What to look for in an electric bike?

Not sure what to look for in an electric bike? It can be challenging to choose the right e-bike for your needs.

Whether you're considering a side gig with food delivery or need the perfect daily commuter, Whizz has you covered.

Here are some tips on what to look for in an electric bike and how to find the one that's right for you.

Choose a proper type of an e-bike

Living in New York City comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to getting around—busy streets, crowded subways, and limited storage.

Luckily, electric bikes (e-bikes) can make your commute smoother and more convenient.

Here are the top three types of e-bikes for NYC riders:

1. Commuter e-bikes

• Why they are great: These e-bikes are designed to help you navigate city streets with ease. They’re built for quick, comfortable rides through traffic, bike lanes, and even on crowded sidewalks.

• Features: Lightweight frame, upright riding position, built-in lights, and racks for carrying groceries or a bag.

• Best For: Daily commuting, running errands, or simply cruising around the city. Whether you're heading from the Bronx to Brooklyn or hopping from the Lower East Side to Midtown, these bikes make getting around quick and easy.

2. Folding e-bikes

• Why they are great: Space is limited in NYC, whether you're on the subway or in a tiny apartment. Folding e-bikes are ideal for riders who need portability without sacrificing power. You can fold them up and take them on the train or stow them under your desk.

• Features: Compact, foldable design, lightweight, and moderate range for city trips.

• Best For: Public transport commuters, apartment dwellers, and anyone who needs a compact, portable bike that doesn’t take up much space.

3. Cargo e-bikes

• Why they're great: If you need to haul groceries, carry packages, or even deliver food, cargo e-bikes can handle the load while still being easy to maneuver in NYC’s busy streets.

• Features: Strong frame, large carrying capacity, with racks or baskets for transporting goods.

• Best For: Food delivery workers, families, or anyone who needs to carry larger items around the city without the hassle of a car or public transport.

How to choose a retailer

It’s crucial to choose the proper retailer when shopping for and e-bike and remember you need a warranty and decent equipment.

The retailer needs to provide you with the correct information and offer to fix your electric bicycles should the worst happen. Most importantly, you should avoid retailers with bad reviews.

The retailer doesn’t need to be super well-recognized, and there is probably a nice one among the local bike shops in your area.

Remember to do your research to avoid any inconveniences in the future. Luckily, electric bicycles are all the hype, and retailers compete to provide the best service.

Buying an electric bicycle is simple if you have experience. But this shouldn’t prevent you from asking for more information. Some of your friends are probably advanced riders and will help you choose the right one.

Test several e-bikes

Once you have decided on your driving style and the tasks you’ll need your bike to complete, go to a bike shop. Size is also important when it comes to riding an e-bike.

Most manufacturers make electric bikes for every height and weight, so it shouldn’t be hard to find one that’s perfect for you.

It’s also fundamental to check the handlebar, brakes, and overall feeling.

Testing a bike should never be done in rush.

You need to watch carefully for all details and focus on your feelings as well. Test-drive is always available at Whizz.

You need to pick up the most powerful bike, so make sure you consider everything vital.

At Whizz, your comfort is priority, so we allow you to take every bike on a test ride before purchase. This way, you can end up with an e-bike that really suits your needs.

What to look for in an electric bike

There are several things you need to be mindful of when choosing an electric bike.

Some key features to consider include the type of motor (hub motor vs. mid-drive motor), battery capacity and range, bike weight, frame material, type of brakes (disc brakes vs. rim brakes), and the level of pedal assist.

Additionally, consider the bike's intended use (urban commuting, off-road adventures, or casual riding) and look for features that support this, such as suspension for off-road use or integrated lights and fenders for city commuting.

• Choose a proper motor type

The motor type can significantly affect an electric bike's performance. Hub motors, located in the front or rear wheel, are common in entry-level e-bikes and are known for their simplicity and cost-effectiveness.

Mid-drive motors, positioned at the bike's crank, provide better weight distribution and efficiency, making them ideal for hilly terrains and offering a more natural riding experience.

Your choice should depend on your riding style, terrain, and preference for efficiency versus cost.

Our Whizz e-bikes are equipped with a 500W brushless motor.

• Battery specifications

In an electric bike, look for battery specifications that match your range needs.

Consider the battery's watt-hours (Wh), a measure of its capacity. A higher Wh rating usually indicates a longer range.

Also, pay attention to the battery's quality, brand, and warranty. Also, make sure to choose the proper type.

Lithium-ion batteries are preferred for their lightweight, efficiency, and longevity.

Ensure the battery meets your expected distance per charge, and consider if you'll need the capability for easy removal and off-bike charging.

Storm-2, for example, has a capacity of up to 85 miles per charge, which is more than most other bikes. Also, this should be sufficient for the needs of most delivery riders.

• Weight

The weight of an electric bike is an important consideration, especially if you need to carry the bike upstairs, lift it for storage, or transport it on a car rack.

E-bikes are generally heavier than traditional bikes due to their motor and battery.

Lightweight models can offer greater ease of handling and transport but may come with a higher price tag.

Balancing the bike's weight with its performance features and your specific needs is crucial in making the right choice.

• Warranty and protection plans

It’s also wise to read the warranty and keep it carefully.

Read about warranty cases to prepare for any scenario, and guarantee your customer rights.

Protection plans can also come in handy. More and more e-bikes are falling victim to theft, and delivery riders are especially prone to this terrible occurrence.

Luckily, Whizz has an All-in Plan that also includes protection in the case of theft or malfunction.

• Accessories and additional features

Biking in the Big Apple requires some accessories like a U-lock, helmet, pump, phone mount, cycling gloves, grips, light, etc. It should not only look nice but also be as functional as possible.

Luckily, every Whizz bike comes with all of these accessories to make sure that your setup makes riding easier.

Additional features can significantly enhance the electric bike experience. Look for e-bikes with user-friendly interfaces, such as clear displays for monitoring speed and battery life.

Integrated lighting increases visibility for night riding, while built-in racks or cargo options add utility for commuting and shopping.

Suspension systems improve comfort on rough terrains, and GPS and Bluetooth connectivity can offer navigation and tracking capabilities.

These features can make your e-bike more versatile and enjoyable for daily use.

Should you buy or rent an e-bike

It's obvious that e-bikes are more functional than traditional bikes and the best part is that you can either buy or rent one depending on your needs.

Both options are available from Whizz, but we often advise renting first, especially if you are thinking about a food delivery business.

Read Also: To rent or to buy e-bike

Conclusion

Being a courier in New York City is challenging but fascinating at the same time. It’s one of the most touristy and busy cities in the world. No wonder the overall net worth of delivery is growing steadily every year.

Regular bikes aren’t enough to do more deliveries, and couriers need more power, and that’s where Whizz’s bikes come in.

You can get one from Whizz at a 20$ discount on the first month of subscription using the promo code "WOW".

This discount is available for any plan, and you’re more than welcome to pick up a bike and take it for a spin.

If you have any questions about our service and maintenance terms, feel free to ask. We’re here to help.

Related: 50cc scooter vs e-bike for delivery riding