Buying an electric bike can feel overwhelming—especially with so many styles, motor types, battery options, and price points on the market. Whether you’re planning to commute, explore trails, or simply want a more enjoyable way to move through your day, choosing the right ebike comes down to understanding the features that matter most for your lifestyle.
From style and build to model and motor, there are a ton of factors you need to consider before you upgrade from a standard bike to an electric model. Below is a clear, practical guide to help you evaluate an electric bike with confidence and find the right model for your needs.
Why Buy an Electric Bike?
If you’re unsure whether you need an electric bike, you may be wondering if it’s that different from a standard bike. Once you get out on the open road, you’ll know that an ebike was the right decision. That said, we understand you can’t just take our word for it.
Before we explore what to look for in an ebike, let’s look into the benefits of ebikes in general.
1. Workouts
If you use cycling as one of your primary forms of exercise, you might not realize that an ebike can help boost your workouts.
Many cyclers choose biking as their go-to workout because it’s fun, it’s outdoors, and it’s a low-impact cardio option. Others reach for their bikes because they want to workout without exacerbating an existing injury, like chronic knee pain, and ebikes are an exercise option that can support their needs.
If your injury flares up during a ride on a standard bike, you’ll need to cycle through the pain or walk to get home. On an ebike, you can turn on the motor and get home without pushing yourself too hard.
Cycling is already an excellent workout, but switching to electric can help alleviate pain and make this workout more low-impact than it already is.
2. Riding Versatility
Suppose it’s your rest day, but you still really want to go for a bike ride. You’re sore and tired, but you want to coast around outdoors. An ebike can help you coast around town without putting any pressure on your body.
Many ebikes typically have a pedal assist system (PAS) or throttle assist. At Velotric, our ebikes are equipped with both options, so your ride is even more versatile.
Even if you’re in the middle of a workout and need a rest, you can turn up the PAS or the throttle and rest for a few minutes while keeping your heart rate up.
3. Exploration
With the PAS and throttle assist, you can go further on your bike.
Instead of shorter rides that leave you out of breath, electric bikes can extend your ride by hours and allow you to take in every second of the beautiful world around us. Biking on trails, coasts, beaches, and urban roads has never been easier or more enjoyable.
4. Commuting and Environmental Impact
Using an ebike as a primary mode of transportation has a variety of benefits. In addition to saving money on gas by using your car less frequently, you’ll also be putting fewer miles on it. This means your maintenance costs might decrease, too.
Next, you can beat the morning traffic and help clear traffic congestion by getting another car off the road.
Finally, driving less often helps reduce your carbon footprint. Getting a car off the road — even for short trips to the grocery store — makes a huge difference in the world.
It’s our home, and it’s time we started caring for it.
Choose the Right Style of Ebike for Your Riding Needs
Different ebike categories are designed for different kinds of riding. Before diving into components, it helps to decide what type of experience you want.
Commuter Ebikes
Built for daily transportation with an emphasis on comfort, stability, and efficiency. Upright geometry, commuter accessories, and long-range batteries make these ideal for work trips and errands.
Folding Ebikes
Perfect for riders with limited storage space, apartment living, multimodal commuting, or RV travel. Compact, portable, and easy to transport.
Fat Tire Ebikes
Wide tires provide better traction, shock absorption, and stability. Great for riders who want versatility across pavement, gravel, sand, or snow.
Cruiser Ebikes
Comfort-first geometry, relaxed styling, and smooth handling—ideal for casual rides or leisure cycling.
Understanding which category fits your lifestyle will instantly narrow your choices and help you focus on the models that truly meet your needs.
Key Factors To Consider Before You Buy
Now that you know some of the countless uses you can get from your electric bike, it’s time to start looking at how you can maximize these benefits. Before purchasing an ebike, you should also carefully consider the following factors:
1. Pay attention to motor power and ride feel
The motor determines how your ebike accelerates, climbs hills, and responds to your pedaling.
Hub Motors (most common)
- Smooth, reliable, and cost-efficient
- Great for commuting and recreational riding
- Requires less maintenance
Mid-Drive Motors
- More natural pedaling feel
- Better climbing performance
- Higher cost
Motor Wattage and Torque
While wattage affects top power output, torque influences how well a bike handles starts and hills. Riders in hilly areas or carrying heavier loads should prioritize stronger torque.
A well-tuned motor—not just a powerful one—delivers predictable acceleration and a controlled, confidence-inspiring ride.
2. Consider battery range and charging convenience
Battery capacity determines how far you can travel on a single charge.
Look for:
- Longer real-world range (not just theoretical maximums)
- Higher watt-hour (Wh) rating for extended rides
- Removable batteries for easy indoor charging
- Reliable, UL-certified battery systems for safety
If you commute daily, ride long distances, or plan weekend trips, prioritize range. A quality battery doesn’t just provide distance—it also maintains consistent performance over years of use.
3. Evaluate comfort & fit: one of the most important factors
Even the most powerful ebike won’t feel right if it’s uncomfortable.
Key comfort features include:
- Upright, ergonomic geometry
- Suspension fork or seatpost
- Wide, supportive saddle
- Grippy handlebars
- Frame size options
Try to choose a bike that naturally fits your height and riding posture. For commuting or longer rides, comfort is essential for long-term enjoyment.
4. Look for safety certifications & reliable components
Because ebikes include electrical systems and high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, safety certifications matter.
Prioritize:
- UL 2849 certification (entire electrical system)
- UL 2271 certification (battery safety)
- Hydraulic disc brakes for stronger stopping power
- Integrated lights for day and night visibility
- Reflective tire sidewalls
A well-built ebike with reliable components not only lasts longer but also offers more peace of mind—especially for urban riders storing their bikes indoors.
5. Consider overall weight and portability
Ebikes typically weigh more than traditional bikes due to the motor and battery.
Think about:
- How often you'll need to lift or move the bike
- Whether you live in a walk-up apartment
- If you’ll be transporting it in a car or RV
- Whether folding or compact sizing matters
Commuter ebikes can weigh 60–70 lbs, while folding models may be slightly lighter. Choose based on your daily routine, not just specs on paper.
6. Look for thoughtful, real-world-friendly features
Small details make a big difference in daily use.
Consider:
- Fender compatibility for all-weather riding
- Rear rack support for cargo or panniers
- Clear, easy-to-read display screens
- App integration or customizable riding modes
- Walk mode for maneuvering the bike off-saddle
These features contribute to convenience, flexibility, and an overall more enjoyable ownership experience.
7. Choose a brand with reliable support & clear warranty policies
Customer support and after-sales service matter—especially for a product that combines mechanical and electrical systems.
Look for:
- Transparent warranty terms
- Accessible customer service
- Readily available replacement parts
- Active community or rider support channels
A dependable brand ensures smoother ownership long after your initial purchase.
Final Thoughts: Pick the Ebike That Fits Your Lifestyle
Choosing an electric bike isn’t just about comparing specs—it’s about finding a model that fits your daily routine, comfort preferences, terrain, and long-term expectations.
By focusing on motor performance, battery range, safety certifications, comfort, and real-world features, you’ll be able to narrow down the options and pick a bike you’ll enjoy riding for years.
If you're starting your ebike journey, commuter models like the Velotric Discover series or the portable Fold 1 Plus offer a balanced combination of comfort, safety, and practicality—making them strong options for most new riders.
Sources:
Cycling - Health Benefits | Better Health
Increasing Active Transportation Through E-Bike Use | JMIR Publications
E-Bike Research Shows Environmental and Economic Benefits | CalBike
3 comments
I’m looking at the folding e bike for transportation after fishing in my inflatable raft to Ride back to my vehicle at the boat ramp up river anywhere from 5 to 8 miles what would you guys recommend
80 yr old looking for bike with plenty of power I can haul in my SUV.
I am going to buy a e-bike but I would like to know how I fit on it first. My right leg only has a range of motion of 103% as I have had two knee replacements and trying to find a velotricbike nomad II. I contacted your service and they gave me two bike shop in 84010 area. One of the stores do not carry velotricbike and the other carry them but have not received any. Thank you if you have suggestions what I can do.