Purchasing an EV Bike – A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on: Jan 17, 2022 | | Written by:

Purchasing an EV Bike – A Step-by-Step Guide

Published on January 14, 2022. EST READ TIME: 3 minutes

It is no secret that since the last few months petrol prices have increased rapidly. Additionally, the harmful effects of petrol and diesel vehicles have significantly impacted the environment. Subsequently, these two key factors have resulted in people adopting electric vehicles as a suitable alternative that serves the purpose of mobility along with the option of a much economical medium; not to mention the advantage electric vehicles have on the environment.

If you are one of those who are planning to opt for an electric bike, there are certain aspects that you need to consider. These factors become even more significant as the general public is still not aware of the must-haves in an electric bike.

Choose the right model

While making a purchase of anything, the functionality and purpose of the product are the key elements in deciding the purchase. The same holds true for an electric bike. Choose a model that serves your purpose. Your selection can be based on comfort, looks, battery life or kilometre per charge. With several models being available in the market, you can select as per your preference. Electric bikes also come with additional features such as anti-theft functionality, luggage bins and so much more.

Check how good the battery is

As the name suggests, an electric bike runs only on batteries and this determines their range of distance covered. If you are someone who has a lengthy commute distance you would not want to have a low capacity battery. This will often lead you stranded midway through your route. You must also remember that these batteries need to be frequently charged. Therefore, it is imperative that you check the battery before you decide to buy an electric bike.

There are three primary variants of batteries available in the popular models available in the market. The first available variant of batteries is the lithium battery. They ensure consistent performance but are on the expensive side. A nickel-cadmium battery is light but often experiences memory issues and can deplete the overall performance if not charged frequently. The third variant is the cheapest variant and is lead-based.

These are heavy and react differently in changing climatic conditions, which translates to issues during the winter season. We would strongly suggest a 400 amp battery, this should get the job done at a reasonable price.

Does it have gears

A majority of electric bikes come with a transmission system to assist users to vary the speed as per their ride. A derailleur system is usually found in a majority of electric bikes that allow smooth gear shifting and experience a hassle-free ride experience.

Electric bikes meant for the urban population come with gear hub systems that are tagged to their pedals. The gear changes once you stop pedalling. This system also helps in avoiding problems related to chain jumping and derailment. An electric vehicle with gears also offers versatility while riding.

Figure out the level of assistance you need

Another aspect that is worth considering is the level of assistance that you require. Primarily they come in two categories. The first category controls the assistance level using a control module. This module is removable or fixed and offers the exact assistance required from the motor.

The second category is a much-advanced version of assistance. This version offers proportional assistance by tracking your pedalling speed and offers extra power to ensure that the vehicle moves effortlessly. Furthermore, this ensures a much better response and reduces the overall power consumption throughout the ride. You can make your selection as per the assistance that you prefer.

Where do you want the motor?

Along with the battery, the other most critical component of an electric bike is its motor as this is the driving force behind the bike. Earlier, the motor was fixed on the front wheel as this was much easier to install and turned out to be more economical for the manufacturer. However, as demand for performance amongst electric bikes increased, manufacturers adopted a motor that was pedal-based and resulting in the overall experience being similar to riding a bicycle. It is strongly recommended that you choose an electric bike that has a pedal-based motor.

Conclusion:

It is important that you consider the aspects listed above before purchasing an electric bike. Once you buy one, you will have to purchase a third party bike insurance as per the law. You can choose the feature laden insurance policy from HDFC ERGO.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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