Take your time finding a model that fits you physically and meets your long-term needs. If you’re in a hilly area, you may want one with a wider gear range to save energy—both yours and the battery’s. Consult local regulations so that you know what, if anything, is required to ride an e-bike in your area, and where you’re allowed to ride one.
There are several newer brands specializing in e-bike manufacturing, such as Rad Power and Blix. You may be unfamiliar with them, but some of these are strong companies with innovative products and good customer support. Be wary of internet bike brands that might not be there tomorrow to offer customer service. Diligence is warranted if you stray from the longstanding name brands, including Cannondale, Specialized, and Trek.
We’re also not bullish on any type of bike sold through big-box stores. The salespeople are seldom bicycle experts. This can affect assembly and repairs, and you might wind up spending any money you saved trying to get a budget bike to work properly. Many bike retailers won’t even service models sold from big-box outlets because the quality is so poor.
Another option is to buy a bike from a direct-to-consumer manufacturer. But it will need final assembly, including fitting the handlebars, seatpost, and pedals. You’ll need some mechanical aptitude, and you might need specific tools such as a hex or Allen key and a torque wrench. You may find it challenging to set up a disc-brake model without the pads rubbing on the rotor. You can take the bike to a local shop for assembly, but it will cost you.
That said, most bike shops sell e-bikes, and the sales and service staff are typically quite knowledgeable about them. Plus, they can help you make a solid choice if you decide you want to buy one.
We always recommend test-riding any bike before buying it. You should get a sense of how it feels and how the brakes and shifts work. (A dealer can customize the fit for you.) Some dealers will also allow you to rent an e-bike, giving you a chance for an extended ride on the road or trail you plan to frequent. Even if it’s not identical to the model you want to purchase, renting lets you gain additional seat time to settle on the e-bike style that works best for you.
Once you’ve selected the model you want, keep in mind that it can—and should—be further customized. The handlebar tape or grips, the pedals, and especially the saddle are your points of contact and control. Your hands, feet, and butt have to perch comfortably, and all of the bike’s parts should be adjusted to fit you. For instance, a new stem can lift the handlebars closer to your torso. A dealer can also add features to your bike that might not come with it, such as a bell, head and taillights, fenders, water bottle holders, a phone mount, and even a luggage rack. But the key is getting the fit right.
If you haven’t purchased a new bicycle in a while, you might be in for some sticker shock. Bicycles—especially electric ones—can be a relatively big-ticket item. In addition, tariffs on imported bicycles and parts have also increased prices.
Some bicycle shops offer layaway plans, where you make a down payment and pay the bike off in installments. The store will hold on to the bike until it’s fully paid.
There are buy now, pay later options, and these vary in how they’re set up. But it’s important to consider the possibility of high interest rates before signing up for anything. A large finance company, Affirm, offers some 0 percent options, but it can also charge interest rates between 10 and 30 percent. Klarna is a competitor, and it’s more likely to offer a “pay in four” plan with 0 percent interest on a 4-month loan. How do these banks make a cent on zero-interest loans? Simple: Merchants or exercise bike brands like Peloton, which has zero-interest loans through Affirm, are fronting the finance charges because moving inventory is more valuable to them than making a few extra bucks off the financing.
