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Choosing the Correct Electric Bike
When we first started in 1996, eBikes were pretty sketchy compared to today. Back then, they had 25 pound sealed lead-acid batteries, external motors, and cheap bike parts. If you wanted one, it was an easy choice -- there were only a couple of choices, all in one color -- if you could even find one! But they were fun, simple, and an absolute blast to ride. Fast forward to the present day when there are scores of models from tons of vendors, in scads and slathers of configurations, complexities, colors, styles, and technologies. These days, shopping for an eBike can make you dizzy, frustrated, and truly wiggy. And all you really wanted was some fun in the sun or an alternative to your car. After evaluating the current models at the various eBike shows, I feel that most of the models seem over-engineered, too expensive, and too complex for most people.
Mid-Drive or Hub Motor? The Short Story
If you are a commuter or recreational rider, a proven Hub Motor with a Throttle is your best bet.
If you are principally an off-road rider, a Mid-Drive might be a better way to go.
Well, I’m here to share my expertise and try to spare you some grief. We all like getting a good deal and feeling confident in our purchasing decisions. I’ve always combed through and shaken down all the available models and just gotten behind my favorites. Here are my 10 standards which need to all be fulfilled.
An eBike Must BE:
Fun -- always number One
Durable - built to last
Lightweight - for performance, lifting up a curb, up stairs, or onto a bike rack
Balanced - No batteries on the rear rack !
Comfortable - have proper ergonomics for good body alignment
Attractive - have 'eyeball’ -- an appealing fit and finish
Have Adequate Power + Long Range - for fun and for the hills and to get you there and back
Versatile - to accommodate your various uses
Practical - easy use, maintenance, and reliability
Have Support - good manufacturer’s warranty and support
A Good Value - meets and beats expectations and be a good deal!
and Here are some 'NoNo's':
- eBikes with the battery on the Rear Rack -- OBSOLETE! Balance is the key ...
- eBikes with cheap Batteries -- the most critical, expensive, and important part on the bike!
- Used eBikes without a pedigree -- they have evolved rapidly and batteries are expensive
- Poorly engineered conversion bikes
-Cheap Gas Bikes -- disturbing the peace in motion - like riding a weed wacker!
-Bikes without a throttle
Please remember: e-Bikes are like Smartphones -- constantly being improved and upgraded. And make sure the company has been around for awhile, and again, make sure it has a high-quality (LiNCM) battery!
eBikes do not Need to Break Your Bank
25 years in the business, and I have become severely picky about finding quality eBikes which are affordable. Unless you've won the lottery, everyone is value conscious and wants to get a good deal and be delighted with their purchase. If you're principally riding on the street, do you really need an expensive mid-drive Mountain bike? I don't think so. Do you want to pay for all the overhead involved in the supply chain? I've selected the best eBikes you can buy for your money, and will give you a great deal on yours!
Our Code:
We only sell 'eBikes for Everyone' -- All under
We will only sell models we fully believe in
We will match up your needs to the right bik
We will only sell a bike we would be happy to own ourselves
If you’re a newcomer to e-Bikes, a commuter/recreational rider, RV traveler, or an adventurer/enthusiast -- there is cutting-edge, attractive, and affordable model I am confident you will love.
Choosing the Correct Electric Bike
When we first started in 1996, eBikes were pretty sketchy compared to today. Back then, they had 25 pound sealed lead-acid batteries, external motors, and cheap bike parts. If you wanted one, it was an easy choice -- there were only a couple of choices, all in one color -- if you could even find one! But they were fun, simple, and an absolute blast to ride. Fast forward to the present day when there are scores of models from tons of vendors, in scads and slathers of configurations, complexities, colors, styles, and technologies. These days, shopping for an eBike can make you dizzy, frustrated, and truly wiggy. And all you really wanted was some fun in the sun or an alternative to your car. After evaluating the current models at the various eBike shows, I feel that most of the models seem over-engineered, too expensive, and too complex for most people.
Mid-Drive or Hub Motor? The Short Story
If you are a commuter or recreational rider, a proven Hub Motor with a Throttle is your best bet.
If you are principally an off-road rider, a Mid-Drive might be a better way to go.
Well, I’m here to share my expertise and try to spare you some grief. We all like getting a good deal and feeling confident in our purchasing decisions. I’ve always combed through and shaken down all the available models and just gotten behind my favorites. Here are my 10 standards which need to all be fulfilled.
An eBike Must BE:
Fun -- always number One
Durable - built to last
Lightweight - for performance, lifting up a curb, up stairs, or onto a bike rack
Balanced - No batteries on the rear rack !
Comfortable - have proper ergonomics for good body alignment
Attractive - have 'eyeball’ -- an appealing fit and finish
Have Adequate Power + Long Range - for fun and for the hills and to get you there and back
Versatile - to accommodate your various uses
Practical - easy use, maintenance, and reliability
Have Support - good manufacturer’s warranty and support
A Good Value - meets and beats expectations and be a good deal!
and Here are some 'NoNo's':
- eBikes with the battery on the Rear Rack -- OBSOLETE! Balance is the key ...
- eBikes with cheap Batteries -- the most critical, expensive, and important part on the bike!
- Used eBikes without a pedigree -- they have evolved rapidly and batteries are expensive
- Poorly engineered conversion bikes
-Cheap Gas Bikes -- disturbing the peace in motion - like riding a weed wacker!
-Bikes without a throttle
Please remember: e-Bikes are like Smartphones -- constantly being improved and upgraded. And make sure the company has been around for awhile, and again, make sure it has a high-quality (LiNCM) battery!
eBikes do not Need to Break Your Bank
25 years in the business, and I have become severely picky about finding quality eBikes which are affordable. Unless you've won the lottery, everyone is value conscious and wants to get a good deal and be delighted with their purchase. If you're principally riding on the street, do you really need an expensive mid-drive Mountain bike? I don't think so. Do you want to pay for all the overhead involved in the supply chain? I've selected the best eBikes you can buy for your money, and will give you a great deal on yours!
Our Code:
We only sell 'eBikes for Everyone' -- All under
We will only sell models we fully believe in
We will match up your needs to the right bik
We will only sell a bike we would be happy to own ourselves
If you’re a newcomer to e-Bikes, a commuter/recreational rider, RV traveler, or an adventurer/enthusiast -- there is cutting-edge, attractive, and affordable model I am confident you will love.
Wishing you Miles of electric smiles ...
The 2021 eJOE Swan
the eBike Underground since 1996