Ebikes come in many varieties. There's a style of Ebike for everyone! Listed below are some of the main types, and keep in mind, within these types are further sub-categories and features. Ebike Accessories make your new electric bicycle even more personalized to your exact needs. EbikeCityZen offers a wide selection of Ebikes, so you'll find the perfect Ebike for you right here on our Ebike buying guide!
Cruiser Ebikes
Designed for the recreational rider that wants comfort and control. You will sit upright, and have a super comfy saddle. Perfect for getting some exercise, running a quick errand to the store, exploring your city's green trails, sightseeing or a combination of all the above. This is the Electric Bike you're going to take to try out that new restaurant that's just outside your neighborhood, but haven't, because driving there and parking are such a hassle. Add a basket to the front and a pannier to the back and head to the farmer's market in the center of your community like you've been meaning to do. Your friends and neighbors will want a Cruiser Ebike too, so they can join you on your journeys.
Commuter Ebikes
Designed get there fast without breaking a sweat. You live too far from work to walk there, and you've not been riding a bike because you'd get sweaty on the way. Get some great exercise without breaking a sweat because pedal assist on your new Commuter Ebike makes it so easy. No more paying for a parking space downtown and you're getting to work faster than you would in a car because you take the bike lanes and weave right through traffic. Add a rack for carrying your laptop and gym bag, you're going to take the scenic way home and stop at the gym for weight training, because thanks to your new electric bicycle, you have time and energy left to spare.
Mountain / All-Terrain Ebikes
Designed for riding on or off road taking you farther and faster with less effort than a traditional bicycle. With a powerful motor, pedal assist and the battery you will have even more control and more fun than ever. Take the “fun factor” to new levels. Even when riding with a friend or partner that’s more fit than you, your electric bike gives you the power to keep up. If you want to turn down the pedal assist and get in a good workout, go for it. If you want to take it easy and let the motor work for you, you can do that too. You're going to explore all those nature trails outside of town like you've always been meaning to do with the power of your new electric mountain bike.
Cargo Ebikes
Designed for the urban delivery driver and for the family.
- Been beating up your car barely making scratch with your delivery hustle? Not to mention time wasted trying to park and make deliveries on traffic congested city streets. Switch to an electric cargo bike and watch your current vehicle expenses disappear. You haven't done this yet, because with all that pedaling on a regular bike, you'd never make it through your shift. With pedal assist on your Cargo Ebike - you can complete more deliveries faster - and keep more of what you earn!
- Parents, get a Cargo Ebike equipped with child seats on the long tail of the ebike and a box on front just like they do in the Netherlands. Get all your errands done faster and more efficiently while reducing your carbon footprint. Instead of loading up the SUV and heading to the big-box store, you've committed to shopping local and finding fresher more sustainable options that help build your community, because your cargo Ebike gives you that. You'll ride into your town center and feel like part of the community because you simply hop off your Ebike right outside all of your favorite local shops instead of having to park in the big parking garage at the end of the block and lug everything back to your car.
Foldable Ebikes
You've been wanting an electric bicycle, but have limited space for storage or you want to be able to easily pack your Ebike for an out of town trip? Foldable Ebikes are your answer. With many similar attributes to Cruiser Ebikes, the added ability to fold the Ebike make these a versatile choice for apartment dwellers and RV enthusiasts alike. They are equally ideal for city commuting, as they easily fold to be carried onto public transportation vehicles such as busses or trains. Ride from home to the train station, hop on the train for the long part of your commute, then ride the rest of the way to your workplace. All these possibilities and more unfold for you just as easily as your Ebike does!
Fat Tire Ebikes
Fat tire Ebikes have wide tires with excellent traction and stability, making them ideal for multiple types of terrain. Sandy beaches, snowy roads, rocky paths and pothole ridden streets are just a few of the surfaces Fat Tire Ebikes conquer with ease. For the city or the wilderness, the wider tires offer better traction and balance and can run on lower pressure, ensuring a smoother, safer ride with more tire surface connected to the ground. Coupled with the Ebike's electric motor, the effort needed to tackle challenging trails and inclines is greatly reduced. Fat tire e-bikes are perfect for adventure enthusiasts and those seeking comfort, durability, and the ability to explore more than just paved roads and pathways.
Trike Ebikes
Having three wheels ads a level of stability that a two wheeled Ebike cannot match. Some Ebike riders may not have the stability or mobility necessary to keep balanced, but they definitely don't have to miss out on the fun of Ebike riding with a Trike Ebike. Most Trike Ebikes also have generous sized cargo baskets built in, so these Ebikes are also ideal for running errands, hauling cargo, and other utility puropses. They are also more comfortable for long rides, with a relaxed seating position and easy maneuverability, making them perfect for leisurely rides or daily commutes.
Conclusion - Choose the right Electric bike for you
We hope you enjoyed our Ebike Buying Guide. With so many Ebike styles available, there's an option to suit every need and lifestyle. Whether you're commuting, running errands, or seeking adventure, e-bikes offer convenience, efficiency, and fun while reducing your carbon footprint. Keep in mind, within these Ebike types are further sub-categories and features. Accessories make your new Ebike even more personalized to your exact needs. EbikeCityZen offers a wide selection of Ebikes and we have a live chat backed by Ebike Experts (during business hours) while you shop - so you'll find the perfect Ebike for you right here on our store!
Ebike Buying Guide FAQ's
How Do Ebikes Work?
Riding an Ebike is just like riding a regular bicycle - only better! With a battery powering an electric motor, you have the confidence and power to ride further, faster and to more places than ever before. Ebikes use pedal-assist, meaning that you pedal just like a regular bike, but the motor amplifies your pedaling to make it feel more effortless. Some Ebikes also include a throttle to allow you to propel the Ebike with no pedaling required. Conquer hills, keep up with traffic, even carry cargo or pull a trailer. Go places on your Ebike you would have never thought of riding a bike before.
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Electric Motorsrange in power from 250 watts to some models with 1000 watts. Lower wattage motors have the advantage of consuming less power, but can be limited on steeper inclines or with heavier loads. Higher wattage motors can handle steeper inclines, more challenging terrain and heavier loads, but consume more power. Motors can be hub mounted or mid-drive.
- Hub mounted motors are the easiest to service and are mounted directly on the rear wheel. They are ideal for most riding conditions but may be limited on steep inclines and rough terrain. The weight of the motor in the rear wheel can slightly change the balance compared to a non-powered bike, but most riders feel this difference is negligible.
- Mid-drive motors are mounted directly between the pedals at the bottom bracket of the Ebike. This can lower the center of gravity of the bike and can provide more power on steep or rough surfaces. These motors can be more expensive and difficult to service.
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Ebike Pedal Sensorsdecide how much help the motor gives while pedaling. The two main types of pedal sensors are torque sensors and cadence sensors
- Torque sensors change the motor's power assist based on how hard you push the pedals. The speed of the bike is controlled more by how much pressure you put on the pedals and less than the actual rotational speed of your cadence. They more closely mimic the feel of a traditional bike and can make more efficient use of battery power, but often have a higher cost factor.
- Cadence sensors activate the motor based on the rotational speed of your pedaling and offer uniform and consistent pedal assist without having to push harder on the pedals. This makes them great for riders who prefer more uniform speeds without fluctuating their effort - just rotate the pedals faster or slower to change speed. Generally more cost efficient but may come with slightly reduced battery range.
- A high performance lithium-ion battery supplies power to the motor, come in different sizes and capacities - measured in Volts (V) and Amp-hours (Ah). Our Ebikes are fitted with a battery capacity to match the electric motor power and computer controls within the system are designed to get you the most power as efficiently as possible.
- Handlebar controls will be found right where your thumb rests on your Ebike. This controls the pedal assist levels, and some ebikes will also have a throttle offering no-pedal propulsion. Up to 5 levels of pedal assist are available on Ebikes. Pedal assist can even be turned off when you don't want to use your battery. The more pedal assist you use, the easier the pedaling effort becomes.
- A display panel mounted front and center on the handlebars gives information such as speed, battery power remaining, and other useful information. More advanced models even include Bluetooth connectivity and app based cell phone integration built-in allowing you to track your rides and locate your Ebike.
Get in touch with EbikeCityZen.com and we can provide more information and answer any questions you have about Ebikes. Let us help you find the perfect Ebike for you!
How Far can Ebikes Go?
Ebikes are easier to ride than traditional bicycles, and you can ride further using the electric pedal assist. Pedal assist allows EBike riders to cover greater distances in less time and with less effort. Unless you've been training for the Tour de France, you'd likely be physically exhausted trying to ride a traditional bicycle as far as you will your new Ebike.
You could expect to get 20-70 miles (or more) out of most EBikes on a single battery charge. However, unlike electric cars, running out of battery will NOT leave you stranded. Ebikes can still be powered by your feet, even when the battery is fully depleted. You can also bring along a spare charged battery or a charger. There's even solar powered chargers available for those who want to really do some serious off grid cross-country riding.
The following factors affect the range:
- Total weight of the load, including the rider and gear
- Level of pedal assist selected
- Amount of non-pedal throttle used (when equipped)
- Your average riding speed
- The bike's tire pressure and tire type
- Terrain and hill grade
- Wind conditions
- The outside temperature
- Your pedal capability and fitness
The following habits will definitely help extend your battery range per ride:
- Use the lowest level of pedal assist that is comfortable for your current ride conditions.
- Coast when you approach a stop, are on a downhill slope, or when your momentum has you moving at the right speed.
- Avoid repeated full throttle use and full speeds sprints throughout your entire ride.
At EbikeCityZen, we've found that the average range of most all Ebikes on the market today is more than sufficient for the majority of riders. Of course, if you have further questions, use our live chat feature or send us an email through the contact us page.
How Fast does an Ebike Go?
Ebikes are rated into 3 classes based on electrical assistance and top speed. Please note, all bicycles and Ebikes will go as fast as the rider can pedal, but this class guide gives you the maximum "assisted" speed.
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with no non-pedal throttle propulsion. These Ebikes have a max assisted speed of 20 mph.
- Class 2: Pedal-assist and a throttle that can provide non-pedal propulsion. These Ebikes have a max assisted speed of 20 mph.
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, no throttle. These Ebikes have a max assisted speed of 28 mph
Can I ride my Ebike everywhere?
In general, Most Ebikes can be ridden anywhere a traditional bike can go. Some municipalities have rules for the use of Ebikes, but in general, here are the guidelines for where Ebikes can be ridden (please check your local state and city ordinances for any differences from the following, and check with the park services for riding on certain trails):
- Class 1 EBikes are treated by most municipalities just like traditional bicycles, legally allowed to ride wherever standard bicycles are permitted, including bike lanes, roads, multiuse trails and bike-only paths.
- Class 2 EBikes are allowed most places a traditional bicycle can go, though some additional restrictions exist on certain singletrack trails in public parklands — it has been shown that throttle-actuated tire spinning can pose physical environmental damage to sensitive nature trails.
- Class 3 EBikes are typically allowed on roads and on-road bike lanes (“curb to curb” infrastructure), but some municipalities prohibit them from off street bike trails and multiuse paths shared with pedestrians, skaters and scooters. The 28 mph top-assisted speed of a Class 3 EBike may be too fast for bike paths and trails that are often shared with other trail users.
How Long do Ebike Batteries Last?
A well-maintained lithium-ion battery can last 3 to 5 years (or longer) and up to 1,000 charge cycles. However, a poorly maintained battery can be damaged in a single season. Here are some tips for extending the life of your battery:
- While not in use, keep the battery at a moderate temperature in a dry place, between 68-77°F (20-25°C) and away from direct sunlight.
- When storing the battery for a long period, ensure it has a charge between about 80% and 40% of a full charge. The battery will naturally lose charge while being stored, so check the battery periodically and bring it back up to above 40% if you are going to keep it in storage for longer periods.
- Store and charge your battery inside during the excessively cold and hot months. It is no problem to ride the bike in extreme conditions (it doesn’t harm the battery). However, when you are riding in very extreme weather, you will notice a drop in power and range; this is normal and expected.
- Don't drain the battery to zero often. Occasionally, on a long ride, if you fully use up your battery from time to time, it's ok. Just not too often!
- Wait aproximately 20 minutes after riding before charging your battery to allow the cells to balance.
- Keep you battery charged to around 90%. Once the battery is charged to around 90%, unplug it from the charger (do not keep it plugged in overnight!). Excessive charging of an already full battery will harm the battery. Occasional charging to 100% is ok, but longer life can be achieved by keeping the battery a bit less than full.
- If you are doing short rides, and the battery still has a good amount of charge remaining, wait until after the next ride or two to charge the battery.
Many of the Ebikes that EbikeCityZen sells come with a battery warranty. Please keep in mind that the warranty may not cover an improperly maintained battery.
As always, EbikeCityZen is here to answer all of your battery related questions. Use our live chat or contact us with any specific questions you have.
