Everything you need to know to buy an e-bike.
Whether you are looking at buying an electric bike to keep fit and healthy, make your commute more comfortable and more eco-friendly while saving on the cost of running a car or just want to have fun in style, there are a few questions you need to answer before purchasing your first electric bicycle.
E-bikes offer many benefits over traditional bikes or other transportation options. They are becoming increasingly popular among riders of all ages and abilities. If you want to learn more about what e-bikes are and how they work, you can read more on our dedicated e-bike page. In this article, however, we will focus on how to choose the right electric bike for you, as many options are available, and it can be a little overwhelming.
Why choose an e-bike?
1. Health and fitness: E-bikes allow riders to exercise while also enjoying the assistance of an electric motor. It can be especially beneficial for those new to cycling or with physical limitations that make traditional biking more challenging.
2. Commuting: E-bikes can make commuting faster and more enjoyable by helping riders arrive at their destination more quickly and easily. They can also help reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in urban areas.
3. Environmentally friendly: E-bikes are an eco-friendly transportation option that does not produce emissions and requires very little energy to operate.
4. Cost-effective: E-bikes are generally less expensive than cars or public transportation in the long term and require little maintenance.
5. Convenience: E-bikes are easy to ride and park, and they can often be used on bike paths and other areas where cars are not allowed.
6. Fun and enjoyment: E-bikes offer a fun and enjoyable way to explore the outdoors and get some fresh air. They can be used for both recreational riding and transportation.
What electric bike is right for me?
There are several things to consider before buying an e-bike.
Purpose.
First, you need to determine what use you will have for the bike. Will it be for commuting, recreational use, or off-road adventures?
As for standard bikes, electric bikes are declined in many formats to suit different disciplines.
FOLDING ELECTRIC BIKES
As their name suggests, these electric bikes can be folded away easily and are compact and convenient if you lack storage space or need to combine public transport/ car journey and cycling for your commute.
These e-bikes are usually less expensive than other electric bikes. And their small wheels make them exceptionally manoeuvrable, which is ideal for city cycling.
Ideal for: City cycling, commuting, and space-saving.
Hybrid E-Bikes.
Hybrid electric bikes are the electric version of hybrid bikes, combining the best of road bike and mountain bike features. Their knobbly tyres, flat handlebars, mudguards and carrier racks make them ideal commuting and touring companions.
Ideal for: Trail cycling and commuting.
Electric Mountain Bikes.
E-MTBs are a revolution for people enjoying going up and down hills on trails and off-road. E-Mountain Bikes tend to be fitted with more powerful drive systems and batteries that last longer than other e-bikes to let you tackle rough and mountainous terrains.
Ideal for: Off-road adventures.
Road E-Bikes.
Road electric bikes are designed to be used on paved roads and are similar to their traditional counterparts but with the added benefit of an electric motor. They allow you to travel faster with less effort and more comfort.
Ideal for: Road cycling. They are particularly suited to cyclists with injuries who can't push as hard as they would have before but still want to keep up with their friends on group rides.
Cargo E-Bikes.
Electric cargo bikes are pedal-assist bikes with extra-luggage racks providing space for a child seat or a cargo box. Stable and easy to ride, they can be adapted to your needs and prove to be a brilliant and eco-friendly substitution for a second car.
Ideal for: City riding and school/shopping runs.
E-bikes specific components.
Drive Unit
The motor is the heart of the electric bike and determines how much assistance you will get when pedalling. Look for a drive unit that provides enough power for your needs, whether for commuting, recreational riding, or off-road adventures. Hub motors are located in the wheel hub and provide direct power to the wheel, while mid-drive motors are located near the pedals and provide more torque and efficiency.
Battery
The battery is another main component of an electric bike, and it determines how far you can ride on a single charge. Consider the range and capacity of the battery, as well as how long it takes to recharge.
Range
The range of an e-bike refers to the distance it can travel on a single charge. The range can vary depending on several factors, including the battery capacity, the level of assistance, the rider's weight and riding style, the terrain, how well your bike is maintained and weather conditions.
We recommend you visit the Bosch e-bike range and check the bike's specifications on our website to determine how far you can go with a specific e-bike.
Cycle to work scheme and E-Bikes.
Cycling to work is a great way to get fit, save time in traffic and save money in the process. However, using a standard bike can be daunting for some. A long commute, low fitness level, and lack of changing facilities at work can all be factors to stop someone from cycling to their office. However, with an electric bike, all these incommodities are solved. Electric bikes are a great option to ditch the car without straining yourself before getting to work. They allow you to ride longer, further, and faster with less effort making them your ideal commuting companion.
Fortunately, electric bikes fall under the cycle-to-work scheme and benefit from an increased price bracket, up to €1500 and up to €3000 for cargo e-bikes. Our handy cycle-to-work guide will answer all your questions on how much you can save and how to apply. We also have a cycle-to-work tips for beginners blog post to help you get started in your commuting journey.
Why buy an e-bike through Eurocycles?
Free build.
When you purchase an electric bike from us, we will assemble it and have it ready for you to use free of charge. Bikes delivered outside the Dublin greater area will be 90% built. You will only have to fit the pedals and straighten the handlebars. If you are unsure how to do this, don't worry, we are here to help you every step of the way and can answer all your questions. Just call 014263610 or email webstore@eurocycles.com
Free delivery.
Get your electric bike conveniently delivered to your home anywhere in Ireland for free.
20% deposit payment option.
At Eurocycles, we understand buying a new bike can be an expense. And, while we think it is all worth it in the long run, we also are here to help you. That is why we offer the option to pay a 20% deposit at checkout to secure your bike and pay the rest later.
Humm Finance available.
Alternatively, you can avail of our Humm partner's finance service. Find out more about Humm.
Cycle to Work.
Electric bikes are available under the cycle-to-work scheme. Just select the cycle-to-work scheme as your payment option at the checkout, and we'll send you everything you need to get you your bike and accessories in the shortest delays. No fuss guaranteed!
Quality and Warranty.
All the bikes sold through Eurocycles are of the highest industry standard, with quality components like Bosch drive units and batteries. Our Scott ebikes, Bergamont electric bicycles, and Raleigh e-bikes come with manufacturers' warranties to give you the peace of mind you need when buying their products. You can find more on our warranty page.
Expertise.
Our team is constantly training to keep up to date with the fast-evolving world of electric bikes and offer top industry standard service. Our mechanics are Bosch-certified, Cytech-certified, and City & Guilds accredited, meaning they have the care and expertise needed to maintain your electric bike throughout its life.
Test Drive.
We offer a 24 hours test drive on our e-bikes. If you would like to try one, just complete our test drive booking form and select your store of choice (Long Mile Road and Airside, Swords).
