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You want to know which is the best electric bike in 2019? This question is difficult to answer because it may vary according to your tastes and needs. To help you, Top Ebike advises you so that you can select the best electric bike for YOU.

The electric bike is a mode of transport that has become popular. In recent years, we have witnessed a small revolution and a very significant development in sales of electric bikes. The electric bike has many advantages.

The electric bicycle lets you get to work without getting tired and reduces the level of pollution in city centers. Electric bikes do not emit greenhouse gases, fine particles, and are not noisy.

Cycle manufacturers have innovated a lot. Autonomy has been improved, the battery is much better integrated into the frame and prices have dropped.

You are looking for an electric bike or you want to talk between enthusiasts of Electric mountain bike? Welcome to Top Ebike, the website for electric bikes. Our goal is to guide you so that you can choose the best electric bike. It is not an easy mission because there are many models of electric bike and according to your use (urban, Discover below a summary of the things to know for choose your electric bike well.

Definition of electric bike

An electric bicycle is equipped with a motorization and a battery which makes it possible to assist the user during pedaling. To comply with European directives, assistance must be given only when pedaling. In USA, you can have a throttle to swicth on the motor.

How does the electric bike work?

A pedaling sensor measures the pressure that the user exerts on the pedal. This data is then transmitted to a controller. The controller will determine the level of assistance that the engine should provide. The higher the pressure, the more the engine will come to assist. If you stop pedaling, the assistance will also cut off.

As on a “classic” bike, the cyclist will select the right speed so as not to force the engine too much and to reduce the stresses on the chain and transmission.

Weight electric bike

Compared to a “classic” bike, you will be overweight by adopting an electric bike. This additional weight is imposed by the presence of the engine and especially the batteries. It is however very quick to get used to this slight overweight. With electric assistance and its wider tires, the electric bike will also be safer. You will maintain good maneuverability even in difficult conditions (rain, mud, snow …). The aluminum frame remains ultra-majority, but on certain models of eMTB one can opt for a carbon frame in order to gain a little weight.

Electric bike prices

It is difficult to answer the question “What is the price of an electric bike?” because supermarket models can start at 800 € and some very high-end electric mountain bikes can reach 15,000 €. In general, electric city bikes are the most affordable models. Then there are the VTC bikes with assistance that allow you to venture on the paths. The eMTB are the most expensive electric bikes because the suspension system are perfected in particular for the models of electric mountain bikes “All-Suspended”.

Price is often the main criterion for choosing your model of electric bike. Top eBike, however, alerts you to “fake good deals”. It is difficult to find a durable electric bicycle below 800 €. It is sometimes better to postpone your purchase to save money. If you choose a poor quality electric bike, you may be disappointed. You will not be able to use it on a daily basis and will not be able to experience all of the benefits of electric bikes.

Maintenance fees

The acquisition cost can be significant but the maintenance of the electric bike is comparable to that of a “classic” bike. Maintenance and repair costs are therefore very low, especially when compared to a car. Due to the greater mechanical forces, Top eBike advises you to check the wear of your chain often using an appropriate tool. If your chain is worn, this can affect the transmission.

Electric bike insurance

For the moment, it is not compulsory to insure your electric bike. Multi-risk home insurance covers you in the event of an accident. It is Civil Liability that will work. If you want to insure your electric bike against theft, you will need to take out an additional contract. If you use a Speed ​​Bike 45 km / h, it is assimilated to a moped and insurance is compulsory in this case.

Choose an electric bike

Do you still have doubts before buying your electric bike? Top eBike has prepared guides for you choose your electric bike well. To answer the question “How to choose an electric bike?”, The main criteria to study are:

Selection of the best engines

The motor in the bottom bracket is the recommended option for most uses. What is the best motor for electric bicycles? The answer to this question will depend on the use of your E-Bike or E-MTB

Discover below the main engines currently available on the market

• Bosch Performance CX: this engine is available from many brands: Moustache, Haibike, Lapierre… The Bosch Active Line engine is designed for urban VAE. The Active Line Plus offers more torque at 50 Nm. The Bosch Performance Line engine is suitable for electric ATVs to achieve significant gradients or speed bikes (up to 45 km/h).
• Brose Drive: this German equipment manufacturer is not well known to the general public but equips major bicycle brands such as Specialized or Scott. The Brush motor can deliver a high torque of up to 90 Nm. It is possible to customize the level of support as with Specialized’s Mission Control application.
• Shimano Steps: Shimano offers very compact motors, which allows a good integration from manufacturers. The Steps E8000 engine for VTTAEs offers 3 modes (Eco / Trail / Boost). A Custom version allows the user to adjust the assistance.
• Yamaha PW-X: The Yamaha engine can deliver up to 80 nM of torque. Up to 5 levels of support can be selected on the PW-X. In particular, it is renowned for its autonomy.

To have a good balance, choosing an electric motor integrated in the crankset is the best solution.

For urban electric bikes, entry-level models can have a motor in the rear wheel and sometimes in the front wheel. The wheel motor is more economical. With motors in the rear wheel, it is sometimes difficult to dismantle the wheel in the event of a puncture.

Choosing the right electric bike

• Battery: Current batteries generally use Lithium Ion (Li-ion) technology. The standard capacity for a battery is between 400 and 500 Wh.
• Engine : Entry level urban bicycles use a motor in the wheel but generally the electric bike is equipped with a motor in the pedals. This allows a better weight distribution. Find our presentation of the best engines above.
• Brakes: The electric power-assisted bicycle is heavier and the brakes must be powerful. It is recommended to choose a VAE equipped with disc brakes.Tires: For better stability, electric bicycles are equipped with wider tires. To avoid punctures, it is preferable to opt for tubeless tires (without tube).
• Suspension / fork: This is often an essential element for good comfort. Urban EAVs are often equipped with a front fork to eliminate road irregularities. To go on steep trails and jump, you will have to choose an “all-suspended” e-MTB (front fork + rear suspension).

Choose your battery

To have a significant autonomy, we advise you to opt for a 400 or 500 Wh battery. The lead-acid battery is disappearing due to the heavy weight and its ecological impact. Your electric bike should therefore logically be fitted with a Lithium-Ion battery.

The manufacturers have made a lot of effort to integrate the battery on the bike. But for urban pedelecs, the solution often chosen is to place it under the luggage rack.

To facilitate recharging, we recommend that you opt for a battery that can be removed from the bicycle. If you want to make very long trips, this allows you to have a second backup battery in the doc bag. Once your battery is empty, you can replace it using the backup one. The batteries fear the cold. If you have an uninsulated garage, it is best to remove the battery to recharge it “warm”.

The battery may lose power over the years and after a significant number of charge cycles. It is estimated that the battery will be used after 1200 to 1500 charge cycles. If you travel about 50 km per full charge, you are therefore quiet for 60,000 km. If your battery loses capacity, there are now specialized companies that recondition your battery. The latter will dismantle the out-of-use cells and replace them.

Electric motor power

To be able to be used on cycle tracks, your electric bike must have a motor with a maximum power of 250W. This power has been fixed by European directives. If the engine is more than 250W., You enter the category of “Speed ​​Bikes” and you must complete the same formalities as for a moped: registration obligation, insurance and prohibition of cycle paths. Some Asian electric bikes sold on the Internet are not necessarily approved. Before buying, you must therefore ask the seller for approvals to verify that you have the right to use your electric bicycle on the public road.

Quality of bike manufacturing

The purchase of an electric bike represents a significant budget and you must ensure that you choose a quality e-bike. Choosing an electric bike from a recognized brand is often the guarantee of not being disappointed. We also recommend that you consult the customer reviews on the model of electric bike you want.

Best Electric Bike Manufacturers

To help you choose we have published the list of best electric bike manufacturers. The manufacturers are sorted according to the country of origin of the brand. If you are sensitive to “Made in France” or “Made In Europe”, the table indicates the countries of manufacture or assembly of electric bikes. The notion of best brand is subjective according to customer expectations. Some people turn to Asian bikes for a low price and decent quality. To benefit from a good quality / price ratio, buyers will choose for example the Haibike or Giant Bikes. Specialized pedelecs will be chosen by customers who are attentive to the design and finish. For a high-end mountain bike, it will be possible to select BMC electric mountain bikes whose price can exceed $ 8,000 to $ 9,000.

Safety and braking

For more safety, we recommend opting for a bicycle with disc brake. The V Brake is sometimes used in inexpensive pedelecs but due to the weight, this may prove to be insufficient in the event of emergency braking. Due to the heavier weight, the frequency will be a little higher to change your brake pads.

Best electric bike

For the purchase of an electric bike, you must take out a large sum and it is therefore normal that you want to choose the best electric bike. If you want to buy an ATV with electric assistance, there are rankings made each year to help you choose. For electric city bikes, the best seller ranking can help you determine which models are on the rise. The electric bike is a simple means of transportation for some and the focus will be on the purchase price. For others, the electric bicycle or mountain bike is a passion and the selection criteria will be different with a selection based on the design, quality or performance of the bicycle. For more information on the subject, you can consult our section What is the best electric bike?

Types of electric bikes

eMTB / Electric Mountain Bike

Mountain biking with electric assistance revolutionizes the practice of cycling off the beaten track. Manufacturers now offer a wide range of eMTBs. Technical progress allows good integration of the battery and a significant reduction in overweight. The eMTB has even wider tires than MTB tires. This keeps a good grip even when the conditions are difficult (mud, snow, rain …)

Urban electric bike

The electric bike has invaded the city and is now part of everyday habits for many French people. Faced with the congestion in the city centers, practicing electric urban biking saves time and money in commuting and daily commuting. Compared to the car, you will be able to avoid traffic jams. And when the means of transport are overloaded during office hours, the bicycle with electric motor allows you to have more freedom in your commute to go to work.

Electric Mountain Bike

This model is a mix between urban pedelecs and electrically assisted mountain biking. The VTC AE is fitted with tires that are narrower than the eMTB, but this type of wheel allows you to venture into cross roads. The Trekkinhg eBike is generally equipped with a front fork to keep a good comfort if you leave the tarmac roads and cycle tracks.

Electric folding bike

The electric folding bike allows to reconcile the advantages of the electric bike with the practicality of the folding bike. You can take your folding bike in public transport and climb the steepest hills with electric assistance. The foldable electric bike can also be carried in the trunk of a car if you don’t want to install a tow ball. There are different sizes and mechanisms. The mini electric bike can also be used by camper owners. This type of folding bike fits easily in the holds of the motorhome.

Electric racing bike

Do you like to go far or go high in a minimum of time? The electric racing bike is for you. The electric assistance will allow you to attack the highest passes. If you are a tar lover, this type of road bike with assistance also allows you to extend your routes. On roads with little elevation gain, your range will exceed 100/120 km.

Electric cargo bike

Because of these many advantages, the electric cargo bike is adopted by many families. The electric scooter is also used by couriers or deliverers in urban areas. The cargo bike is equipped with a box to transport packages and various products. It can also be equipped with additional seats for parents who wish to ride with children. With a large basket on the back, the electric tricycle also allows you to transport your goods.

The advantages of the electric bike

Why buy an electric bike? Top eBike answers this question and explains all the reasons for buying an electric bike

Cycling (even electric) is good for your health!

Playing a sport is good for your health. But scientists have also proven that the electric bike is as good for health as the “classic” bike. Researchers from Switzerland (University of Basel) have tested users of pedelecs or traditional cyclists. By comparing the results, they noticed that the performance improvement was equivalent. Cycling (electric or not) also reduces the risk of cardiovascular disease.

So as not to get sweaty at work!

Doing without a car is great for the planet. But getting to work in a sweat and having to take a shower before starting your day is not very practical. The electric city bike allows you to “cycle” without having the inconvenience of feeling sweat when you get to your office. You will save money compared to the car and avoid traffic jams.

It’s ecological: Use an electric bike instead of the car

The electric bike can replace the car in your daily journeys. As we have seen before, electric assistance allows you to go to work without being exhausted or sweating when you arrive at your desk. The electric bike does not emit CO2 or other polluting gas unlike a thermal car or a petrol scooter. You will be able to travel greater distances thanks to the electric motor and also be able to use it to pick up your children from school or go shopping. A small amount of electricity is required to recharge the battery. The only weak point is the ecological impact to make the battery cells. The technology is advancing quickly and we can now recycle the batteries.

To climb all the elevations

The electric bike allows you to “erase” the elevation. The electric assistance will come to assist you in the steepest climbs. If you are in town, you will be able to go from hills to hills without being exhausted. For mountain use, the electric bicycle is an ideal mode of transport. With an electric racing bike, it is possible to climb mountain passes. If you opt for an electrically assisted mountain bike, it will take you to the top of the fields. The eMTB eliminates the need for ski lifts. You can also use the cable cars to explore other horizons or to change valleys. For a day hike, your range will increase considerably.

To face all roads and all conditions (snow, mud …)

The electric bicycle is equipped with wider wheels than the “muscular” bicycle. This particularity is appreciable for Trekking ebike and eMTB. You will be able to venture off the beaten track. The wide tires also make it possible to face difficult conditions like snow or mud. To go up in the snow or walk in the sand, you can also opt for the electric fat-bike.

Getting into sport / cycling gradually

Have you had health problems and want to get back on the bike? The electric bike allows you to gradually resume a sport. You have the possibility of adjusting the assistance of the engine to facilitate the resumption of your activity smoothly.

Electric bike is also suitable for the elderly who wish to travel by bicycle but without making too violent efforts. As we have seen previously, riding an electric bike is good for your health and the practice of e-biking helps to keep fit in the elderly.

To transport weight with electric cargo bikes

The electric bike can replace a city car if you opt for a “cargo” type bike. The cargo bike allows you to transport goods thanks to a box located at the front or rear. This type of pedelec can also be a family mode of transport and you will also be able to take your children.

Frequently asked questions about the electric bike

Top eBike tries to enlighten you to choose your electric bike.

Electric bikes for everyone

The electrically assisted bicycle can be adapted to all types of practices. Discover below how the electric bike can meet the needs of young and old, daredevils or urban dwellers.

Electric bike by age

At what age can you practice electric biking? The answer is for all ages. Contrary to prejudice, the electric bicycle is not a practice reserved for “the old”.

• For kids : With its large wheels, the electric bike can be safe for children.
• For seniors : Electric assistance can allow seniors to practice a sporting activity without “traumatizing” the body.
• For all the others : There are many reasons to adopt an electric bike: to make an elevation gain, to quickly cover the journey from home to work, to ride a bike but when the wind is blowing …

Electric bike according to practice

• For “bikers” : The electric bike is ideal for use on bicycles / home-work. You will be able to arrive at the office without having to take a shower before starting your work.
• For the daredevils : There are now electric mountain bikes with sophisticated suspension systems. eMTB allows you to go higher and saves you the queues at the ski lifts.
• For tar lovers : The electric racing bike is developing. The engine makes it possible to overcome significant differences in level and to go further for the same journey time.
• To get back into sport : The practice of an electric bike is less “traumatic” than the use of a classic bike. An electric bike offers different levels of assistance. If you haven’t done any sport for a long time, you can select a “Turbo” mode for example. Then with training, you will be able to lower the assistance and ride an electric bike by selecting an “Eco” mode.
• For people with disabilities : For certain handicaps, cycling without assistance is impossible. Some pedelecs are also specially designed for people with disabilities. You will find for example models of electrically assisted tricycles which allow excellent stability.

Electric bike by geographic area

• For mountain regions : The electric assistance will “erase” the elevation. This is why, some mountain resorts offer the rental of electric bikes. In winter, the emtb with its wide tires also makes it possible to descend on snowy paths. And if you want to climb, you can also opt for the electric fat bike.
• For windy regions : Pedaling with a headwind is not pleasant. You feel like you are not moving forward. With the electric bike, you will be able to maintain a suitable speed even when the wind is strong.

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FAQ about the Best Electric Bike

It is difficult to answer this question “What is the best electric bike” because the selection criteria will vary according to the people and needs. Below you will find the questions to ask yourself before buying your electric bike