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Electric Bike Buying Guide



Electric bicycles make riding easier and more appealing to an ever-broadening array of people. They are both a healthy recreational outlet and a frugal means of transportation. It is no wonder that they have become so popular over the past few years.To get more news about fat tire electric bike for sale, you can visit magicyclebike.com official website.

With many people looking for the best electric bike for their needs and budget, Consumer Reports recently bought 11 new bicycles to test. Along with the findings from our previous evaluations, shoppers now have our expert guidance on 16 models, including our picks for the best electric bikes. CR’s e-bike ratings are based on each model’s electric range, performance, and features.
If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike, dig in and do some research first. There’s a lot to know before you choose the model you like. For starters, regulations differ from state to state, with some states requiring an operator’s license or helmets to use them on public roads. Climate and terrain are other important considerations. Are there hills where you live, and is the weather good for riding? E-bikes tend to be more expensive than conventional bikes, so it pays to make sure a model will work for you before spending the extra money to buy one.

CR’s evaluations of several different models break their characteristics down into the areas that are most likely to affect the rider: range, acceleration, hill climbing, speed control response, and how the bike performs on just pedal power when the battery is out of juice.
E-Bike Classifications
Electric bicycles come in a range of styles to suit different uses—everything from riding steep mountain trails to getting to and from work. But there are three general categories related to their electric propulsion systems. Each type applies electric power to the bicycle’s driven wheel in a distinct way, whether using input from the rider’s pedals or from a thumb or twist-grip-activated throttle. Deciding which one is best for you depends on how you plan on using the bike, and how far you want to go.

Class 1 includes pedal-assist bikes, which power the electric motor as your feet apply pressure to the pedals. There’s no throttle control on the handlebar to get the bike going; the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling, and the e-assist cuts off at speeds above 20 mph.

Class 2 bikes also have an electric motor that works up to 20 mph, either while the rider is pedaling (pedal-assist) or with electric propulsion alone, via a throttle control.

Class 3 limits an e-bike’s top speed to 28 mph. These faster, more powerful models might not be legal to ride in some areas, such as on bike paths.

Of the 16 e-bike models CR tested, seven were in the Class 1 category and nine were in Class 2. We did not test any in Class 3. The prices ranged from $600 to $4,000. The highest-rated e-bikes were also the most expensive we tested, although none was anywhere near the $6,000 to $7,000 high end of the price range consumers are likely to encounter at bike shops.

We found that more selectable gears made for a better riding experience once the battery was drained and pedaling provided the only motive power. Single-speed bikes aren’t as versatile. Depending on the model, electric assist was applied either at the hub of the rear wheel or in what’s called a mid-drive, in which power is applied at the bottom bracket, where the pedals are located.