This comprehensive guide will help you find the best commuter ebikes that best fit your lifestyle, plus pro tips for their optimum upkeep.
Commuter ebikes are becoming more mainstream as a mode of transportation, especially for urban dwellers who want a more practical way to move around town. Their shift from car use and public transport has provided them benefits, mainly cost-efficiency and convenience among others.
In this article, we will talk about the benefits of this utilitarian bike and provide you with a guide on how to pick the right commuter ebike based on your needs and preferences.
A commuter e-bike is an electric-powered bike designed for urban use. They are built to tackle various road surfaces, elevations, and city terrains with enough power for easy maneuvering. Many users prefer them for traveling to work, school, and for regular errands because of their reliability and ease of use.
They are an ideal alternative vehicle, especially with the rising costs of fuel, worsening city traffic, and adverse effects of increased carbon footprint on our environment.
When looking for an electric bike for regular commutes, it is crucial to check the following features for safety, comfort, and reliability:
You don’t want a drained battery to disrupt your itinerary for the day. And if your office or school is a bit far, you will want a reliable ebike that won’t cause you to be late once it requires charging midway through your travel
Choose a battery that can last. It should also show you the remaining battery in kilowatt-hours so you have an accurate idea of the distance a single charge can cover. Take note of your regular commute time and add a buffer for unexpected traffic build-up.
There are ebikes equipped with premium batteries which are useful for lengthy rides. For regular short-distance commutes, you can opt for the average 400 to 500 Watt-hour (Wh) capacity batteries for balanced longevity, range, and weight.
Also, check the battery’s rate of charge cycle or how many charge-discharge cycles it can make throughout its lifetime. A 21700 battery typically has a 3 to 5-year lifespan with at least 500 charge-discharge cycles under normal driving conditions.
The best electric commuter bike should have enough power for your ride without making you feel too tired. You will need power to push and control when you’re going up or down and when making turns. The power of the motor affects how you tackle inclines, your speed, and your acceleration.
For city driving, 250-watt ebikes offer sufficient power while 500 watts of power can handle very steep inclines and help you accelerate faster at intersections. Top speeds of 15 to 23 mph and a range of over 75 miles with 7 gears, pedal assist boost, and powerful suspension are a reliable choice. For greater flexibility, check out its electric power, pedal assist, and pedaling specifications.
Frames—such as aluminum carbon fiber and steel—contribute to your bicycle’s sturdiness and gross weight. Look for a model that is light enough to handle without overly compromising on its battery’s durability or size.
Choose an ebike size that suits your height and weight. Plenty of models in the market suit riders 5 '4 to 6' 5 in height and up to 287 pounds.
Check for highly useful built-in features and accessories. Because you will be using it for your regular commute, it should be well-equipped with safety and convenience features like magnetic sensors, integrated lights, all-terrain and anti-puncture tyres, chain, LCD display, thumb throttle, USB port, etc.
Commuter ebikes may not be absolute substitutes for cars due to their limited features and cargo space but with the right accessories, you can make each ride convenient enough to make it a regular part of your routine.
You can upgrade your basic computer ebike with the following:
Aside from features and accessories that promote efficiency and convenience, you should have the right tools for basic fixes. These include a portable air inflator, ebike pump, handlebar spacers, suspension seat post, etc.
Here are some tips to help you maximize the lifespan of your commuter ebike without sacrificing its power and efficiency.
Cleaning your ebike once or twice a week will help remove trapped dirt and debris in the engine and other moving parts. Use a wet rag or low-pressure water hose to avoid wetting and causing electrical parts to malfunction. Always dry your bike after cleaning. Clean the chain with a special solution regularly and lubricate it to keep it working right.
Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions on charging the battery to avoid inadvertently damaging it. Do not let the battery dip below 20% before recharging.
Make sure to check your brake pads’ condition regularly. Check for squeaking, vibrations, thinning pads, and indicator lights. These will tell you when it’s time to replace your brake pads.
Suboptimal tire pressure compromises your ebike’s performance, safety, and comfort. Feel the tire’s firmness with your fingers. Inflate and add pressure based on the required levels indicated on the tire.
Bolts, nuts, and screws should be firmly installed. Loosening may cause safety issues, reduced performance, and faster wear and tear.
Aside from the cost-saving benefits of using a commuter ebike, the other obvious advantages are its pro-planet and pro-wellness effects. These make shifting to it an easy decision for many riders.
It does not emit carbon and reduces your carbon footprint. Some models can even be charged using renewable resources. With the serious impact of gas emissions on the climate and the worsening air pollution in cities, a commuter ebike is ideal for making positive change happen.
Unlike traditional motor vehicles, there is less battery wastage that ends up in landfills.
Ebikes are small and take up less space on the road. One person driving a car or a 7-seater SUV contributes to traffic congestion because more cars are on the road.
Biking is an activity that can raise your heart rate and thereby strengthen the heart muscle while enhancing blood circulation. It engages your body more than driving a car.
Biking is a rhythmic activity and is considered an aerobic exercise because it raises your heart rate and breathing while improving your body’s endurance.
Moving your legs and arms improves blood circulation and supports cardiovascular health.
Biking, especially the pedal-assist or pedal modes, engages your muscles and boosts their strength and endurance as you cover distance and move your muscles.
The movement and muscle engagement help your body burn fat, improve metabolism, and build leg muscles.
Commuter ebiking is a good way to incorporate exercise into your daily routine. It releases happy hormones, alleviates stress, and may help combat depression.
Compared to driving a car or taking public transportation, ebikes are:
There’s no need to spend money on fuel and it’s cheaper to charge the battery that can last you hundreds of cycles per battery lifespan. Commuter ebikes also cost much less to purchase and maintain than cars or trucks.
There’s no carbon emission and less impact on the environment. It also takes less water to wash or clean ebikes.
Riding an ebike engages your body more compared to driving a car or sitting on a passenger seat. It allows you to exercise during your regular commute and while performing errands, enhancing your mental and physical wellness. Ebikes are also more low-impact than traditional pedal bikes and are ideal for those who don’t tolerate physically demanding activities well.
If you’re ready to shift to a commuter ebike, Ginebikes can help you narrow down a model based on your lifestyle, needs, routes, and riding style. The best commuter ebike is one that meets your needs and enhances your commuting experience.
Contact us today so we can assist you in finding the best commuter ebikes from our highly-rated selection.
