Day by day, electric bikes are taking an increasingly important place in the world of two-wheelers. Today, they can be found in all the major bike categories, from mountain bikes to road bikes, including hybrids.
With a growing number of electric bikes on the market, it is becoming more and more difficult to find the perfect electric bike that matches your needs.

In this article, we will discuss the different factors to consider to help you make the best choice in this vast world of electric two-wheelers.

 

What is the difference between an electric bike and an electric-assist bike?

Often, there can be confusion between an electric bike and an electric-assist bike. However, these are not the same type of motor used on each type of bicycle.

 

In the case of an electric bike, the motor starts automatically and helps move the bike forward at all times.

 

For an EAB (electric-assist bike), the so-called “intelligent” motor only activates when the rider pedals, assisting their effort through a system of sensor devices.

 

In summary, the main consequence of this difference lies in the range. The lithium battery will last longer, and you won’t have to recharge it as often as a classic electric bike’s battery. Besides saving money, you can also extend your trips.

 

Theoretically, a hybrid bike can travel about 45 kilometers, while an EAB can reach up to 150 kilometers!

 

Where to buy your bike online? Beware of offers from Asia

You might be tempted to buy these bikes straight from the Asian market because of their unbeatable prices. But keep in mind that these unrecognized brands do not meet the same standards or manufacturing quality.

 

Indeed, these bikes have their own components, which are hard to find on our side of the globe and are generally of poor quality. This makes it difficult to ensure proper maintenance and/or repairs when needed.

 

In conclusion, the low price of these types of bikes inevitably reflects the manufacturing cost, and making a momentary bargain does not necessarily mean savings in the long run. You could end up in a situation where you have to import spare parts with costly shipping fees and lower quality, or worse, be left with an unusable bike.

 

Each bike has its use

The first thing to do is to clearly define your needs and how you intend to use your electric bike.

Are you looking for an electric bike to commute to work? A folding model to slip into public transport? Or a companion for a mountain adventure?
Precisely defining your needs will guide you toward one type of bike rather than another.
At Mon vélo, know that there are 4 main categories of electric bikes:

 

• Mountain: Electric mountain bikes are especially suited for off-road bike enthusiasts. They are equipped with sturdy tires, reinforced suspensions, and a powerful motor to tackle rough terrain.
• Hybrid bike: This is the ideal bike for urban commuting thanks to a comfortable riding position. It often comes with practical accessories like a luggage rack or fenders.
• Gravel / road: Specifically designed for cycling enthusiasts, this type of bike offers pedal assistance and a more aerodynamic shape than a traditional urban bike.
• Tricycle: Stability and comfort are the key features of the tricycle. It is ideal for people with reduced mobility or those looking for an alternative to traditional electric bicycles.

 

A range to accompany you for a long time

Like most batteries, range is measured not in years but in charge cycles.

Despite annual wear typical of batteries, most manufacturers estimate that a battery can easily reach 500 charge cycles.
Depending on the model and its weight, an electric bike can travel between 60 and 100 km per charge cycle.

So, we can deduce that an electric bike can cover between 30,000 and 50,000 km with a single battery.

Of course, your riding style will also matter. The more energetic your style with frequent accelerations and tight turns, the more it will reduce your battery’s range.

Conversely, a steadier and more moderate ride will allow you to travel longer.

 

Balance & power: the motor’s location

For most electric bikes, the motor is located in the hub of the front or rear wheel, commonly called a direct-drive bike. In rarer cases, the motor can be found near the crankset, known as mid-drive bikes.
What will mainly determine your choice between these two configurations is your preference in terms of riding feel, balance, and weight distribution, which can slightly differ from one bike to another.

 

• Direct-drive bikes (or rear-wheel drive): A mechanism placed on the front or rear wheel transmits power directly to the wheel, a simpler mechanical operation requiring fewer components to function.
• Mid-drive bikes (or crank-drive): The motor is placed on the frame near the crankset and is directly connected to the bike’s transmission system. Power is sent either to the chain or the belt. This setup allows for a more balanced weight distribution because the motor is located at the bike’s center.