY-Race Max comes standard with puncture resistant 27.5ā€...
  • LIGHT WEIGHT GEOMETRY FRAME-A sturdy high-step commuter style electric bike...
  • UPGRADE YOUR COMMUTING-With all the benefits of 7-speed, front fork suspension...
  • 3 WORKING MODES-Breeze around without the need to pedal at all when using the...
Bestseller No. 5
5TH WHEEL Mate Electric Bike for Adults with 1000W Peak Motor and 468WH Removable Battery Ebike, Color LCD Display Commuting Electric Mountain Bike with 7-Speed and Front Suspension
  • Powerful Motor & Enhanced Riding Experience: MATE electric bike feature a 500W...
  • Lightweight & Durable Design: Crafted from high-carbon steel, our electric...
  • Long-lasting Removable Battery: With a 468Wh lithium-ion battery, Mate e-bike...
  • Safety Features: The 5TH WHEEL MATE ebikes for adults prioritizes safety with...
  • Personalized Cycling Experience: The MATE electric bicycles comes with an...
Bestseller No. 6
ANCHEER 500W 26' Electric Bike for Adults, 48V 10.4Ah Battery, 60 Miles, 3H Fast Charge, Electric Mountain Bike, 2.1' eMTB Tire, 21 Speed, 20MPH Adults Electric Bicycle
21 Reviews
ANCHEER 500W 26" Electric Bike for Adults, 48V 10.4Ah Battery, 60 Miles, 3H Fast Charge, Electric Mountain Bike, 2.1" eMTB Tire, 21 Speed, 20MPH Adults Electric Bicycle
  • šŸš²POWERFUL 48V 500W MOTOR: Electric mountain bike is equipped with 48V 500W...
  • šŸš²499WH BATTERY, Up to 60 Miles: ANCHEER Ebike for adults comes with a 48V...
  • šŸš²FRONT SUSPENSION & DUAL DISC BRAKES: ANCHEER eMTB employs a lockable front...
  • šŸš²INTUITIVE COLOR SCREEN LCD DISPLAY: This ABS 5-SPEED color screen LCD...
  • šŸš²4 WORKING MODES: Throttle (e-bike) / Pedal-Assist / Normal Bike/Booster...
Bestseller No. 7
Totem 26" 350W Electric Mountain Bike, 20MPH with 36V 10.4Ah Battery and Shimano 21 Speed Gears, Adjustable Stem - White
  • Adjustable Stem Upgrade: The stem angle can be adjusted to your height and...
  • Fast charge technology: 3A fast charger can recharge the battery in 2-3 hrs,...
  • Removable battery: 36V/10.4Ah removable battery features 3A fast charging...
  • 21-Speed Shimano Gearset: Professional Shimano 21-speed gearing system will...
  • Worry-Free Assembly: This electric mountain bike is 85% pre-assembled, comes...
Bestseller No. 8
ANCHEER Electric Bike for Adults, 14ā€ StreetRider Electric Bicycle, 48V 374Wh Battery, 20MPH Folding Electric Mini Bike with Peak 500W Motor, Dual Shock Absorber, Brake Tail Light, Cruise Control
  • šŸš“[Efficient & Eco-friendly City Commuting] ANCHEER electric bike for adults...
  • šŸ‘Œ[Safe & Cozy Day or Night Bike Riding] ANCHEER StreetRider adult electric...
  • šŸš—[Foldable & Lightweight User Friendly] With mini 50*21*42inch size, 48.5lbs...
  • šŸš“ā€ā™€ļø[3 Working Modes + Intuitive LCD Dispaly] Throttle (e-bike) /...
  • šŸŒ¼[Easy Assembly &24Hrs Customer Service] 95% pre-assembled, no complicated...
Bestseller No. 9
VARUN Folding Electric Bike - Peak 750W Motor Foldable Electric Bike, Folding E Bike with 48V Removable Battery, Up to 20+MPH 50 Miles, 21-Speed Gears & Dual Hydraulic Suspension
  • šŸšµšŸ»ć€š”š§š„šžššš¬š” ššØš°šžš«,...
  • šŸšµšŸ»ć€š…šØš„š, š’š­šØš«šž, ššš§š...
  • šŸšµšŸ»ć€ššØš®š§šš„šžš¬š¬...
  • šŸšµšŸ»ć€šŸšŸ-š’š©šžšžšš¬ š†šžššš«...
  • šŸšµšŸ»ć€š‘š¢ššž š¢š§ š‚šØš¦šŸšØš«š­,...
Bestseller No. 10
Gotrax NEPHELE 16" Folding Electric Bike, Max Range 25Miles(Pedal-assist) &15.5Mph Power by 350W Motor, Front Suspension&Adjustable Seat and Handlebar, Commuter Electric Bicycle for Adults/Teens White
  • šŸš²ć€Powerful Riding Performance怑Gotrax NEPHELE electric bike is powered by...
  • šŸš²ć€Tailored Safety & Comfort怑Gotrax NEPHELE E-bike features a...
  • šŸš²ć€Diverse Riding Experiences怑Explore 3 riding modes for a fulfilling...
  • šŸš²ć€Seize Your Riding Freedom怑Immerse yourself in unparalleled convenience...
  • šŸš²ć€Easy Assembly & After Sales Guarantee怑The electric bike is easy to...

Product prices and availability are subject to change. Any price and availablility information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of any products.

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