Apr 3, 2024
Seeking the ideal electric bike? You’ve likely encountered various types of electric bikes, each designed for different riders and terrains.
This guide will help you understand the main categories — from urban commuters to trail conquerors — helping you pick an e-bike to match your lifestyle.
E-bikes are much-loved by city dwellers worldwide. In 2023, there were around 11 million e-bikes in Germany alone!
And just like the traditional bikes we all know and love, e-bikes come in a variety of styles, each designed with specific purposes and terrains in mind.
From convenient folding bikes to heavy-duty cargo e-bikes, the world of e-bikes is as diverse as the riders themselves. Let’s explore some popular e-bike styles and the advantages they offer compared to a traditional bike.
Cruiser e-bikes are designed for leisurely use and recreational riding. They offer a laid-back and comfortable riding experience to enjoy life in the slow lane.
Their unique features include:
Cruiser e-bikes come in traditional and step-through frames, catering to a variety of riders’ preferences for easy mounting and dismounting.
Road e-bikes are the electrified descendants of traditional road bicycles. With their lightweight frames, narrow tyres, and aerodynamic positioning, these bikes are built for riders who want to cover long distances with minimal effort.
The integration of an electric motor in road bikes has revolutionised the experience, allowing cyclists to maintain higher speeds with less exertion. This makes road e-bikes an excellent choice for fitness enthusiasts and commuters who want the benefits of a traditional road bike but with the added advantage of electric assistance.
Many models also offer front suspension systems to absorb urban road imperfections, ensuring a seamless ride to your destination.
As the name suggests, an electric mountain bike with knobby tyres and strong brakes is designed to tackle the toughest mountain trails. The real game-changer, though, is its high-torque motor that facilitates climbing hills and overcoming obstacles.
Although electric mountain bikes come with a comparably higher price tag, they justify the investment by reducing the strain of off-road adventures.
Folding bikes are the transformers of the e-bike world. They offer unparalleled convenience for those with limited storage space or who want to mix cycling with public transport.
These compact powerhouses are easily collapsed to a manageable size, making them perfect for apartment dwellers, train commuters, or anyone who wants to keep their bike in the car for spontaneous cycling adventures.
Despite their small folded size, when unfolded, they provide a comfortable and stable ride, making them a practical choice for a variety of cyclists.
Cargo bikes aren’t just about strength but also about stability and safety. This heavy-lifting electric bicycle often comes with enhanced features such as:
Cargo bikes can serve as a greener solution to a personal car for families with kids. They provide a sustainable and healthy alternative for daily commutes, grocery runs, and school drop-offs.
Electric bike categories in the EU
Now we’ve discussed various e-bike options, let’s see how the EU classifies electric bikes to understand rider rules — from helmet laws to licences.
The EU categorises e-bikes based on their motor power and the speed at which the motor’s assistance stops. This classification system helps to ensure safety standards and to define the rules for using e-bikes across different countries.
Motor vehicles with less than 4 wheels and some lightweight 4-wheelers fall under the L category in the EU.
Whereas light-powered vehicles fall under the L1e category, which has 2 sub-categories:
Here’s their simplified overview:
The L1e-A category stands for electric bicycles with a maximum speed of 25 km/h and a motor output of more than 250 watts. All electric bikes described above generally fall under the L1e-A category.
L1e-B is for 2-wheel mopeds with a maximum speed of more than 25 km/h and up to 45 km/h and a maximum continuous rated power of between 1000 W and 4000 W.
While they offer faster commute options, riders must comply with specific regulations, such as wearing a helmet, having insurance, and in some countries, obtaining a moped driving licence.
Having explored styles and categories, it’s time to look at the heart of e-bikes — their motors and batteries. The type of motor and battery capacity of an e-bike can significantly influence its performance.
When it comes to e-bike motors, 2 stand out — mid-drive and hub-drive motors. Mid-drive motors are located near the bottom bracket by the pedals, and hub motors are in the wheel hubs.
A front hub motor, located in the front wheel, improves weight balance for a smoother ride and is easier to install. But if you prefer better handling and quiet performance, a rear hub motor in the rear wheel might be your best choice.
For those prioritising efficiency, mid-drive motors leverage the bicycle’s gearing system, facilitating enhanced speed and improved equilibrium.
Mountain, cargo, and premium urban e-bikes typically feature mid-drive motors, while rear-wheel hub motors are more commonly found in other types of pedelecs.
An e-bike’s battery is no less important than its motor. Some factors to consider when selecting an e-bike battery are:
Want to know more about e-bike technology? Take a look here.
Armed with this knowledge, you’re ready to make the big decision — selecting the right e-bike. This choice should consider factors like the e-bike’s intended usage, bike frame size, and fit to ensure the bike matches your needs and physicality.
But how do you know if an e-bike fits you perfectly? That’s where test-riding e-bikes comes in, as it helps you evaluate a bike’s:
It’s like trying on a pair of shoes — you’ll know it’s right when it feels right!
Naturally, the financial aspect is equally important. Prospective e-bike buyers should consider their budget, prioritise quality components for a smoother ride, and assess the after-sale service to ensure a worthwhile purchase.
Before purchasing an L-category vehicle or bringing one into the country (be it an e-scooter or e-bike), you should verify it has a vehicle identification number (VIN).
This number should be displayed on the vehicle’s frame and the statutory plate. The statutory plate is also required to display specific mandatory details, as stipulated in Regulation (EU) No 168/2013.
When you find an e-bike that piques your interest, it’s a good idea to reach out to the manufacturer to get detailed information about the bike. This includes its designated purpose, the statutory plate details, and the certificate of conformity to ensure it meets your needs.
If you’re buying a vehicle from a bike shop, you should be on the safe side. However, we advise you to check whether the vehicle information the importer gives matches the information on the manufacturer’s website.
Only the manufacturer can define the intended use of a vehicle.
| 💰Saving tip! Many countries in Europe offer incentives for buying an e-bike. Check the incentives available in your country. |
As the electric bike market in Europe is expected to see significant growth between now and 2027, e-bikes are changing the way we travel — 1 pedal at a time. They’re a more sustainable alternative to private cars and require much less investment and space.
With a diverse range of types and styles, innovative motor designs, and advanced battery technology, there’s an e-bike out there for everyone.
Still have questions about electric bikes? Here’s a compilation of some of the most common inquiries people have when considering an e-bike purchase.
Switching from a conventional bicycle to an e-bike might seem daunting at first, but most riders find the transition smooth and quick. Usually, a single trial run is all it takes for riders to become comfortable with the new dynamics of pedal-assisted cycling.
Pedalling an e-bike without motor assistance is similar to pedalling a regular bike, although e-bikes are typically heavier. However, most e-bikes have multiple levels of pedal assist to make riding easier when needed.
Yes, most e-bikes are engineered to handle light to moderate rainfall. Yet, it’s wise to avoid riding during intense storms or submerging the bike in water, as this could compromise the electronics.
In most places, you don’t need a special licence to ride a regular e-bike. However, for speed pedelecs or higher-powered e-bikes, you may need a licence, insurance, and a helmet, depending on local regulations.
Charging times can vary, but it generally takes 3 to 6 hours to fully charge an e-bike battery. Some fast-charging systems can reduce this time significantly.
The range of an e-bike can vary significantly depending on the battery capacity, the level of pedal assist used, the terrain, and the weight of the rider and cargo.
Modifying your e-bike to increase its speed may be illegal and can void the warranty. It’s important to adhere to the manufacturer’s specifications and local regulations when considering any modifications to your e-bike. Always consult with a professional and check the laws in your area before making any changes to your e-bike’s performance.
Learning to navigate a cargo bike typically comes naturally to most. However, the speed at which you become adept may depend on factors such as your prior cycling experience, the type and weight of the load you’re carrying, and the specific model of cargo bike you’re operating.
Yes. Some models, equipped with appropriate accessories, are capable of transporting adult passengers.
