11 Things You Need to Known Before Buying First E-bike

E-bikes are taking the world by storm. With integrated electric motors providing pedal assistance, they make cycling accessible for people of all ages and fitness levels. However, buying your first e-bike can be daunting. With so many models, features and options to consider, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

As an e-bike enthusiast with years of industry experience, allow me to impart some hard-won wisdom. Here are 11 key things I wish I’d known before purchasing my inaugural e-bike.

1. Not All E-bikes Have Throttles

The first thing to understand is that not all e-bikes provide throttle control as standard. Basically, there are two types of e-bike motor assistance:

• Pedal assist – The motor only engages when you pedal. Stop pedaling and motor support ceases. This replicates the natural cycling experience while giving your pedaling extra oomph.
• Throttle control – You have a throttle (usually a twist grip or thumb throttle) to control motor output independent of pedaling. This allows ‘throttle only’ riding without pedaling.

Many e-bikes offer both modes, with pedal assist supplemented by a throttle for bursts of acceleration without pedaling. However some lower-cost or pedal-assist specific e-bikes do not include throttles.

Before buying, think about your riding style and needs:

• If you just want occasional assistance to ease hills or headwinds, pedal assist is fine.
• If stop-start urban riding or not wanting to pedal all the time is key, get a throttle.

Also check your local laws. Some regions enforce pedal-assist only rules banning throttle e-bikes from bicycle lanes or trails. While ignoring a throttle is easy, legal concerns may dictate your optimal e-bike type.

2. Range Varies Hugely with Battery Size

E-bike battery capacities are denoted in Watt Hours (Wh) or Amp Hours (Ah). Typical sizes for commuter/leisure e-bikes span from around 300 Wh (8 Ah) up to over 1,000 Wh (15+ Ah).

Bigger batteries drive longer range but cost more. Consider your average trip distances and terrain to pick ideal capacity. For example:

• Under 20 miles per day – Smaller 300-500 Wh batteries help lower costs
• Hilly routes or 20-60 miles per day – Medium 500-700 Wh units strike a range/price balance
• 60+ miles or minimal charging – Larger 750-1,000+ Wh packs provide extended range

Calculate 10-30 miles range per 100 Wh as a very rough estimate. Hills, rider weight, assist level, fitness and other factors impact range so this varies hugely in reality. But it offers a baseline for comparing battery options.

Pro tip: Receiving consistent 40-50%+ discharge warnings after each ride? Get a bigger battery! Struggling to depletion charge even smaller units? Downsize to save money.

3. Motor Power Matters for Hills and Heavy Loads

E-bike motors output between 250W and 1,000W+, translating torque into acceleration and climbing power. More watts equals more oomph battling gravity.

For moderate pedal assist riding 250-500W motors suffice. But for tackling challenging hills or hauling cargo, 750W+ units minimize struggles. Higher 1,000-2,000W territory caters specifically towards high performance mountain/off-road e-bikes.

I’d suggest 500W+ for hilly urban areas, 750W+ to confidently climb moderate off-road gradients. Powerful direct drive hub motors excel on tarmac. Geared hub or mid-drive motors better suit loose terrain offering improved traction.

Tip: Mid-drive placement (at crank/pedals) improves weight distribution for climbing versus hub motors in wheels. Excellent for mountains despite slightly more noise.

4. Legal Motor Power Limits Vary

Local electric bicycle laws enforce strict wattage limits for road and trail access in many regions. Common ceilings are 250W and 750W, varying hugely between states.

Research regulations at your riding destinations. While ignoring unrestricted performance is easy, legal motor caps may influence purchasing decisions.

As a general guide:

• Under 250W – UK/EU countries plus Australia for road/path compliance
• 500-750W – Typical US state law thresholds
• 1,000W+ – Private land only in most jurisdictions

Key takeaway: ensure your motor’s power levels adhere to laws on intended riding routes. Fines and access limits applying otherwise.

5. Frame Style Impacts Comfort

With motors and batteries adding weight, e-bike frames evolve unique designs versus traditional bicycles. However, many retain familiar shapes including:

• Step-through – Easy low standover access, ideal for comfort/casual riding
• Diamond – Classic triangle design, balances stability with low standover
• Compact – Smaller wheels and sloping top tubes improve standover

Before buying, consider your needs:

• Comfort – Relaxed riding priorities suit step-through frames offering easiest mounting/dismounting
• Responsive Handling – Twitchier steering matches sportier diamond frames
• Agility – Smaller wheel portability benefits compact e-bike maneuverability

Tip: Test ride multiple e-bike frame types to judge optimum comfort, handling and size suitability. And don’t buy blind online without trying in-store first!

6. Check Charging Time Fits Lifestyle

Unlike gassing up a car, e-bike batteries require significant recharging time between rides. Depending on battery technology and charger output, expect complete 0-100% charging taking:

• Lead-acid batteries – 6+ hours
• Lithium-ion batteries – 4-6 hours
• Fast charging lithium-ion – 2-4 hours

So budget appropriate top-up periods into your e-bike lifestyle. Carry backup detachable batteries for immediate swaps if undertaking longer/successive rides. And invest in a second charger to simultaneously replenish multiple packs if needed.

Pro charging tip: Lithium batteries prefer partial over full cycle charging for optimum longevity. Regularly topping up to around 70% between rides brings happy batteries, reducing strain of constant 100% peaks.

7. Risks From Improper Charging Are Low

Online reports of e-bike batteries catching fire or exploding from improper charging definitely stoke fears. However during years of heavy e-biking I’ve thankfully had zero personal incidents or problems.

A bit of charging common sense eliminates most risk:

• Use the supplied OEM charger, avoiding cheap knock-offs
• Charge in moderate room temperatures, avoiding temperature extremes
• Disconnect fully charged batteries, don’t leave on indefinite trickle charging
• Avoid depleting to empty before each recharge
• Store batteries safely avoiding damage or moisture ingress

Follow basic precautions above and lithium battery risks are extremely minimal. Hundreds of thousands of safe charging cycles easily Achievable over typical 3-5 year lifespans.

8. Local Laws Govern E-bike Use

With e-bike adoption expanding exponentially across the world, usage laws struggle keeping pace. And regulations between states, councils, venues and property frequently conflict regarding access.

Unfortunately ignorance is no defense when facing fines or eviction from a route. So check all governing local laws relevant to your intended riding areas before purchase. Query specifics with councils and trail managers if unsure.

Typical potential gray areas include:

• Public road lane usage rights
• Bicycle path motor exemptions
• Off-road trail access permissions
• Private land conditions
• Insurance requirements

Save yourself future headaches or fines. Research then obey all e-bike regulations across your intended riding turf.

9. Riding Position Varies Greatly

E-bike motors and batteries facilitate radically different frame designs to pedal bikes. So riding positions and ergonomics also vary widely across the market.

Compare options to pick your optimum fit:

• Upright – High sweptback handlebars for vertical back posture
• Relaxed – Gentle reach and mid-height seat post for casual weekend cruising
• Sporty – Weight over front wheel with dropped bars for athletic riders
• Stretch – Long top tube and stem for speed demons

Consider your flexibility, core strength and typical ride pace. Seek out test rides across diverse e-bikes. Make sure the riding position suits your physiology and regular usage before buying.

Tip: Aggressively low race positions add strain onto wrists, backs and necks. Ensure you can comfortably sustain sporty poise for entire average duration rides.

10. Entry Prices Start Under $1000

Mainstream e-bike pricing spans an incredible range depending on features. Published manufacturer pricing stretches from around $500 up to an eye-watering $10,000+.

However, real world prices cluster more modestly for entry and mid-range categories:

• Budget – $500 – $1500
• Mid Range – $1500 – $3000
• Premium – $3000+

In the sub-$1000 segment limited quality and performance expectations apply. But the $1500 to $3000 bracket offers outstanding affordable options from reputable brands. This hits the performance/value sweet spot for many casual riders with quality reassurance.

Before over-spending, carefully weigh up whether high-end features justify 40-100%+ price premiums over more affordable alternatives. Component differences between mid-range and premium often prove relatively minor for average riders.

11. Safety Starts With You

No matter how capable the tech, e-bikes introduce new crash risks versus standard cycles. So respect your machine, learn handling quirks through cautious acclimatization upon purchase.

Practice emergency braking and understanding maximum power before hitting roads and trails at speed. Accidents most frequently strike over-eager or complacent riders.

Outside your personal riding, it’s unfortunately common for e-bikes to suffer poor public perceptions. Help improve attitudes through positive ambassadorship:

• Obey Traffic Laws – Stop signs and lights apply equally to cyclists as cars
• Limit Speeds Near Pedestrians – High velocities startle walkers so reduce pace and announce presence
• Stay In Bike Lanes When Possible – Avoid blocking roads by using appropriate lanes and paths

E-bikes don’t have good reputation in some communities. As early adopters help improve perceptions through responsible riding and stewardship. Be a positive ambassador upholding good cycling manners!

Key Takeaways – What I Wish I Had Known

Transitioning from standard cycles, my inaugural e-bike purchase saw multiple false starts before finding the perfect ride. So learn from my mistakes!

Here are key top takeaways if buying your first e-bike:

• Test ride multiple bike styles to judge optimal motor power, battery range, and frame ergonomics
• Carefully research operating regulations across ALL intended riding areas
• Ignore extreme high-end options, seeking best value from mid-range segments
• Budget 4-6 hours for full battery recharges between rides
• Practice emergency handling skills before hitting roads/trails at speed
• Uphold safe riding etiquette being a responsible e-bike ambassador

Follow the guidance above and your exciting first e-bike purchase will undoubtedly open new world of adventures on two wheels!

You’ve reached the end of my guide covering everything I wish I’d known before buying my premier e-bike. I hope the tips prove useful shortcuts during your own purchase journey.

For more e-bike wisdom and reviews, check out the Ebikewise blog regularly. And don’t hesitate contacting me directly with any questions at all.