Electric bikes- the greener way to ride- are surely catching on the world over. Slowly but surely, people across the world are realizing the benefits of these bikes and how they can save on costs as well as save the environment. Of course, the rising fuel costs and the depleting fuel deposits are another trigger. Considering the awareness, where there were just a handful of e-bike manufacturers a few years ago, today, there are a plethora of them.

And as always, choice leads to confusion. E-bikes are a new segment of transport and people still don't know much about it. And because of the lack of knowledge, they end up buying the wrong one. Here is what you should be looking at while buying an electric bike and then make an informed decision.

STEP THROUGH ELECTRIC BIKE WITH HYDRAULIC BRAKES

1500W STEP THROUGH ELECTRIC BIKE

Electric Bike Motor

The capacity of the motor determines the speed of the e-bike. Of course, there are other parameters to which affect the speed like the weight of the rider and the wheel base diameter. Most e-bike manufacturers specify the capacity of the motor in RPM and Watt. More wattage means more power which means more speed.

Batteries of Electric Bikes

Different e-bike manufacturers use different batteries for e-bikes, with the most common of them being sealed lead acid batteries. Each battery has its pros and cons and it really depends on your requirements and your budget. However, lead acid batteries should be your preferred choice because of three reasons- low-cost, maintenance-free and easily available.

Next thing you need to know is to determine which type of electric bike you should buy. If you'll be just taking the bike around the city to get to the train station in your neighbourhood or to run errands, you can choose the cruiser types. They are the cheapest type, but they are limited to short distances and don't have the power to go over steep hills. But if you're planning to do off-road trips, you might want to choose from a selection electric mountain bikes. These can easily handle all the challenging road conditions. But the best electric bikes for most people probably would be the hybrid types. They can effortlessly substitute your car to go to work or school everyday. They're equipped with a combination of the functions and features of the cruiser types and mountain bikes. Most of their users boast about their comfort, efficiency, and speed. You should also check the weight of the electric bike that you intend to buy. Its motor and battery significantly add weight to it. But the latest models are made with light, but sturdy frames.