Thinking about buying an e-bike? Great choice! Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are rapidly gaining popularity due to their easy, eco-friendly mobility.

From daily commuting to weekend adventures, from ultra-lightweight e-bikes to high-performance model for mountain trails, e-bikes offer a versatile, eco-friendly transport solution that appeals to a wide range of riders and needs.

Choosing the right e-bike starts with identifying your personal needs and preferences. Think about what you’ll be doing with your e-bike. Will you be taking trips around town, possibly using it for shopping? Do you plan to commute to work also for longer distances? Will you need to carry luggage on your tours? Or are you looking for a sporty model with motor assistance for adventures in the Alps? Your answers to these questions will help you identify the type of e-bike that best suits your needs. This comprehensive buying guide will walk you through essential factors to consider, explore various e-bike types, and help you find a model that fits your budget.

Which Electric Bike Suits Me? 

Answering the question ´which electric bike should I buy starts with identifying your personal needs and preferences. Think about what activities you’ll be doing with your e-bike. When deciding on which electric bike to buy, start by identifying your personal needs and preferences. Consider how you’ll use the e-bike: Will it be for daily usage in the city, commuting long distances, carrying luggage, or tackling mountain trails? Your answers will help you determine the best type of e-bike for you.

What is my primary use for the E-bike?

Are you looking for a leisurely ride, are you commuting daily or even exploring off-road trails and hilly terrains? City or urban e-bikes are designed for comfort and practicality. They typically feature step-through frames, upright seating positions, and integrated racks or baskets, making them ideal for daily urban use. Comfort is key for city commuting, and weight plays a crucial role, especially if you need to carry your e-bike up or down steps. While many e-bikes weigh around 30 kg, super-light models, like those offered by BZEN, weigh under 20 kg, which can make a significant difference in ease of handling. [Product Overview]

For hilly terrain, a mountain or trekking E-Bike is often the best choice. These bikes are built for rugged terrain, with suspension systems to handle hard bumps and shocks, and frames designed for special stability and durability. They usually come with stronger motors and higher battery capacity, making them well-suited for climbing hills and off-road adventures. However, their added strength and components also make them heavier and sometimes difficult to manoeuvre.

An overview of all kind of E-bikes and their advantages and disadvantages you can find here: What types of e-bikes are available [Electric Bike vs normal bike]

What type of terrain will I be riding on?

Will you encounter flat city streets, hilly countryside, or mixed terrain? For mostly flat terrain, a rear hub motor is an excellent choice. Rear hub motors are typically more affordable and provide a smooth, consistent push from the back, making them ideal for city riding or relaxed weekend tours. They are less complex than mid motors and still offer sufficient power for navigating urban environments. For hilly terrain a mid-motor can be a good choice, for rather flat terrains or city streets a read hub motor is a good choice. More about the differences you can read here: [What’s the difference between rear hub and middle motor?]

The weight of the e-bike can significantly impact your riding experience, so it’s crucial to test several models to find the right fit. Take advantage of test rides at a local bike shop or bike fairs. Ideally test the model of your choice at your preferred routes at home. With BZEN, you can book a test ride or order a model to try at home with our 30-day free return policy. This allows you to thoroughly evaluate your chosen e-bike. You can start your journey to more sustainable and enjoyable driving even today: Book a testride

Where do I travel and how far do I usually travel?

Consider the typical terrains and distances of your rides to determine the required range and battery power. Hills drain batteries faster due to the increased power needed to climb. Therefore, a larger battery (or one with higher capacity, typically measured in watthours, or Wh) is recommended to ensure you have enough range to cover long distances without running out of power. Keep in mind, though, that a larger battery means more weight to carry. Balancing battery size with your riding needs and preferences will help you find the right e-bike for your journeys. [Which battery to choose?]

Do I need to combine different commuting options?

If you’re planning to use your E-Bike in conjunction with public transportation, consider a foldable or lightweight model. For combining commuting options, a superlight e-bike offers major advantages. It’s easier to carry onto public transportation, navigate stairs, and store in small spaces. Foldable models add convenience, allowing seamless transitions between riding and other modes of transport, making them ideal for urban commuters needing flexibility and portability. Understanding these factors will narrow down your options and ensure that you choose an E-Bike that fits seamlessly into your lifestyle.

Technical solutions for Electric Bikes

When selecting the best technical solutions for your electric bike, people are often wondering which drivetrain and motor is the best? Here’s what to consider and what to look out for before deciding. Pay attention to specific features and specifications.

Which drivetrain should I choose? Should I choose a mid-hub or rear-hub-motor?

The drivetrain affects both performance and maintenance. Belt drives are lower maintenance and quieter, while chain drives are more traditional and easier to repair. Your choice should reflect your willingness to perform upkeep and your riding conditions.

Electric Bike Without Chain

Chainless electric bikes are less common than those with chain or belt drives and use a driveshaft system instead of a traditional chain. These bikes offer low maintenance, with fewer moving parts susceptible to wear and tear. They are usually more expensive due to the specialized technology and components involved.

Electric Bike with Belt Drive

An electric bike with a belt drive uses a reinforced rubber belt instead of a traditional chain to transfer power from the motor to the wheels. This system provides a quieter, smoother, and low-maintenance riding experience. Belt drives are durable, require no lubrication, and are resistant to stretching or breaking, making them a great choice for urban commuting and regular use. BZEN offers a variety of models with a Gates belt drive, a high-quality, reinforced rubber belt system manufactured by Gates Carbon Drive and popular in high-end bicycles and e-bikes for its reliability, minimal maintenance and superior performance.

Electric Bike with Mid Motor or Hub Motor

Mid motor and hub motor configurations each have their pros and cons. Mid motors, positioned near the crank, provide better weight distribution and are more efficient on hills. Hub motors offer affordability, simplicity, and quiet operation, making them a popular choice for e-bikes. They deliver consistent power, making them well-suited for flat terrains and urban commuting. Additionally, because hub motors do not interact with the bike’s gears, they help reduce drivetrain wear and extend the lifespan of other components.

How much power (watts) do I need for my E-Bike?

Motor wattage is crucial to how powerful your e-bike will be. For most urban commuting, a 250-watt motor is the best choice, but for hilly areas or heavier riders, consider higher wattage motors. But always have in mind: the more power, the more weight, which you have to carry along.

Which battery capacity do I need?

When choosing the battery capacity, you should consider the intended use. A 500-watt-hour battery is common for most e-trekking and e-mountain bikes. Powerful batteries with more than 300 watt-hours allow ranges of up to 100 kilometres and with light weight e-bikes even more. BZEN offers their super light e bikes with the option between two batteries, which are perfect for the city and provide extra power when needed.

E-bikes adapted for different needs

Electric Bike for Women

Women’s E-Bike often feature step through frames, making it easier to get on and off the bike. Additionally, lighter frames, ergonomic handlebars, and adjustable stems should be tailored to meet the specific needs of female riders, ensuring a comfortable and customised fit. BZEN e-bikes are aimed primarily at modern women looking for a stylish and sustainable transport solution but also offer models for their male partners with the same focus on comfort and safety. So, for example the BZEN AMSTERDAM e-bike is a highly comfortable and stylish electric bike specially designed for modern women for relaxed city rides. Easy to ride and carry, this lightweight e-bike with integrated battery gives the balance you need when cycling and allows you to ride ZEN through the city streets without sweating, getting dirty or getting tired.

Designed for modern men, the BZEN London transforms a classic bike design into a comfortable state-of-the art city e-bike. With curved handlebars and an adjustable stem, the sitting position is straight and relaxed, making city commuting easy and even long distance rides relaxed.

Electric Bike for Seniors

For seniors, ease of use and comfort are paramount. Look for E-Bike with step through frames, which allow for easy getting on and off the bike, and models that offer a smooth ride with comfortable seating and solid tyres. A llightweight designs and intuitive controls also enhance the overall riding experience for older adults.

If you are looking for the perfect superlight bike with a low step-in to facilitate getting on and off the bike and a short reach of the feet to the ground for safety, look no further than the BZEN VIENNA. It’s the safest and most comfortable e-bike to ride in the city, even for less experienced bikers. A lower saddle position, adapted to the body provides greater stability. It lowers the centre of gravity, making it easier to ride and allows relaxed breaks, enables precise manoeuvring and increases safety – perfect for a stress-free and enjoyable cycling experience.

Low Impact Exercise: Why E-Bike Are Ideal for People of All Ages?

Once again, the great advantage of lightweight e-bikes is that you can ride without motor support and choose when you want to be more physically active and when you want to use the electric support for maximum comfort and relaxation.

One of the standout benefits of lightweight e-bikes is their incredible versatility, giving you the freedom to tailor your riding experience to your preferences and needs. Whether you’re in the mood for a challenging workout, relying solely on your own strength, or seeking a leisurely ride where the electric motor does the heavy lifting, these bikes offer the best of both worlds. You can effortlessly transition between modes, choosing when to be more physically active for health and fitness, and when to engage the motor for a smooth, comfortable, and relaxing ride. This adaptability makes lightweight e-bikes perfect for a wide range of activities, from daily commutes to weekend adventures, ensuring that you always have the option to customize your journey according to your energy levels and goals.

Check-out our full product range and great solutions we offer  [Product Overview]

Budget Considerations and when to buy?

How Much Does an Electric Bike Cost?

E-bike prices can vary significantly, with budget and entry-level models starting around €1,000, while premium options can exceed €10,000. Although lower-priced e-bikes offer the essential features of a modern e-bike, they are often heavier, which can negatively impact maneuverability and overall riding experience. Additionally, these models frequently use unique, non-standard components, making repairs and maintenance more challenging. Often, these bikes cannot be serviced at your local bike shop and must be sent back to the manufacturer, resulting in longer wait times and raising concerns about sustainability. On average, customers are willing to spend between €3,000 and €3,500 on an e-bike. In this price range, you’ll find a variety of high-quality, well-engineered models that offer a better balance of performance, durability, and ease of maintenance.

Before making a purchase, it’s essential to create a checklist of key specifications such as battery capacity, motor power, weight, and frame material. If possible, test ride different models to find the best fit for your needs. Not all manufacturers offer the option to test ride or order a model to try at home, and it’s crucial to check if they provide free delivery and a free return policy. BZEN is one of the few e-bike brands that offer free delivery and a 30-day free return policy, allowing you to thoroughly evaluate your chosen e-bike without any pressure. This allows you to thoroughly evaluate your chosen e-bike. You can start your journey to more sustainable and enjoyable driving even today: Book a testride.

What is the best time to buy an E Bike?

There isn’t a single best time to buy an e-bike, but staying alert to special promotions can pay off. Manufacturers frequently run special deals, such as “Bike of the Month” or limited-edition colours. It’s a good idea to regularly check manufacturers’ websites and subscribe to their newsletters to be among the first to know about the latest promotions and special offers.

Offseason sales can be opportunities as retailers offer discounts to clear inventory for new models. Spring is also a prime time to buy, with the chance to purchase the latest technology or score discounts on previous models as new releases hit the market. Additionally, major shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and holiday sales often feature special offers on e-bikes, making these periods prime opportunities to buy.

Don’t overlook outlet offers either. Many retailers have outlet sections where they sell overstock, discontinued models, or slightly imperfect units at reduced prices. These outlets can be gold mines for finding high-quality e-bikes at a fraction of the original cost. [BZEN Outlet]

By keeping these strategies in mind, you can secure the best deal on your e-bike and choose the perfect time to buy.

Summary: What to Look Out For

Choosing the right e-bike involves considering your personal needs and preferences, such as daily commuting, carrying luggage, or tackling off-road trails. Evaluate the type of terrain you’ll ride on—flat streets or hilly paths—and select between rear hub or mid motors accordingly. Factor in battery capacity for longer distances and consider the weight and ease of handling. For urban use, lightweight or foldable models may be best, while seniors might benefit from bikes with step-through frames and comfortable seating. E-bike prices vary widely, so test rides and special promotions can help in making a well-informed decision. Consider budget, bike features, and timing for the best purchase.

Top 5 take-aways:

1. Identify Your Needs: Determine how you’ll use the e-bike — whether for daily commuting, carrying cargo, or off-road adventures—to find the right type. Consider factors like terrain and distance to choose the appropriate model.
2. Choose the Right Motor for your needs: Decide between rear hub motors, which deliver a steady and reliable boost from the back, which is ideal for rather flat terrain and urban commuting and urban commuting, and mid motors, which are better for hilly or off-road conditions but usually heavier.
3. Consider Battery Capacity: Select an e-bike with an appropriate battery size based on your typical riding distance and terrain. Larger batteries provide more range but add weight, which you have to carry along.
4. Test Ride and Evaluate: Use test ride options or free delivery and returns by the manufacturer to test various models to assess comfort, handling, and fit. Check such features like weight, ease of use, and whether the bike meets your specific needs.
5. Budget and Timing: E-bike prices range from around €1,000 to over €10,000. Mid-range models (around €3,000 to €3,500) often offer a good balance of performance and value. Watch for promotions and consider seasonal sales or outlet offers to get the best deal.

Take a look at external reviews of the variety of e-bike models from independent specialist media (e.g. all award-winning e-bikes 2024 or price-performance winner 2024), where the award-winning BZEN e-bikes stand out as a superior choice for riders seeking a convenient and efficient mode of transportation.