The rise of cycling has been exponential in recent years, both for sports practice and as a vehicle for getting around the city. Electric bikes are partly to blame since they make pedaling much easier: people with low physical fitness, parents transporting children, workers who don't want to arrive at work sweaty, etc.
Bikes are initially divided into the same two categories as conventional ones: mountain and road. There are also subdivisions that group them into urban bikes, hybrids, folding bikes, and others. Depending on the use we're going to give it, we can focus on some or other of the following characteristics.
How and how much does our electric bike assist us in pedaling?
Electric bikes can be grouped into three classes according to the pedaling assistance they provide. Depending on where you live, there may be limitations on the use of some of them since we're talking about motorized vehicles.
Before choosing one electric bike or another, study the regulations in your country and your community to avoid surprises. Electric bikes must be approved by the EU, according to the EN 15194 standard. In Spain, the Directorate General of Traffic has specific regulations.
Pedal assistance class
Class 1: the motor activates only when you pedal and stops assisting at a maximum of 32 km/h. These are the most affordable and the most widely used. They're usually the first choice for most users, and can even be ridden on mountain trails in some cases.
Class 2: same as class 1, but it also has a throttle we can press without needing to pedal. Practically the same description as the previous one, but in this case it also has the throttle mode, so they may not be considered pedal-assist bikes but rather mopeds.
Class 3: in this case, pedal assistance continues up to a maximum of 45 km/h. The fastest and most powerful, but the most expensive. It's the most versatile since it allows us to move easily from one place to another. The downside is that it's usually not allowed on many trails.
Motor and batteries of the electric bike
A more powerful motor gives us more speed and strength to climb steep hills and move around the city faster. With more power, the battery drains faster. We'll need to find a balance between motor and battery, requiring greater battery capacity the more power we have in the motor.
Batteries express their capacity in watt-hours (Wh) and, as we've mentioned, it should be suited to our motor. Class 3 bikes usually have a 500-watt motor and a 500 Wh battery, while class 1 bikes have a common configuration of 250 watts with a 500 Wh battery. These figures are generic.
Battery aspects to look at
Regarding batteries, we should look at their charging time, the number of batteries the electric bike has, and whether they're integrated into the frame or external. All these aspects will be indicated in the battery section, and we can choose one type or another according to our requirements.
It usually takes between three and five hours for a battery to fully charge. More time will be needed for batteries with high capacity. That's why there's the option of having several batteries, allowing us to use one while the other charges with a travel charger, or swapping that battery for an extra one we have.
These batteries can be placed integrated into the bike or externally. The drawback of being integrated is that it can be harder to replace, while the advantage is that it leaves more room for a water bottle and other accessories like a bike bag.
Motor position and assistance on the electric bike
The two common positions are on the pedal axle (mid-drive) or in the center of the rear wheel (hub-drive). Those located in the pedal area feel more natural, stable, and give us better balance. The position on the rear wheel can be more complex to disassemble due to the wheel change and provides a different feel.
These motors usually offer several assistance levels, allowing us to choose a lower level to save battery, or use turbo mode to increase speed.
Other features of our electric bike
Another more personal part is the accessories it may include, such as lights, racks, and component quality. In this article, we won't go into that since it would be too extensive and is more typical of choosing a non-electric bike.
Aspects like whether it's foldable or not, bike size, wheel diameter, etc., will depend on your preferences and body type. It also matters whether you'll use it for city commuting or mountain riding. Below, we suggest several quality options you can consider.
Some recommendations for urban electric bikes (with mountain option)
Legend Milano
For our city commutes, we can get this robust and elegant urban bike. It features front suspension, hydraulic brakes, and a rear rack to carry our belongings. It reaches a maximum speed of 25 km/h with assistance from a 250W motor. We'll have a battery range of about 80 - 100 km. Its price is 1,699 euros .
Legend Milano Urban Electric Bike Smart eBike 26 Inch Wheels, Hydraulic Disc Brakes, 36V 10.4Ah Panasonic Battery (374.4Wh), Range up to 80km, Onyx Black
Nilox X6
With this Nilox X6 electric bike, we can explore the city and the mountains thanks to its powerful 27.5-inch tires. We can ride about 80km on a single battery charge, and its motor allows us to reach a maximum of 25km with assistance. A very complete option with an excellent value for money. Its cost is 1,059 euros 849.15 euros.
Nilox 30NXEB275VFM1V2 - Electric bike E Bike 36V 11.6AH 27.5X2.10P X6, Motor 36 V 250 W, Rechargeable Samsung Lithium Battery 36 V, Full Charge 5 h, Aluminum frame, Maximum speed 25 km/h
F.lli Schiano E- Moon
The seven-speed gearbox on this bike allows us to shift quickly while pedaling, while we feel the motor helping us move along. It features an ECO mode that allows us to cover up to 100km on a single charge. Its price is 847 euros.
F.lli Schiano E- Moon Electric bike, Unisex-Adult, White, 28''
Urbanglide M1
Our perfect travel companion for daily commutes with an elegant and sporty design. We'll be safe with its progressive hydraulic disc brakes, so we won't fear reaching high speeds. It has five electric assistance modes, allowing us to go slower or engage the turbo. It has a price of .
M1 Electric Bike
Some recommendations for mountain electric bikes
Songzo M60
The M60 electric bike provides extra help for our mountain routes. Its high-performance motor, along with the shock absorbers, suspension fork, and transmission system, make it an excellent option to consider. Its price is
Best Products We’ve Tested and Rated
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of fitbit seniors, rollator walkers seat, smart watch seniors, upright walker seniors, and lightweight mobility scooter. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Our testing team has hands-on reviews of rollator walker seat, mobility scooter heavy adults, walkers seniors balance problems, nontoxic sunscreens dermatologists use, and undereye concealers over 35s expert guide. Every option below was compared across price, build quality, and real-world performance, with honest pros and cons. We update these guides regularly as new models arrive, so the recommendations stay current.
Product Reviews
Best Toys for Dogs With High Prey Drive |
Best Outdoor Toys for 3-4 Year Olds |
Best Outdoor Toys for 6 Year Olds |
Best Harness for Poodle |
Best LEGO Sets for Adults |
Best Travel Toys for 4 Year Olds on Airplane |
Best Toy Stores in Washington DC |
Best Potty Training Toys |
Best Toys for Tripod Dogs |
Maillot equipe de france
