How to choose an electric bike? A comprehensive guide to choosing the right electric bike
Choosing an e-bike can feel challenging, as the market offers a vast number of different models for various purposes. In this e-bike buying guide, we'll cover the most important things to consider before making a purchase decision. If you're wondering how to choose an e-bike for your needs, this guide provides practical tips for selecting the right model, battery, motor, and budget.
1. What is an e-bike and why get one?
An e-bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists with pedaling. The motor assists pedaling up to a speed of 25 km/h. After this, the bike can only be ridden faster using pedal power. An e-bike is considered a regular bicycle in traffic, so e-bike riders follow the same traffic rules as regular bike users.
An e-bike is suitable for practically anyone. It allows you to cycle to work without needing to rush straight into the shower upon arrival. The exertion level can be easily adjusted, and electric assistance makes uphill climbs and longer distances effortless.
Read a comparison between e-bikes and regular bicycles
2. Define the intended use – that determines everything
The most important question when choosing an e-bike is: what will you use the bike for? The intended use guides all other choices.
City commuting and daily travel are the most common reasons to get an e-bike. A city e-bike or a hybrid e-bike is best for this, as it is lightweight, easy to maintain, and equipped with practical features such as fenders, a luggage rack, and lights. If you mainly cycle to work on asphalt, mountain bike suspension or particularly wide tires are usually not necessary.
Tunturi Havu Low is a hybrid e-bike designed for off-road and commuting environments, featuring powerful Bosch electric assistance, a suspension fork, and a comfortable riding geometry that makes riding stable and controlled on both asphalt and light trails.
Off-road and touring use requires a different type of bike. An e-mountain bike is designed to withstand trails, gravel, and varying terrain. A full-suspension e-mountain bike works particularly well in technical terrain, while a front-suspension model is perfectly suited for slightly more demanding touring and mixed use.
For example, the Tunturi E-Max EBF600 is an e-mountain bike that combines powerful electric assistance with wide-tire stability, making riding safe and secure in varying and challenging terrain.
Cargo transport is best handled by a cargo e-bike, which is designed to safely carry children, groceries, or other loads.
3. The motor: where it's located and why it matters
The motor type most affects an e-bike's riding feel and suitability for different purposes. There are three types of motors:
A mid-drive motor is located in the bike's bottom bracket, connected to the crankset. It places the center of gravity stably in the middle of the bike, making handling balanced. A mid-drive motor is the best choice for mountain biking and sporty riding, and it is usually the most technologically advanced but also the most expensive option.
A rear-hub motor makes the bike feel natural to ride because it pulls the bike forward in a similar way to pedaling. Rear-hub motors are well suited for city and basic riding.
A front-hub motor is the simplest and most affordable option, but it shifts the center of gravity forward and can make steering more challenging on slippery surfaces. A front-hub motor does not offer as balanced a riding experience as the other options.
Motor performance is primarily described by torque (Nm). The higher the torque, the easier the bike accelerates and handles steep uphill climbs. However, when making a choice, one should not just focus on the numbers; the motor must meet your specific needs.
Read more about different motor types here
4. Battery, range, and practicality
The battery is the heart of an e-bike, and its capacity directly affects how far you can go on a single charge. Capacity is expressed in watt-hours (Wh).
For city and commuting use, a 400–500 Wh battery is usually sufficient. Such a battery typically provides a range of about 40–100 kilometers, depending on conditions, riding style, and assistance level. For touring or longer distances, consider a 500–750 Wh battery or even larger.
Many factors affect the range: riding speed, rider weight, terrain, assistance level, tire pressure, and weather conditions. In winter use, the battery depletes faster in the cold. Too small a battery leads to constant charging, but an unnecessarily large battery adds to the bike's weight and cost. Read more about e-bike winter storage and maintenance
For practicality, it's important to consider whether you need a removable battery. It makes charging easier if you can't bring the bike indoors. A fixed battery, on the other hand, often offers a cleaner look and better protection.
Read more about battery life and maintenance
5. Frame size and riding position
Frame size is one of the most critical yet often overlooked selection criteria. An incorrectly sized bike is uncomfortable and can, in the long run, cause strain on the back, neck, or knees.
The correct size depends not only on height but also on frame geometry, riding position, and intended use. The best way to find the right size is to try different models in a store. A good rule of thumb is that when sitting on the saddle, the knee should be slightly bent when the pedal is in its lowest position.
6. Price level: what do you get for your budget?
E-bike prices range from about 1,500 euros to over 10,000 euros. The price is largely determined by the motor, battery, frame material, and other components.
Under 2,000 euros: Basic city bikes and light hybrids. Suitable for occasional use and shorter distances.
2,000–4,000 euros: Good quality city and hybrid e-bikes, and reasonably priced e-mountain bikes. This budget already provides quality components and a reliable motor solution.
4,000–7,000 euros: High-quality hybrids, touring bikes, and full-suspension e-mountain bikes with quality components.
Over 7,000 euros: Top-tier e-mountain bikes, lightweight carbon fiber models, or specialized e-bikes for demanding use.
The e-bike market has developed rapidly, and nowadays, quality mid-drive e-bikes can often be found on sale in the 2,000–3,000 euro price range. In addition to the price, it's worth paying attention to the motor manufacturer, battery size, component quality, and the coverage of the service network. Used e-bikes are also sold, but it's important to be careful with them.
7. Other important factors
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes are strongly recommended for e-bikes. An e-bike is heavier than a regular bicycle, so powerful brakes improve safety, especially in wet conditions.
Gears: For city use, ease of use and reliability of the gears are most important. For off-road riding, a wide gear range and precise shifting are emphasized.
Tires: Wider tires generally offer better grip and comfort, which is especially useful in Finland's varying weather conditions.
Maintenance and warranty: Before purchasing, ensure that authorized service for the bike is available within a reasonable distance. A good warranty and effective service support are very important for long-term use.
8. Common mistakes when buying an e-bike
Many e-bike buyers make the same mistakes, which can lead to disappointment or additional costs.
1. Choosing too small a battery
A lower price is tempting, but too small a battery can mean constant charging and a limited range. If you regularly ride long distances, a larger battery capacity will significantly improve usability.
2. Buying the wrong frame size
An e-bike is a long-term investment, so the correct frame size is important for both comfort and safety. A frame that is too large or too small can cause strain and impair bike control.
3. Focusing only on motor specifications
Many compare e-bikes solely based on motor power or torque. In reality, the riding experience is also affected by battery capacity, motor programming, bike weight, and component quality.
4. Forgetting the service network
A cheap offer from an unknown brand might seem appealing, but it's worth checking spare parts availability and service options beforehand. A good service network makes using the bike easier for years to come.
5. Choosing the wrong bike type
One of the most common mistakes is buying an e-mountain bike when the primary use will be commuting and city riding. A bike suitable for its intended purpose is usually a more comfortable, lighter, and more cost-effective option.
Different e-bike types in brief
If you're still unsure which e-bike is best for you, the following summary will help you compare the most common options. Additionally, there are also E-fatbikes, powerful e-bikes, and gravel e-bikes, among others.
City E-bike
A city e-bike is designed for everyday commuting, travel to work, and errands. Its upright riding position, ease of use, and practical features make it an excellent choice for urban riders.
Hybrid E-bike
A hybrid e-bike combines the features of a city bike and a touring bike. It is suitable for versatile use on asphalt, bike paths, and well-maintained gravel roads. A hybrid is often a safe choice for a first e-bike.
E-Mountain Bike
An e-mountain bike is designed for trails, gravel roads, and varying terrain. A powerful motor, wide tires, and suspension make riding stable even in challenging conditions.
Cargo E-bike
A cargo e-bike is designed for carrying loads. It is especially suitable for families with children, professional use, and transporting daily groceries and goods without a car.
Folding E-bike
A folding e-bike is a good option if storage space is limited or if you combine cycling with train or bus travel. Its compact size makes it easy to transport and store.
Summary: how to choose the right e-bike
You'll find the right e-bike by asking yourself these questions:
- What will I use the bike for? City, off-road, touring, or cargo transport?
- How long will I ride? This determines the required battery capacity.
- What is my budget? Quality improves with price, but a budget of 2,000–3,000 euros already gets a very good e-bike.
- Is the frame size suitable for me? Always try before you buy.
- Is maintenance arranged? Check that the service network is easily accessible.
The best e-bike is always the one that meets your specific needs – not necessarily the fanciest or most expensive model, but the one that gets you moving comfortably and regularly day after day.
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