All bikes, whether e-bikes or traditional bikes, should never be purchased blindly because many factors influence whether a specific style is right for you.
It’s important to try an e-bike before you buy it. Otherwise, your chances of purchasing one that doesn’t meet your needs are high. This is too significant a purchase to risk disappointment.
Let’s walk through what to consider and why an electric bike demo is a good idea:
Motor assist and throttle
Motor placement on an e-bike varies by brand and type. Hub drive motors are situated within the hub of the front or rear wheel, whereas a mid-drive motor is in the center of the e-bike frame.
The motor placement will affect how your e-bike handles.
There are also different levels of power assist. Taking a test drive will help you understand the feel of varying levels of power assist and how the motor engages.
Finding the right mix for your riding style and terrain will influence your buying decision.
If you ride regularly in a windy area or one with many hills, you should consider the motor’s torque. This is a measure of your motor’s climbing ability and how it performs in headwinds.
Also, cadence is a factor to consider. Test ride your chosen electric bike to see how the motor responds to your pedaling rhythm.
Some e-bikes need a specific cadence to work optimally, so it’s important to understand how cadence and motor assist work together.
Comfort level and e-bike fit
Achieving the correct riding posture is dependent on the right fit.
E-bike frames come in various configurations that influence your comfort level, especially when considering the handlebar setup, seat, mount, and dismount ease, and overall ergonomics.
The way an e-bike handles and how your weight is distributed influence its performance during straight riding, turns, starting, and stopping.
Because e-bikes are heavier, taking a test drive will help you experience how the bike responds under various conditions.
Finally, the most crucial area of comfort is the seat or saddle. This is a very personal choice; what works for one person is a definite “no” for another.
It comes down to preference, but until you ride the bike, you won’t know how the seat influences your comfort level.
Components and features
The next area of note when taking a test drive is to look at how these different components work and feel:
- Brakes: Test for responsiveness and power.
- Gears: Notice how easily it handles gear changes.
- Suspension: If your e-bike has suspension, see how it handles over uneven surfaces.
- Controls and display: Know how everything works, like pedal assist levels, lights, and other smart features.
Battery performance and range
A test ride might not be long enough to fully understand the e-bike’s range, but it will indicate how much drain you are getting under your ideal riding conditions.
Finding e-bike test rides near me
Nothing can replace the experience of a test ride. Do your online research and then check manufacturer and local bike shop partnerships to find e-bike shops that offer demo models.
Even if you purchase your bike online, test drive the model and type you are interested in at a local bike shop; this will help you make the right decision for your needs and riding comfort.
Building a relationship with a local bike shop is invaluable. Assembly, repairs, maintenance, parts, and general questions and advice are benefits that a local shop can provide to enhance your e-bike experience.
At Electrified E-bikes, we have everything you need for your next adventure!
