Electric bikes have evolved from exorbitant and unpredictable to reasonably priced and reliable forms of transportation—improving the beloved activity of bike riding to an accessible, personalized activity for everyone from novice to expert, and beyond. Whether it’s your first time back on two wheels after years of inactivity or an exciting way to make a steep climb take less time and effort, there are an endless number of reasons to consider buying an e-bike. One e-bike aficionado explained it like this, “E-bikes remove all the negatives of bike riding and just make riding fun.”
E-bikes increase range, mobility, and terrain possibility. They enable young adults to enjoy an extended level of freedom, empower people limited by physical ability to rediscover an old favorite pastime (or discover a new one), and give greater option and capability to those looking to push themselves further or expand their riding potential. So, whether you’re looking to climb mountains, cruise neighborhood bike paths, or commute to work or school, there are many things to take into consideration prior to buying an e-bike. We’ve compiled a comprehensive list of everything to consider to roll your own way.
Considerations:
- Budget
- E-bike classifications
- Battery types
- Pedal Assist vs. Throttle
- Range
- Brakes
- Motor Warranty
- Wheels & Tires
- Types of sensors
- Frames
- Warranty
- The Ride
- The Look
- Customer Resources
- Other Key Features and Components
Budget:
Show me the money! As with anything, e-bikes come at a variety of price points, from hundreds to thousands of dollars. And, while the saying you get what you pay for lends sage examination, a $10K e-bike could easily be more bike than you need. Starting at $1,499, Electric Bike Company is competitively priced for a product that exceeds what many other brands provide for a similar amount. Built in the USA, EBC is based in California and uses only the best-in-class local and global materials. Our extensive team of experts builds each bike one-by-one for our customers, ensuring the highest quality and precision build every time. Additionally, EBC is one of the only e-bikes sold in the US that requires no assembly upon delivery. EBC e-bikes arrive fully built on a shipping pallet. Just turn and tighten the handlebars, and you’re ready to ride.
E-bike Classifications:
Generally accepted across bike manufacturers, as well as state and local government, there are three classes of e-bikes. The lines between each classification focuses primarily on the level of motor assistance and max assisted speed.
Class 1: The rider only uses the Pedal Assist on their bike. In this class the top speed that you can achieve on your e-bike is 20 mph. It is also in this class that you have the same status as a regular pedal bicycle, meaning that you are granted access to the same roads and trails that are permitted to non-motorized bicycles.
Class 2: The rider has access to both Pedal Assist and their throttle. Similar to Class 1, in Class 2 the rider can achieve a top speed of 20 mph and can be ridden in most places that traditional bikes are permitted to ride. In this class, an electric bike rider still has access to mountain trails but should be wary on where they ride, and should stick to terrains that are more durable and tough as the power of the throttle can cause damage to turf that is more supple.
Class 3: The rider can achieve a max speed of 20 mph using the throttle, or can achieve a max speed of 28 mph using pedal assist only. In this class the rider has the ability to ride on street, but due to the top speed that they are able to achieve, being in this class could restrict the rider from accessing bike paths and mountain trails depending on local and state ordinances.
EBC bikes come standard as Class 2. In addition, EBC provides instructions and instructional videos on converting your e-bike to Class 1 or Class 3 to meet your specific needs and/or your local e-bike laws and ordinances.
Battery Types:
The battery is equivalent to the beating heart of any e-bike. Understanding your battery is the key to a long-lasting bike and a reliable ride. Battery types offer different range, which refers to the distance a bike can travel before the battery runs out. You don’t want to be caught short with a dead battery halfway through your journey, so understanding how you plan to use your e-bike will help determine your personal battery needs.
E-bike batteries typically come in one of three types: Lead-acid, Nickel-Cadmium, or Lithium-ion. Lead-acid tends to be the least expensive, but is heavy and can be affected by climate. Nickle-Cadmium is lighter, but can take a while to charge and are often affected by defects. Lithium-ion are the most expensive, but provide the greatest amount of operating hours with the least issues.
EBC batteries are of the highest quality Lithium-ion. Every EBC battery surpasses safety tests and promises to be the best on the market. EBC batteries are equipped with Smart Chargers and Smart Battery Management System. Together, these two features ensure your battery lasts as long as possible. On average, an EBC battery can last anywhere from 5- to 8-years, depending on the extent of use. Battery options include 48V, 9 Ah to 48 V, 36 Ah (with dual battery upgrade).
Pedal Assist vs. Throttle:
Depending on your needs, e-bikes and their motors can either assist your pedaling efforts (pedal assist) or take over completely and resemble a completely motorized vehicle (throttle). So, whether you prefer pushing a bit and getting more of a workout or a little support up a big hill, pedal assist may be your speed. However, if you’re looking to power on and go, no pedaling required, the throttle option is what you’re looking for.
All EBC bikes come standard with a throttle, direct drive option, but we offer an optional 7-speed.
Range:
Where do you want to go? Just like price, range can vary greatly with e-bikes. On average, most e-bikes can go somewhere between 20 and 100 miles. The exact ranges depend on power level, riding conditions, weight of rider and cargo, and terrain.
All EBC e-bikes have optimal long-range, but we are the only company to offer additional upgrade options, increasing the riding range to a possible 200-miles for some models. Which means you can travel farther on a single charge than other brands of e-bikes.
Additionally, EBC e-bikes recharge within 2 to 3 hours with the 3.5 amp Smart Supercharger. Six to nine hours for C/S (internal charging system with retractable cord or 3 to 4 hours with 48V 3.5 amp Smart Supercharger). The charger turns itself off as soon as the battery is fully charged, so it can never be overcharged.
Brakes:
With the increased speeds and weight associated with e-bikes, powerful brakes couldn’t be more important. There are two options when it comes to e-bike brakes: rim brakes and disc brakes. Rim brakes feature a lever applied to brake pads on the rim’s inner edge. This forces the necessary friction needed to stop the bike. Within rim brakes there are mechanical rim brakes and hydraulic rim brakes and additional variations within those. The advantages of rim brakes are the wide braking surface area, their simplicity, economic value, and lightweight compared to disc brakes. The disadvantages of rim brakes are they can overheat and cause a blowout, less reliable in certain weather, wear and tear can cause failure. Ultimately, rim brakes require regular maintenance for reliability.
Disc brakes feature a clamp and disc which is attached to the hub. When the brake lever is applied, it initiates a mechanism that contacts the pads, causing them to tighten against the rotor and cause the bike to brake, either through cable or hydraulic pressure. They provide a high level of performance and stability. Whether mechanical or hydraulic, disc brakes stop more quickly than rim brakes, are not affected by environmental changes performing well in wet or snowy weather. Overall they provide superior performance.
EBC’s hydraulic disc brakes come standard. Only the highest quality brakes are included on our e-bikes. EBC disc brakes provide more stopping power than mechanical disc brakes.
Motor Warranty:
A motor is obviously an integral part to any e-bike. Where are you going to go without a motor? Like all of our components, EBC uses only the highest quality motors in the industry. But, to make it clear we stand by our motor capability, our industry-leading warranty goes above and beyond! With 24/7 customer service, we are there for our customers anytime they may need assistance. We always resolve problems and provide a solution. The satisfaction of our customers is always our top priority.
Wheels & Tires:
When you think bike of any kind, wheels and tires are top of mind. Bikes roll on wheels, so they are obviously another integral piece to the make up of an e-bike. EBC’s standard Rhino puncture resistant tires with reflective sidewalls are 3” wide with 3 mm of puncture resistance and come standard on the Model R and J. Select either black or brown/white wall standard tires, or select the Continental upgrade option. Additionally, we offer two wheel size options: 26” or 24”.
Types of Sensors:
E-bikes feature one of two types of sensors, either a cadence sensor or torque sensor. Most value-oriented e-bikes use a cadence sensor to activate pedal assist. The cadence sensor is a less refined component that basically measure how fast the user is spinning the pedals and uses that to apply pedal assist power from the electric motor.
Cadence sensors offer a direct output on the motor depending on the assist level, starting up the motor when the user pedals. The higher the assist level, the more motor output. The cadence sensor is more of a relaxed pedaling as you don’t need to pedal harder to go fast, making it easier for those with knee or other pedaling issues.
A torque sensor, on the other hand, measures how hard a rider pushes on the pedals. It allows nearly instantaneous feedback and offers a much more precise way to apply an exact amount of power based on how hard the rider is working. The harder the rider is attempting to pedal, the more motor power can be applied. That helps it intuitively read a user’s input and makes it feel more like the motor is just an
Frames:
The backbone of your e-bike, a frame is one of the the first and most important selections to have your e-bike best suit you and your needs. There are three typical frame styles: step-through frame or low-step, step-over frame or high-step, and mid-step.
EBC Step-through frames are popular with both men and women. The lower frame makes it easier to swing your foot through, hop on your EBC bike and go – regardless of your age, physical ability, or height. Most of our e-bike models offer step-through frames to ensure accessibility and fun for everyone. If you are less flexible than you used to be, plan to use your E-Bike around town, and want to make sure it’s easy to hop on and off, the step-through frame is probably the right choice for you.
The step-over frame has traditionally been the most popular bicycle frame. The most significant benefit of this type of frame is its longevity. EBC knows your e-bike can be a significant investment – so you want it to last. With a step-over bike, you can be sure that your bike is structurally and ergonomically designed to last you for thousands of miles. Step-over bicycles are generally designed to be ridden on all sorts of terrain. Like to ride up hills and on uneven bike paths? Still, find it easy to swing your leg over the higher bar? Then the sturdy geometry of the step-over frame is probably the best choice for you.
EBC also offers hybrid versions. A bike that’s built to be rugged, versatile, and comfortable. Designed for trails and the beach, the Model R comes with a front fork suspension and a super comfortable seat with the option to upgrade to a suspension seat post for even more comfort. The Model E, a utility bike, classic style electric cruiser, has the ability to carry extra cargo due to a modified head set so that the basket is attached to the frame and to ensure the riders steering is never compromised.
Warranty:
Warranties for things like batteries, frames, and motors are not consistent throughout the e-bike industry. They vary by company and most are limited to a year or less.
From your commute to adventures, joyrides to jaunts to the store, we want you to cruise with confidence, knowing you’re covered. EBC has got your back (well, technically your battery and frame, etc.) with one of the best warranties in the business.
Batteries:
Keeping you charged is imperative to keeping you cruising. So, EBC offers a 5-year warranty on batteries against manufacturer defect. If returned within 30 days of purchase, you will not incur exchange or repair fees. However, this does not cover the battery if it becomes damaged due to neglect or abuse, or not being charged over time. To avoid this, simply plug your battery in every 3 to 4 weeks and keep it away from any water to keep it in top shape.
Frames & Motors:
We’re known for building the best American-made, technologically sounds e-bikes in the industry. We offer a 10-year warranty on all frames and motors purchased from EBC. Defects are unacceptable and if there’s an issue, we want the opportunity to fix our mistake—even if it’s a decade from now.
The Ride:
Research. Read reviews. Establish how you plan to use your e-bike and what features make the most sense. Then, get out there and test ride. Just like a car, it makes sense to sit in the driver’s seat and take a variety of models for a spin. Get a feel for everything from the type of saddle to handlebar style you prefer. Test the feel and features, and get to know exactly what makes sense for you.
With dealers and showrooms nationwide, testing out an EBC e-bike is just around the corner.
The Look:
Whether you’re leaning toward a nimble, moto-inspired e-bike, a more traditional cruiser, or something in-between, the style needs to represent you. The color, accents, and accessories of your e-bike should be perfect, not just acceptable.
EBC takes customization to a whole new level. We specialize in unique, one-of-a-kind bikes that reflect your personality and style. Have a dream color in mind? Simply shoot us an email and we take care of the rest. Additionally, we offer complete brand and color matching on e-bikes and E-HelmetsTM . Our painters work with you to develop custom graphics and match any color required. Corporate branding and/or logos are baked into the e-bike frame and then sealed to prevent peeling, corrosion, or fading. Additionally, all Model C and S e-bikes and optional rear racks on other models have a built-in MIK accessory adapter plate enabling any Basil accessory to be attached with just one click. Parent company Basil has hundreds of accessories to choose from for the MIK Click System. Build your collection of accessories and just click and go.
Customer Resources:
Once you’ve found your perfect e-bike and you’re ready to ride, it’s important to know what sort of support you’ll receive post purchase. Is it a situation where you click purchase and you’re on your own? Or are you able to receive help Monday to Wednesday from 11AM to 4PM GMT? Regardless of how perfect you expect your new bike to perform, it is always nice to have a safety net of experts to explain what to do in the event something goes wrong—user error or not. Whether there’s a wealth of videos available to troubleshoot the most common issue or 24/7 customer service, knowing you have some help when you need it, is important in the enjoyment of your new e-bike.
EBC offers an abundant amount of customer resources online with FAQs, manuals, and a YouTube channel for bike maintenance, updates, etc. Real, US-based people provide post sales and customer support by phone, FaceTime, and LiveChat 24/7.
Other Features & Protection:
There are hundreds of other considerations when shopping for an e-bike. What does shipping look like? Can you pick it up locally? What safety features come standard? Are there lights? A USB Port? How thick are the spokes? And, does it come with a bell?
Regardless, of which features and components are important to you. A final key detail to consider is the protection of your new investment. From alarm systems to tracking devices to specialized locks, there are a number of ways to keep your e-bike safe.
Five expert tips for how to protect your e-bike:
- Invest in a sturdy, e-bike specific lock (or two).
- Leave it locked in a well-lit area.
- Mix up your routine; vary where you lock it, etc.
- Take the battery with you.
- Install a GPS tracker (EBC bikes come with an AirTag bell, ready for you to insert an AirTag).
EBC e-bikes feature a built-in and ready to go Anti-Theft Alarm System with an integrated electric horn. Adding a layer of security for our bike owners, the system reduces the likelihood of theft and financial loss. And, as mentioned above, EBC bikes come with a useful warning bell with a hidden space to insert an AirTag to track location of your e-bike in the event of an attempted theft.
Browse through our wide variety of e-bikes and products, customize your own, and get riding!
