If you’ve been on a road within the last five years, you’ve seen bikes from Divvys to Super 73s, from commuters to electric mopeds. When considering the cheapest way to get yourself from point A to point B on the regular, e-bikes might be the most appealing option. The power comes right from your wall and can stay in your living room or the corner of your garage.
If you’re looking to buy an e-bike, it’s all too easy to fall into choice paralysis. Whether you’re operating on a budget or have a firm appreciation for cutting-edge tech, the presence of the growing e-bike market comes with far more pros than cons. To get acquainted with the growing number of options you may encounter on your quest to find the perfect bike, we’ll look at commuter e-bikes and a strong option to consider for budget buyers and hobbyists alike.
Commuter Bikes
This style of bike is a hard-tail and is likely what you’ll see the most driving up and down the street. Divvy bikes are the most common, and while they’re perfect for sightseeing or needing to get somewhere in a pinch, the rental model and bulky body leave much to be desired. Commuters available for purchase are much less bulky though they carry some weight. Still, this is one of the best choices for commuting, as the name implies. Get one fitted with a basket or a bike bag and you’ll be hauling groceries with no problem. They sometimes come with racks, usually have front suspension and a full battery charge that can get you anywhere from 50-125 miles depending on the model. The speed is standard based on class, which for all e-bikes ranges from about 20-28 mph.
My Pick
The brand Ride1Up is a good pick for commuter bikes in terms of the most bang for your buck. While not the most budget-friendly pick, their foldable Portola is an impressive package, which includes a taillight, headlight, hydraulic brakes, three levels of pedal assist, and an up to 10.4 and 13.4 amp hour battery (AH). It’s priced at $995 with a 20-40 mile range and $1,195 with a 25-45 mile range. For more information, check out their site and browse their options. I can say with confidence that any model they sell is worth buying.
More?
When looking at other brands, it can be easy to be tempted by a low price point, but when considering a bike purchase of any sort, it’s very much a pay-for-what-you-get sort of deal. Red flags to watch out for include low-wattage motors, long shipping times, and quality of components. For a more comprehensive guide on budget bike options, check out this article.
Happy biking!