Electric Bikes and Scooters Buying Guide

With the increasing awareness of eco-friendly products, electric bikes and scooters have become very popular. And with the increasing demand, there have been a lot of new brands on the market.  Buying one could get tough due to all the specifications you would need to consider. To keep you informed about all that pertains to E-Bikes and Scooters, we have written this buyer's guide for you.

Factors to consider before buying an E-Bike

Why and where you will be riding your E-Bike

People buy e-bikes for different reasons. The most common reasons are ease of riding, fitness, and faster riding experience. For any of these reasons, you would have to pick an e-bike that has the qualities that will fit your needs. For example, you would need an E-bike that has a high battery voltage plus motor capacity if you hope to enjoy more comfort when riding. This same rule applies when you would be riding your e-bike across hills. So, it is important that you consider why you are buying an e-bike and where you would be using it. That would help you to know exactly what you should go for.

Battery capacity

Your e-bike battery capacity determines how far you can go with your e-bike per charge. Although the distance can be affected by your riding style and terrain, the battery capacity should be big for longer distances. For a better e-bike experience, go for ones that do not rely entirely on the throttle but combine throttle and pedal assist for improved performance. The battery will run down faster if you don't assist it with a little pedaling. We recommend that you help the battery with a low-level pedal assist so it can last longer.

Motor Power

Next to your battery capacity is the motor power. The bigger the motor power, the faster your e-bike would go. It is better to buy an e-bike with a large motor power regardless of your terrain. Who knows when you would require that speed and efficiency small motors can't offer? Also, higher motor power, higher bike life span.

Light vs heavy

The major heavy component of an e-bike is the battery. So typically, an e-bike with a bigger battery will weigh more than one with a smaller battery. But irrespective of that, e-bikes with bigger batteries are always better in performance. However, if you would be lifting your bike more often, you should buy an e-bike with a detachable battery. So you can remove the battery before lifting the bike and return it after. 

Front, Rear, or Middle placed motor?

E-bike motors can be located in the front hub, the back hub, or in the middle of the frame. E-bikes with front hub-mounted motors move easily as the front wheel pulls the bike forward. However, they are not good at climbing hills. Rear hub-mounted motors are better at climbing hills due to the pushing force the back wheel provides. They are, however, hard to install. E-bikes with mid-drive motors are the most efficient of all. They are also the most expensive. Now you know this, ask yourself the questions of why and where you would be riding the e-bike. Once you answer them, you know which drive to opt for.

PAS vs Throttle drive system vs Both

A pedal assist system (PAS) is a drive system that allows you to combine peddling with the motor power of your bike. On the other hand, the throttle drive system only relies on the power of the motor. And then you have E-bikes that have both the PAS and Throttle system. These are considered the best as it allows you to switch in-between the two drive systems to suit your need for battery conservation (PAS) and speed(throttle).

Factors to consider before buying an E-Scooter

Speed and Distance

Factors relating to the speed and power of your e-bike also apply to electric scooters. Higher battery capacity equals more distance, and vice versa. Factors like your weight and terrain also affect the range of your e-Scooter. So if you need more speed, go for higher battery capacity and motor power. 

Brake system

An e-Scooter with a faulty or inefficient brake is as dangerous as a car without brakes too. That is why you must ensure that your e-scooter has an efficient brake system. E-scooters have different brake systems which include- Drum brakes, disc brakes, and regenerative brakes. Drum brakes are relatively less costly and easy to maintain. They are moderately efficient in stopping power. Disc brakes are the most efficient in stopping power. They are lightweight but expensive at the same time. Regenerative brakes convert the frictional energy generated when you brake to electrical energy. This increases your battery life but the braking system is not so efficient. Some e-scooters stop by pushing down on the mudguard at the rear of the scooter. Whichever braking system you choose, constant practice should help you master the system better, for your safety and the general condition of the e-scooter.

Consider your riding comfort

Riding a scooter is less comfortable than riding a motorcycle. However, some features can improve its comfortability. One such feature is having an inflated tire. They provide more comfort than the only-wheel ones. Although the tires can get punctured at any time, they tend to provide more suspension. Also, there are e-scooters with actual front or back wheel suspension. A bigger wheel is also an advantage for improved comfort.

Weight

Some e-scooters are heavier than others. Considering that there may be cases where you would have to carry the scooter, go for lightweight e-scooters. But remember to look out for the weight capacity of the scooter. Some e-scooters can bear more weight than others. Consider your weight and your riding gear and buy your e-scooter accordingly.

In conclusion, we know you are concerned about the price of either e-bikes or e-scooters. The price of either an e-bike or an e-scooter depends on the quality. Higher battery capacity, higher motor power, efficient braking, size, and comfort all add to the price. Some e-bikes cost about $900 while some cost a whopping sum of $80,000. E-scooters also cost as much as $5,000 and above with ones that are sold for about $500 or even less. The better the brand, the more expensive it gets. At Recreation Outfitters, we offer you the best e-bikes and e-scooters from well known brands and at affordable prices. 

Recreation Outfitters top brands for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

Fender electric bikes and scooters

• The Indy Electric Commuter Bike - 18" Frame - Glossy Black
• Fender - Bomber 400w Disk Brake Electric Scooter, Black/White Electric Scooter ( FDSC300 ) - White
• Fender - PocketROCKET 250w Electric Disk Brake Bike, Red/Grey 3 Gear E-Bike ( FDBK100 ) - Red
• Fender - Jet 350w Electric & Foot Brake Electric Scooter, Include Color ( FDSC200 ) - Black

Freeforce 

• The Avalon Electric Beach Cruiser Bike - 16" Frame - Orange
• The Denver Electric Mountain Bike - 20" Frame - Matte Black

Razor e-scooters

• C25 Electric Scooter | 18 Mph | Black Or Silver - Black
• Razor - A2 Scooter | Capacity 143lbs | Recommended Ages 5 & Older - Blue

Mototec

• MotoTec - MotoTec City Pro 36v 8ah 350w Lithium Electric Scooter Black | MT-City-ES200_Black
• MotoTec - MotoTec/UberScoot 1000w Electric Scooter | Evo-1000