There’s a reason why bikes are more common in the world than cars. Whether it’s for exercise or transportation, you can’t beat the feeling of riding a bike.
Sadly in the United States bikes for transportation have been slow to catch on. But, that could change with the rise of electric bikes. If you’re shopping for an electric bike for adults, odds are you want the best one possible.
Luckily, you’re in the right place. In this buying guide, we’ll walk you through the process of finding the perfect hybrid bike. Let’s get started!
Know About the Different Classes
Before you begin shopping it’s important to be familiar with the different classes of electric bikes for adults. Each e-bike is placed in three different categories depending on its level of motor assistance.
With a class one bike, the motor will only kick in while you pedal. Once you hit 20 MPH it stops helping. Class two also comes with pedal assist until you hit 20 MPH. But, it also includes a power throttle that can control speed.
Finally, class three provides you with only pedal assist, but it can continue until you hit 28 MPH.
Think About What You’re Using It For
Next, you want to think about what you’re using the bike for. If it’s your first time on an electric bike and you want to dip your feet in the water, look for a class one model.
They’re affordable and universally accepted on almost all bike paths. However, if you plan on using your electric bike for transportation around town, you should consider class three bikes.
They’re a lot faster and more powerful than class one models. The trade-off is that you won’t be able to ride it on most bike trails.
Class two has the best bikes for people who like sticking to trails, but still want some versatility in getting around town.
Decide on a Brand
There are a lot of different electric bike brands out there. These days most popular bike manufacturers offer their versions of them.
However, we recommend sticking to a manufacturer that specializes in electric bikes, like Charge. An electric bike from here will be more affordable than name-brand options, and more durable.
Regardless of where you get it from, you should always choose a brand that stands by its product. Make sure they provide a good return policy if something is wrong.
Check out our guide to the best e-bikes to buy.
Try before you buy
If you’re able to, we recommend renting an electric bike first. That way, you can get a good sense of what features you like and which ones you can do without.
Most cities will have a place where you can rent an electric bike to get a feel for it. You can also sometimes trial an electric bike at your local store. Or, next time you’re on vacation, take one for a spin.
We hope this article helped you find the best electric bike for adults. Ultimately, the right bike for you depends on your skill level and what you want to use it for.
