{"id":7505,"date":"2022-11-23T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2022-11-23T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wpmigr.edinburghbicycle.com\/blog\/ultimate-electric-bike-buyers-guide"},"modified":"2026-02-24T12:02:57","modified_gmt":"2026-02-24T12:02:57","slug":"ultimate-electric-bike-buyers-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.citrus-lime.com\/ebco\/blog\/ultimate-electric-bike-buyers-guide","title":{"rendered":"Ultimate Electric Bike Buyers Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"

Type <\/a> \u00a0 Motor <\/a> \u00a0 Battery <\/a> \u00a0 Gearing <\/a><\/p>\n

There are more and more electric bikes appearing on our roads which is amazing for health and the environment but starting to look for your first ebike can be a bit of a minefield. Here, we breakdown all things ebike to help make your buying decision easier.<\/p>\n

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See all Electric Bikes<\/a> \u00a0or non-electric bicycle <\/a><\/p>\n

See our electric bike sale<\/a><\/b><\/p>\n

What Type of Bike Do I Need?<\/h2>\n

We would usually start conversations with customers by asking \u201cwhat are you planning to use the bike for?\u201d as this will narrow down the style of bike that would be best suited to you. Our Bike Type Ultimate Guide<\/a> will give a general guide to the different bikes for different purposes and once style is decided, we look for the equivalent with battery and motor. Listed below are a number of ebike specific options and the trade offs to those specific styles\/types.<\/p>\n

\u00a0 Electric Bike Size Guide <\/a><\/span><\/div>\n

Lightweight<\/h3>\n

Ebikes that weigh between 15 and 19kg are available in certain styles but the trade-off is either motor power, battery size or price. Step-through bikes are not generally found in a lightweight version.<\/p>\n

Mountain<\/h3>\n

With the choices of either hardtail or full-sus ( guide to Hardtails and Full-sus <\/a> ) and bikes that are suited for full-on downhill or cross country. Ebike specific questions here would be motor powers, battery sizes and whether you want lightweight at the expense of motor power.<\/p>\n

Commuter\/Leisure A.K.A Hybrid Ebike<\/h3>\n

When deciding on a commuter ebike such as Giant electric bikes<\/a>, the main factors in deciding are weight, style (e.g step-through dutch style) and price.<\/p>\n

Comfort<\/h3>\n

We have mentioned the step through ebike<\/a> options and a lot of the dutch style (upright sitting position) bikes have adjustable handlebars to dial in the comfort. Front and seat suspension options are also available to tame those bumps. Gazelle electric bike<\/a> or Kalkhoff bikes would fit this category really well.<\/p>\n

Folding<\/h3>\n

If you are tight on space at home, need to easily transport your bike or do not have secure bike storage, a folding ebike might be the way to go. \u00a0See our folding\u00a0Tern and Brompton Electric for sale <\/a><\/p>\n

Cargo<\/h3>\n

A cargo bike can be a great way to transport passengers or heavier loads that would normally have required a car. Great examples of cargo bikes would be Riese and Muller electric bikes or Tern bicycles.<\/p>\n

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Specialized E Mountain Bike <\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

What Motor Do I need?<\/h2>\n

When deciding on which motor would be best, the main considerations are; where is the motor located and how powerful is the motor.<\/p>\n

Motor location<\/h3>\n

There are three locations a motor can be on an ebike; In the front hub, In the rear hub or in the centre. Here are the benefits of each.<\/p>\n

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Front hub <\/strong> \u2013 These will generally be found on the less expensive e bikes or Brompton e-bikes and are good for city riding and commuting as you will get good acceleration away from lights. Where these will not work as well is if you are on any loose surfaces such as gravel paths as the torque is through the front wheel and requires good traction in order to be efficient. These motors are not as powerful as the centre driven motors so if you want max assistance uphill then we would have to discuss different options.<\/p>\n

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Rear hub <\/strong> \u2013 Again, found on the less expensive models and similar in usage to the front hub motors but the weight is towards the rear of the bike. Good city\/commuter bikes but not as powerful on the hills<\/p>\n

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Centre driven <\/strong> \u2013 A bit more expensive (but not that much) than the hub motors but you will have a more powerful motor for plenty of assistance on the hills and a more balanced feel as the weight is in the centre and is lower. Centre motors have a more natural handling due to the centre of gravity and that power comes from the cranks when you pedal. If you are cycling on gravel or off-road, a centre driven motor is a must.<\/p>\n

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Motor Power<\/h3>\n

Motor power is measured in Newton Metres (Nm) and the higher the number, the more powerful the motor. You would need a more powerful motor if you would like to expend less effort on hills or if you are transporting more weight uphill which is why you see more powerful motors on cargo bikes and bikes designed for heavier riders. If you are not planning on cycling hills then you can go for a less powerful motor but be aware that if you get to a decent hill, you will have to use more effort to get up it.<\/p>\n

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What Battery Do I Need?<\/h2>\n

A couple of considerations with an electric bike battery<\/a> \u2013 Where it is located on the frame and the size of the battery.<\/p>\n

Position<\/h3>\n

The position of the battery on an ebike can be over the rear rack, mounted centrally on the frame or integrated into the frame.<\/p>\n

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Rear Rack Mounted Battery<\/h4>\n