If you’re tired of commuting to work or school with an expensive car or a slow regular bicycle that leaves you sweaty by the time you get to work, you’ve probably started thinking about an electric bike. But there’s a lot to learn about electric bikes in general and you might be wondering whether commuting by electric bikes is right for you in the first place.

There are many pros and cons of commuter electric bikes that will help you decide whether or not to ride one. Overall, there are numerous advantages of commuting on an electric bike as opposed to a non-motorized, regular bicycle.

Below, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of advantages and disadvantages of riding commuter electric bikes, why they’re perfect for commuting, how far you can go, and how to find the best e-bike.

What is a Commuter E-Bike?

Generally referred to as “commuter” or “city” electric bikes, they’re designed for efficient city travel on paved roads. They typically have an upright seating position and include bike racks to help you carry your projects, books, and lunches with you.

Many commuter e-bikes can also be used for recreational rides and may have wider tires than road e-bikes to allow riding on hard-packed dirt or gravel paths.

Typically, you’ll get a throttle to help keep you up to speed in car traffic and to provide a break from pedaling, especially if you have a long commute.

Commuter E-Bikes Pros and Cons

As you’ll see, there are more pros to commuter e-bikes than cons. Yet, each one listed may be of different importance or even irrelevant to you personally.

For example, sitting upright while riding may be important to your comfort, but perhaps you don’t mind riding in the rain because you have the proper clothing and gear.

Check out this list of commuter e-bikes pros and cons to determine which ones may be to your advantage:

PROS	CONS
Upright riding position	Having to ride in bad weather
Pedal assist	Much slower than a motorized vehicle
Get to work or school fast	Increased worry over theft
Cheaper to buy than a car	Costs more than a conventional bike
Cheaper to maintain than a car	Costs more to maintain than a normal bike
Ride long commutes	Worry over losing battery charge
Easy to park downtown	May not be allowed to bring it into your work or school
Easy to climb hills	May be too heavy to lift onto a bus or up a set of stairs.
Carries your stuff for you
Exercise is easier
Decreases sweat
Eco-friendly
Charge your mobile phone
Fun to ride

Pros of Electric Commuter Bikes

• Upright Riding position
  
  Sitting upright with high handlebars on your e-bike is more helpful when you are riding in traffic or through busy intersections. Not only is it important for safety to see potential dangers but most riders will agree that it’s more comfortable, especially for long rides such as commuting 10 miles or more to work.
  
• Pedal assist
  
  This is one of the biggest advantages of commuting on an electric bike. Not only does motorized pedal assist make it easier to ride in general, it can minimize exhaustion on long commutes.
  
  Although many city e-bikes have multiple levels of pedal assistance, some only come with a single speed and max out at 15mph. So, it’s important to make this distinction when buying one.
  
• Get to work or school fast
  
  The average electric bike, whether it’s a commuter e-bike or not, stops providing motorized assistance at 20mph. However, continuing to pedal, especially downhill, can get your speed up to 28mph on most bikes.
  
  The throttle, however, can also help boost your speed to get you moving quickly. Not all e-bikes come with a throttle (read about adding one here), but I personally recommend one, especially when you’ll be riding in traffic.
  
• Cheaper to buy than a car
  
  Generally speaking, you can get commuter electric bikes for thousands less than a car (unless you buy a $2000 clunker that you’ll have to spend lots of money to repair).
  
  You’ll probably spend between $800 and $3000 on a commuter bike. If you ride long commutes every day, you’ll want to consider electric bikes that cost $1500-$2500, as this is the range where you can get good quality and the best value for your money.
  
• Cheaper to maintain than a car
  
  You can get routine maintenance once or twice a year on your electric bike for an average of $100, give or take depending on where you live. That may seem pricey when comparing it to giving your car a basic oil change. But when doesn’t your car need other work done such as a tire rotation and air filter?
  
  Plus, the big one… gas! You can easily spend more on gas in a month than on maintaining your e-bike.
  
• You can ride long commutes
  
  Thanks to very efficient lithium-ion batteries, you can go 20 to 50 miles on most commuter e-bikes. This is a huge pro to commuters who would otherwise only be able to ride 5 miles without getting tired.
  
  And, if you have an e-bike that only has a 20-mile range per battery charge, then you can simply charge it while at work or school for the ride home. Make sure to calculate how far you need to ride each day and know how far your bike’s battery can go on a single charge.
  
• Easy to park in downtown or congested areas
  
  You won’t have to drive around the block four times to find a space that, just maybe, your car can fit in. Nor will you need to worry about parking fees!
  
  Most buildings have bicycle parking right in front, so you won’t even have to walk far to get to where you’re going.
  
• Easy to climb hills
  
  One of the most stressul things about commuting to work on a standard bike just might be struggling to get up a hill, especially at the end of the day when you’re tired and just want to be home relaxing on your sofa.
  
  With electric bikes, you won’t have to suffer through this. Just increase the pedal assist level so that you need to put in less pedaling effort or get a boost uphill with the throttle.
  
• Carries your belongings
  
  Bring along your books, bridefcase, lunch bag, files, projects and whatever you need on a rear rack. You won’t need to accomodate these items in a backpack that swings wildly as you turn the corner and makes you lose balance.
  
• Exercise is easier
  
  Yes, exercise CAN be easier on a comfortable commuter electric bike, if that’s what you desire. And, certainly, if you’re riding 10 miles to school every day, you’re getting exercise as long as you pedal. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Yet, you can always put in more effort when you have the energy.
  
• Decreases sweat
  
  You can easily ride 20 miles to the office on your electric commuter bike without working up a sweat. If you ride this far on a standard bicycle, your work clothes will most likely be sweaty by the time you get there! Or you’ll end up sitting right next to another student in college class not smelling too pretty.
  
• Eco-friendly
  
  As an added bonus to all of these other benefits of riding a commuter e-bike, you’ll know that you’re protecting the environment from harmful emissions that automobiles put into the environment.
  
  You don’t need gas or other toxic substances to make it run! It charges with one simple plug just like your phone or laptop.
  
• Charge your mobile phone
  
  Speaking of phones, many electric bikes have an outlet that lets you charge your phone. If this is important to you, find out whether the electric bikes you’re interested in have this option and where its located on the bike.
  
• Fun to ride
  
  Because it’s so easy and fun to ride, there’s a good chance you’ll be out riding just for fun on the weekends or holidays. Find a nice path to ride on where you can test out the maximum speed of your commuter bicycle and let it rip!

Cons of Electric Commuter Bikes

• Riding in bad weather
  
  It’s no fun riding an electric bike in bad weather. But on an electric bike, you’ll be riding even faster. This means that you’ll get more rain, snow, wind, or sleet in your face and pummeling your body than on a regular bike.
  
  Of course, if you have the proper clothing and bicycle gear, you might just see this as a challenge.
  
• Much slower than a motorized vehicle
  
  Although an electric bike is much faster than a standard bicycle, a car, motorcycle, or bus is still much faster. If you don’t have the patience or desire to commute to work, even on an e-bike, then this could be a big con.
  
• Increased worry over theft
  
  Another disadvantage to any kind of electric bike is that it tends to be worth more than a non-motorized bike. So, not only is it more enticing for thieves, but it’s a bigger loss for you if your bike is stolen.
  
• Costs more than a standard bike
  
  So you’re likely to spend hundreds of dollars more to buy an e-bike than you would with a typical bike if not thousands more. But, this isn’t really a big disadvantage if you’re comparing the overall costs of owning an e-bike with that of driving a car.
  
• Costs more to maintain than a normal bike
  
  Yes, it will cost more to maintain an electric bike because it requires special maintenance and care for the electric motor, battery, and controller. But the good news here is that if you take proper care of these components, then they shouldn’t cause too much trouble.
  
• Worry over losing the battery charge
  
  There’s nothing worse than getting stranded halfway to your destination because your battery has lost its charge. Granted, if you were riding a standard bike, you wouldn’t have to deal with this… but you also wouldn’t have made it as far in the first place.
  
  Further, you can prevent this by knowing your battery range and the number of miles you need to ride.
  
• May not be allowed to bring it into work or school
  
  Not every employer or teacher will be happy to have your commuter e-bike indoors. So, ask first and perhaps offer them a ride if they cooperate!
  
• May be too heavy to lift onto a bus or up a flight of stairs
  
  E-bikes are quite a bit heavier than traditional bikes due to the electric motor, battery, and heavy frame that supports the electric components. Check out this article if you’re concerned about weight.
  
  

Are E-Bikes Good For Commuting?

E-bikes are excellent for commuting to work or school, no to mention that they’ll reduce your carbon footprint! There are many advantages of riding an electric bike instead of a standard bike or as an alternative to driving a car, with only a couple of potential disadvantages.

Advantages of Commuting on an E-Bike

An electric bike will save you time every day by getting you to work faster, avoiding traffic, and allowing you to park quickly. Plus, it can significantly reduce the amount of sweat, saving you time by not having to shower or change clothes, either at work or after you get home. So, you can wake up later and enjoy more time at home doing something you love.

Besides saving you time, your commute will be easier and less stressful. With pedal assist, multiple gear shifts, and/or using the throttle, you won’t have to worry about climbing hills or getting too tired. In fact, if you didn’t sleep well the night before or don’t feel your best, then you can complete your commute with almost no exertion (just make sure your lithium-ion battery is fully charged).

Overall, riding a commuter e-bike isn’t much different than a traditional bicycle. So, if you know how to ride a bike, you can ride an electric bike.

Further, riding an e-bike may actually be safer than riding a traditional bike. The ability to go faster can keep you with the flow of traffic in the city and give you a boost when you need to get out of a dangerous situation (such as while crossing the street with a car rapidly approaching).

Disadvantages of Commuting on an E-Bike

The primary problem with being an e-bike commuter is the value of the bike. Because it’s more expensive than a standard bike, and more desirable to thieves, protecting it is of primary importance.

Fortunately, there are two ways to keep it safe:

• Multiple bike locks
• Electric bike insurance

With a serious lock strategy, theft can be reduced significantly. By using more than one super tough lock, a thief will want to avoid stealing your e-bike… they’ll just look for another one that’s easily accessible.

I’d recommend checking out the Hiplock wearable chain lock and the Kryptonite U Bike Lock on Amazon.

And, if you’re still not convinced that locks will keep it safe, find out about GPS location trackers or buy electric bike insurance. Read my article on electric bike insurance before you assume your homeowner’s policy will cover it (it probably won’t).

10 Tips on Preventing E-Bike Theft

Types of Electric Bikes Good for Commuting

A bike doesn’t have to be called a “commuter e-bike” to work well for commuting. It may also be called a city e-bike, folding e-bike, or cargo e-bike. Finally, commuter hybrid electric bikes may be a combination of any of these as well as have additional features of other types of electric bikes.

Basically, if it has a powerful mid-drive or rear wheel hub motor, long-range battery, and a cargo rack, then commuters can use it. But there may be one style that meets your needs better than another.

Typically, there are four types of electric bikes that are good for commuters:

1. Commuter or City E-Bike
   
   Designed for city riding, these bikes will have a comfortable upright seating position and a rack to carry everything you’ll need for the day.
   
   Fastest Commuter E-Bike: Ride1Up 700 Series
   
   This commuter bike speeds you through the city at up to 28 mph with a powerful 750W motor and up to 50-mile range!
   
2. Folding Electric Bike
   
   Many city e-bikes are also foldable. Folding electric bikes will make it easier to take on a train, bus, or up flights of stairs.
   
   Versatile Folding E-Bike: Blix Vika+ Flex
   
   With a range of up to 45 miles and a smaller folding frame, it’s perfect for city commuters. Plus, with the ability to step through the frame, it’s easy to get on and off at a moment’s notice.
   
3. Electric Cargo Bike
   
   A cargo e-bike typically has one or more storage options for transporting goods.
   
   Favorite Cargo E-Bike: RadRunner Electric Utility
   
   This Rad Power Bike is a favorite with a powerful 750W hub motor and multiple cargo options. It even turns into a hop-on passenger e-bike as well. I also love this one because it fits riders from 4’11” to 6’2″, so almost anyone can ride it!
   
   Note that Rad Power Bikes is the largest USA brand of electric bikes.
   
4. Hybrid
   
   Best Value Hybrid Electric Bike: Lectric XP
   
   With this e-bike, you’ll get the best of everything: A folding frame, capable 500W motor, low-step entry, 3″ wide tires, and up to a 45-mile range. Plus, it’s under $1000!

How Far Can You Commute on an E-Bike?

You can commute as far as your e-bike’s battery range will allow. Typically, most lithium-ion batteries have a range of 20-50 miles. A battery with a 20-mile range will let you ride 10 miles to work and 10 miles back home on a single charge.

However, you can ride further than your e-bike battery allows on a single charge by riding one way, recharging it, and then riding home. This is easy to do as long as you have a safe place to plug in your charger while you work (and as long as you don’t forget to bring the charger).

One other important consideration as to how far you can commute on your e-bike is your riding style. If you use only the lowest pedal assist level and pedal consistently, your battery will last much longer than if you ride on higher levels and/or use the throttle quite a bit.

So, just make sure you test out the type of riding you’ll do close to home so that you can determine whether you’ll make it work on a single charge.

Conclusion

Riding to work on a regular bike can be time-consuming and exhausting. But riding an electric bike can make it fast, easy, and even fun.

Even though there are many more commuter e-bike pros than cons, there are a few things you need to know to help you decide whether commuting on an electric bike will work for you.

No matter whether you need to replace an old electric bike tire, are doing an e-bike conversion, or need help buying an e-bike with the right tires for your riding style, deciding on the ones that’ll be best for you should be a top priority.

Getting the best electric bike tires for you depends primarily on where you ride, how fast you ride, and your general riding style, in addition to the weight of the e-bike.

Additionally, the best e-bike tires can withstand the bike’s extra weight and the greater force on the tires themselves during braking or accelerating.

Below is a list I put together to help you choose the type of e-bike tire that may be best for you. Take a look at the tire sizes and what terrain they’re generally good for… then continue reading to find out what tire and wheel size you need and how to choose the best tire in just 3 steps.

I’ll help you decide which tire will work best for you so that you’ll have an easier time buying the perfect tire or e-bike with the right tires.

Electric Bike Tire	Off-Road	Paved Road	Foldable E-Bike Tire	Fat Tire	Wheel Size	Tire Size
Schwalbe Nobby Nic Addix	X	X			27.5 inch	2.6 inch
Kenda K-Rad 3.3	X	X		X	26 inch	3.3 inch
Mongoose Fat Tire	X		X	X	20 inch	4 inch
CST Big Boat Tire	X	X	X		20 inch	3 inch
Kenda K-Rad 2.3		X			26 inch	2.3 inch
Duro California Fat Tire	X	X			26 inch	3 inch
Kenda Crusade	X	X		X	20 inch	4 inch

Do E-Bikes Need Special Tires? Really?

Electric bikes require tires that are durable enough to support the extra weight of a larger frame, battery, and additional electric equipment, such as the motor and controller.

Although Europe requires electric bicycle tires to be certified, the United States does not. Rather, the differences in U.S. e-bike tires are entirely the choice of the manufacturers and USA brands.

E-bike tires may even be different among the models of the same brand. So, although an electric bike may have special tires to accommodate its weight, it might also have the same tires you can find on any bike, at least in the USA.

Still, reputable brands understand the need for tire durability and use tires that allow for the correct tire pressure to maintain stability and traction.

However, if you’re choosing the best tire for your situation, it’s important to consider the type of tire that’ll work well before you purchase an e-bike, replace worn-out tires , stock up on tire inner tubes, or buy new tires for an electric bike conversion. After all, you’re likely to ride harder and go farther on your electric bike thanks to pedal assist and how it works.

A good tire also impacts tire puncture protection, flat tires, and how long your tire will last (along with correct tire pressure).

E-Bike Tire Size vs Wheel Size

When considering what electric bike tires are the best, you need to understand the importance of tire size versus wheel size. Much of an e-bike’s performance is dependent upon the size of both the tire and the wheel.

Here are some common wheel sizes and tire widths for electric bikes as well as the e-bike brands and models that use them:

Approximate Wheel Size vs Tire Width	700c	1.95″-2.2″	2.3″-2.4″	3.0″	4.0″ (Fat Tire)
12-16 inch		Qualisports Nemo	Check on Amazon
20 inch		E-Joe XV		RadExpand LectricXP	Emojo Lynx Pro Green Bike
26 inch		Ecotric Seagull	RadCity		RadRoverPlus
27-28 inch	Ride1Up Roadster Charge City	RadMission Ride1up Core	Ride1Up LMTD
29 inch		Charge XC

As you can see, many electric bikes come with somewhat wider tires to support the weight of the components. E-Bikes with wider tires are generally better for riding on dirt or sandy trails while also riding smoothly on the road.

Electric Bicycle Tire Size

Tire size is determined by the width of the tire. In turn, tire width has much to do with the type of electric bike the tires are on and the terrain on which you’ll be riding.

A wider tire will help your e-bike ride comfortably on a greater variety of terrain, while a thinner tire will make your electric bike ride smoother and more efficiently on the road.

Electric Bike Wheel Size

Wheel size is all about the diameter of the wheel. Electric bike wheels can range from 12 inches to 29 inches in diameter, which is quite a huge difference.

Foldable e-bikes used for commuting often have very small 12″ to 20″ wheels. The wheel size is small so that you can easily fold up and carry your e-bike up a flight of stairs, or on a train or city bus.

The largest wheels are typically found on bikes that are ridden for sport (such as an electric mountain bike) and racing or riding long distances (such as an electric road bike). You’ll also find cargo e-bikes (to carry children, dogs or cats, and goods), electric trikes (with 3 wheels), and some of the biggest fat tire e-bikes in this wheel size category.

3 Steps to Choosing the Best E-Bike Tire for Me

It’s much easier to choose the best e-bike tires if you know how and where you plan on riding. Complete these steps to help you find the best electric bicycle tire for your situation by answering each question:

Step 1- Will you be riding on paved roads or off-road? Or both?

Decide on what type of riding you’ll be doing most often. If you’ll be riding off-road in the dirt, gravel, snow, or sand, then you’ll want a tire that has at least a 20-inch wheel with a tire width of 2.6 or more. And, if this is your primary type of riding, you may want a 26″ or larger wheel with a much fatter tire.

If you’ll only be riding on paved roads or bike trails, a thin tire will provide the best performance as far as speed and efficiency go.

However, if you expect to find yourself riding on both paved trails and rougher terrain, then you’ll want a tire that is wide enough to help you get over the bumps and loose ground safely and comfortably, while still providing a relatively efficient ride on the road.

Finally, if you only plan to ride in the city or on your daily e-bike commute to school, you can choose any wheel size. But a folding e-bike with smaller 12-inch to 20-inch wheels will make it easier for you to carry it on public transportation or store it at work for the day.

Step 2- Will you need to transport your e-bike to trailheads or for traveling?

If your answer is “yes”, consider doing one of two things:

1. Get an electric folding bicycle with a smaller 20″ wheel so that you can toss it in the back of your car for traveling. I wouldn’t go any smaller than a 20″ wheel, however, if you plan to ride on off-road terrain or non-paved trails.
2. Or, if you’d prefer a larger wheel and fatter tire, be prepared to spend additional money on a bike rack that’ll support the weight and size of an electric bicycle (check out this one on Amazon). You won’t be able to use a standard bike rack.

Step 3- How much are you able or willing to spend?

Now that you have an idea of what size tire and wheel will work best for you, you can start searching for a tire. Higher quality tires will cost more but may be worth it if you ride long distances.

And, if you’re planning on buying a new e-bike with your choice of tires, then this is a good time to check your budget.

In general, fat tire e-bikes, electric cargo bikes, and electric mountain bikes will be somewhat more expensive than smaller tire foldable or commuter e-bikes due to added features such as wider tires or bike racks. And getting a good tire with puncture protection is a must.

If you’re looking to buy an electric bike under $2000, these brands will give you some great options with different-sized wheels and tires:

RadPowerBikes

Ride1Up

Aventon

 

Want to find an e-bike under $1000? Look here:

Lectric Bikes

Electric Bikes on Amazon (affiliate)

 

Are Fat Tires Better for E-Bikes?

Using a fat tire on your electric bike is a good idea if you plan on riding off-road and you aren’t worried about having to lift, maneuver, or store your bike in a small space.

A fat tire e-bike will give you better traction on all surfaces because they’re super wide and have more contact with the ground. It’ll also ve much more comfortable to ride when going over bumps or uneven ground.

But you’d probably rather have a smaller, lighter tire if you’ll only ride on the pavement or if you have a foldable e-bike... It’ll be much easier to manage with a smaller-width tire.

Further, if you get a poor quality fat tire as opposed to a high-quality e-bike tire, then there will be little advantage to having a fat tire just for the sake of it.

Find out all of the advantages and disadvantages of fat tires!

 

Can You Put Bigger Tires on Your E-Bike?

For starters, this depends on whether you want to put on bigger (and taller) tires or tires of a different width.

If you plan on substituting tires that are larger in diameter, then you’ll also need to put on larger rims. But if you just want wider tires, then your current rims should work well.

As discussed in this article earlier, you’ll also want to consider the type of riding you’ll be doing the most. Getting a wider tire with the same wheel diameter will help you traverse rougher terrain (as long as your wheel size is a minimum of 20″).

Or, you might prefer narrower tires if you’ll be sticking to the road and have a folding e-bike.

So, in general, you can put bigger tires on your e-bike but you should check with the manufacturer to make sure you’re getting a compatible size.

Conclusion

Now that you’ve learned how to choose an electric bike tire (and in just 3 steps), you should consider your ultimate purpose for riding an electric bike.

Knowing how you want to ride and where you want to ride will help you decide on the right tires, whether you’re replacing worn-out tires or buying a new e-bike.

Remember, you’ll be choosing the best tires for your situation, not just good-quality tires.

Electric bicycles are rapidly becoming more popular and widespread in the modern world. As more people invest in e-bikes, the technology advances, and the variety of products available widens.

The wide variety of electric bike equipment on the market has led many to wonder about a particular component, the dual mode controller. What are these controllers and do you need one?

Dual mode e-bike controllers receive signals from both Hall sensors and non-Hall sensors. An e-bike dual mode controller typically continues to sense motor rotation even if the non-Hall sensors fail. Thus, the motor will continue to work unlike it would with a single mode controller.

There are several types of e-bike controllers, and one that has generated much talk is the dual mode controller. There is little comprehensive information available about this piece of e-bike hardware, so it’s time to shed some light on the subject.

Continue reading and I’ll help you learn what a dual mode electric bike controller is and whether or not you need one.

What Is A Dual Mode E-Bike Controller?

In the world of electric bicycles, there are generally two types of controllers that govern all the electric components, including the motor. One of the most popular is a relatively new type of electric bike controller known as a dual mode.

A dual mode electric bike controller is one that is able to function well for motors with and without Hall sensors. If a controller is not dual mode capable, it will only function well with or without a Hall sensor, respectively. 

This is a critical feature for a modern electric bike controller. If an electric bike motor is equipped with a Hall sensor, as most brushless dc motors are, and the controller that’s installed onto the e-bike requires these sensors to work, then the motor will fail if the sensor signals fail. This is very likely to happen in due course.

Inversely, if the motor in the e-bike is designed without a Hall sensor, as most brush motors are, it’ll be quite different. If the controller requires a replacement, and a motor that requires a Hall sensor is installed, the controller will not function to control the motor at all.

Specifically, a dual mode controller is one that’ll function well for both types of electric bike motors, whether they are equipped with Hall sensor drive or not.

Having one on your e-bike is ideal if your e-bike has a motor with a Hall effect sensor, as these sensors are very sensitive and likely to break or fail. In case of failure, the controller will then continue to function and effectively control the motor.

If you’re doing an electric bike conversion, your best bet is to build your bike with a motor with Hall sensors and add a controller that is compatible.

Take a look at full conversion kits with dual mode controllers on Amazon.

What Is The Hall Effect?

The Hall effect is often spoken of with regards to e-bike brushless dc motors and we understand that is an important factor to consider. But few of us fully understand it and why it’s important for e-bikes.

The Hall effect is essentially how an electric current affects a magnetic field. Measuring this effect is an excellent way to detect discrepancies within an electrical current and is a highly effective means of detecting and correcting changes within the source of an electric current.

This is, of course, a very over-simplified explanation, but it serves to answer the question as the Hall effect relates to electric bicycles.

Why Is The Hall Effect Important for Electric Bikes?

The Hall effect is important because it is a very effective means of measuring the position of the brushless motor so that the electric bike controller can effectively make adjustments in power at the perfect moment to fully utilize the capabilities of the electric motor.

Hall effect sensors are very small and can fit well within even the smallest e-bike motors. Using these sensors to accurately detect the position of the motor at any given moment is the most efficient way of using the energy that the motor has available.

This efficient use of energy prolongs the expected lifespan of the motor, extends battery life by lowering battery consumption, and provides more power from the motor, as the motor can be used to its full capacity without the unnecessary loss of power.

Hall effect sensors make use of magnets to detect changes in the electrical current passing through the motor and transmit that information to the electric bike controller. It can then make the appropriate adjustments to how the motor is running in order to coax maximum efficiency from the motor.

For this reason, the Hall effect is very important for electric bicycles. Without using this method of electrical detection, e-bikes would not be as fast, powerful, or efficient as they are today.

Do All E-Bike Controllers Have Hall Sensors?

Hall sensors are an important innovation in electric bicycle technology. These sensors have allowed electric bike motors to be more effectively utilized and have made e-bikes more powerful and useable as a result. But do they all have these sensors?

Not all e-bike controllers are equipped with the ability to receive information from a Hall sensor, and not all e-bike motors are equipped with them. Modern brushless electric motors used in e-bikes usually have a Hall sensor while standard brush motors don’t. 

Using this type of sensor in electric bike drive systems has not always been the standard. Before these sensors were used, there were other, more ineffective methods of regulating power to the motor and controlling how well it is used. But none of them were as accurate as Hall effect sensors.

Some e-bikes are not equipped with these sensors simply because they aren’t necessary. Many pedal-assist electric bikes don’t require such sophisticated motor management control and so only have a non Hall sensor.

However, the ones that are equipped with both sensors are far more efficient, powerful, and effective than those without.

Learn more about how to add an electric bike controller!

Why Is Dual Mode Necessary For Electric Bike Controllers?

Dual mode controllers are optional for e-bikes, and not always a requirement. Why are these controllers necessary for some electric bicycles and not for others, and what makes them so important?

Dual mode is a name that describes an e-bike controllers’ ability to function with or without a Hall sensor drive to manage the efficiency of the electric motor within the e-bike. This is necessary in case the sensors in a motor fail and provide an electric bike controller that is somewhat universal.

The ability of an e-bike controller to function well for controlling the motor is essential for the operation of the electrical components of the bike. If an electric bike is equipped with a Hall sensor, and those sensors fail, a standard controller will also fail.

However, if the same e-bike is equipped with a dual mode controller and the Hall sensor fails, the controller will continue to function. The functionality of the controller will be somewhat limited, and the system won’t be as efficient, but the e-bike will continue to function without grinding to a halt.

Check out the cost of e-bike controllers on Amazon

These types of motors are necessary to maintain the function of an e-bike that is equipped with Hall effect sensors in the event that the sensors fail. These sensors are known to be fragile and likely to break over time, even with minor accidents or bumps.

If the controller was affected by this, the electric bike wouldn’t function.

The other important reason why dual mode e-bike controllers are necessary is that they unlock the full potential of the motor and electrical system. 

Without this type of controller, any sophisticated e-bike will have diminished performance and power capabilities.

How Do Hall Effect Sensors Break?

Hall effect sensors are known to fail. This is why dual mode controllers exist… but what causes this type of sensor to fail so readily?

These sensors are nothing but small magnets that are connected to an electrical circuit. They’re effective because they are delicate. If they were more robust, they wouldn’t be as effective for detecting discrepancies in the electrical currents from the motor.

The delicate nature of Hall effect sensors means that they can be caused to fail by too much jostling, by an electrical surge, or even by wear and tear.

This means that they’re also likely to break far more quickly than other components in an electric bicycle’s electronic system. A large bump or a small accident is likely to cause damage to a Hall sensor signals.

The same is true for a power surge from improperly disconnecting a battery or even from overcharging a battery. These sensors also simply wear out over time.

For these reasons, it’s essential that electric bikes with Hall effect sensors are equipped with dual mode controllers so that the bike will still function when the sensors fail.

Find out how to test an electric bike controller (and how long they should last)!

Hall Effect Vs. Non-Hall Effect Motors

When discussing dual mode electric bike controllers and what they are good for, it’s important to understand the motors that this type of controller is intended to function with. At the end of it, a dual mode electric bike controller is intended to function well with motors that make use of Hall sensor signals.

Motors that are equipped with a hall sensor drive can very accurately detect the position of the motor and send information to the controller. Non-Hall sensor motors do not have these sensors, and so they are not as controllable.

Hall Effect Motors

The dual mode electric bike controller is designed to function with hall sensing motors. These controllers are more sophisticated and offer a greater level of control over the more sophisticated motor.

Motors without hall effect sensors only require the use of single mode controllers. These motors cannot be controlled to the same degree that motors with Hall effect sensors can.

The dual mode controllers that are typically used in conjunction with motors that are equipped with Hall effect sensors have the ability to control the motor even if the sensor signals fail.

This is important because motors that are equipped with these sensors are likely to have component failure at some point in their working lifespan. This is the biggest drawback to using this type of motor. 

Non-Hall Effect Motors

Motors without Hall effect sensors are very unlikely to experience component failure unless the motor is damaged. For this reason, these motors can use more standard and less sophisticated controllers.

Bicycle motors that are not equipped with Hall effect sensors are less controllable, as there are fewer methods of controlling the motor due to the lack of measurements taken from the motor to send to the electric bike controller.

This means that these motors are far less powerful, far less efficient, and far less useful than motors that are equipped with Hall effect sensors.

However, the less sophisticated motors are often far more reliable and far more robust. These motors are less likely to sustain damage and thus are very well suited for more rugged or off-road electric bicycles, such as electric mountain bikes and fat tire e-bikes.

Overall, motors with Hall effect sensors are much more powerful, much more useful, and far more efficient than motors without these sensors. This is simply because there is more information sent to the electric bike controller, allowing it to more accurately use the capabilities of the motor, making adjustments as the motor runs.

Dual Mode Vs. Single Mode Electric Bike Controllers: Pros And Cons

Dual mode controllers can be used on motors that are equipped with a hall sensor and those without. These motors are versatile, and they are far more accurate controllers, but there are some drawbacks to using this type of controller.

Single mode controllers are another option. These are less sophisticated, but they have some advantages that dual mode controllers don’t.

You should understand these advantages and disadvantages before doing an e-bike conversion so that you purchase the correct parts. You can find out more in my article about conversion kits.

Let’s compare both types of motors and weigh their pros and cons against one another in order to better understand which is the best motor in which circumstances.

Dual Mode E-Bike Controllers: Pros

Some pros of dual mode controllers (check them out on Amazon) include:

• They better utilize electric motors.
• They are better controllers.
• They can be used for almost any motor.
• They are very versatile.
• They function if a Hall sensor fails.

Dual Mode E-Bike Controllers: Cons

Some cons include:

• They are expensive.
• They are difficult to install.
• They are delicate.
• They have more components that are likely to fail than less sophisticated controllers.

Single Mode Electric Bike Controllers: Pros

Some pros of single mode controllers (check them out on Amazon) include:

• Single mode controllers are simple to use and easy to install.
• They are very robust.
• They can be used on any motor, as long as the correct controller for the motor is used.
• Single mode controllers are affordable.

Single Mode Electric Bike Controllers: Cons

Some cons of single mode controllers include:

• They will not function if a Hall sensor fails.
• They don’t fully utilize electric motors.
• They offer less control.
• Not just any single mode controller can be used with an electric motor.

Conclusion

At the end of it, dual mode controllers are the best type of electric bicycle motor controllers for those who want to get the most from their e-bike.

They are sophisticated and difficult to install, but if you use a brushless motor with a Hall sensor on your e-bike, there is no other motor that will offer more control, performance, or efficiency.

This type of controller will also allow the motor to continue to function if the sensors fail, rather than causing the motor itself to stop functioning.

These controllers are generally the best option for all electric bike enthusiasts.

Are the best e-bikes for young adults the ones that are the fastest? Or ones that are foldable or easy to lift? Or is it a reasonable price that makes an electric bike the best one?

When you’re an adult in your 20s or 30s, the best electric bike is typically one that is:

• good for city commuting
• rideable on dirt and pavement
• powerful and fast
• priced on the low end of good quality bikes ($900-$1999) 

Because your lifestyle can change a lot during these years, you may start to think you need a new e-bike that better suits your needs within 1-3 years after buying your first one.  So, you don’t want to spend too much money on the first one. But you also want to make sure you find one that’ll meet your needs for as long as possible.

Here’s a list of the best electric bikes that meet those criteria no matter whether you’re a 20-year-old young adult in college or a 30-year-old just out to have fun:

Best E-Bikes for Adults in their 20’s and 30’s	Best for City or Trail Riding	Foldable	Motor Power	Tires (Wheel Size vs Tire Width)	Approximate Price
RadExpand	BOTH	YES	750W Hub	20”x4.0”	$1599
RadRunner	BOTH	NO	750W Hub	20”x3.3”	$1499+
Ride1Up LMT’D	CITY	NO	750W Hub	27.5″ X 2.4″	$1895
Lectric XP	BOTH	YES	500W Hub	20”x3.0”	$999+
Schwinn Marshall	CITY	NO	250W Hub	27.5”x2.3”	$1599
Ecotric Leopard Electric Mountain Bike	TRAIL	NO	500W Hub	26”x2.35”	$1029
Magicycle Cruiser Fat Tire	TRAIL	NO	750W Hub	26”x4” (Fat Tire)	$1999+
Ecotric Fat Tire Folding E-bike	BOTH	YES	500W Hub	20”x4” (Fat Tire)	$889
RadRover Plus	BOTH	NO	750W Hub	26”x4” (Fat Tire)	$1999

It’s a good idea to look into your future for 3 years or so to determine what will meet your needs until then, so you’re not throwing down money on another new pedal assist electric bike in that short time.

Continue reading and I’ll help you determine which is the right bike for a rider who’s your age and has your ever-changing lifestyle.

What are the Most Popular Electric Bikes for Adults in Their 20s and 30s?

The most popular electric bikes for adults in their 20s and 30s are those that do one of two things:

1. Help with the commute or getting around town
2. Offer great trail riding capabilities and ride well on most terrains

These sound like two completely different types of bikes… basically, one that rides on pavement and one that rides on dirt or sand.

But the truth is, the most popular electric bike for a 20-year-old or 30-year-old is a hybrid. A hybrid electric bike can ride smoothly on the road and tackle dirt trails, which is why it’s in demand.

This type of electric bike is best for younger adults who want a little of everything and don’t want to worry about where they might ride next.

Because hybrids generally have wider tires, they can ride over rougher terrain than any electric road bike or electric commuter bike. However, you’ll want to consider the best tire pressure for the type of riding you’ll be doing that day (lowering the tire pressure for rougher terrain and loose ground).

Plus, there are a lot of different features on various hybrid e-bike models, giving you the flexibility to choose the right ones for your age and lifestyle. So there’s bound to be one that’s a perfect fit!

Read how hybrid e-bikes are different from electric road bikes

What are the Best Hybrid Electric Bikes for Adults?

One of the most popular electric bike brands, Rad Power Bikes, also has some of the best hybrid electric bikes for adults. They can cover both your off-road and cargo needs, such as for carrying a surfboard.

Check them out.

RadExpand E-Bike

The most notable thing about the RadExpand folding electric bike is its 4.0” wide tires with 20” wheels.

These tires will get you over most terrains easily but also allow you to ride on paved roads. And with a 750W geared hub motor, twist throttle, and powerful 48V, 14Ah battery pack, it’s got plenty of power to help you fly up hills!

It comes standard with front and rear lights, mechanical disc brakes, a nice LCD display, and five levels of pedal assist.

For these reasons, it’s probably the best electric folding bike there is that’s affordable (I still ride its predecessor the RadMini).

Plus at a starting price of $1599, every young adult can aspire to have one!

Read my full Rad Power electric folding bikes review

RadRunner

Designed as a step-thru electric cargo bike, this one is really so much more. With its 300lb payload capacity and 3.3” wide tires, it can haul what you need it to all while crossing loose terrain and jamming up hills!

I love the idea of this electric utility bike for people in their twenties and thirties because it can provide what you need now and what you might need later. For instance, you can store your groceries on a front or rear rack but easily add a child seat later!

And because it’s powerful on the road and in the dirt, moving to a rural area from a city (or vice versa) won’t be a problem.

Best of all, it’s on the lower end of the price range, costing around $1499 (you may spend extra cash on the numerous upgrades offered, however).

What Type of Electric Bike is Best for Adults in Their 20s and 30s?

As discussed above, hybrid electric bikes are popular among the younger adult crowd because of their ability to do it all… on-road and off-road.

But, ultimately, the type of e-bike that’s best is the one that fits your riding style, riding schedule, and needs. Thus, you may be more focused on getting an electric bike so you can commute inexpensively or riding one just for fun, cycling exercise, and sport trail riding.

What electric bike is best for commuting?

In your 20s or 30s, your primary goal may be to get an electric bicycle for commuting to school or work or just to get around town. In this case, then getting one that’s a smooth ride on pavement and is easy to lift and maneuver is essential. 

A foldable commuter electric bicycle is the best solution if you’ll need to travel partway on a bus or to store it while you work for the day.

Ride1Up LMT’D

The LMT’D is a high-quality city bike that’s both affordable and reliable. It’s perfect for commuting to school or work as well as riding for recreation. Although it’s geared toward city riding, you’ll be able to ride a little on hard-packed dirt or gravel when needed.

What’s really cool about it is that it is a Class 3 e-bike! This means that the motor will assist you up to 28 mph (instead of the typical 20 mph for most other models). In fact, all Ride1up e-bikes are Class 3 and the company designs them primarily for city and utility riding.

Plus, the LMT’D has a 750W motor with 100nm of torque and weighs in at only 53 lbs, which is quite a bit lighter than many models. Essentially, this is a powerhouse and gives you great value and high quality to take you through your 20s and 30s.

Be sure to check out the LMT’D!

Find out more about Ride1Up here!

Lectric XP

Priced starting at only $999, this foldable electric hybrid bike will get you to work or the grocery store quickly! And because it folds up, and has smaller 20” wheels, you can take it on a train or bus as needed or even put it in the back of an SUV or large hatchback if you need a ride home.

But, even though the wheels aren’t full size, they’re plenty capable of riding on the road as well as through puddles or areas of loose dirt or sand. This is thanks to their 3” wide tires made to traverse different terrains.

You should know that it weighs 64 lbs, so make sure you’re capable of folding and lifting it when needed.

For comparison’s sake, I’m under 5’2” tall and my e-bike weighs 68lbs, which is almost two-thirds of my body weight. So I need help lifting it, even though it’s foldable!

If you’re a smaller sized adult (like me!), check out my electric bike recommendations here

Schwinn Marshall

Alternatively, an electric city bike is another perfect option. It’s made just for commuting and riding around town, so it’s easy to manage and ride.

The Marshall is a 250 W geared hub motor city e-bike with a range of up to 35 miles, so you should never lose your battery charge riding around town. Plus, the 27.5” wheels and 2.3” wide tires make it the best for riding on paved roads.

So if you’re not concerned about riding on non-paved terrain, then you can ride quickly and easily to your destination. 

Schwinn Bikes is one of the old and trusted brands that has recently made its way into electric bike production. So you’re in good hands with this pedal assist electric bike which costs around $1500!

What electric bike is best for trail riding?

If, on the other hand, you’re an adventurous 20 or 30-year-old who’s all about riding for sport and having fun, an eMTB (electric mountain bike) or a fat tire e-bike are the top choices.

Ecotric Leopard Electric Mountain Bike

Only the best electric mountain bike will get you over steep hills and tight switchbacks. So if this is your thing, as it is for many adventurous riders in their 20s, the Ecotric eMTB is the best affordable choice at just over $1000!

And with its front fork suspension, it provides for a comfortable ride with good shock absorption for going over bumpy terrain and rocks!

What’s more Ecotric is proud to tell everyone that they’re UL Certified. This means that they’re dedicated to personal safety and good quality. This is important because their pedal assist electric bikes are very well-priced but the quality is still assured.

Magicycle Cruiser Fat Tire

This incredibly cool fat tire e-bike can take you over any terrain… sand, rocks, dirt, snow, and then some. Plus it has a battery range of up to 55 miles, so you can hit the trails all day, camp overnight, and return the next day.

This may be the best electric bike for you if you’re not quite as big of a risk-taker as mountain bikers, but want to be able to traverse tough terrain.

And with a 750W motor and 52V, 15Wh battery, it has plenty of power for riders in their 20’s and 30’s!

Bonus: The Magicycle has a two-year warranty on electrical components (whereas many brands only offer 1 year).

Find out everything you need to know about electric fat bikes!

What is the Best Value E-Bike for Your Money?

Choosing a great electric bike that doesn’t cost a lot is a challenging task. However, it’s super important because your lifestyle can change drastically from one moment to the next in this stage of life.

For example, you might buy a dog to ride on your bike with you, begin higher education classes, get married, have children, work longer hours, travel more (or less), or start a new career!

All of these possibilities could change your electric bike needs. Maybe you’ll find yourself needing an electric cargo bike with a child seat to carry your toddler with you.

Or perhaps you’ll need a commuter bike that’s easy to put onto a bus when you get your dream job.

And, sure, you might do your best to plan these life events out, but plans can change rapidly.

So, I’d suggest looking for an electric bike that’s a good value for your money but less expensive in general. Keep in mind that most affordable ebikes have a hub motor as opposed to a mid-drive motor. This keeps their cost down but doesn’t make that much of a difference when it comes to pedal assist mode or battery life.

Best Electric Bike Under $1000

One of the best budget electric bikes can be found at Ecotric for under $900!

Ecotric Fat Tire Folding E-Bike

This e-bicycle is a fantastic value for around $900. Not only is it UL Certified (so you know it’s safe and made of good quality), it has 4” fat tires and is foldable, even though it’s cheap. Talk about getting everything in one e-bike!

And what else is amazing, given the cheap price, is that it has disc brakes, a 500W rear hub motor, and a pretty decent battery capacity (36V 12.5Ah). Further, it only weighs 56lbs with the battery attached… this is much lighter than most competitors’ foldable fat tire electric bicycles. 

What’s the Fastest Electric Bike (that’s affordable for young adults)?

Being young and adventurous, you’re probably interested in riding fast. So you might be wondering what the fastest e-bike is that’s affordable but that you’ll still love as a 20-year-old or 30-year-old.

Here’s my advice: Get the fastest bike with the highest legally allowed motor watts. Although it depends on what country you live in, the U.S. doesn’t allow bikes over 750W to ride on public roads, parks, or trails.

So, if you want to ride wherever you go, without constantly fighting limitations, don’t get one with a motor over 750W and understand the electric bike classification system so you know where you can and can’t ride.

As far as what’s the fastest e-bike for someone your age, but still affordable, take a look at this: 

RadRover Plus

As if the RadRover wasn’t already awesome, Rad Power Bikes added the RadRover Plus to their fat tire electric bike lineup. Although it has fat tires, the bigger wheel size of 26” (say as compared to the RadMini with 20” tires) helps you to get where you want to go faster.

But more importantly, the company says that they’ve redesigned it with a “custom” geared-hub drive motor that’ll give you even more uphill riding capacity. So, it has more efficient power that’ll help you increase speed faster.

It’s definitely worth checking out if power and speed are important to you!

Wish you had that BMX bike from childhood? Check out the new Electric BMX Bikes!

Which is the Best E-Bike to Buy (in your 20s or 30s)?

With all of the variety in electric bikes, it’s no wonder you’re a bit confused about which electric bike to buy.

Of course, you can check out the list at the top of the post of the best electric bikes for people in their 20s and 30s. But I thought I’d offer you a checklist of the features you might want, before deciding which one is the best for you to buy.

With these features, you’ll get a comfortable electric bike that’s powerful, fast, has good range and lets you ride wherever you need to. Further, as life changes happen in the next few years, you’ll still have the best electric bike for the money and the greatest flexibility in riding.

Best E-Bike Must-Have Features Checklist

• 500-750 watt motor (plenty powerful to get up hills)
• Minimum 48V, 14Ah battery (this should give you a range of 40+ miles)
• Extra-wide tires or fat tires (3”-4” wide would be nice, 5” would be overkill for most)
• Throttle (to help you pick up speed fast)
• Wide seat (for comfort)
• Integrated lights, both headlight and rear taillight (in case you end up riding in the dark even if you don’t expect to)
• Digital controller display (so you can keep track of the battery charge, miles, and speed)
• Foldable (optional but possibly useful)

Small women: Take a look at some of the best e-bikes for you!

Conclusion

Because life is always changing, the best electric bikes for adults in their 20s and 30s include the styles that offer the most useful features and the flexibility to adapt to changes. 

Hybrid electric bicycles are a great option for many, but you might also have more specific needs such as commuting or recreation. 

You should choose one based on your current lifestyle and riding needs, but also consider how these might change within the next few years.

Take a look at the list of best electric bike options for your age in this article. You’re bound to discover the perfect e-bike for you at a reasonable cost.

Need more info? Take a look at the best electric bikes for college students here!