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Buying an Electric Bike in Australia
How much should I spend on an e-bike? You should expect to spend between $1,000 and $5,000 for a quality e-bike. The more you spend, the higher the quality in terms of battery life, motor power, and extra features.
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What You Need to Know Before Purchasing an Electric Bike
Everything You Need to Know Before Buying an Electric Bike
What will you use an e-bike to do?
Consider how and where you plan to ride your e-bike. If you’ll tackle hills, long distances, or carry loads, you may want more power and range. If you stick to flat roads or trails, you can get by with less.
You get what you pay for.
In general, less expensive e-bikes use lower quality components that won’t hold up as well over time. Spending more upfront means higher quality parts that will last longer.
How much power?
E-bike motors provide extra power measured in watts. More watts means more acceleration and ability to climb hills. Look for at least 250 watts for moderate hills and 500-1000W for steep grades.
What type of motor?
Hub drive motors are simple and maintenance free but less efficient on hills. Mid-drive motors provide better traction and climbing power but require more care.
What is a watt-hour?
Range is measured in watt-hours (Wh). More Wh equals more range per charge. Aim for at least 300Wh for all-day riding or commuting. 500Wh+ gives true long-range capability.
Battery Size: Bigger is Always Better
The larger the battery capacity, the greater your e-bike’s range will be. Look for a minimum of 300 watt-hours, but options up to 750 watt-hours or more are even better. The trade-off is batteries add weight and cost.
Look closely at motor size
More powerful motors allow faster acceleration and make climbing hills much easier. For moderate grades, 500 watts is good. For steep hills, look for 750 watts or more. Higher power does come at a price premium.
Learn about pedal assist sensors
Your pedaling is what activates the motor. Cadence sensors simply react to pedal movement. Torque sensors measure actual pedaling force and provide more natural assistance. Pay more for torque if a natural biking feel is important to you.
Don’t skimp on safety essentials
Quality brakes, lighting, and puncture-proof tires are a must for safe riding. Make sure any e-bike you consider is equipped with premium hydraulic disc brakes and integrated LED lighting.
Don’t miss the upgrades
Consider a model with extras like integrated racks, fenders, suspension, and cargo accessories if they fit your needs. Convenience features like adjustable stems, ergonomic grips, and suspension seat posts also enhance comfort.
Buy from a company with Australian support
Purchasing an e-bike from a company based in Australia ensures you get timely customer service support and easy access to replacement parts. Shipping repairs overseas leads to frustrating delays.
Look for a reputable, experienced brand with a network of satisfied riders
Established e-bike companies with a track record of quality stand behind their products, often offering warranties of two years or more. Read reviews and seek out brands with many enthusiastic customers.
5 FAQs:
How far can electric bikes go on one charge? Range varies greatly, but many quality e-bikes offer 40-60 miles per charge. High-end models can manage 100 miles or more on a single charge.
Do you still pedal an electric bike? Yes! The motor provides assistance as you pedal. Throttle-only e-bikes exist but are less common. Pedaling engages the motor on most e-bikes.
Is an e-bike worth the cost?
Considering you can reduce car trips, improve health through cycling, and enjoy battery-powered speeds, e-bikes can be well worth the price premium over standard bikes.
Are electric bikes safe? E-bikes match standard bikes in safety if you buy from quality brands emphasizing safety features. Follow bike safety best practices too.
Can you get a good workout on an e-bike? Absolutely. E-bikes make biking more accessible but you still pedal. Riding faster and farther works your body more than a regular bike. Adjust assist levels to suit your workout needs.