Bike buying adviceWhich e-bike is right for me?

Uli Frieß

 · 11.07.2023

Bike buying advice: Which e-bike is right for me?
| Illustration: Dorothea Pluta
Buying a bike is first and foremost a question of type. It becomes particularly complex with e-bikes. MYBIKE's bike buying advice clarifies the most important questions about buying an e-bike.

A new bike for the new season

Spring is the best time to buy a bike. Dealers' stocks are full and the chances of getting your dream bike are correspondingly high. Here are the instructions for targeted access.

Cycling is fun and keeps you fit. Passionate cyclists have known this for a long time. There are also plenty of good reasons to get on a bike: City centres are threatened by gridlock, and the purchase and operating costs for cars are getting higher and higher. In addition to economic aspects, many cyclists are also driven by ecological reasons. For example, it makes little sense to lug 80kg of human weight from A to B in a 1500kg car over short distances. The desire for a healthy lifestyle and the high level of social acceptance are also fuelling the cycling boom. What is particularly pleasing is that since motorised bikes have been available, completely new target groups have become interested in cycling.

MYBIKE test editor Uli Frieß on buying an e-bike:

You don't just buy a pedelec on the spur of the moment. To make the investment worthwhile, you should inform yourself well in advance. Our buying guide will help you.

If you fancy a new pedelec, you shouldn't wait too long to buy one. In spring, bike shops and warehouses are well stocked and the chance of getting hold of your dream bike is now at its greatest. Although supply bottlenecks such as those experienced in the last two coronavirus years only play a minor role, the pent-up demand among buyers is high. Added to this are the consequences of high inflation. The producer prices of primary products such as groupsets and equipment are likely to be passed on to manufacturers for some time to come. With this bike buying advice, we take you by the hand and guide you in choosing the right pedelec. Together we will analyse your needs and clarify the primary purpose of your new bike. We will introduce you to the most common bike classes and their special features and explain the most important facts about motors, drive and gear systems.

Most read articles

1

2

3

A good bike is sometimes expensive. In our bike buying advice, we therefore analyse how sensible it is to buy a used bike and under what conditions it is worth leasing a pedelec. Last but not least, we unpack the crystal ball and take a look into the future: industry insiders talk about where the pedelec is heading and where special pedelec components make sense.

How do you like this article?

Bicycle buying advice - different bike types

The variety of bike classes and models is quite confusing. If you are clear about your personal preferences and the intended use of your new e-bike before you buy, it will be easier to find what you are looking for.

Before travelling to the bike dealer, it is important to be clear about your personal preferences and intended use. Which bike suits you best depends on which type best meets your expectations.

Everyday all-rounder

The workhorses for shopping trips, the journey to the office or for short distances in general are the all-rounders suitable for everyday use. They are also ideal for short trips to the lake or beer garden. The bikes always work reliably, even if you can't park them in a dry place. You hardly have to worry about their technology and the maintenance effort is low. If this comes close to your expectations, you will be happy with one of the Everyday heroes happy.

The all-rounder suitable for everyday use | Illustration: Dorothea PlutaThe all-rounder suitable for everyday use | Illustration: Dorothea Pluta

Stylish commuter

Slim and classic lines are very much on the rise for pedelecs. The filigree frames of stylish pedelecs are reminiscent of bicycles without a drive, while the minimalist design appeals to individualists and lovers of classic bicycle shapes. The batteries are hidden in slim frame tubes, the motors usually sit inconspicuously in the rear wheel hub and are no bigger than a gear hub. However, their motor power does not quite match that of powerful mid-drive motors. If you are not afraid to use your own leg power, a Stylish commuter the right choice.

The stylish commuter | Illustration: Dorothea PlutaThe stylish commuter | Illustration: Dorothea Pluta

Tourer

Adventurers and long-distance cyclists enjoy cycling tours, love cycling trips lasting several days and are happy about the wide range of uses of their pedelec. They value riding stability, a high payload and riding safety, even with a lot of luggage on the carrier. In return, they accept the high bike weight, because a rigid frame, stable wheels and a large battery for a long range are heavy. They fix punctures and minor repairs on the road themselves, and they don't shy away from brake and derailleur maintenance. Does this appeal to you? Then you are fit for the tour.

The Tourer | Illustration: Dorothea PlutaThe Tourer | Illustration: Dorothea Pluta

Cargo bike

Individualists who want to replace the car on as broad a front as possible will find cargo bikes an interesting alternative. These bikes are ideal for transporting children, bulk shopping and family outings. They are generally low-maintenance and offer a surprisingly wide range of uses. Are the high weight of the pedelecs and their impressive dimensions not an exclusion criterion? Then it's worth taking a look at the many variants of the Loadmaster.

The cargo cyclist | Illustration: Dorothea PlutaThe cargo cyclist | Illustration: Dorothea Pluta

And here we continue with the following topics for you:

Most read in category Bikes