E Bike Buyers Guide

Which e-bike is the right one for me? The great e-bike guide

It’s easy to lose track in the jungle of e-bikes. Our e-bike buying guide shows you exactly what you need to pay special attention to when buying your e-bike and which details and requirements you should think about in advance! And don’t worry, even after buying your e-bike, our experts will be happy to help you with the bike service and regular bike checks in our shops.

 

 

Concepts: What are the types of e-bikes?


Before we start explaining to you the main elements of an e-bike, we need to clarify a few terms. Because technically, the e-bike is not what most people think it is. In the field of motor-driven bikes, we basically distinguish between e-bike, pedelec and s-pedelec, which differ depending on the support of the motor.

 

The pedelec: This is a bike that is only supported by the motor when the pedals are pedaled at the same time. Pedelecs can reach a speed of up to 25 km/h – but only if you also pedal.

 

The S-pedelec: Here, the S is for speed. If the pedals are in rotation, you can reach a top speed of 45 km/h with an S-pedelec. This means that these bikes have to be registered and helmets are compulsory. Apart from that, we always recommend you to wear a helmet for your own safety anyway.

 

The e-bike: Unlike the pedelecs, the real e-bike is motor-driven even when not using the pedals and you can control the speed via a twist grip on the handlebars.

 

Since in our everyday language the pedelec is usually called an e-bike, we will also refer to them here as e-bikes. At Sport Conrad you will only find pedelecs that are not subject to registration. What you should now consider when buying such a bike, we show you in the following.

 

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The purpose: What purpose should your e-bike serve?


Which e-bike is the right one for you depends entirely on your preferred purpose. You can choose between e-mountain bikes, e-trekking bikes, e-city bikes, e-road bikes/e-gravel bikes and e-SUVs.

 

E-mountain bikes are widely popular in the e-bike market when it comes to riding steeper terrain. The motor gives extra power on the ascent and lets you ride your favorite trails several times. The frame is rather sturdy due to its suitability for off-road use. 

 

With an e-trekking bike, you can cover quite a few kilometers to your destination in a relaxed manner while being assisted by a motor. The lighter frame and option to attach bags make long bike trips easier, among other things.

 

For the city, we recommend you an e-city bike. With these bikes, comfort is paramount, so you can quickly tick off all the errands with no worries. This bike features a frame shape that makes it easy to get on and off the bike, a comfortable saddle and a bike stand.

 

E-gravel bikes or e-race bikes are characterized by a thin, lightweight frame and narrow wheels. The motor gives you extra speed, especially on gentle climbs, and also supports you on descents with its weight.

 

If you are looking for a hybrid model that combines MTB, road bike and trekking, then an E-SUV might be the right bike for you. It’s versatile, whether you’re going up a mountain, speeding down the road, or carrying a piece of luggage or two for your day trips.

 

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The motor: What motor concepts are available?


When choosing your e-bike, you have the option between different drive concepts. This refers to where the motor is located on the e-bike.

 

With a front-wheel drive, the motor is located at the front of the bike and thus shifts the weight forward. This is inexpensive but if you like to ride uphill, this is not the optimal choice. Because with a front engine you lose thrust and have less control in winding descents.

 

On the other hand, if the motor sits in the middle of your e-bike, you’ll have a more even weight distribution and an almost unchanged riding experience compared to a conventional bike. It is therefore an optimal solution for any purpose.

 

Last but not least, there are also rear wheel motors. Due to the rear position, there is a direct power transmission and flat, fast routes are thus well masterable. However, if your route includes inclines, the motor will quickly overheat with this type of drive.

 

In summary, we can say that a mid-engine combines the advantages of all drive positions and is therefore a popular model on the market.

 

The battery: Without a battery, no engine either


Without a battery, which stores recovered energy, the engine does not run either. The battery is usually a lithium-ion battery. The advantage over other batteries is primarily the very high energy density combined with low weight. The capacity of the batteries is specified in watts/hours and determines the range. Modern e-bike batteries from different manufacturers range between 300 and 625 watts/hour. Of course, the range also depends on weight, riding mode, riding style, tire pressure and the respective terrain.

 

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The frame and suspension: How do you find your perfect e-bike?


To make sure you have fun with your new bike, the frame is a crucial factor. The right frame depends first of all on your intended use. Features such as stability, weight and comfort should not be forgotten. In our guide The right frame size for your mountain bike, we explain exactly how you measure the optimal size for you.

 

In terms of suspension, there are basically two types: E-mountain bikes are available either with single front suspension, which in the jargon are called hardtails, or with double front and rear suspension, which you can find under fullys.

 

Fully stands for full suspension and means that more shocks can be absorbed by the double suspension. Especially in rough terrain, this type of suspension gives you more control. Because with this bike, the rear tire has more ground contact, which is why there is more dynamism when driving. So if you are a fan of wild mountain bike trails, then a Fully allows you more stability, even at higher speeds.

 

 

 

Hard tails, on the other hand, are equipped with only one suspension fork, which is located in the front. The advantage of these bikes is that the power transmission is direct. For this, these bikes are somewhat more difficult to maneuver in very rough terrain, it therefore requires more technique or a slower ride. On the other hand, maintenance is easier and the bikes are usually a bit cheaper. E-city bikes and e-trekking bikes also fall under this type of bikes.

 

 

Tire size and brakes: two important features


Tires for mountain bikes today come in three different sizes: 26 inches, 27.5 inches and 29 inches. The smallest option – 26 inches – are rather uncommon on e-bikes; the two larger options are much more common. The smaller the tires, the more agile they are. And the bigger, the smoother they run! Popular with e-mountain bikes is therefore the 27.5+ variant. These tires have a diameter of 27.5 inches but a larger volume. Accordingly, these can be driven with less tire pressure and therefore offer more control and stability due to an increased contact zone with the ground. Then there are the 29 inch tires. These are slightly wider than regular tires, therefore a lot more stable. Although they do not roll quite as easily, they are perfect for beginners in the e-bike field because they provide optimum stability on uneven terrain.

 

Nothing works without brakes! And this is especially important for e-bikes, because these bikes weigh quite a bit more. Accordingly, your brake should also be strong. Therefore, all e-bikes are equipped with hydraulic disc brakes with 2 or 4 brake pistons (on higher-quality models), the strongest and most reliable type of brake. Unlike the conventional rim brake, this is not affected by wetness or overheating. More info on this and why brakes affect gear shifting can be found in our mountain bike buying guide!

 

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With this knowledge, nothing should stand in the way of your e-bike purchase. Of course, we are also happy to advise you in our local stores with further questions, which can support your purchase decision!

 

Want to learn more about e-bikes? Here you will find related articles that cover the following topics:

 

Pro and cons of E-Bikes

→ Mountain Bike Tours in the Bavarian Alps

Locationcheck: E-biking in the Olympiaregion Seefeld

 

Pictures: Bergamont / Ghost