How to Choose the Best E-Bike for Your Commute

E-bikes are a great way to avoid traffic jams and the squeeze of public transport during the morning commute. Finding the right kind of e-bike can appear a challenge, but once you know what suits you, you’ll be zipping around the city in no time at all — and at no cost to the environment. 

Time-efficient and eco-friendly, e-bikes have the main components of a regular bike, however, they are motorised with a chargeable battery. The electronic part of an e-bike comes from the motor and you peddle like on a normal bike,  but you can be boosted by the motor to assist your journey.

If you’re looking for an e-bike for your daily commute, let the experts at Kwik Fit and Fettle help you choose the perfect model. 

Deciding on your budget and priorities

When choosing an e-bike, there are a few things that you’ll need to be sure about before you start the search. The first priority is to work out your budget. E-bikes can range from a couple of hundred pounds to the price of a car, so it’s worth firming up your price range before you start shopping. You’ll want to manage your budget to include accessories such as navigation system add-ons, lights, helmets, and other safety gear too.

The second thing to consider is, of course, what you want from an e-bike. There are hundreds of models to choose from, each with its own qualities and distinct features. So, it’s wise to make a list of what you’re looking for — whether that’s long battery life or you want it to be collapsible so that you can easily take it into your office. 

Choosing the right e-bike style

Just as no two cars are the same, each e-bike model is designed with a slightly different use case in mind, so make sure you match your bike to your requirements. 

• If you’re someone who commutes into the city or frequently uses trains to get from A to B, you might prefer to have a foldable e-bike so that you can take it with you on transport should you need to. 
• If you’re not sold on foldable bikes for your commute, why not consider a hybrid/commuter bike where you get the best of all worlds — from comfort to reliability. 
• Road e-bikes are designed to be speedy and efficient, making them an ideal candidate for a longer commute on a paved surface. 
• Conversely, an electric mountain bike has all of those qualities with the added bonus of being able to tackle challenging terrain or off-roading through its powerful motors and robust suspension. 

Finding comfort for your commute

Depending on the length of your commute, you’ll want to find a bike that is comfortable and ergonomic for your well-being. E-bikes, much like a regular bike, will have adjustable seats and handlebars to suit your height. Remember to consider the suspension when weighing up your chosen e-bike because the better the suspension, the smoother the ride. There are also plenty of accessories that will help your commute be more comfortable and supportive, such as ergonomic grips and padded seats. 

Weight and portability

You’ll also want to consider convenience when it comes to choosing a bike for your commute — rush hour with all your bags and work gear is already stressful enough without a bike to steer through the crowds! 

Electric bikes can be cumbersome and weighty and, depending on your type of commute, this can be a major inconvenience. That being said, choosing an e-bike that’s a) light enough to comfortably carry when required and b) heavy enough to feel supportive is a really important aspect of choosing your perfect commuter e-bike. If possible, going to test out your bikes is advisable.

The right motor for your e-bike

There are two main types of motor for an e-bike and both should be considered in choosing your bike. 

1. A mid-drive motor is located near the pedals and delivers power through the bike’s drivetrain, offering efficiency and a natural ride feel with balanced weight distribution. 
2. A hub motor is placed in the front or rear wheel, providing direct wheel thrust that's simpler and better for flat terrain but can feel less intuitive. 

Mid-drive motors are ideal for varied terrain and performance, while hub motors are more affordable and low-maintenance. When choosing your e-bike, hold these different strengths in mind and consider the terrain of your commute too.

Caring for your e-bike

Once you’ve settled on the right e-bike for your commute, the most important thing to do is to take care of it (other than riding it, of course). By knowing how to properly look after your e-bike, you can make it outlive the manufacturer's recommendation. 

• Make sure you keep your e-bike clean. Regular cleaning will interrupt dirt and mud getting into your bike or into the electronic parts of your bike. You can even get bike spray to help protect it by repelling certain elements. 
• Keep your chains, wheels, and brakes sufficiently lubricated; teaching yourself basic bike maintenance will massively help the longevity of your e-bike. 
• When choosing your e-bike, you will need to take into account that the bike’s battery will start to die quicker over time. Knowing how to prevent that as much as possible will be critical to your commute. 
  
• Try to avoid charging your e-bike in both the extremities of temperature, charging in the freezing cold or basking in the sun. Of course, if your bike is in regular use this can be a pretty tricky task. Charging your bike in a garage or an indoors space will help to regulate the temperature to better suit your bike's battery. 

Commute easily with Fettle

Once you’ve found the best e-bike for your commute, make sure you regularly check in with the experts to keep your e-bike serviced. At Kwik Fit, we’ve paired up with the bike experts, Fettle, to deliver you local, quality bike and e-bike care. Find your closest centre for great bike servicing, repairs, and assembly today.