How to Choose an Electrobike

Each manufacturer lists an approximate number of battery charge cycles. A typical electrobike battery lasts about 800-1000 charge cycles, which corresponds to a 3-4 year long lifespan under normal use.

When buying a new battery, you need to make sure it has the same voltage (24, 36, 42). The battery voltage is generally listed on an info label you can find on your bike. Buying a battery from your bike’s manufacturer is a sure way to guarantee compatibility, but you can also use an alternate battery with the same voltage and similar capacity.

Basic electrobike maintenance is almost the same as with a standard bicycle. You have to occasionally tighten up the spokes and screws, lubricate the chain, and replace the worn tires. Aside from this basic maintenance, you also have to maintain the battery. Generally, the battery should never be stored in freezing temperatures and off-season you should recharge it occasionally to prevent its charge level from dropping below the critical voltage threshold. Deep discharge reduces the battery capacity and lifespan.

Other maintenance and any electromotor and battery repairs should be left to an experienced technician.

We are sorry to disappoint you, but the answer is no. They are simply too light and the energy they would recover would be minimal. For comparison – regenerative braking can save 20% of energy for a train that weighs hundreds of tons. A two-ton car saves about 10%. An electrobike weighing 100 kg (including the rider) would save only a few percent at best.

Such bikes do exist, but some countries classify bikes with an output of 250 W and higher as motorised vehicles, which means you would be legally required to register it as an electric motorcycle. Motorcycle owners need to have a proper driver's license, pay motorcycle insurance, and register it as any other motorised means of transport.

Some manufacturers bypass these issues by equipping their bikes, especially mountain electrobikes, with the so-called offroad mode. This mode boosts the engine output to 350 to 500 W and is designed exclusively for off-road use, away from public roads. However, frequent use of this boost mode rapidly reduces the bike range.

The extra engine coupled with your physical strength allows you to travel really long distances while exercising at the same time. If you don’t live near a bike path, you may have had to use a car to even reach it. Now you can leave your car at home and just ride your electrobike all the way.

Most electric bikes have two basic modes – pedal assist and throttle, which means it can help you climb a hill, weave through the city streets, or let you kick back and enjoy a “free” ride when you are tired. You can also turn off the engine entirely and ride it as a normal bike.

It all depends on what you want it for. For many people, buying an electrobike is a better option. They want to be active while traveling and their trips aren’t thousands of kilometres long. Most electrobikes can last about 50 km in the throttle mode and up to 200 km with pedal assist. And since the electrobike is still a bicycle, it spares you from having to pay motorcycle insurance and register it at your vehicle licensing agency or similar government office.

Overall, using an electrobike costs less per 1 km, even considering the battery amortisation and the initial purchase investment.

It depends on the type of the electric bike. Commuter and folding bikes let you sit almost upright, since they are not meant for high speeds.

Mountain and cyclo-cross bikes seat you in the so-called neutral sitting position, with your body posed at a 40° angle. It doesn’t strain your back, but it’s also not as leisurely as an upright position.