#### Contents 1. [What is the difference between an electric bike and a regular bike?](#what-is-the-difference-between-an-electric-bike-and-a-regular-bike-2) 2. [Should I get an electric bike?](#should-i-get-an-electric-bike-2) 3. [What to consider when choosing an electric bike](#what-to-consider-when-choosing-an-electric-bike-2) 5. [Are electric bikes worth the money?](#are-electric-bikes-worth-the-money-2) ![A woman wearing a helmet riding a black electric bike on a paved path through a park.](https://cdn.productreview.com.au/resize/article-image/197ff5f1-6c55-5f81-86a3-1ba61ea1807c?width=826) ## What is the difference between an electric bike and a regular bike? With increasingly compact designs, these days, electric bikes can be almost indistinguishable from regular push bikes to the untrained eye. The main differences between an e-bike and a traditional bike is that an e-bike has a motor, battery, sensors and controls. With an electric bike, you still need to steer, brake and pedal as you would with a regular push bike, but the motor of an e-bike kicks in when you need some extra help, making it much easier to ride up hills and over long distances. Electric bikes are also heavier and can reach higher speeds than regular bikes, so you'll still need to apply proper braking technique, have good hazard perception and be safe and alert when cornering. ## Should I get an electric bike? If you're wondering whether or not an electric bike is right for you, consider the following **pros and cons of electric bikes**. Easier to ride than a traditional bike. Can handle a variety of terrains. Offer various levels of assistance, supporting you when you ride uphill or get tired. You don’t have to be particularly athletic or fit to ride one - many models are suitable for elderly people or those with a disability that stops them from using a push bike. They're eco-friendly. They promote a healthy lifestyle. They can get expensive. Need semi-regular maintainance. Not all models are rain-resistant. Not all e-bikes are allowed to be ridden in public in Australia. Electric bikes are particularly useful for those who: - live in a hilly area. - aren't particularly fit. - have limited mobility. - want to reduce their emissions and make their commute cheaper, but don't want to limit themselves to short or flat routes. - don't want to get too sweaty when they ride - particularly if they commute to work. - want to avoid taking public transport. ## What to consider when choosing an electric bike When considering which model to go for, there are some things you should consider. #### Check any relevant laws before buying an e-bike Before buying an electric bike, check what federal and local laws you have to follow. To be ridden on a public road in Australia, an electric bike must: - have a combined power output of 250W or less. - not be able to exceed 25km/h. You can still buy an electric bike that doesn't fit these requirements, but they can only be ridden on private property. ### Types of electric bikes #### Folding bike A folding bike is an e-bike that you can fold in half, so it’s more compact. Once you fold the bike in half, it becomes easier to store in a car or bring onto public transport. #### Step-through bike Also known as a ‘step-thru’ bike, this type of bike features a curved frame, which is stepped over in order to sit on the bike. #### Low-step bike A low-step bike has a low bike frame, which is easy to get on and off of. This type of bike is ideal for people with mobility issues or may have trouble getting their leg over a traditional bike frame. #### Step-over bike A step-over bike can be recognised by its diamond or triangle frame and is the most popular type of bike frame. ### Motor The motor of an electric bike usually ranges from 200 to 250W - anything more powerful can't be ridden on public roads in Australia. An e-bike demands less physical exertion but still requires pedalling to get it moving and sustain momentum. How much pedalling you need to do depends on the level of assistance an electric bike provides. ### Levels of assistance The most common levels of assistance come in the form of low, medium and high levels. Some bikes have more pedal assist settings, offering 4 or 5 different levels. - **Low:** Low assistance involves pushing down harder and exerting more energy - this setting will also ensure that you’re burning more calories. This level is ideal for those seeking a fitness challenge but still want a bit of help here and there. - **Medium:** Fits in between high and low. This level is not quite as challenging as a low level of assistance but poses an increased level of difficulty than a high level of assistance. - **High:** A high assistance bike will bear the brunt of the work and will usually mean that you barely need to push down to keep it moving. ### Battery Battery life is an important consideration - the last thing you want is to have your battery die while you're pedalling up a huge hill. Most electric bikes have lithium-ion batteries with a capacity of 8Ah to 28Ah. In theory, the higher the Ah, the further the distance your bike can go. Pay attention to the advertised range of an e-bike, keeping in mind that manufacturer's estimates are usually quite generous. Some bikes have an claimed range of up to 100km on a full charge, but this range can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as: - the weight of the rider. - how fast you pedal. - wind strength and direction. - incline and the type of surface you ride on. - the level of assistance or power you're using. ![close up of e-bike battery being recharged](https://cdn.productreview.com.au/resize/buying-guide/372397de-8e72-484c-964a-97589374526b?width=826) ### Speed Because of the motor, an electric bike will be able to go faster than a standard bike. You can ride your e-bike up to 25km/h with electric assistance in public. Keep in mind that this top speed still means you won't be able to keep up with traffic. Some e-bikes have the capability to go faster, but electric bikes speed limits are bound by laws, which dictate that you can’t ride any faster than this 25km/h limit with assistance. You may of course travel faster than this without the assistance of the motor, such as when riding downhill. ### Weight If you can test an e-bike in store, do so. This will help give you an indication of what weight you'd like. If you're going to be commuting with your bike, you may want to opt for a more lightweight model. When buying an electric bike online, it can be difficult to know how much the final weight will be after you've decided on any optional extras like lights, a bigger battery, panniers, mudguards, racks and so on. It may be worth calling the manufacturer to ask for an estimate based on your preferences before you commit to a purchase. ### What are you using the bike for? If you're commuting, e-bikes can be a handy mode of transport. However, if you’re planning on relying on an electric bike as your main form of transport, consider the type of conditions you’ll be riding in. If you live in an area prone to rain, ensure that you select an e-bike equipped to handle various weather conditions. If you're using a bike for sport or recreation, then you might want to consider an electric mountain bike. Similar to standard [mountain bikes](https://www.productreview.com.au/c/mountain-bikes), mountain electric bikes are designed to handle dirt tracks, steep hills and rough terrain. You can get hardtail or full suspension electric mountain bikes. - **Hardtail mountain bikes** don't have a rear shock, and are faster on climbs and smooth trails. They're more lightweight and make for more efficient pedalling, but won't absorb as much shock as a full suspension bike. - **Full suspension mountain bikes** have front and rear shocks, and offer better stability over bumps and when descending. They're more versatile and quicker on difficult trails with lots of obstacles. ### Features Electric bikes often come with features that can make them easier and safer to use. Here are some to look out for. - **LCD screen:** A control panel allows you to change the power levels (level of assistance) with a quick tap of the screen. - **Throttle:** Although most electric bikes require you to pedal to activate the motor, some e-bikes have a throttle which lets you start the motor without the need to pedal. Using this will, however, drain your battery faster. - **Front light and rear flashing light:** If you’re planning on taking your bike on night rides, a flashing light at the back will help make things safer, as the light will alert traffic that you are on the road. - **Puncture resistant tyres:** These will reduce the number of flats you get, helping ensure you have to change out tyres less often. ## Are electric bikes worth the money? Electric bikes are rarely cheap. Most will cost at least $1000, but some more basic models start from $700. The median price for e-bikes is usually between $1500 to $3000, which should be able to get you a good quality bike with a decent battery and durable components. A good quality electric bike may be a worthwhile investment if you cycle often and will make good use of the pedal assist function. ### Additional costs In addition to the upfront cost of purchasing a bike, there may be other costs involved, such as a battery charger as well as any optional extras you choose. You should also factor in the cost of servicing your particular model - try to budget for around $150 each year if you want your bike parts to last. { "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "Article", "mainEntityOfPage": { "@type": "WebPage", "@id": "https://www.productreview.com.au/c/electric-bikes" }, "headline": "Best Electric Bikes", "description": "This is a guide to buying an electric bike that suits your needs.", "image": "https://cdn.productreview.com.au/resize/article-image/197ff5f1-6c55-5f81-86a3-1ba61ea1807c", "author": { "@type": "Person", "name": "Isabella Garrido" }, "publisher": { "@type": "Organization", "name": "ProductReview.com.au", "logo": { "@type": "ImageObject", "url": "https://cdn.productreview.com.au/assets/public/og_logo_1a8a64.png" } }, "datePublished": "2021-02-22", "dateModified": "2023-10-24" }

Best Trek Electric Bikes

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