So you’re trying to buy a commuting ebike
Updated August 2024
Who this guide is geared towards
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Contents
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Contents
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Budget ranges
The e-bike market can roughly be divided into three ranges:
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Budget ranges
Cheap bikes (<$1,000)
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Budget ranges
1 See, e.g., this reddit thread
Mid-range bikes ($1,000-2,500) (1/2)
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Budget ranges
Mid-range bikes ($1,000-2,500) (2/2)
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Budget ranges
* See, e.g., this reddit thread, or this one
High-end bikes ($2,500+) (1/2)
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Budget ranges
High-end bikes ($2,500+) (2/2)
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Budget ranges
Contents
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E-bike form factors (1/5)
Cruiser (or “Dutch-style”)
Hybrid bike
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Form factors
Bikes that I think stand out in their class for quality, features, or value are highlighted
E-bike form factors (2/5)
Longtail cargo
Utility (or short/mid-tail cargo)
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Form factors
Bikes that I think stand out in their class for quality, features, or value are highlighted
E-bike form factors (3/5)
Folding bike
Compact bike
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Form factors
Bikes that I think stand out in their class for quality, features, or value are highlighted
*Has been listed as “sold out” for a while, not sure if/when it is coming back
E-bike form factors (4/5)
Road or racing bike
Mountain bike
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Form factors
Bikes that I think stand out in their class for quality, features, or value are highlighted
E-bike form factors (5/5)
Scramblers and e-motorcycles
Bakfiets or “basket”/“box” bike
(also called “cargo,” especially in Europe)
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Form factors
Bikes that I think stand out in their class for quality, features, or value are highlighted
Size and weight
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Form factors
The best bikes for hauling kids typically share some common features
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Form factors
Small (24” or less, often 20”) wheels:
Center kickstand for better stability while loading/unloading kids
Rear rack rated for heavy (60lbs+) loads that can carry kids even once they’ve outgrown a child seat, or carry multiple kids*
Passenger accessories available like protective rails (aka monkey bars), seat pads, and rain covers for safety and comfort
Highly-adjustable handlebars and seatposts to support a wide range of heights (so parents of different sizes can comfortably use)
Step-through frame so you can get on/off without having to swing your leg over the back of the bike with a kid on it
*Important note - many longtail cargo bikes advertise being able to carry 2 kids, but may not be able to hold 2 child seats, or a child seat with a passenger rail (and may not advertise this). Make sure the bike you’re looking at fits your specific needs / desired configuration.
Contents
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E-Bike classes
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Features
Mid-drive vs. Hub drive
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Features
Mid-drive vs. Hub drive
Typical benefits of mid-drive motors
Typical benefits of hub-drive motors
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Features
Cadence vs. Torque sensors
1 But not everybody agrees! And “current-based” cadence sensors are typically preferred to “speed-based” cadence sensors for a more natural pedaling response. Usually, you’ll have to ask a manufacturer which of these types of cadence sensor they use.
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Features
Throttle vs. Pedal-assist
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Features
Gearing and drivetrain
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Features
Contents
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Repairability
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Other considerations
Budget for accessories
Leave yourself room in your budget for accessories. These can easily add a few hundred dollars to the cost of your bike:
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Other considerations
Security (1/2)
1 Note that Abus is owned by an extremely conservative family with some… outdated views about how the world around them should work
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Other considerations
Security (2/2)
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Other considerations
Maintenance
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Other considerations
Practice good battery care
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Other considerations
Appendix
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Appendix - Some specific personal impressions & experiences about particular brands and bikes
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Appendix - Some specific personal impressions & experiences about particular brands and bikes
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* Prior versions of this guide also recommended Surface604, which has many of the same virtues as Aventon. However, as of early 2024, I think that even though their bikes are quite good, their pricing is too far out of line with their competitors.
Appendix - Some specific personal impressions & experiences about particular brands and bikes
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Appendix - Some lighter weight (~40 lb or less) e-bikes
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*The Aventon Soltera 1 was 41 lbs, but the Soltera 2 is heavier, 46 lbs
Appendix - DC e-bike retailers
For my fellow Washington, DC riders, here is a list of ebike stores where you can try and buy many brands of bike (note - actual inventory can vary greatly):
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Credit - this list shamelessly stolen from /u/17mph18a and /u/SomeLikeItRaw on reddit