FAQ: So I'm considering buying an ebike, where do I start?

When you decide that you're wanting to get an ebike, it can be a little overwhelming to know where to get started as there are so many different options out there. We've created this guide to get you thinking about some of the questions that will determine which ebike is right for you. After reading, have a think about what your requirements are and then get in touch. If you want to learn more about ebikes generally, then check out our full list of ebike FAQ's here. 

What is the purpose for this bike?

This is probably the most important question, as it will effectively determine what type of bike you're looking at and how you'll set them up. If you're wanting a bike for year round commuting then you'll want a bike that has lights, racks and fenders that way you can bring all your work supplies with you and keep as dry as possible. If you're after a bike purely for recreational riding, you may steer towards something that is less practical but more fun to ride. 

What terrain will you be riding on?

Another very important question. As the bike you choose will largely determine how comfortable you are on different surfaces. If you're going to be riding mainly on road, a bike with relatively slick tyres and an upright riding position will work great. If you're planning on riding mountain bike trails, a full suspension bike with a more active riding position and more aggressive tyre tread would be a better choice. Between these extremes there is lots of choice, so it's worth considering where you sit on this spectrum.

Another variable here is gearing and motor choice. If you're riding lots of steep, hilly terrain, you will want a powerful electrical motor and plenty of low gearing. If you're wanting to commute from Petone to the CBD everyday then having a bike that has a 45km/h assistance level will be important, and you'll probably want higher gearing so that you don't wear your drivetrain out as quickly.

How far will you be riding for?

Considering both your regular requirements from the bike as well as the maximum amount of distance you may want is important. If you're just wanting your bike for short recreational rides or riding around town, a smaller 400 Wh battery will be fine. However, if you're also wanting to ride some Cycle Trails, then looking for a bike with a capacity of around 625 Wh would be more suitable. If you're wanting to ride more than 70 km a day, looking into the dual battery sytems from Riese & Müller and Moustache would be a good idea.

How much stuff are you wanting to carry with you?

This is another huge question to consider, especially considering the range of different bikes we have in store. Most people to upgrade their commuter bike simply want a bike to get them to and from work as quickly and effienctly as possible, but what we often find is that once people have the power of electric, they start to want to do more with their bikes due to the sheer convenience of it. In this situation, upgrading to a Utility or Midtail bike would allow you to maintain a relatively normal ride feel, with greater cargo expandability. If you're wanting to ferry kids to and from school, pick up wood from Bunnings or do a full weeks shopping in one go, then you'd be best to look at our Front Loader or Longtail cargo bikes. 

If you're just wanting to carry your stuff with you when you're cycling touring, most of our bikes come with or can have rear pannier racks fitted which give you the option to carry your essentials with you. 

What are your specific requirements?

Beyond the questions listed above, there are endless further factors that may come up for you specifically. Do you only have a small space to store your bike in? If so, you may want to consider one of our electric folding bikes. Do you have a flight of stairs you have to walk up when you get home? If so, it would be worth having a look at our lightweight electric bikes from Specialized and Brompton. Need a super low step through frame because your hips have started playing up? Then maybe our range low-step electric bikes are most suitable for you.

All of these are examples of significant factors that will help us steer you in the right direction to find a bike that will work for you. Bringing these details along with you when you come to have a look for a bike will help us determine what will suit you best. 

Conclusion

At the end of the day, you know what you need better than we do, which is why it is important that you communicate with us as clearly as possible. From there, we'll be able to guide you in terms of what bikes suit you specific needs and wants. Once the thinking is done, the best thing to do is to go for a test ride. This allows you to get a real world understanding of how the bike performs and will help make your purchasing decision as easy as possible. If you already have a bike you like the look of, you can book yourself in for a test ride using the button below. If you would like to get some recommendations from us online, then fill out our ebike questionnaire here. 

BOOK A TEST RIDE