When buying an e-bike, many people are just thinking about the cost of the bike and which one they want. But it’s also a good idea to pay attention to the ongoing replacement needs of the various parts, especially the electric components.

As with any electric component, your e-bike controller is one of the parts likely to break first. So, you should consider how long your e-bike controller will last and what you’ll have to pay to get a new one.

On average, an electric bike controller will last a minimum of 3-4 years, just like the battery and the motor. You can determine the need to replace the controller by testing it with a multimeter to measure the voltage crossing the terminals.

An electric bike controller is a device that converts human effort into electric power for an electric bike. The electric motor then turns this energy into mechanical motion to drive the wheels of a bicycle. This device can fail and stop working, so it’s important to know how to test your controller in order to prevent being stranded somewhere without your vehicle!

What Does the Controller On an E-Bike Do?

The electric bike controller is the piece of equipment that allows an electric bike to function. It does this by coordinating all aspects of the electric bike, including power from a battery pack, speed control for motorized bikes, and throttle input from the rider.

The most common type of electric bike controller is called a “speed circuit” which uses potentiometers as feedback devices to adjust voltage levels in different parts of the circuit according to how hard you’re pedaling or how fast you want your bike to go.

In case you’re wondering, potentiometers are special resistors that produce varying electrical currents. They’re used in electric bike controllers because they can be adjusted to control voltage levels.

There are two primary parts of the e-bike that controller wiring connects to.

Computer Display

The computer display, typically an LCD screen, is the main interface between the electric bike controller and rider. It communicates what assistance level you have selected or how fast your electric bicycle is going.

The display will usually include menus to make it easy for riders to navigate different options, like selecting a power mode, setting up digital speed readouts in kilometers per hour or miles per hour, and even finding out if there’s enough battery life left before needing to recharge it.

Electronic Switches

These switches turn on the motor and turn it off again. There are usually two types of switches:

-The throttle is a grip on the handlebars that riders twist to turn the motor power on and off (or sometimes it’s a button you press with your thumb).

– The pedal assist sensors, which can be either of two types – cadence or torque sensing. These work when you’re pedaling by turning electric motors on as soon as your foot speeds up, or slows down again at different levels of assistance based on what feels best for each person’s individual cycling habits.

These switches make it easier to use an e-bike than if you had to press start every time before proceeding with your ride. You’ll know how these options are set in advance so they’ll always feel natural without any confusion about whether there’s enough battery life left.

How Long Does an E-Bike Controller Work?

An electric bike controller box should last anywhere from two to five years (so averaging 3-4).

When it comes to electric bike controllers and their longevity, there are a couple of things that will help determine how long they last.

How Often You Ride

For starters, it largely depends on how often you ride your bike. If you’re an occasional rider, your controller could last for many years. But, if you’re a daily rider or like to tour, it may only last one or two years.

Riding and Storage Conditions

Riding and storage conditions can also affect how long it lasts. Heat, freezing temperatures, humidity, flying debris (like sand and dirt), and extreme riding (like electric mountain bike riding) can all affect how long your parts will work, including your controller.

It’s best to keep your e-bike in a dry, cool location averaging 50-60 degrees Fahrenheit, and keep it clean. This will benefit all of the electrical parts that interact with each other.

Find out how to keep your e-bike clean from sand and dirt.

Cost and Quality

Additionally, the cost is a big factor. You’ll get a better quality, more powerful controller for a bigger price tag. If there are lots of hills involved that require stronger pedaling power than usual, it may make sense to spend $300 or more on a new controller because you can expect it to last much longer.

Keep an eye out for malfunctions with the controller marked by flickering lights or clicking noises coming from within the motor unit – these can be indicators that something isn’t right with the system. In cases like these, first take advantage of any remaining warranty provided by most companies before considering buying a new one.

If there it isn’t under warranty, proceed with testing your controller before purchasing a new one.

How to Test My Controller and Display

An electric bike controller helps to power your electric bicycle by converting the energy from a battery into kinetic energy. It is important that you know how to test and maintain your electric bike controller so it will last for years of use.

To test your controller to determine whether it’s working, you need to measure the voltage across the terminals. If you don’t have a multimeter, or you’re not familiar with how to use one, find someone who is and ask them for help.

Wiring Diagram for Electric Bike Controller

Step One: Test Hall Sensors

First, test the hall sensors. You can do this by unplugging the motor wires from the controller’s terminals, then plug them back in to see if it turns on. If they turn back on, go to step 2.

Step Two: Test Throttle Sensor

Next, test that your throttle sensor is working by connecting a wire between the signal and ground lines (or black and red) of the throttle connector. This should cause your electric bike to start moving forward when you turn or squeeze your grip handle; if not, go to step three or check with a bike electrician for help troubleshooting.

Checking all these sensors before using your e-bike will ensure that everything is wired correctly so there are no problems later on down the road. It also prevents other damage because now you know what could be causing any malfunctions before they happen!

Step Three: How to Test The Battery and Motor

Testing the battery is also important as it’s what feeds electric power to the controller. So, if your controller isn’t working, it could be due to a bad (or uncharged) battery.

So first, make sure your battery is charged.

Second, you’ll need to disconnect the power connector in order to test it safely.

Third, once disconnected from the bike controller, you can put a voltmeter’s probes on either side of the battery and check for voltage reading; if you get any electric shock or sparks DO NOT TOUCH THE BATTERY!

If there are no problems with this step, then move on to testing that your motor is working. Do this by connecting one probe end of a multimeter (or digital meter) across each red/black wire on your throttle connector while applying pressure to trigger the throttle sensor.

If nothing happens when squeezing the grip handle then something needs fixing!

Take a look at our step by step maintenance guide!

Price for a New Controller

If you test your controller and discover that you need a new one, you’ll want to compare both prices and features. The average cost is from $200 to $500 for a quality one with all of the features you want and a beautiful LCD display.

However, you can get a cheaper controller (around $20-$60) with few settings and options. The benefit to buying a less expensive one is that it’ll give you fewer connections to monitor and therefore less to go wrong. But like any inexpensive part, it may not last as long. And getting a cheap one means that you may not have all of the features you’d like (like fewer levels of pedal assist, and therefore, less speed assistance).

If you need a dual mode controller with lots of settings that requires more monitoring, the costs can be much higher. For most people who are just using their electric bike in order to commute or run errands around town, a $200-$300 controller (Amazon) is usually enough.

In some cases, however, where there are hills involved that require stronger pedaling power than usual, it may make sense to spend $300 or more on a new controller.

Finally, make sure the controller has all of the functions that you want before you buy it. And you’ll want to consider the battery voltage and motor watts so that the controller works with what you’ve already got.

Are you a DIY e-bike builder? You can also buy a new controller within a conversion kit. And, if you’re converting your own bike to an electric bike, it’s recommended that you use the controller that comes with the conversion kit so that everything is made to work well together.

Learn more about e-bike conversion and DIY kits.

List of the Best E-Bike Controllers for the Money

Take a look at some of the best options for electric bike controllers, some cheaper than others. Note that the more expensive ones don’t always come with displays, or if they do, they might not be nice LCD displays. Also, the lower voltage controllers are generally less expensive but mean that you won’t be able to get as much speed and power from them.

Overall, the controller will be priced higher for an electric bike that has a motor with higher wattage and a higher volt battery. So make sure you buy one that works with your e-bike.

Finally, the cost will increase if you’re buying an entire conversion kit to build your own e-bike or if you want a better quality component.

Brands on Amazon	Star Rating	Price
NBPower Sine Wave Brushless DC Motor Controller	**** 1/2	$289
Dilwe Brushless Controller + LCD Display, Rainproof	****	$63
Wonvon Motor Brushless Controller + LCD Display, Waterproof	****	$57
EBIKELING 500W 1200W 1500W Waterproof	****	$58
Cozyel 48V/72V 2000W Brushless Motor Speed Controller	****	$70
Alomejor 12V 500W Motor Controller	**** 1/2	$22

Time to buy a new e-bike? Check out our Best E-Bike Companies guide.

How to Program My E-Bike Controller

Programming the electric controller will depend on the brand, but the general idea is to turn it on and make changes by turning the mode switch until you find the desired setting.

If you bought a new controller because your old one no longer works, you’ll need to do a little programming unless you want to keep it on the manufacturer’s default settings.

Programming Using Default Settings

This will vary depending on whether your electric bike controller is using a simple push-button, or if it has LED lights to indicate battery charge status and power selection. You should defer to the manufacturer’s owner’s manual if you’re not sure how to do it.

For example, if you are using an electric bike with Shimano components, after turning your controller on wait for ten seconds and then press and release your grip handle while holding down both buttons (thumb) of the programming port at the same time; let go when done.

Programming New Settings

If you don’t want to use the default settings, you may be able to re-program your controller by following these general steps (again, they may differ depending on the brand of the controller):

– Turn on your electric bike.

– Wait for five seconds and hold the handlebar button with both thumbs down, then release it. This is called programming mode.

– Press the right thumb to increase power or the left thumb to decrease power (the LED lights will tell you which direction). Repeat this until you’re happy with your new settings. You can also press one of the buttons after a delay when in programming mode to set that as default speed instead of using other settings; let go when done.

– To return back to regular use without changing anything else, you can usually turn off the controller and wait five or more seconds before turning it back on.

Conclusion

Electric bike controllers should last for many years if you take care of them and follow the instructions. However, how long it lasts also depends on how often you ride, the conditions in which you ride, and whether you take care of your e-bike in general.

To help keep it in shape, it’s a good idea to test your controller occasionally to make sure it’s giving the maximum output. This will keep you from getting stranded far from home when it suddenly breaks.

There are so many types of e-bikes to choose from, each with a different price tag. To avoid making a bad investment in your e-bike purchase, it’s important to understand the different types of e-bikes that are available, as well as their associated costs.

The average cost to buy an e-bike is around $1700. The price of an individual e-bike, however, is strongly determined by its classification type, cost of parts and accessories, different uses and benefits, and ongoing care costs.

In this guide, I’ll break it all down so that you can get the real picture of the various costs involved in buying and owning an e-bike. Additionally, I’ll outline the differences between the five primary types of electric bikes and their costs.

What Are the Different Types of E-Bikes (Classification Guide)?

Electric bikes are classified into three different categories, based on their top speed and the type of assistance they provide. A pedal-assisted e-bike is one where the motor is only activated as you pedal, whereas a throttle-assisted e-bike can move the bike without you pedaling.

It’s important to know what class of e-bike you’re buying so that you can compare costs. Here’s a quick reference guide, based on general guidelines for each e-bike. Some states and countries have their own rules that differ, so it’s important to check the regulations for your own area.

Class 1	Class 2	Class 3
<20mph	<20mph	<28mph
Pedal Assist	Throttle Assist (+ optional pedal assist)	Pedal Assist
Any Age	Any Age	>17 Years
No helmet	No helmet	Helmet

Keep in mind that the requirements for minimum age, as well as wearing a helmet, are officially regulated by individual states and may differ.

Class 1 Electric Bike

Class 1 e-bikes are known as ‘low-speed electric bicycles’ or ‘low-speed pedelecs’. A pedelec, short for ‘pedal electric cycle’, is a nickname given to e-bikes that have a motor that is only engaged when you pedal. This can be a pedal-assisted e-bike, but also some throttle-assisted e-bikes have this feature.

Low-speed e-bikes are only able to reach a speed of 20mph before the motor cuts out. This makes them pedelecs by nature.

Traditionally, this meant that the motor was activated as you started to pedal, but as I mentioned earlier, some manufacturers have included a throttle on their class 1 e-bike as well. To comply with the regulations, this throttle only works if you are pedaling the e-bike.

Class 2 Electric Bikes

Class 2 e-bikes are also low-speed electric bicycles but have a throttle, sometimes instead of pedal assistance. This means that the motor can be operated without the rider using the pedals, like a motorbike.

A class 2 e-bike still has to have functioning pedals to be classed as an e-bike; otherwise, it would be grouped together with small motor vehicles, such as the moped. This is a good regulation because if your battery runs out, you can still pedal the bike like you would on a normal bike.

Like class 1 e-bikes, these bikes are also capped at a top speed of 20mph. Once you have reached this limit, the motor won’t assist you to go any faster. However, you can go faster, up to 28mph by adding your own pedaling effort or by going downhill.

One downfall to throttle assist is that the e-bike battery is usually drained faster because people tend to rely too much on the throttle instead of their own pedaling. If the motor is pedal-assisted, the rider is forced to do some of the work, conserving battery life.

Class 3 E-Bikes

Also known as ‘speed pedelecs’, these bikes can reach a top speed of 28mph before the motor cuts out. Like class 1 e-bikes, they can only reach these speeds if the rider is pedaling. In general, they cost more because of their more powerful motor.

However, some manufacturers will also include a throttle assist in their class 3 models, with built-in technology that limits the speed to 20mph if the rider is not pedaling. This allows the bike to comply with regulations. Class 3 e-bikes must also have a speedometer.

Because of their higher speeds, class 3 electric bikes are more highly regulated. There is also more discrepancy in these regulations from state to state. In some states, you can’t ride a class 3 e-bike on a shared footpath or on a bike path that is not linked to a road. Other states will allow them to be ridden anywhere a class 1 or 2 electric bike can go.

So it’s important to check your state laws before choosing a class 3 e-bike, in case you won’t be allowed to ride where you had intended to.

Read my full review of the Ride1Up Class 3 700 Series!

Why there’s an e-bike classification system

Because e-bikes became popular quite quickly, there weren’t many rules governing their use. This meant that you could potentially ride at high speeds along shared paths and bike lanes that were not achievable with a regular bicycle.

This raised safety concerns among the community about potential collisions at these speeds and inappropriate safety gear. For this reason, different countries adopted laws they deemed appropriate to limit how fast electric bikes could travel.

This meant regulated electric bikes could still have access to normal bike trails or shared paths and the rider wouldn’t require insurance or a special license to ride.

However, as I mentioned earlier, this is only true for class 1 and 2 e-bikes. Some places have enforced different rules for class 3 e-bikes and you aren’t able to ride where a normal bike could go.

Find out where you can ride legally in the USA.

Classification in countries outside the US

The above classification system was born in the USA. Other countries don’t refer as much to this classification system but have their own regulations. The most common e-bike regulations come from European legislation. Many countries adhere to this standard, including UK and Australia.

The main regulations for these countries include the following:

• An e-bike must not exceed 15.5mph (25kmph)
• The motor output must not exceed 250 watts
• A throttle must not work independently of the pedals unless it is a start-up assist throttle (up to 6kmph)

Manufacturers get around this by installing speed limiters in the motors of electric bikes sold outside the USA.

However, if you do purchase an e-bike with a motor that assists you above 15.5mph, you can still use it, but it will be treated as a motor vehicle. This means that you and your e-bike are subject to the laws surrounding operating a motor vehicle. This can include the following.

• You must hold a driver’s license
• The e-bike must be registered
• You must wear a crash helmet when riding (similar to a motorbike)

The Costs of an E-Bike (Broken Down)

E-bikes vary in price quite dramatically. In general, they can cost anywhere between $1000 and $10,000. There are some electric bikes that can be purchased for less than this, but these are usually made from inferior materials. Those that are more than $10,000 tend to be your extreme luxury models, with the best of everything.

Here are a number of different factors that play a role in these great fluctuations in electric bike prices. I’ll discuss them in more detail further down.

• Classification
• Quality of the e-bike components
• Materials used
• Motor and battery power
• Tire technology
• Useful Accessories
• Online and direct-to-customer
• Manufacturing location

How Electric Bike Classifications Affect Costs for Different Types

The above classifications will affect the e-bike’s price because of the different components involved.

Class 3 e-bikes will generally be the most expensive because they use more powerful motors than class 1 or 2 e-bikes.

Class 1 or 2 costs can vary depending on the complexity of the design. Generally, a throttle-assisted e-bike will be cheaper because the technology is more simple than a pedal-assisted e-bike. But some class 2 electric bikes will have both a throttle and a pedal assist system, which can be more expensive than a class 1 e-bike. 

Quality of E-Bike Components

Quality plays a large role in the price of an e-bike. There are a number of components to an e-bike that can be outsourced to different companies, including the battery, motor, drivetrain, brakes, and tires.

An e-bike manufacturer can choose to source the components from the same supplier, or can mix and match the components. There are benefits to both.

Having the same supplier means the components were designed to work together, but some brands may be good at one thing and not the other. For example, Bosch makes some of the best motors, but not necessarily the best drivetrain components.

With this in mind, manufacturers may choose varying suppliers to build their e-bikes to achieve a fine balance between quality and affordability.

They may also produce their own components. This can definitely bring the price down, but consumers will need to be convinced of their quality.

Below is a table of reputable brands in the industry for e-bike components. You can generally feel safe knowing you have quality parts on your bike if you stick with these manufacturers, but the price will go up because of the higher quality.

Quality Suppliers
Motors	Bosch Brose Shimano
Drivetrain Components	Shimano SRAM Rohloff
Tires	Schwalbe Maxxis Continental
Brakes	Shimano Magura SRAM

Other manufacturers not listed here are still good, such as Yamaha, but this list is mainly showing the most popular high-quality suppliers as a general guide.

Materials Used to Build Electric Bike

Similar to using quality components, the materials used in the e-bike can make a difference in the price.

For the frame, it is usually more desirable to use a lightweight material, but materials that are strong and lightweight are generally more expensive. Below are different materials used for bike frames, ordered from the cheapest to most expensive materials. The majority of e-bikes are made of aluminum.

Steel > Aluminium > Carbon > Titanium

For the seat and handles, there is the more expensive leather option or the cheaper plastics or foam materials that won’t last as long.

E-Bike Motor and Battery Power

Regardless of brands, the physical power of the motor and the battery make a difference to the price.

Most motors range from 250W to 1,000W motors. The more powerful motors will cost more. They’ll last about 10,000 miles but will cost on average $1,000-$2,000 to replace. For this reason, some people choose to buy a new e-bike when the motor dies.

The type of motor will also make a difference in the price. A mid-drive motor will be more expensive but is usually more energy efficient. A hub-drive motor, on the other hand, should be cheaper, but not as sophisticated, as the mid-drive.

In terms of the battery, more powerful batteries are more expensive. They will last longer per charge and therefore get you further or allow you to use more of the motor when riding. However, this is sometimes undesirable, particularly in bikes where weight is an issue.

On average it costs $500-$800 to replace an e-bike battery, with these batteries lasting around 3 years. Some people might get 10 years out of their battery, depending on how often they use their bike. Every battery has a finite amount of recharge cycles and will die eventually.

Find out how to get longer usage of your battery with these 15 tips.

Tire Technology for Electric Bikes

Bike tires cost $30-$40 on average but can be as much as $100 depending on the style. The more expensive tires are generally electric mountain bike tires because they have to endure rougher conditions.

But technology makes a difference too. Some tires have the stock-standard tire tube that you can replace. Others are tubeless with Kevlar technology to prevent punctures. Obviously more sophisticated tires will cost you more.

Keep in mind that e-bike tires are generally replaced every 1-2 years. So finding a tire that is not likely to puncture before the tread becomes too worn is going to be the most cost-effective.

Electric Bike Accessories (not typically included)

Adding helpful accessories make a huge difference to the price, and it’s easy to get carried away by all the bells and whistles that are available.

Common e-bike accessories you might want are:

• Helmet
• Baskets
• Racks
• Clip-on bags
• Lights
• Side mirror(s)
• Mudguard
• Added suspension
• Tools
• Bell
• Anti-theft system
• Drink bottle holder
• Spare battery
• Bike Locks

And the list goes on. Every manufacturer is slightly different, but you’ll struggle to find an e-bike with a price that includes a lot of cool gadgets.. Instead, they’ll likely include just a few to get your attention.

Check out our recommended gear and accessories

Online and Direct-to-Customer E-Bikes

Traditionally, bike manufacturers would produce a bike and sell that bike in a shop. These days, there’s also the option to sell the bikes online and send them straight from a warehouse to the customer.

This opens up a few options for manufacturers to sell their bikes.

Selling an e-bike online is the cheapest method available. However, this can sometimes make it harder to give customers the peace of mind that they’ll like the bike they are buying. This is why many online manufacturers will offer a trial period where the customer can return the e-bike if they don’t like it.

But the benefit in this situation is that the manufacturer can sell the e-bike for cheaper because they don’t have to pay for a shopfront.

This is exactly why buying a bike from a physical shop can make the prices rise. Either the manufacturer is paying for their own shop on a direct-to-customer basis, or they are paying to have their bike stocked in a general bike/sport shop.

Electric Bike Manufacturing Location

Where the bike is made also makes a difference to the price.

One obvious factor is shipping costs. If the bike is made in your own country, you may be eligible for free shipping, or could just go and pick the bike up yourself.

If it’s made in a different country, the shipping costs and taxes will filter down to the final price tag. 

Check out the best brands for your money in the USA and UK.

What Are the Different Types of E-Bikes (and Their Cost)?

There are many different uses for an e-bike, which is why manufacturers have various options available, at different prices, to suit your needs. You can use any type of e-bike, but some will be equipped with features that’ll make things easier for you if you choose the right one. The most common types of e-bikes are as follows:

• Cruisers
• Mountain e-bikes (eMTB)
• Electric Road bikes
• Cargo e-bikes
• Folding electric bikes

Cruiser E-Bikes

Average cost: $3,050

These electric bikes are designed to be comfortable and easy to ride. They can be used to get someone from point A to B, such as a commuter e-bike, or to go for a leisurely ride in the park.

This is why cruisers are usually fitted with some form of cargo provision, like a rear rack, and generally have cushioned seats that are upright. The frames can still be the traditional diamond shape, but many cruisers have a step-through frame to make them easier to mount.

Because cruiser e-bikes are not necessarily designed for speed and have more features that make the ride more comfortable, they tend to be quite heavy.

They’ll usually come with a wide variety of accessories and be customizable to suit your needs. The bike itself may not cost too much, but if you get lost in adding too many accessories, the price can add up quickly.

Electric Mountain Bikes

Average cost: $4,150

E-Mountain bikes, also known as eMTBs, are definitely built for adventure. They are designed to travel on any terrain, conquer hills and withstand jumps and sharp turns. Having motor assistance means you can get up the hills easier and ride back down faster.

Mountain bikes generally come with large thick wheels, allowing you to ride over rocks, sand, or mud without any issues. They have more suspension than other e-bikes so that the uneven terrain doesn’t cause too much of a jolt.

Unfortunately, e-MTBs are harder to handle than regular mountain bikes because of the heavy battery and motor weighing the bike down. But the added power means you can travel further than you can on a regular mountain bike, and climb hills that might’ve been too hard before.

Of all the electric bikes, e-mountain bikes tend to use the most battery power because of all the hills and rough surfaces. For this reason, they tend to require higher quality components, which is what drives the price higher.

Electric Road Bikes

Average cost: $4,750

Road e-bikes are one of the newest developments in the e-biking world. They are designed to go long distances and to reach high speeds. This is achieved through lighter frames (with electric bikes as light as 25 lbs). They also tend to have the drop-bar handlebars that you may have seen on traditional road bikes. This means the rider can lean forward to create a more aerodynamic experience.

Unfortunately, the speed-limiting regulations for e-bikes mean that once you hit a speed of 28mph (or 15.5mph in Europe), you are left to pedal on your own. At this point, the battery and motor are of no benefit to you and just add weight to the bike. This is why some serious cyclists still prefer traditional road bikes.

The lightweight carbon frames and other materials are what make these e-bikes so expensive. It is very hard to make an e-bike light because of the battery and motor, so more effort and better technology is required.

Want more details on costs for the different types of e-bikes?

Cargo E-Bikes

Average cost: $3,300

Cargo e-bikes are able to carry large loads, and usually have alternative shapes to accommodate this. They may have a large basket at the front or rear of the bike or a large low rear rack.

These are another type of e-bike that will offer a multitude of accessories. The bike itself is a decent price, but isn’t going to cause too much damage to your wallet. But if you want every accessory that’s offered, you may run into a large cost at the end.

They’re built to be sturdy, so most cargo bikes will have smaller fat tires. Some models may even have an extra wheel called a trike. They often have powerful motors to handle the bigger load that the bike can carry.

Unfortunately, because of their heavy load, these e-bikes will drain your battery a lot faster than a lightweight e-bike when fully loaded. If the manufacturer chooses to increase the range of the bike, this means a heavier battery must be used, further increasing the weight of the bike.

Common uses of a cargo bike are:

• Transporting children
• Shopping trips
• Carrying work gear (laptops, bags, briefcase, etc.)
• Deliveries

Folding E-Bikes

Average cost: $1,750

Wondering what are the different types of e-bikes that fold? Foldable e-bikes are designed to be compact and carried into confined spaces. They are usually the smallest of the electric bikes, even when unfolded, due to smaller tires. Some of them are lightweight, making them easier to carry. However, many are on the heavier side of electric bikes, especially those that are hybrid and travel over multiple terrains.

The lighter-weight ones are ideal for someone who uses public transportation, travels a lot, or is storing their electric bike in a small house.

Because their size and portability are a priority, these electric bikes can sometimes have inferior components such as smaller batteries, to reduce their weight and bulkiness.

Like cargo e-bikes, foldable e-bikes tend to have smaller tires, which may or may not have wider, “fat” tires. The frames may appear out of proportion because manufacturers need to find a balance between compact size and accommodating the height of an adult rider.

Get more details on the costs of a foldable e-bike in this article.

Running Costs of an E-Bike

As well as the up-front costs of an e-bike, there will also be ongoing running costs that you should consider. In saying that, an e-bike is still one of the cheapest “vehicles” to run.

First, you’ll use electricity to recharge your e-bike after every use. This is a tiny amount of money when you consider the cost of electricity and how much electricity is required to recharge the battery, but it is a factor and can still add up over time.

You’ll also need to service your e-bike to make sure it stays in working order and is safe to ride. Some people may choose to work on it themselves, but it’s still recommended to have a qualified technician look over it at least once a year. This is particularly important for the motor and other electrical components that are quite complicated.

On average, it costs around $150 to have your electric bike serviced, and it’s up to you how often this occurs. But, as I mentioned, you should do this at least once a year, or every 3-6 months if you are using the e-bike regularly.

Read the complete, step-by-step e-bike maintenance guide.

Overall running costs are estimated to be around $200 each year for the first three years, which then become more expensive as the bike ages. After three years, the average running costs jump to $518 per year.

This is because, as time goes on, you may also need to replace different components, which can cost hundreds of dollars.

Finally, you won’t want to forget about all of the gear you’ll need… or want… to make your e-bike as enjoyable, comfortable, and convenient as possible. There are at least seven things you absolutely need, but there are also many others. Check out E-Biking Today’s Recommended Gear List.

Conclusion

Overall, e-bikes can be a really good investment if they’re replacing other modes of transport such as driving a car. There are so many factors that contribute to the price which makes it easy to find bikes that are of good value.

I hope this article has helped in your understanding of the different types of e-bikes and how much they can cost.

Electric bikes have been around for many years and have become increasingly popular since the 1990s. In the decades since then, manufacturers have come out with new technology and many different designs that make choosing an e-bike daunting.

The best e-bike brands in the USA and the UK use high-quality components but offer good prices on one or more of their models. In general, they are able to sell an electric bike for less than their competitors because they use their own technology, sell online only, or use less expensive components (like a smaller battery or less powerful motor).

For this reason, I have compiled this comprehensive guide of the best electric bike brands in each subcategory that you can get for your money. I have also made sure to include both USA and UK brands to cover a wide range of e-bikes available on the market.

Best Value E-Bike Brands: The USA vs UK Difference

Before discussing the best brands for your money overall, it’s first important to understand that there is a surprising amount of variation in the laws surrounding electric bikes. When electric bikes first came to the bicycle market, there were no set rules in place to govern their sale or use.

Now, after being on the market for almost 30 years, each country has its own rules in place to regulate electric bikes and these rules affect what each brand can do in the USA versus the UK. These regulations determine how fast and how powerful the motor can be to still be considered a bicycle.

The main difference between e-bikes from the UK and those from the USA is speed. In the UK, the speed is limited to 15.5mph (25kmph), whereas electric bikes from the USA are typically limited to 28mph. That’s nearly double the speed. The current UK law is derived from the European Union.

Many countries, including Australia, follow the guidelines of the EU, so most electric bikes that are available in the UK are also legal in these countries. Because the USA has different guidelines than the UK, I’ve included what I think is a good value brand for each type of e-bike, for both the USA and the UK.

Learn more about electric bike regulations in the USA here:

Best Value Brand Electric Bikes in the USA

Best Value Electric Bikes in the USA
E-Mountain Bike (eMTB)	Ride1Up Prodigy XC	$2295
Cruiser E-Bike	Electric Bike Company Model Y	$1699
Road E-Bike	Giant Road E+ 1 Pro	$4500
Folding E-Bike	Rad Power Bikes RadExpand	$1599
Cargo E-Bike	Rad Power Bikes RadRunner	$1799

Mountain Bike
Brand and Model: Ride1Up Prodigy XC

The Ride1Up Prodigy XC can be found for around $2,295. Considering that e-mountain bikes can be over $10,000, this is a great price for some off-road fun.

Ride1Up is an American company, based in California. They don’t have a physical presence in the industry, meaning that you can only purchase their bikes online at this point in time. However, this is one of the reasons why they can keep their prices lower. And they also have been offering a 30-day trial to make sure you’re happy with the bike.

The Prodigy XC is a new class 3 e-bike, reaching a top motor speed of 28mph, but also has a throttle function up to 20mph. It uses top-quality components, including a Brose motor, Shimano drivetrain, hydraulic brakes, and Schwalbe tires.

The 250W Brose motor, although one of the best brands available, is smaller than some of the motors in more expensive electric bikes. The battery is also a smaller voltage meaning you might not experience as much power as some other eMTBs. In saying that, this bike still has enough muscle to take you on some fun trails.

Unless you’re a professional mountain biker, this e-bike is well worth it for the price. Especially given that the components are of such high quality.

You have plenty of gears to play around with as you ride and hydraulic disc brakes to help keep you safe on those steep descents and sharp turns. Having a torque sensor is also going to give you a smoother transition between levels of assistance.

Basic Features
E-Bike Class	Class 3: PAS and Throttle
Max. Speed	28mph
Max. Load	275lbs
Motor	Brose 250W Mid-Drive
Sensor	Brose Torque Sensor
Drivetrain	Shimano
Battery	Samsung 36V (500Wh)
Range	30-50miles
Tires	Schwalbe 27.5”
Brakes	Tektro Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Gears	Shimano 9-speed
Frame	Alloy
Weight	48lbs

Looking for a fat tire electric bike made in the USA? Get the ultimate list here!

Cruiser
Brand and Model: Electric Bike CompanyModel Y

The Electric Bike Company’s Model Y comes at around $1,699. This is a terrific price for a high-performing cruiser. One thing to keep in mind is that some accessories that you would almost always consider on a cruiser, such as the rear rack, come at an added cost.

The Electric Bike Company is another American-based company, operating out of California. They specialize in leisure and luxury when it comes to electric bikes. They also are highly customizable, making them very appealing to those of us who enjoy riding in style along a nice beach.

One of the main reasons that these bikes can be so affordable is that a lot of their technology is their own. Some people might be discouraged from buying this bike because they don’t recognize any brand-name motor or drivetrain.

But for what you will be using a cruiser electric bike for, the Model Y does an excellent job. It comes as a class 3 e-bike, giving you the option of a PAS or a throttle if you’re feeling tired.

The battery is uniquely integrated into the front basket, keeping it hidden. This is an interesting design, but some people may not like having the extra weight at the front of the bike.

The load limit on the Model Y rivals many of the dedicated cargo e-bikes, allowing for 300 lbs. Although the motor and battery are their own brand, they still use Schwalbe tires and hydraulic disc brakes, demonstrating the company’s attention to quality.

I like the idea of not worrying about gear changes in a cruiser, which is exactly why EBC has chosen to standardize their electric cruiser bikes as single-speed. But a good thing is they offer the upgrade to a 7-speed shifter if you prefer.

These bikes look great, have quality components, and are at a very attractive price. 

Basic Features
E-Bike Class	Class 3: PAS and Throttle
Max. Speed	25mph
Max. Load	300lbs
Motor	EBC 1000W Hub Drive Motor
Sensor	Cadence Sensor
Drivetrain	EBC
Battery	EBC 48V (500Wh)
Range	Up to 80 miles
Tires	Schwalbe 26”
Brakes	Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Gears	Single-Speed (7-speed option)
Frame	Aluminum
Weight	58lbs

Road Bike
Brand and Model: Giant Road E+ 1 Pro

The Giant Road E+ 1 Pro can be found for around $4,500. Electric road bikes are similar to mountain bikes in that many models are sold for over $10,000. So this is a relatively cheap price for this type of e-bike.

Giant was originally a Taiwan brand but has been in the US for around 40 years. They are known for their lightweight technology, creating some of the best road bikes on the market.

The Giant Road E+ 1 Pro is a class 3 electric bike with a pedal assist system, reaching a maximum assisted speed of 28mph. There is no throttle, but it’s not necessarily common for road e-bikes to have a throttle.

The 250W motor doesn’t seem like much, but this gives you enough assistance to make your ride easier and gives the pedaling an authentic feel. It’s enough to handle the extra weight of this particular road bike.

With a combination of Yamaha, Shimano, and Maxxis, this electric bike offers high-quality components for a good price. The range isn’t quite as much as you might like for a road bike, but there does need to be some compromises for the price.

The weight is another compromise. Having a smaller battery would help keep the price down, but given the quality of all the components, this is a compromise that seems reasonable for a good value road electric bike.

Having an 11-speed shifter and hydraulic disc brakes puts this in the same league as your average road bike. It seems this bike ticks all the boxes you’d need for a road bike, except the cheaper battery and frame.

Basic Features
E-Bike Class	Class 3: PAS
Max. Speed	28mph
Motor	Yamaha 250W Mid-Drive Motor
Sensor	6 Sensors
Drivetrain	Shimano
Battery	Giant 36V (375Wh)
Range	21-68 miles
Tires	Maxxis 700c (29”)
Brakes	Shimano Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Gears	Shimano 11-Speed
Frame	Aluminum
Weight	44lbs

Folding Bike
Brand and Model: Rad Power Bikes Rad

The RadExpand might seem expensive for a folding electric bike, coming in at around $1,499, but this is because a lot of folding electric bikes compromise on quality to make them lighter and more portable. Unfortunately, this makes those bikes less pleasurable to ride.

They may fit into smaller spaces when you store them, but cheaper ones can be annoying to ride and less reliable.

Read this article before buying a cheaper electric bike:

The RadExpand gives you a sturdy foldable frame with good quality components, making it feel like its non-foldable counterparts. One major downside is the weight of the bike, but if it means a reliable and quality ride, the weight is worth it for that price.

Rad Power Bikes originates in Seattle and has a very modern feel to their electric bikes. Like EBC e-bikes, this brand designs some of its own technology.

This is certainly not a disadvantage, given that their 750W geared hub motor and drivetrain has proven to be loved by many. The 48V battery also gives a good amount of power.

The PAS and throttle are capped at 20mph, but given that many foldable bikes are used in crowded cities, you’ll likely find that 20mph is plenty fast. But, you can actually max out the speed at 28mph going downhill if you’re daring enough!

The tires are not your usual well-known brand but are sturdy fat tires with puncture-resistant technology.

One disadvantage might be the weight of the bike. It has an aluminum frame and weighs in at 67lbs, which might be too heavy for some people to lift.

In the grand scheme of things though, this electric bike is really not much more expensive than other foldable bikes and gets you so much more for your money.

Basic Features
E-Bike Class	Class 2: PAS and Throttle
Max. Speed	20mph
Max. Load	275lbs
Motor	750W Geared Hub
Sensor	Cadence Sensor
Drivetrain	Rad Power Bikes
Battery	Samsung 48V (672Wh)
Range	25-45miles
Tires	Kenda 20”x3”
Brakes	Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Gears	Shimano 7-Speed
Frame	Aluminum
Weight	63lbs
Folded Size	41x22x28” (LxWxH)

Cargo Bike
Brand and Model: Rad Power Bikes RadRunner

The Rad Power Bikes has another quality and good value e-bike available in their cargo range. The RadRunner Plus has many of the same features that make the RadExpand such great value.

Once again, they deliver a powerful motor and 48V battery to help haul the 300lbs it is able to hold. One other great feature is the hundreds of accessory combinations you can choose from to suit exactly what you need in an electric cargo bike.

These electric bikes have slightly fatter tires to help stabilize the bike with heavy loads. But those fat tires also mean a heavier bike. So this is something that you will need to consider for the price.

These are the best e-bikes for young adults in their 20’s and 30’s: Check them out!

The RadRunner has been designed with the thought that riders are interested in the bike’s ability to carry them and their cargo from one place to another.

This electric bike seems to be robust, reliable, and versatile, which is anything you could want in an electric cargo bike.

Basic Features
E-Bike Class	Class 2: PAS and Throttle
Max. Speed	20mph
Max. Load	300lbs
Motor	750W Geared Hub
Sensor	Cadence Sensor
Drivetrain	Rad Power Bikes
Battery	Samsung 48V (672Wh)
Range	25-45miles
Tires	Kenda 20”x3.3”
Brakes	Tektro Mechanical Disc Brakes
Gears	Single Speed
Frame	Aluminum
Weight	65lbs

That’s a strong list of USA brand electric bikes. As you can see, there is quite a bit of variation in the prices, but you can definitely get a good-quality electric bike for the money. In general, bike brands from the UK tend to be a bit more pricey, but there are still great electric bikes to be found at reasonable prices.

Check out the 15 best e-bike company brands in the USA

Best Electric Bike Brands in the UK with Good Value

Best Value Electric Bikes in the UK
E-Mountain Bikes (eMTB)	Vitus E-Sommet	£3,600
Cruiser E-Bike	VanMoof X3 Electric Bike	£1798
Road E-Bike	Ribble Endurance SL e	£2999
Folding E-Bike	Brompton M2L Electric	£2875
Cargo E-Bike	Tern GSD S10x	£4200

As I mentioned earlier, all electric bikes designed for European standards cannot go above 15.5mph (25kmph) when motorized. For this reason, the classification system used for electric bikes in the US does not apply to those in the UK.

The motors are also limited to 250W in order to be classified as a bicycle. Therefore, the following bikes are the best value for the money within these limitations.

Mountain Bike
Brand and Model: Vitus E-Sommet

The Vitus E-Sommet can be found online at around £3,600 (just under $5,000). This may seem expensive compared to other electric bikes, but European bikes often are a bit pricey and Vitus choose to use top-quality components within their bikes.

Vitus is another company that doesn’t have a physical retail presence but sells directly to the customer. This tends to be the case when you find good quality at a lower price. They have been in the bike industry for decades, originating in France, and have plenty of experience in creating good bikes.

The E-Sommet uses Shimano for all of its electronics. Shimano is the leading brand in drivetrains, and one of the leading brands in electric bike motors. But one great benefit to this bike is its serviceability. Having the motor, battery, and drivetrain all built by the same company means every one of those components was designed to work together. 

Maxxis tires are one of the most popular and reliable in the eMTB industry, but one downside to this bike is the lack of hydraulic brakes. Mechanical disc brakes are still going to work well, but mountain bikes, in particular, need a good braking system for those steep descents and sharp turns.

This is also a fairly heavy bike and may be difficult for some to carry around when needed. It’ll certainly give you and the battery a workout when going uphill!

Overall, the Vitus E-Sommet is one of the cheaper eMTB on the market for its high quality. 

Basic Features
Assistance	Pedal Assist
Max. Speed	15.5mph (25kmph)
Motor	Shimano 250W Mid-Drive
Sensor	Torque Sensor
Drivetrain	Shimano
Battery	Shimano 36V (500Wh)
Range	48-80km (30-50) miles
Tires	Maxxis 27.5”
Brakes	Shimano Mechanical Disc Brakes
Gears	Shimano 11-speed
Frame	Aluminum
Weight	24.7kg (54.5lbs)

Cruiser
Brand and Model: VanMoof X3 Electric Bike

The VanMoof X3 Electric Bike is a solid e-bike that brings new technology to the market. It is one of two electric bikes designed by VanMoof, priced at £1,798 ($1,998 in the US).

The company is quite young, originating in Amsterdam in 2009. Being the city of bikes, this is very encouraging. The two founding brothers dreamed of a day when bikes were as common in major cities, such as New York, as they are in Amsterdam.

This bike has a custom-built drivetrain, motor, and battery, but these have been tried and tested with great results. The low price for both VanMoof bikes is likely due to how new the brand is.

This bike is not too heavy compared to other cruiser e-bikes, making it easy to ride if the battery is depleted. It also has good quality Schwalbe tires and a hydraulic braking system.

One thing that is completely new to the market is the idea of an automatic gear system. VanMoof has created a 4-speed shifter that works like a single-speed. Similar to an automatic car, this e-bike will do all the gear changes in the background without you even knowing about it. Some people love the idea of this, but those who like to be able to control their gear changes might not like it.

The VanMoof X3 is a sleek design and offers everything you could need in an everyday electric bike cruiser.

Basic Features
Assistance	Pedal Assist
Max. Speed	32kmph (20mph) UK cut off at 25kmph
Max. Load	120kg (264.5lbs)
Motor	VanMoof 250W Hub Drive
Sensor	Torque Sensor
Drivetrain	VanMoof
Battery	VanMoof 36V (504Wh)
Range	60-150km (37-93 miles)
Tires	Schwalbe 24”
Brakes	Hydraulic Brakes
Gears	4-Speed Automatic E-Shifter
Frame	Aluminum
Weight	18.6kg (41lbs)

Road Bikes
Brand and Model: Ribble Endurance SL e-Sport

Ribble is a UK brand that prides themselves on their handmade quality electric bikes. The Ribble Endurance SL e has certainly proved to be of good quality for the £2,999 price tag ($3,460.60 in the US).

As I mentioned earlier, road bikes can be the most expensive type of electric bikes because of their lightweight design and endurance. Ribble has managed to keep this e-bike relatively low weight, weighing approximately 12.4kg (27.3lbs). This is due to the carbon frame, which is the most popular choice for all electric road bikes.

The battery also gives you a decent range to keep you going on those long bike rides. You have 11 speeds to help with any hills and trustworthy Continental tires. The hydraulic breaks will help bring the e-bike to a safe stop after reaching higher speeds on long flat roads.

To me, this seems like all the features you’d want in a normal road bike, but with the benefit of pedal assistance.

Basic Features
Assistance	Pedal Assist
Max. Speed	25kmph (15.5mph)
Motor	MAHLE 250W Hub Drive
Sensor	Torque Sensor
Drivetrain	Shimano
Battery	Panasonic 36V (250Wh)
Range	88-133km (55-83 miles)
Tires	Continental 28”
Brakes	Hydraulic
Gears	Shimano 11-Speed
Frame	Carbon Fibre
Weight	12.4kg (27.3lbs)

As mentioned above, a road bike can cost more than other types of electric bikes, although electric mountain bikes are pretty expensive as well. The article below can help you sort out the price differences among types.

Find out how much to pay for different types of electric bikes:

Folding Bikes
Brand and Model: Brompton M2L Electric

The Brompton M2L Electric Folding Bike is a favorite in the UK, and for good reason. Brompton bikes are handmade in London and have been around for almost 50 years, but they’ve been making electric bikes since 2017. They also specialize in folding bikes, so if you’re looking for a folding bike, they’ll know a thing or two.

The M2L Electric bikes cost around £2,875 (just under $4,000), which seems like a lot for a small bike, but is very reasonable considering their power and the fact that they’re handmade. They fold down to a handy 645x585x270mm (25.3”x23”x10.6”) bundle.

They also come with small wheels which allow you to pull the bike along the ground when folded. This helps with the bike’s heavy weight, but some people don’t like this feature because they find pulling the bike makes it easy to topple over.

The 250W motor is more than enough to take you around your city and the battery should last a long time if you’re taking the bike around town. It has a decent range for such a small electric bike and a zippy feel to it. Although the components are custom made, Brompton Bikes pride themselves on their quality bikes and so have put a lot of thought into their electric masterpiece. 

Basic Features
Assistance	Pedal Assist
Max. Speed	25kmph (15.5mph)
Max. Load	110kg (242lbs)
Motor	Brompton 250W Hub Drive
Sensor	Torque Sensor
Drivetrain	Brompton
Battery	36V (300Wh)
Range	30-70km (20-45 miles)
Tires	Schwalbe 16”
Brakes	Calliper (Dual Pivot) Brakes
Gears	2-Speed
Frame	Steel
Weight	17.4kg (38lbs)
Folded Size	645x585x270mm (HxWxD) (25.3”x23”x10.6”)

Want to check out other folding electric bikes? Take a look:

Cargo Bikes
Brand and Model: Tern GSD S10 LX

The Tern GSD S10 LXx is another pricey electric bike on first inspection, costing around £4,200 (just over $5,000). But when you look closer, you can see that this bike has the best component brands in the industry packed into a foldable cargo bike.

They’ve identified that Bosch makes great motors and batteries, Shimano makes an awesome drivetrain, and that you can’t go wrong with Schwalbe tires. They also have incorporated hydraulic brakes to bring the bike to a safe stop with a heavy load.

There’s a 10-speed shifter to help you navigate between just you riding along a smooth flat road, or you carrying a large load up a steep hill. The mid-drive motor also means more battery conservation.

The battery has a wide range, which is to be expected with a cargo e-bike. But getting up to 110km (68 miles) on one charge is more than enough to get you around town.

I like the design of this electric cargo bike, with a large rear rack that can be accessorized with child seats, bags, baskets, etc. To me, this seems like the ultimate electric cargo bike design and seems to be worth every penny.

As a bonus, Tern has designed the GSD so that it folds up, meaning you can also transport it inside your car if needed.

If you think of it as a replacement for your everyday car trips, £4,200 really isn’t that much money for what you’re getting. But understandably, this might be a bit expensive for some.

Basic Features
Assistance	Pedal Assist
Max. Speed	25kmph (15.5mph)
Max. Load	200lbs
Motor	Bosch 250W Mid Drive
Sensor	Torque Sensor
Drivetrain	Shimano
Battery	Bosch 36V (400Wh)
Range	50-110km (31-68 miles)
Tires	Schwalbe 20”
Brakes	Magura Hydraulic Brakes
Gears	Shimano 10-Speed
Frame	Aluminum
Weight	27kg (59lbs)
Folded Size	1730x400x830 (LxWxH) (68”x16”x33”)

Well, I hope this comprehensive guide to the best e-bike brands for the money, across the USA and UK, has helped you in choosing your own. Whatever you do choose, I hope you enjoy your electric bike as much as the rest of us do!

Buying an e-bike is an exciting step after researching which brand you’d like to buy and what type will suit your needs. But some people forget that e-bikes require general maintenance, just like any other bike or motorized vehicle.

This step-by-step guide will help to answer any questions you have about maintaining an e-bike from simple cleaning tips to when you should be replacing key components of the bike. Find out the preventative measures you can take, as well as common issues and how to fix them.

Step 1. Your Pre-Ride Check

Before you ride your e-bike, it’s good practice to run through a few quick checks of the bike. This helps prevent breaking down unnecessarily and makes riding more carefree.

The ‘M’ Check

One popular method is the ‘M’ check. This runs through all the major components of the bike, from front to back, that you should check before going for a ride. If you draw a line through each of these points on the bike, you will notice it forms an ‘M’ shape.

The ‘M’ Check
1. Front Wheel and Tire	Check the tire pressure and for any signs of damage or punctures in the tire. Make sure there is enough tread. Spin the wheel to check stability and smoothness. Check for any loose spokes.
2. Brakes, handlebars, and display	Check that the brake pads have not worn away and work when engaged. The handlebars should be tight (you shouldn’t be able to twist it when the front wheel is held still). Turn the e-bike on to check the display is working and also that it is not loose.
3. Battery and cranks	Check the battery is locked and loaded. You shouldn’t be able to remove it without the key and it should be fully charged or have enough power for your trip. Make sure the cranks and secure and working properly.
4. Saddle and Seat Post	Check the height of your seat is correct for you Make sure the seat is tight and won’t move.
5. Rear Wheel, Chain, and Gears	Check the rear wheel as you did with the front wheel. Make sure the bike chain is clean and lubricated. Check the rear cassette/freewheel and derailleur for signs of damage.

The ‘ABBC’ Check

Another popular method is the ‘ABBC’ check. This method is also quicker so it’s good for those early mornings before work when you’re running short on time. It covers the bare minimum of what you should check before riding your e-bike.

The ‘ABBC’ Check
A	Air in both tires
B	Battery has enough charge
B	Brakes are working in the front and back
C	Chain is lubricated

As you can see, the ‘ABBC’ check is much simpler than the ‘M’ method. However, the ‘M’ check will give you peace of mind that you’ve checked all that you can before setting out on your ride.

Step 2. Provide Safe Transportation

If you need to transport your e-bike before your ride, like to a riding trail or while traveling, there are a few more things you need to consider that are not usually an issue with a normal bike.

Transport with a Car

Transporting any bike with a car usually involves two options; a roof rack or a rear, hitch-mounted bike rack. The main issue with an e-bike is the heavy weight of the bike. It’s not recommended that you transport your e-bike with a roof rack because the weight will make it less stable than a regular bike and risk damaging both the bike and the roof rack. You may also struggle to haul so much weight above your head.

The preferred option is using the rear-mounted bike rack. You’ll only need to lift the e-bike about 18-20 inches (half a meter) or so off the ground and it’ll be far more stable. Just check that your e-bike does not exceed the weight limit of your particular bike rack.

If there are some components of the bike that you don’t want to get wet, you might want to consider using a waterproof cover. This is mainly a good idea for the electric console. Most components of an e-bike should be water-resistant and therefore tolerate a bit of rain. 

Transport on a Plane

If traveling on a plane for a holiday or when moving, you won’t be able to bring the e-bike’s lithium-ion battery onboard a passenger plane. This is the same whether it is in the cabin or in the cargo hold and is because of fears that these batteries may explode.

Technology has helped resolve this issue; however, you still can’t fly with e-bike batteries. Therefore, if you’re taking your e-bike, you’ll need to remove the battery prior to check-in.

With this in mind, you might consider sending your battery on a cargo plane to your destination. This can be expensive but might be the best option if you are moving interstate or overseas.

If you’re going on a holiday, it might work out cheaper and easier to hire a battery instead. You’ll just need to make sure your battery is stored correctly, which I’ll talk about later on.

Safety Considerations

It’s a good idea, no matter what method of transport you’re using, to remove any valuable and removable components of the e-bike so that they don’t get stolen. They can be stored safely with you or in your car until you reach your destination. This mainly includes the battery and the electronic console. 

Step 3. Clean Your E-Bike

Cleaning your e-bike should be done after every ride. This is particularly important if you have been riding in areas that might cause your bike to corrode, such as in the sand or even near the beach.

Find out more about maintaining your e-bike after riding in the sand:

Riding Your E-Bike in the Sand: Tires and Maintenance

Water is good enough to clean your e-bike in most circumstances. Some people use water from their garden hose to wash the e-bike down. Although this seems quick and easy, you’ll have to be very careful not to use any high water pressure on the bike. High pressured water can make its way into the electronics.

Instead, you can just use a damp rag to wipe it down. You might also want to use a gentle brush or sponge to help remove any stubborn dirt or grime. Some cyclists will opt to use bike shampoo or some form of gentle soap or detergent on their bike as well.

When cleaning the e-bike down, it is important to cover the electronic console with a cloth to prevent any unnecessary water damage. It’s even better if you can remove this and the battery from the bike before giving it a clean.

You may also need to use a dedicated degreaser for the drivetrain. Because there is oil lubrication on the chain, this area can pick up dirt and debris and become quite dirty if not cared for properly. A degreaser should get rid of all the grime. Just remember to lubricate the components again when you’re done and then wipe off any excess lubrication.

Step 4. Store Your E-Bike Safely

• Store your e-bike undercover or indoors.
• Always clean your e-bike before storage.
• Be mindful of your e-bike’s weight.
• Store your e-bike in a cool, dry place – ideally 32-68^oF.
• Make sure to store the battery indoors with a 30-60% charge.

Your e-bike should be stored undercover in a cool, dry place. This could be a garage or shed, depending on how hot those areas get. But, typically, your shed will be exposed to large temperature fluctuations, so this isn’t recommended. If it’s possible, as generally happens with a folding e-bike, you should store your e-bike indoors.

You should make sure your bike is clean and dry when storing, whether long-term or just for the night. This will prevent dirt build-up and will make it easier to clean every time. As I mentioned earlier, if you’ve been in conditions that could be corrosive to the bike, it is very important to clean the bike down straight away to prevent irreversible damage.

It’s up to you exactly how you store your e-bike undercover. Some people will simply ride the bike into the shed and lower the kickstand. Others will mount the bike on the wall or hang it from a ceiling mount. If hanging the bike, you just need to consider the weight, as electric bikes are usually much heavier than regular bikes. Make sure the brackets are reinforced in the wall or ceiling to accommodate this weight. Additionally, you’ll need to be careful when you lift your e-bike every time.

Ideally, the temperature in storage should range between 32-68^oF. This is primarily because of the battery. Freezing or higher temperatures can lessen its life span. However, because the battery needs to be recharged, most people will usually remove the battery and store it within their home to charge anyway. If you can remove the digital display, it’s a good idea to store this with the battery as well to prolong its life.

If you’re storing the battery long-term, such as throughout winter, you need to take extra precautions. Try to keep the battery indoors in an area that is dry and, again, within 32-68^oF. You should also store it with 30-60% residual charge. If it is fully charged or discharged, this puts stress on the battery and reduces its lifespan.

Learn more about storing your e-bike… Read this:

How to Safely Store an E-Bike: Outside vs Inside

Step 5. Conduct At-Home Maintenance

There are several main components of your e-bike that you can check and take care of on your own at home. We’ll take a look at them here.

Drivetrain

The drivetrain is all the components that are involved in moving the bike. These components include:

• Pedals
• Cranks
• Chain rings
• Chain
• Cassette
• Derailleur

These components are made of metal, so they require lubrication to continue functioning correctly. If there is no lubrication, the metal grinding against other metals will cause friction, making it harder to use, and will also cause it to wear away a lot quicker.

The main movement occurs in the chain, which is why bike chains are usually the first thing to go. For e-bikes, specifically those with mid-drive motors, the chain has even more stress because of faster average speeds and more weight in the bike. For this reason, you should lubricate your chain once a month if using your e-bike regularly.

Because the drivetrain components are all connected, lubricating the chain should also help lubricate the rest of the components. When you do this, you don’t want a build-up of grease around the cassette or brake discs, so it’s best to target the center of the chain, away from the other components. Then the chain will carry the lubrication to the other components as it cycles through.

You should also be using a degreaser prior to lubricating the drivetrain to remove any old excess grease and oil.

As part of your at-home maintenance, you should keep your eye on the wearing of your chain. This should be done roughly every 250-500 miles for an e-bike. Generally, it will need to be replaced after around 2,000 miles.

Checking your chain can be done using a cheap tool called a chain wear indicator. This tool checks any elongation of the chain and any thinning in the rollers.

The cassette should be replaced at the same time as the chain. So this will also need to be replaced roughly every 2,000 miles. Keep in mind that some e-bikes will wear the chain and cassette faster, such as electric mountain bikes. If you are taking your e-bike off-road, you’ll generally find you need to replace these components twice as often.

Frame and Wheels

The frame is easy to fix, provided you have the right tools. Here are some tools you might find convenient:

• Torque wrench
• Spoke wrench
• Allen keys
• Tire pump with pressure gauge (I use this one)
• Pedal spanner
• Lubricating oil

The most common thing you will be doing is checking the tire pressure. Tires will lose pressure over time, even if you haven’t run over any thorns or glass. It’s therefore important to know what pressure the tires should be on your particular e-bike. This is measured in PSI, which means pounds per square inch.

Here is a general overview of what PSI you can expect in different types of e-bikes. But keep in mind that you should always refer to the manufacturer’s recommendation for your specific tires.

Road E-Bike	80-120 PSI
Standard E-Bike	40-80 PSI
Mountain E-Bike	25-45 PSI

If you have a tire pump with a pressure gauge, this process will be made very easy. It’s a good idea to keep one of these with you while you ride so that you can pump up any flat tire tubes along the way.

Another part of the tire that you’ll need to be mindful of is the tread. Make sure the tires haven’t worn too thinly because this will increase the chance of the tire going completely flat.

The spokes of the wheel should be checked to determine if any have become loose. This is where the spoke wrench will come in handy. This tool simply tightens the spokes at the rim.

In terms of the rest of the bike, there are many bolts that you can check over. If there are any loose, you will need to tighten them. However, these bolts should not be over-tightened as this can cause damage to the bolt and thread. This is why it’s a good idea to have a torque wrench to monitor how tight they are.

Brakes

Depending on which brakes you have on your e-bike, there will be different maintenance requirements. Brakes are something that you want to ensure are serviced correctly, so if you’re unsure about what you’re doing, it’s best to leave it to the professionals.

An e-bike will commonly have either mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes. In both instances, you need to make sure the brake discs do not get any oil on them. If they need to be cleaned, you can use a cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

Besides cleaning the disc brakes, you can also replace the cable in the mechanical braking system when needed, or change the oil in a hydraulic system. This is generally recommended if the oil has changed color.

Hydraulic brakes are changed roughly every 6 months, whereas replacing mechanical cables should be done every 6-12 months. Mostly, people will rely on service technicians to replace these things or will have a look themselves if they find the brake levers are not as responsive.

Here is a general timeline of maintenance that you can do at home on your e-bike between services.

General Maintenance Guide
Before Each Ride (minimum ‘ABBC’ check)	Check air in tires; Check battery is charged; Check brakes are working; Check chain is lubricated
Every Week	Check bolts and tighten as required
Every Month	Lubricate the chain and other drivetrain components;  Check chain for signs of wear (usually after 250-500 miles)
Every 6 Months	Consider replacing your cassette and chain (usually after 2,000 miles); Book an official service if you haven’t had one in the past 6 months (regular use;) Consider draining hydraulic brakes or replacing brake cables
Every 12 Months	Book an official service if you haven’t had one in the past 12 months

Step 6. Servicing an E-Bike

Of course, if you aren’t mechanically minded and everything in the above section scares you, you don’t need to worry. That’s what service technicians are for. Service your e-bike at least once a year, or every 3-6 months if you use your e-bike on a regular basis.

E-bikes are like cars. Some people enjoy the technical aspect of maintaining a vehicle by making small adjustments here and there, but others are quite happy to only drive their car to the service center when instructed to do so.

If you take your e-bike in to be serviced, the technicians looking over your bike are going to check everything I mentioned earlier, and more. They know exactly what to check and when to check it.

In particular, they can look over the electronics and motor. These are things that can be more complex to deal with, and therefore it’s not recommended that anyone but a qualified bike mechanic touch them. Trying to fix or service these components yourself may void your warranty.

When you do get your e-bike serviced, it’s better to take it straight to the manufacturer. The service technicians there will know exactly how to work on their own brand of motors and batteries. On average, an e-bike motor will last around 10,000 miles, so keeping it going as long as possible should give you a decent run. They can also run updates and diagnostics on the software.

Even though servicing your e-bike will cover all aspects of essential maintenance, it’s still a good idea to know some of the key points of maintenance that I’ve mentioned in case you do break down and you can’t get in last-minute to have it fixed.

This is because, even if you service every 6 months, riding just 11 miles each day is going to add up to over 2,000 miles in that 6 months. That means someone commuting to and from work would need to live less than 5.5 miles from their workplace and service their e-bike every 6 months to potentially avoid replacing the chain and cassette themselves.

Step 7. Understand Common E-Bike Problems

Here are some common issues that people have with their e-bikes. Having these in the back of your mind and knowing how to solve the issue will save you from a world of frustration.

Over-tightening the Bolts

I mentioned earlier that over-tightening the bolts on your e-bike can cause damage to the thread and bolt. It can also make it hard to undo them again when more maintenance is required. This is particularly an issue if you use a more powerful tightening tool at home, only to be stuck on the road with a multi-tool that can’t undo the bolts.

This is easily prevented by becoming familiar with the recommended torque to use on your e-bike’s bolts. You can then use a torque-wrench to tighten the bolt with that recommended torque. Make sure you can loosen the bolts with your multi-tool before you finish so you know you’ll be able to work on the bike when on the road as well.

A Flat Battery and Leaving the Battery In

Forgetting to charge the battery is a simple, yet very common, mistake. It is easily fixed by charging your battery after every ride. Try to get into a routine when putting your bike away.

Another common and potentially dangerous issue with the battery is leaving it in when you work on the bike. Particularly if you are working on the drivetrain, you don’t want any components to receive any power while your fingers are caught up in the chain or gears. Simply remove the battery every time you do any kind of maintenance on your e-bike.

Hanging Your Bike Upside Down

Some people might choose to store their e-bike upside down like they would with a regular bike. However, this is something that will damage the electronic console over time. Small amounts of water that is trapped within the bike can also drain into and collect within the head tube, causing it to seize up over time.

Incorrect Tire Pressure

Having the wrong tire pressure will make you work harder to pedal unnecessarily, and also cause the e-bike motor to work harder. This then drains the battery faster than normal.

This is mainly an issue for mountain bikes because some people will use them both on-road and off-road. You can find a table above that gives a rough estimate of the PSI required for each situation, but in general, rougher terrain does not require as much air in the tire.

Misaligned Sensors and Loose Cables

Whether the sensors have become dirty or misaligned, or the cable has become loose, sensors that aren’t working correctly will mean that the power assistance will also fail. To prevent this, make sure to keep all aspects of your bike clean after each use and check the cables if you suspect the power assistance is not working properly.

On a similar note, if you’ve been unplugging electronic equipment, such as removing the motor, make sure you return all the cables as you found them. What seems like a major fault in the e-bike could be a cable that was not reconnected properly. This is generally why it is recommended to leave electrical maintenance to qualified service technicians.

Stray Lubricating Oil

Getting lubricating oil on other parts of your e-bike leads to unnecessary dirt build-up, as well as serious complications. One common mistake is lubricating the chain close to the brake discs. If there is lubrication on the brake discs, they will no longer have the friction required to work and you could be in serious trouble if traveling at high speeds.

This is completely preventable by oiling your chain in the mid-section where it is free from all other components of the bike. If you do happen to get oil on the brake discs, carefully wipe this off using isopropyl alcohol until there is definitely no oil left. Then it’s a good idea to test the brakes at low speeds after that to make sure.

Parting Words

You might be mechanically-minded and can’t wait to get into your e-bike parts, or you might just want to take your bike to the service center when required. Either way, I hope this article has helped in your understanding of e-bike maintenance and how you can keep your e-bike in the best condition.