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How to choose an electric bike

Looking for a fast and eco-friendly way to get around? Consider choosing an e-bike. Here are some tips for finding the right e- bike for your needs.

Two adults riding Raleigh Getaway Electric Bicycles on a park bike trail. Two adults riding Raleigh Getaway Electric Bicycles on a park bike trail.

Comfort

Enjoy convenient, everyday riding or cruising with comfort e-bikes. These bikes have a comfort-oriented frame design and often include a pedal assist feature. Comfort bikes are great for casual rides to run errands or commuting.
 

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Recreational performance

Explore the outdoors and enjoy the thrill of recreational e-bikes, where cutting-edge technology meets adventure. Experience effortless pedalling and extended rides with versatile and high-performance electric bikes.
 

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Swap your commute

iZip electric bikes are a comfortable and reliable option for your daily commute. Many adult iZip bikes are equipped with powerful 500-W motors for speedy cruising, plus convenient storage racks to carry your everyday cargo.
 

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Motor power & type

An e-bike’s wattage and motor type determine the level of assistance it provides during a ride. High wattage motors provide better performance in challenging terrains. There are two types of e-bike motors:

Hub Drive – Mounted on the front or rear wheel hub and offer less assistance. Wattage for hub drive motors ranges from 36-volt, 250-Watts to 48-volt, 500-Watts.

Mid Drive – Mounted in the middle of a bike between its pedals and bottom bracket. Wattage for mid drive motors is often 36 volt, 250-Watts.

Battery

The distance an electric bike can cover on a single charge is important to consider. Battery capacity is measured in Amp Hours (Ah) and often ranges from 7Ah to 17.5Ah. Batteries with higher capacities will have a longer life allowing for extended rides.

E-bike batteries are made with Lithium-ion cells and generally offer a range of 15km to over 100km on a single charge depending on capacity and riding conditions. Some batteries are integrated into the bike frame and others are externally mounted and removable.

Pedal assist

Bikes with a pedal assist function allow you to ride further and faster with less effort. Smart sensors analyze pedal rotations and send signals to the motor to give you a boost depending on the level of assistance you’ve set the bike to. This feature is especially helpful for riding on tough terrain.

Throttle

E-bikes with throttle allow you to propel yourself forward without the need to pedal. This is especially useful for cruising at a constant speed, climbing a hill, or to provide an extra boost when needed. Many bikes equipped with a throttle also feature a pedal assist to ease the ride effort when the throttle isn’t being used.