Urban commuting is getting harder each day. Traffic is becoming more congested. The cost of taking public transport and owning a private vehicle is rising. Plus, the environmental toll is a huge concern.
For these reasons, more people are seeking alternative transport options. One such alternative is the commuter electric bike. Powered by electric motors and batteries, commuter electric bikes let you ride further and with less effort than a traditional bicycle.
So, why should you use an electric bike for commuting? How do you choose the best one? Here’s all you need to know about buying and using an electric commuter bike
Why Use an E-Bike for Commuting?
The main reason to use an electric bike for commuting is the pedal assist feature. When you engage the pedals, the electrical components respond to your movement by assisting with pedalling motion.
This is a handy feature for urban commuting. Depending on your location, you may need to climb steep hills and navigate tricky terrain. The pedal assist mode will make it easier to complete your daily commute, helping you preserve energy and sweat less.
Why else use an e-bike for urban commuting? Like a traditional bicycle, you can ride where cars and public transport cannot. On sideways, bike lanes, and bike paths. This way, you can take shortcuts to reduce your commute time.
Key Features of an Ideal Electric Commuter Bike
The main features to look for in an electric bike are:
- mudguards
- disc brakes
- a chain guard
- adjustable seating
- a rear bike rack
Let’s discuss these features in greater detail, including how they work and their benefits.
Mudguards
Mudguards help protect your clothes from dirt, mud, and other debris. You can attach them to the back frame, above the rear wheel. This helps prevent any debris picked up by the tyre from splashing your clothes.
Disc Brakes
Electric bikes have either mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. Hydraulic disc brakes offer superior stopping power to mechanical ones. They help you slow down more gradually on steep descents and stop abruptly to avoid sudden obstacles.
Chain Guard
Also known as a chain case, a chain guard helps protect your chain from debris. It is typically plastic and can be retrofitted onto any electric bike. If your bike frame falls sideways, a chain guard will help prevent damage and misalignment.
Adjustable Seating
Choose an electric bicycle for commuting with adjustable seating. This lets you assume a seating posture that suits your riding style and preferences. So, you can ride for longer with less physical strain.
Rear Bike Rack
With a rear basket, you can transport a wide range of accessories. These include groceries, school supplies, and work equipment. By using a bike rack to transport goods, you increase your storage capacity and avoid the hassle of storing everything in a backpack.
Types of El ectric Commuter Bikes
Choosing the right type of electric commuter bike is vital to enjoying a safe, comfortable, and relaxing ride. However, with so many to choose from, making an informed decision can be tough.
Here’s a brief breakdown of the different types of electric commuter bikes.
Step-Through Commuter Ebike
A step-through ebike for commute is the most accessible frame design. It has a slanted top tube or no top tube at all. This makes it easier for you to get on and off the saddle, which is ideal when wearing loose clothing like a dress.
Diamond Frame Commuter Ebike
A diamond frame commuter ebike is a classic design. It has two triangles joined together to form a diamond. The left triangle connects to the saddle, rear wheel, and pedals. The right triangle connects to the handlebars, saddle, front wheel, and pedals.
Folding Commuter Ebike
A folding commuter ebike has a foldable frame. By unlocking the latch in the middle, you can fold the frame in half sideways. This makes it easier to carry and store in tight spaces, including apartments, offices, and in the back of vehicles.
Choosing the Right Electric Commuter Bike for You
By now, you should know what to look for in an electric commuter bike. However, there are a few things to consider before you buy. There’s more to shopping for an electric bike than just picking the right features. You should also evaluate your circumstances and personal preferences.
When shopping for an electric commuter bike, consider the following:
Budget
How much can you afford in upfront and ongoing costs? Depending on your needs, you can expect to spend at least GBP 900.00 or more.
The main factors that influence the cost of a commuter electric bike are the frame type and material, tyre size, motor power, and battery range. Choose an affordable budget, one that lets you get only the e-bike features you need.
Battery and Charging Options
When shopping for an electric commuter bike, evaluate the battery’s travel range. The average travel range of an electric bike is from 35 to 55 miles (56 to 88 km). At Heybike, our EC 1 and EC 1-ST electric bikes can travel 62 miles (100 km) on a single charge.
If you have a predictable daily route, calculate its distance. Use this information to choose an electric bike with a suitable travel range.
Another factor to consider is chargeability. Electric bikes have either a built-in or removable battery. The downside to a built-in battery is that you must have enough space to fit the entire bike frame wherever you charge it.
Our EC 1 and EC 1-ST electric bikes have removable batteries, so you can charge them separately from the frame. As a result, you can charge your e-bike battery in areas where the entire frame may not fit.
Weather and Durability
Most electric bikes have some level of water resistance. This means you can ride one in light-to-moderate rainfall. They can also get splashed without risking damage. However, they cannot handle heavy rain or submersion in deep water.
Choose an electric bike with an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of at least 65. If your e-bike has a display screen on the handlebars, that should also have an IP rating. Ensure that the electric components, including the battery and wires, are enclosed in a protective case to prevent moisture from seeping in.
Commute Distance and Terrain
How far do you intend to ride? As we discussed before, choose an electric bike with a suitable travel range. Also, keep in mind that a longer-range battery will be heavier, forcing you to use more pedal assistance.
Another factor to consider is the terrain. Even the most well-maintained cities and suburbs have unpredictable terrain. You may need to navigate through light off-road trails, including surface imperfections like cracks.
For this reason, choose an electric bike with moderate-to-large tyres. At Heybike, our electric bikes have puncture-proof tyres and detailed tread patterns. They’re ideal for city, gravel, and long-distance riding.
Final Thoughts
An electric bike for commuting is a great way to get around. Their powerful motors and intuitive pedal assist modes let you ride further with less effort. Plus, they’re easy to use, making them accessible to riders of nearly any age or skill level.
For the most comfortable and enjoyable e-cycling experience, look to Heybike. Explore our electric bike range to fuel your next adventure.
Leave a comment
All comments are moderated before being published.
This site is protected by hCaptcha and the hCaptcha Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.