Your guide to choosing an electric bike for commuting

October 2, 2020
Updated on:
September 13, 2023

Everything you need to know about electric bikes whether you’re riding to work or just getting around on the weekend.

Electric bikes offer an alternative to cars, buses or trains when it comes to commuting. With an e-bike you can zip past traffic and avoid crowded buses, plus you’ll always get a park. Whether you’re using an e-bike to get to work, do your grocery shopping, or enjoy leisurely rides on the weekend, here’s what you need to know about e-bikes before you purchase.

Why choose electric over a regular bike?

Opting for an electric bike over a regular bicycle means you have extra support to go longer distances and ride up hills without breaking a sweat. After a long, hard day it can be nice to cruise home without having to furiously pedal.

Battery - is it long lasting and quick to charge?

Most e-bikes these days have detachable batteries and it’s a convenience worth having. Also consider how long the battery lasts and how quick it is to charge. You don’t want to get stuck halfway on your ride and suddenly need to charge it. It can take anywhere from 3-6 hours to fully charge a battery. Depending on the bike, your battery might last 3 or 8 hours so it’s worth investigating!

Our e-bikes have 7-8 hours of battery life and can be fully charged in only 2 hours. For most commuters you can easily get by on a weekly charge meaning less hassle for you!

Durable parts such as wheels and water-resistant batteries

You don’t want to be glad wrapping your batteries every time it rains. Check the battery is in a water-resistant casing to keep it safe.

Another thing to think about is the quality of the wheels. From on-road to off-road to riding off curbs, around corners, up driveways, down stairs, your wheels are constantly changing terrain so opting for high quality puncture-proof tyres can save you a lot of headaches. We opt for high quality Schwalbes tyres which are puncture-proof. Plus, our e-bikes are water resistant so you don’t need to worry about the rain.

Sleek design

You’ll be riding to work, to your friends house on the weekend, and even around town so it makes sense you want the bike to be sleek and stylish.

We personally love the sleek look of our Zero with it’s white frame and bamboo rear rack which is suitable for holding some groceries, your laptop, or whatever else you need!

Safety

Lights are a must! Our e-bikes come with built-in lights so you won’t need to install them yourself. When comparing bike models, look at whether the lights are integrated into the frame or if you need to install it yourself.
Also consider the suspension as you want a comfortable ride!

Anti-theft measures

We worked hard to include anti-theft measures on our e-bikes and have future plans to make it even safer for you and harder to steal. All of our bikes come with a secure U lock so you can safely lock it when away from your bike. Plus, our Zero has a smart lock for extra security.

Bike frame - step over or step through?

By this we mean, do you have to step over a bar to sit on the bike or can you step through where the frame would be to sit? This is a personal preference and there is no right or wrong. If you’re constantly getting on and off the bike then step-through would definitely be a better option, however test both and see what you like! Based on customer feedback, 50+ years old, less abled and shorter people tend to like the step through better.

What about maintenance?

It’s worth asking about the condition of the brake pads, wheels, tyres and battery and when it is expected they’ll need to be replaced. We think an electric bike should fit seamlessly into your life; whether it’s extra support on your fitness journey, riding to and from work, or cruising around on the weekends with coffee in hand and groceries on the back and maintenance shouldn’t be a concern. That’s why we offer ongoing service and maintenance. All you have to do is book in a time and our qualified mechanics have a 6-point checklist to ensure your bike is in tip-top shape. It’s a perk of our e-bike subscription.

Take a look at our available bikes or book your test ride today.

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