An eBike is a great choice when you are seeking a greener travel option or looking to take your leisure cycling to the next level. A good eBike is an investment in your health and well-being, as well as in the planet, and it’s important to do your research before you buy to ensure you are getting the very best option for your lifestyle and your needs.
Here at The Edge, we have a wide range of electric bikes, including top-name brands, and we have the expertise to help you make the best choice. We will always suggest trying several different types of eBike before settling on one, and we will look at the options in this article. We’ll discuss the different eBike styles and look at the factors you should consider, to help you make an informed decision about the eBike you need in your life.
Why do you want an electric bike?
The first thing to consider when you are looking to purchase an electric bike is what you will primarily be using it for. E-bikes are designed for many different purposes and understanding exactly what your requirements are is vital to get the most for your money. What will you be using your eBike for?
- Commuting. An eBike could be the perfect option for commuting to work, giving you a greener way to travel and reducing the time you sit in traffic every day. Many workplaces are embracing green initiatives to make it easier to cycle to work, and there may even be schemes to help financially with the cost of your eBike. If this is the primary reason for buying an eBike, you should look for models that have all the practical features you need, including efficient lights and fenders to ensure your safety while you are cycling.
For everyday cycling to work, you will want to ensure that you will be comfortable and this means finding an eBike with a comfortable riding position. Trying several options can enable you to find the best option for your body shape and allows you to find the bike geometry that suits you best. When travelling to work on your eBike, you’ll find it helpful to be able to carry your bag and other items, so you’ll need to think about storage racks and other options. And perhaps the most important consideration when buying an eBike is the battery range of your chosen model. You will need to ensure you can charge your bike overnight and then rely on it to get you to work and home again without issue. Talk to us about models that can give you the reliability you need and we’ll help you to find the best option for commuting. - Leisure cycling. If you are a keen cyclist and you want to invest in an electric bike to take your cycling further afield or embrace new challenges, you’ll need to look at eBikes that are designed for this purpose. An eBike can allow you to go further and faster than a traditional bike and this will be great for your health and fitness. You should think about the practicalities, primarily your comfort as you cycle. Prioritise a comfortable riding position and ensure that you find a model with the geometry and ergonomics that works for you.
A lightweight model is very helpful when you are riding for leisure, and this means it will be much easier to transport by car or on public transport for adventures further afield. You should consider the length of charge you will need and while this may not be as much as if you were commuting to work every day, it is important to ensure that you will have the power you need. The terrain you are cycling on will also affect the type of bike you look for, and you should consider the type of cycling you do carefully before you make your decision. Again, it is a very good idea to try out as many different options as you can to find the best choice for you. - Trail or Off-Road cycling. If you’re a trail cyclist, you may be excited by the prospect of taking your hobby to the next level with an eBike. Your commitment to the trails can only be enhanced with an effective motor that can give you some extra pedal power for tackling hills and rough terrain. In this instance, your requirements are likely to be quite specific. For instance, wide tyres are a great help, giving you better traction on trail surfaces, and a comfortable geometry will make all the difference to your enjoyment.
You should look carefully at the frame of the eBike you are considering, and think about the essential components you need. You will want durability and reliable suspension for the best performance on rough terrain, and you should try options with front suspension only as well as with full suspension to see what works best for you and your riding style. - Cycling for practical purposes. Cargo bikes, or utility bikes, are designed to help make life easier, enabling you to run errands or carry heavy loads with less stress. If you are likely to be using your bike for this purpose, you should look for a Cargo eBike with a strong frame and a powerful motor, to give you the help you need.
An eBike that has a high load capacity is very helpful when you will be carrying heavy loads and/or travelling around a lot, and we will help you to find this when you discuss your cycling requirements with us. You’ll need to think carefully about the battery on the bike you choose and ensure that you get the most effective option for your lifestyle and your budget.
The type of cycling you do will make a big difference to the features you look for, and our team at The Edge will be delighted to help you find the best eBike for your needs.
Your Electric Bike Motor and Battery
Finding the right electric bike for you is a question of matching up the features you need and want with the options that will make your cycling more enjoyable. You will also need to think carefully about the type of motor you need and explore the options available to you.
A hub motor, located in the wheel of your electric bike, will usually be a more cost-effective option and is designed to give its best performance when you are cycling on flat terrain. Hub motors are quieter, and some people prefer these for commuting and leisure cycling where the cycling is not too intense. A mid-drive motor is the other option, and this will be positioned in the centre of the bike to give you better weight distribution and good performance on more challenging terrain, such as when you are cycling off-road or on hills. A motor of 500W capacity or above will usually give you better performance on rough or hilly terrain.
The type of battery you have on your eBike will also make a difference to the performance of your eBike, so you should take your time to understand the range you will need. Battery capacity is measured in watt hours (Wh) and most eBike batteries are within the 250Wh to 750Wh range. A battery that has a higher capacity will give you a longer range, so you will need to think practically about the distances you ride regularly and consider your charging capacity. This should be measured against factors such as the weight of the bike, which will be reduced with a smaller battery, to ensure you get the right balance for your lifestyle.
Find your new Electric Bike in Ireland
Buying an electric bike can feel like a significant investment, and it’s very important to take the time to get it right. Give yourself plenty of time to research the options available to you and consider the type of frame, motor and battery you need. Your riding habits will influence every aspect of your decision making and it can help to talk with our professional staff about the best options for your lifestyle. We suggest beginning your search for the right eBike by making a list of all of your essentials and then adding your preferences so that you aren’t tempted to compromise on anything vital!
At The Edge, our range includes quality electric bikes, road bikes and hybrid bikes and we also stock a variety of accessories and equipment to set you up for success as you cycle. Our mission is to provide what you need for your outdoor adventures, including triathlon, running, surfing and swimming. Visit our website to find out more or pop in and see us in-store.
