WHAT DO I NEED TO KNOW TO GET STARTED?

There are various types of e-bikes just like there are various types of conventional bikes. Consider what you need the bike for: Commuting to work? Long-distance exercise? Recreational hill climbing?

What is your riding skill level? Do you currently ride a bicycle or has it been a few years or decades? You don’t want to buy a bike you won’t be able to operate safely.

Decide early on whether you’ll want a pedelec bike — that’s the most common type of e-bike, in which you typically pedal but then can summon different levels of motorized assistance — or one with a throttle-based motor. The latter operates more like a motorcycle or a moped that allows you to turn off the engine if you like.

Additionally, there are three levels of motor strength from which to choose:

CLASS 1

Pedal assist Top speed: About 20 mph

CLASS 2

Throttle assist Top speed: About 20 mph

CLASS 3

Pedal assist Top speed: About 28 mph

If you have a conventional bicycle that you love a lot — and if you or someone you know is good with tools — then it’s possible to use a kit to convert your bike into an e-bike. One downside: Typically, the throttle on these retrofitted bikes is a little more difficult to use because, unlike store-bought e-bikes, the throttle isn’t built into the handlebars. Instead, you control it with your thumb.

Sure, there are some fine online retailers out there who promise you top quality e-bikes for competitive rates. But this is where buying locally can really pay off. Don’t buy any e-bike until you’ve tested how well you fit the bike, how it rides and how easily you can lift it. A good dealer can also give you maintenance advice and help you find a qualified repair shop, should you need one.

Have you seen the way people drive in the post-pandemic world? Don’t even think about riding your e-bike without a helmet.