How to Choose an Electric Mountain Bike
It took little time as expected for the promise of electric motorbikes to take over the automotive industry. The development of the electric motorcycle in the past decade has been because of the significant technological advancements. An electric mountain bike is a bike that has electric assistance. Electric motor bicycles make use of the mid-drive, or centre-drive, motors coupled to a power pack.
Factors to Consider While Choosing an Electric Mountain Bike
- Consider Your Needs
Different people choose different electric bikes for various purposes. It is up to the customer to decide what feature is most important. If for example, comfort is vital, then frame that is step-through would be the best. If climbing a hill is crucial, then a motor system which is middle or high torque hub motor may be the best. If your cup of tea is riding long distances, then consider a battery of 400 watt-hours or more. Understanding your personal needs will help you pick what features matter most on your electric bike.
- Choose Your Retailer Wisely
You should choose and judge your place of purchase wisely considering the following three points: vibe, commitment and quality. When you walk into a shop, there is a feeling you get which is known as the vibe. Is the staff friendly, knowledgeable and friendly? Commitment is the shop’s visible enthusiasm for electric bikes. Do we have many e-bikes in stock or just have a few stuck in the back of the shop? When the shop is committed to the electric bicycle movement, that means we will be willing and wanting to help you make the most of your electronic bike years down the road. Lastly, quality refers to the types of electric bikes that the retailer is selling. Could be the brand names that the customer can research or the bikes on which information is hard to come by. This is because you want to be sure your retailer is in the business for the right reason and not just to make a quick buck.
3.Test Ride Several Bikes
The most important and fun part of buying an electric bike is test riding. Trying an electric bike allows you to put aside specifications and reviews and research and answer the most basic question which includes: ‘Do I love this bike for sure’? if the answer is yes, then you go ahead and ask a few other issues like; ‘does it climb hills in the way I need it to?’, ‘Does the bike fit me in the way I would like it too?’, ‘ Does it have the quality and functionality I would like?’
4.The Warranty Matters
Buying an electric bike is a significant and huge investment regardless of whether it is$1500 or $10000. With a warranty, you can rest assured that your investment is worth the investment. For example, a two-year warranty on parts, motor an battery that is; with no exclusions for regular use, ir reasonable to expect from most electric bike manufactures with product selling for over $2000.
5.Quality Counts but Service Counts as Much
Electric bikes are not toys but a form of transportation. The quality of the bicycle itself, irrespective of its drive system, is paramount, and doubly important if you are planning on riding it day in and day out. It can be a little more challenging to judge the quality of the bicycle component by looking over the listing of parts, motors and batteries. Research on the motor and battery brands every time you are in doubt. Always keep in mind that the quality of the components will not make much of a difference if your electric bike is not set up and tuned correctly. Your local independent bike dealer is your ally in maintaining the quality components which you invested.
Motor Brands to Consider While Choosing an Electric Mountain Bike
- Bosch
Bosch offers the broadest range of mid-drive motors with five useful variants. Bosch Performance CX motor is the best motor brand, and it provides 75Nm of torque over a sustained power curve. Bosch Performance CX motor performs up to 20mph and offers shift detection with indicators on the display screen. It’s efficient in climbing slippery and loose terrain better and is a well-rounded motor to make it easier for climbing steep terrain.
- Brose
Brose is a German mid-drive motor maker and happens to be the quietest mid-drive motor in the market. It is a belt-driven system, which contributes to its whisper-quiet drive and offers 90Nm of torque. This motor provides four power modes indicated by 1 to 4 square lights on the display. The Brose motor can assist riders up to 20mph. Its only drawback is that at higher speeds, the power curve tends to flatten out. Brose motorized bikes come with standard size chainrings and can accommodate two chainrings for a more excellent gear ratio. Brose motors are the greatest for riders who have a higher modulation.
- Shimano
Shimano is arguably the biggest bicycle spare parts maker in the world, and it is no doubt that it offers a mid-drive motor. The new Shimano STEPS MTB, also known as the Shimano STEPs E8000 is a compact system, which allows for eMTB bike manufacturers to put smaller chainstays for a lower centre of gravity, giving the rider the experience of a typical mountain bike. Although it offers the most economical torque motor on the market, it is also the lightest. Like the Brose motor, it allows for multiple chainrings for broader gear ratios and is ideal for cyclists who want a bike that resembles a regular MTB bike concerning geometry.
- Yamaha
Yamaha has three eBike motors on the market, but the new PW-X engine is best suitable for mountain biking over their older Yamaha PW motor. Lighter and quicker to respond over the PW motor, the PW-X system offers five colour-coded support modes: +ECO, ECO, STD, HIGH, and EXPW. EXPW is Extra Power mode and unleashes 80Nm of torque when we need it on those long, steep hills. Also, like the Shimano and Brose motors, we have equipped an eMTB bike with multiple chainrings. The new Yamaha motor is ideal for the techie who wants to track stats via Bluetooth connectivity.
Total Cost of Ownership In Choosing an Electric Mountain Bike
TCO is our main focus in selecting an electric mountain bike. TCO is a financial estimate intended to help buyers, as well as sellers, determine the direct and indirect costs of a product or system.
A TCO analysis includes the total cost of acquisition and operating costs, as well as costs related to replacement or upgrades at the end of the life cycle. The TCO analysis determines the viability of any capital investment, and it may work as a product/process comparison tool. It directly relates to an enterprise’s asset and related systems total costs across all projects and processes, thus giving a picture of the profitability over time.
For manufacturing, TCO goes beyond the initial manufacturing cycle time and cost to make parts. It includes a variety of costs of doing business items, for example, ship and re-ship, and opportunity prices, while it also considers incentives developed for an alternative approach. Tangible benefits and other variables include tax credits, everyday language, expedited delivery, and customer-oriented supplier visits.
Just like an automobile, there are a lot of things we need to know about the costs of running and owning an electric bicycle. The cost of running an electric bike might be compared to a standard bicycle, public transport, a moped or a motorcycle to help us decide if we want to travel through an electric bicycle or the other modes of transportation. We should also seriously ask ourselves the question, “Why should anybody buy an electric bike?” Electric bicycles provide the same excellent benefits as traditional bicycles. Electric bicycles, however, are most advantageous when climbing hills or going against the wind as well as a better range. If we experience some kind of knee pain or a pulmonary condition such as asthma, electric bicycles could also be a good option. Electric bikes remove a lot of the roadblocks and challenges that people face with traditional pedal-powered bicycles and solve health and environmental concerns of gas-powered vehicles. To own and run an electric bike, we have to consider four main points:
1.Initial Cost
Under normal circumstances, an electric bike (eBike) is more expensive than an ordinary bicycle. We need to add the cost of the battery, motor, design, and electrical equipment over the costs of regular bicycle specifications. Of course, the cost factor depends on the brand, size of the battery, and the components. The initial cost usually depends on how we can afford and our budget, but as the saying goes, ‘you pay for what you get’ is the rule in the electric bicycle world. When it comes to electric bicycles, we would often hear people say that buying cheap is buying twice. Therefore, if we spend a little bit more, we would generally be paying for something more reliable, which could, in turn, serve us better in time, reducing our costs overall. Also, we need to remember that when we buy an electric bike, we will not need any road tax, not need to pay for congestion charges, not need to pay for insurance, and the batteries are relatively small and do not cost much to charge them.
2.Types of Electric Bikes
The kind of electric bicycle has a massive role because some electric bikes cost more to run compared to others. An electric bicycle that is going to take us further on a single charge is going to reduce running costs. Usually, depending on the model, an electric bike is going to cost roughly 8 cents to charge an electric battery. Some models are going to take you 15 miles on a charge while others can get you to 100 miles per charge. The capacity of the cell determines the range and how efficient the electric bicycle applies power. Therefore, the cost of recharging, even if small on every charge, could work out a lot in the bigger picture. The kind of electric bicycle could also influence the wear and tear as well as the maintenance costs.
Up to $1,000:
In buying a bicycle, we need to factor the electric system. They are characterized by:
* Low-grade manufacture – a frame out of cheap alloys or even high tensile steel. Cheap alloys could snap while high tensile steel could be weighty.
*Unbranded batteries – Branding is a matter of trust and necessity, but still, we can run electric bicycles on unbranded ones. A lot of electric bicycle users are quite happy with unbranded batteries.
*Warranties- Warranties on the low-end of the price range might not be as comprehensive or as long for cheap bikes, so we need to understand the details of the warranties of these bicycles.
$1,000 – $1,500
It is the price range that most people aim for and is the most competitive price range on the market. Again, we need to focus on the battery, the motor, and the controller of these bicycles. More or less, the bikes in this price range are going to have lithium polymer 36V 10ah batteries. A single charge enables one to cover an approximate distance of 20-40 miles. A few manufacturers are offering a more extensive range of cells now with this price range. We could also be getting a few nice bits at this price range, such as Nexus 8-speed hub gears. A few bicycles are well-engineered at this price range, with inexpensive materials that clearly. Batteries are usually branded and typically cost $300-$400.
$1,500 – $2,000
At this point, we would expect to see better engineering than the previous price ranges. Build quality, longevity, and finishing kits are more consistent. Batteries with more extended price range are a regular occurrence in this price range because they come from top manufacturers with hydraulic brakes and better motors. As of 2014, this price range also offers crank drives. 2013 was the year of the Bosch motor, but we need to spend a couple of thousand dollars to get these motors on our bikes. Some people believe that crank drives are for everybody, but this is not always true, as always, we have to try it out ourselves and see.
$2,000 – $5,000
If we have more than $2,000 to spare, we could start looking at Bosch crank drives or really top of the line hub motors. We are going to see a lot of more hydraulic brakes, full suspension, state of battery charge meters, and European or even British manufacture. We can also do some customization on our end if we are capable and build a high-end electric system fitted to a decent bicycle. If we are really into electric bikes, this is the price range that gets e-bike enthusiasts excited. As expected, bicycles at this level could be very accomplished.
$5,000+
A few years ago, it would have been impossible to say anything about electric bicycles at this price range. Surprisingly this is also known as the superbike range. There are hand-built, garage-made electric bicycles out there that could cost as much as $30,000. Speed and power are what we’ll get at this end of the price spectrum.
3.Battery Lifespan/Replacement
Battery lifespan is essential if we plan to use the electric bicycle for an extended period. Today, battery performance has dramatically improved because of advancements in Lithium cell technologies. As batteries have advanced, so have the ranges and lifespan. Some batteries need replacement more often than others. Some batteries can last up to 8-10 years or 1000 cycles depending on how we take care of them, while others can last for only 18 months. With that said, longer-lasting batteries cost more initially but might save our money in the long run. So, if we plan on using an electric bicycle for a couple of years, a cheaper cell option could lower the overall running costs
4.Maintenance/Wear and Tear
Anything mechanical (cars, bicycles, cameras, watches) needs servicing and repairs. An electric bike requires an annual budget of around $50 for service, $10 for brake pads, and $40 for tires every two to three years, depending on our mileage. If we go for 100-150 miles every week, then we have to service the electric bicycle twice a year, and we need to change brake pads, tires, chains, etc. more often. Also, secure locks for the bike as well as waterproofs, lights, helmets, and panniers.
Why you Should Choose an Electric Bike rather than an Ordinary Bike
1.Faster Travel
In theory, a car can average a high speed, but in practice, the rate often falls below 10mph in cities due to congestion. Motorcycles get around this to some extent but are still have to use the road network. An electric bike can maintain a higher average speed than a bicycle, yet take advantage of the full system of cycle facilities, giving access to routes that cars and motorcycles cannot reach. The result is often a faster door-to-door journey time than any other mode. And by nipping along the relatively uncongested cycle network, but eliminating hills and headwinds, electric bikes tend to be the most consistent mode of travel.
2.No Sweat!
Sweat may not be a severe issue when you’re out for a leisure ride, but it’s more important if you’re cycling to work, and arriving at work sticky puts a lot of people off cycling. Although some employers are somewhat grudgingly providing showers and other facilities for cyclists, the vast majority have no intention of doing so. An electric bike eliminates the problem at the source. Oddly enough, you won’t sweat on an electric bike, even if you put in the same amount of effort as you do on an ordinary bike. It is a matter of physics as well as exertion – higher road speed and more excellent airflow mean instant sweat evaporation. In hot weather, it’s possible to maintain a regular schedule by transferring a bit more load to the electric motor. In colder climate – or if you feel in need of exercise – just throttle back, or turn the engine off.
3.Safety
It sounds unlikely, doesn’t it? But mathematics is compelling. Think of a steep and busy road, with cars climbing at 30mph. If you previously slogged up the hill at 6mph but can tackle the same gradient at 12mph with an electric bike, you will see 33% fewer cars, and they will pass you at 18mph rather than 24mph. Or at least, we think that’s correct. Whatever the figures, there’s no doubt that an electric bike helps to keep you out of danger. The same general principle applies to road junctions and roundabouts – the faster your acceleration, the sooner you can get out of trouble. And with no need to rush the hills, you won’t be tempted to ride downhill at breakneck speed another useful safety feature.
4.Hill Climbing
The primary advantage of an electric bike is hill climbing. A good electric bike effectively flattens hills, increasing your average speed and eliminating the ‘groan’ factor when a gradient comes into view. Provided you supply a reasonable amount of effort, you can expect to climb hills of 1:10 (10%) on an electric bike with ease, and clear a maximum gradient of 1:7 (14%), or even 1:4 (25%) with the right bike. In hilly country, the effect is nothing short of miraculous.
Benefits of Choosing an Electric Mountain Bike
- Speed – Electric bikes generally have a higher top speed than ordinary bicycles with the same rider. Speed makes electric bikes more flexible as compared to the usual or regular bikes. Passengers can take advantage of the multi-purpose cycle lanes and paths, which are traffic-free, to cut down your commuter time.
- Great for Commuting – An electric bicycle requires little to no effort to ride. Just twist the throttle and steer the bike where one wants to go. It makes it, so the rider doesn’t have to break a sweat in their work clothes on the way to work. Its ability to skip traffic is also advantageous. Electric bicycles use designated lanes, through a park or down an alley allowing it to beat the traffic and, in many cases, to a destination faster than a car.
- Improve fitness – An electric-powered bicycle allows riders who are physically less able or out of shape to keep up with younger and more in shape people. E-bikes also allow for long comfortable bike rides where the rider doesn’t feel exhausted or in any type of physical pain at the end. Just a comfortable ride at a pace the rider enjoys. Hence electric bikes are good for your health both mentally and physically.
- E-Bikes are cool – Be ready to answer questions to the many curious onlookers that are interested in what one is riding and how it works
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- Mountain bikes are the future of transportation. In essence, we are living in the future, and due to advancements in technology and also considering that this invention will improve continuously over time, there is a big future for electric bikes hence need to embrace it.
- nature-friendly- as compared to motorcycles and cars, electric bikes emit lower pollution per kilometre. Therefore, to improve air quality either caused by climate change or global warming, we can help by using an electric bike.
- wide variety of designs- an electric bike has a wide range of designs to choose from due to the advancement in technology. Therefore, companies dealing with producing electric bikes provide a variety of designs that accommodates your needs.
Precautions in Choosing an Electric Mountain Bike
- Complexity – Electric bicycles have more parts than regular bikes, increasing the probability of something going wrong.
- Weight – Electric bicycles add an electric motor, battery, and controller, among other things, hence doubling the importance of the bike when the battery is in use. The weight isn’t a problem when the battery charges, and the rider is using the electric motor, but it can make it harder to pedal when the battery is out of use.
- Batteries Maintenance – It is good to charge the electric bike battery after each ride. It is also important not to let the electric bike sit unused for an extended period because the battery capacity will fall due to its chemistry. It is best practice to use the electric bike at least once a month to keep the battery in good shape. Electric bicycle batteries don’t last forever, a Lithium-Ion Battery will last 2-5 years, and an SLA battery will last 1-2 years before the cells need replacement. However, proper battery maintenance extends the life of the battery for as long as the bike in most cases.
Final Thoughts
The Electric motorbike has been of great importance in the day-to-day lives of riders. It’s utmost comfort, ability to use it on the roughest of terrains, and the ability to skip traffic are among the benefits of using an electric bike. The economic reality is that modern electric bikes are durable, require little maintenance and can now travel for up to 50 miles or more on literal pennies worth of electricity. Therefore, more people need to consider either purchasing, leasing, or renting it, so that they save time in traffic. An electric bike is a good investment that no one will regret using it since its benefits weigh outweigh the costs.