Getting a foldable electric bike is one of the best ways to get around the city. It’s good for your health and lets you minimize your environmental impact. With this in mind, it’s hardly surprising that these bikes have become so popular. But with so many options on the market, it can be difficult to narrow your selection down and find the right bike for you. Here are some of the things you should be looking for.
Type of Electric Bike
The first thing to decide is what type of electric bike you want to use. There are two options that you can explore. First, you might want to get a pedal-assistant bike. In this case, electric power is used to make pedaling easier, so it takes less effort to get the bike moving.
On the other hand, you might want to use a throttle-assisted bike. This is where the power will be going directly to the wheels. This turns the bike into a scooter where you don’t need to pedal at all to keep it moving. These can be best if you have a long commute and want to take a break for a few minutes to catch your breath.
Size and Weight
Part of the appeal of an electric folding bike is the ability to fold it up when you are finished using it. This makes it ideal for taking it on public transport and storing it at the office in a studio apartment. Because of this, it’s important to look at the size of the electric bike when it is folded. It should be compact enough to fit into a tight space.
It’s also important to consider how much the bike will weigh. You want to get something that you will be able to carry comfortably. You should be able to find how heavy the bike is by looking at the product specifications.
Wheel Size
There is a range of wheel sizes for electric bikes. Each comes with its own set of pros and cons. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the most common sizes:
- 16-inches. These are the smallest, making them the most portable. But the speed will be limited and you’ll feel every bump in the road.
- 20-inches. These are the most popular option. Though they can be a little bulky, they will perform well on leisure rides and are well-suited to the daily commute.
- 26-inches. Usually, these are the largest size. They are unlikely to be found on an e-bike, as they will be too bulky. However, they are good for off-roading, as they can give you more grip and protection from bumpy roads.
Battery Power
One of the most important aspects to consider is how long the battery on the bike will last. This will determine both the amount of power you can access and the range you will get. There are a few factors that will determine the amount of battery power you need, including:
- Length of the journey. Will you need to take a few breaks on your journey or you will be able to pedal to your destination.
- Terrain. Do you have to go through a lot of hills or is the journey fairly flat?
- Speed limits. In some parts of the world, there will be a limit on how fast you can travel on an electric bike.
In most cases, you will have a motor size of about 250 watts. If you want a more powerful vehicle, you should be able to get something that will be able to go up to 500 watts.
In most cases, you will be able to find an electric bike that will be able to go 20 miles on a charge. You might be able to regulate this by being selective about when you are using the battery.
It’s also a good idea to consider how much it will cost you to replace the batteries. This is one of the biggest maintenance costs that you will encounter. You should be able to find how much a replacement battery will cost by looking on the manufacturer’s website.
Number of Gears
You want to get a bike that comes with gears. This will prove invaluable as you encounter hills. It’s easy to find how many gears your bike has. Multiply the number of rings at the front by the number of rings at the back. It’s most common to find a bike that has between three to eight gears. Though some models will go up to 24 gears.
Frame Material
This will determine how long your electric bike will last. If the frame gets dented, it will be an expensive repair job. There are several types of frame materials, each with its unique set of pros and cons.
Aluminum is the most common and will hold up fairly well to rocks and falls. On the other hand, experienced bikers usually prefer carbon fiber because of its lightweight nature. But, if you have a fall, it can crack easily. Plus, it will be expensive.
Titanium is considered one of the best frame materials available. It’s very strong and will take a lot of effort to dent. But it will come at a higher price than the other options.
Cost
You will need to look at the cost associated with using the electric bike. You need to find something that suits your budget. You might be able to find a bike for around $700. But you can go up to $2,500. Remember, this bike will be an investment. It’s best to pay a little extra if it means getting something that will be able to last for several years.
Warranty
Finally, you want to get something that comes with a generous warranty period. Aim for between three to five years. If there are any malfunctions, you can send them back to the manufacturer and get them to fix the issues.
Conclusion
Choosing the best foldable electric bike can be a challenge. Though there are plenty on the market, you need to be selective. Consider plenty of models and weed out the ones that don’t suit your needs. Eventually, you’ll be left with the ideal foldable bike for you.
About the author:
Trevor Fenner is the founder of Electric Bike Paradise, the #1 online retailer of electric bikes, electric scooters, electric skateboards, mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs, electric golf caddies, solar kits, and trolling motors. Trevor has been selling bicycles, electric bikes, and electric scooters online since 2010 and eventually established Electric Bike Paradise in late 2013 when he happened to meet a car enthusiast that introduced him to electric bikes. Trevor spent time searching for electric bikes online but couldn’t find a website that offered a wide selection of electric bikes, scooters, and informational articles. That is why he decided to start a website where everyone can shop conveniently, browse buying guides, and read educational posts. The website is called ElectricBikeParadise.com.
