If you are about to buy an ebike, we strongly suggest you read our ebike guide on this page before making any decisions. Whether you hesitate about the types, functions, or feel confused about the names, or designs. We are here to explain everything you need to know. If you have questions yet cannot find what you want here before getting yourself an ebike, then that’s not a big deal. In other words, that question is not important anyway. So let’s dive into the details.
Types of Ebikes
So, if you have your ideal type of ebike in mind, then check the following types below and find our expert reviews for all the brands that are so good for it. If not keep going, we would recommend you some types based on different situations.
- Commuter e-bikes – Designed for urban transportation with features like racks and lights
- Mountain e-bikes – Built for off-road trails with robust suspension and knobby tires
- Road e-bikes – Lightweight with thin tires for speed on paved surfaces
- Cargo e-bikes – Heavy-duty bikes designed to carry loads, groceries, or passengers
- Folding e-bikes – Compact and portable for storage and transport
- Fat tire e-bikes – Wide tires for sand, snow, or rough terrain
- Cruiser e-bikes – Comfortable, relaxed riding position for leisure cycling
- Hybrid e-bikes – Versatile bikes combining features of road and mountain bikes
But most people only need commuter or road ebikes, if you are on a off road, then go for mountain ebikes or so called fat tire ebikes. Taking a baby or travel very often? then folding ebikes are your choice.
Few may choose cargo as they are used for carrying stuff, but they come pretty handy if you purchase goods frequently.
Budget for Ebikes
What your budget for an ebike? If you have prepared up to a thousand, then it’s a good start. But if you have only 100 or 200 bucks, then an ebike should not be your consideration.
Check out our cherry pick budget friendly ebikes.
E-bike prices range from around $1,000 for basic models to $8,000 or more for premium options. Entry-level bikes typically feature hub motors, basic components, and smaller batteries. Mid-range bikes often include better components, larger batteries, and sometimes mid-drive motors. High-end models feature premium components, advanced electronics, and often mid-drive systems.
Our advice? For beginners, $1000 is quite enough. Aventon Soltera or Lectric XP 3.0 are good enough for you to use (lectric XP 3.0 is a folding ebike though). Check out our $1000 ebikes for beginners.
If you really like ebikes, and want to get noble ebikes to have better experience or just to show off? Then check out our Premium Ebikes Selections.
Don’t forget to budget for accessories like helmets, locks, lights, and potentially a second charger. As different countries and places may have rules for wearing a helmet or not.
Local Laws and Regulations
Before purchasing any e-bike, research your local and state regulations thoroughly. Laws vary dramatically between jurisdictions and can affect where you can ride, what speeds are legal, and whether you need licensing or registration.
In the US, there is a 3-class system most states have adopted.
- Class 1: Pedal-assist only, motor cuts off at 20 mph, no licensing required
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted, motor cuts off at 20 mph, no licensing required
- Class 3: Pedal-assist only, motor cuts off at 28 mph, helmet required for riders under 18
Whereas in the EU, things are different.
EU-Wide Standards:
The EU has more restrictive and standardized regulations compared to the US.
- Pedelecs: Pedal-assist only, 250W maximum motor power, assistance cuts off at 25 km/h (15.5 mph), treated as bicycles
- S-Pedelecs (Speed Pedelecs): Pedal-assist up to 45 km/h (28 mph), require registration, insurance, helmet, and driver’s license
Some areas restrict e-bikes from bike paths or trails, while others treat them identically to traditional bicycles. Like in California, Class 3 e-bikes are banned from bike paths and trails but allowed on roads and bike lanes. However, Austin prohibits throttle-assist bikes (Class 2) on many popular trails.
If you are in the EU counties, ebikes can be a bit of tricky.
In Germany, pedelecs up to 25 km/h require no license and can use bike paths. S-Pedelecs require registration, insurance plates, helmets, and minimum age 16.
United Kingdom follows EU-derived regulations post-Brexit. E-bikes limited to 250W and 25 km/h assistance. Anything faster requires motorcycle licensing and registration. Many footpaths and bridleways restrict e-bikes entirely.
So do learn your local regulations before buying one. Otherwise, you may get yourself into trouble like fines and penalties.
Dealer Support
Always consider the after sale service as one of the factors while choosing a brand. Because ebikes are complex.
Electric components require specialized knowledge that many traditional bike shops lack, so verify that local shops can service your chosen brand before purchasing.
Some brands like Trek, Giant and Specialized have extensive dealer networks while others rely primarily on online support.
Consider how comfortable you are with basic maintenance and troubleshooting, as this affects how much local support you’ll need.