12 Critical E-Bike Considerations Before You Buy 

This is a really thorough, unbiased educational video that YT’s algorithm should put front-and-center for any first-time search. Really excellent work!

I am a 75 year-old e-Biker and I'm neither an extreme or recreational user. Rather, I use my e-bike for practical reasons. Primarily, I use my bike to exercise my young dog. My daily, all-year-round routine is to travel about 10 km (6 miles). My route is primarily over a slightly bumpy, paved trail with some parts being loose gravel and short, but steep hills. I've had this bike for two years. Here's my non-technical advice for those with a similar profile and who are looking to purchase their first e-bike. First thing is, consider purchasing from a nearby brick-and-mortar retailer. I've ridden traditional bikes most of my life and I'm capable of doing maintenance and repairs myself. However, at my age I'm not interested in doing these things myself. Also, considering that more things can go wrong with an e-bike, it's better to have an expert resolve any problems. Once you've chosen a (hopefully) nearby retailer, look for a "cruiser style" bike - at my age, comfort is important. As well, choose a "step-through"; you don't want to be stressing those old hips and knees over the seat to mount and dismount. Hub drive or mid drive? Not a big deal for me. Mine is mid-drive. However, if I had to admit to a preference, I'd choose a hub drive - you can still ride your bike if something goes wrong with your drive-train. For example, if something goes wrong with the chain, or you experience de-railing, you can still ride your bike under power. Pedal assist or throttle? Mine has pedal assist. If I had a choice I would definitely prefer the addition of a throttle - much better for starting from loose, rough surfaces and starting when going up even slight inclines. Tires? Big, fat or standard. Mine are standard, but I don't think it matters. Battery: For my use, battery is irrelevant.

Wow. Little bit about me: I grew up in the age where kids rode bikes everywhere. I raced BMX and competed in national championships. I was pretty good and practiced a lot. All my friends and I, we rode everywhere. Then got into my 20s and got away from it. 30’s picked up cyclocross. Bought a Pretty good redline bike and started up again. Loved it! 😉 Now I’m 52 years old, I have an electric scooter that’s seven years old and needs to be replaced. I’ve watched video after video trying to figure out what the best ebike would be for me. This video shows genuine transparency, knowledge, sincerity about the subject. That’s hard to find nowadays. I’m a fan of the dude who put this video together. It’s by far the most informative video I’ve seen since I started investigating. Thanks! Tim 👍👆

Anyone considering an e-bike needs to watch this video. I don`t think you missed a thing! Excellent.

I'm very fortunate that I found your channel the same day I was going to pull the trigger on a $ 1800 ebike . I did the research and found several of the cons that you discussed and now I'm opting for a better quality ebike . I feel I owe you a cold beer .

As former president of the Mountain Biking Club of Cork, I must say that we never allowed anyone on our rides or races without a helmet. Anyone who rides a bike without a helmet is a fool; I've seen enough accidents at our races to know a helmet is a necessity. One fall is all it takes. WEAR A HELMET.

Went into a local Bicycle shop with my electric-assist bicycle for a tune-up and was told to "Fuck right off with that shit!". So glad you're embracing electric bikes in your shop.

I’ve been riding an ebike for several years and feel pretty knowledgeable about all this stuff but this is still a very comprehensive and informative guide for anyone that’s new to electric bikes or just wants a refresher. Great video!!!

Thank you so much for a very detailed expert guide. So refreshing to find someone who cares enough to go into such detail. This should be the go to channel for ebikes.

This is an excellent video. I believe after 1.5 years of daily commuting, 3800 miles, tons of videos watched I can’t think of anything missed!

Very informative… Just one suggestion… Please either lose the music completely or lower the volume. You don’t need it!

Terrific video. I wish I had watched it before I made a purchase. I haven't been riding in the last 20 years. Some general health issues and in particular a tricky ankle fusion led to several years of inactivity. Inactivity led to an amazing loss of strength especially in my legs. Lets just say I was right about buying an e-bike to help me get back into bicycling. The bike is helping me regain some strength. I never considered I might want to take the bike somewhere else to ride it. Nor did I consider how heavy 75lbs really is. I wish I had taken the time to find a good shop. My bike was delivered and I had to wait for help to unfold it. Not 30 seconds later it fell over as I was heading to the garage. Scratched before ever riding it. This was the begining of a long list of problems. Last night I cut the factory stripped , welded on, stem off and installed an actual, replaceable, stem. I'm going to bookmark this page and refer anyone who ask about an e-bike. Kudo's to the author.

This channel is the most informative about bikes and e-bikes. Straight right from a bike shop owner.

Thanks for the very thoughtful and long video of almost every aspect of riding and riders. Also explained the different types of bikes. Great job. 👍

For me, as a disabled person, the most important consideration by far is NO PEDAL RANGE, because that is how I would have to ride it. The second most important consideration is flat tires. I might or might not be able to fix a flat tire, and if I couldn't, I would be stranded. So tires need to be made as flat resistant as possible, yet as easy to repair as possible if they do go flat. Because most flats in my area are caused by thorns, having regular 26x2.125 tires is very important. You can get 4mm super heavy duty tubes in this size, and you can put sealant in them. All that thickness provides surface area that enables the sealant to have something to seal against. But if it goes flat anyway, it needs a centerstand to hold the bike up while a wheel is removed, and the wheels need to be easy to remove. They should come with a small compressor that runs off the bikes battery to reinflate a tire. Front suspension and a suspension seatpost would be nice. A nice wide comfortable seat would also be great, and it would not need to be designed to make pedaling easier. It would need a sterpthrough frame, and a completely upright riding position, and a twist grip throttle. It would not need to exceed 15 mph. Range is far more important than speed. It would not need any bicycle powertrain components, other than a simple single front and rear sprocket (single speed) with very low gearing. Simple rim brakes would be fine, no discs. It would also not need lights or a horn. Those can be added by the owner if they ride at night. I never bought a pedal bike with lights and a horn. It would need at least a left side mirror. An optional rack and panniers would be nice. Oh, and it needs to look like a bicycle, not a motorcycle. It should not attract attention on residential streets and bike paths.

Final and most important consideration is to "test-ride" the bike. Every thing may look good on Specs. but when riding it, it does not feel right.

I ordered an Aventon Pace 500.2 with the step over frame the other night and it's getting delivered tomorrow. They were offering it on their site for only $999. Leftovers after the Pace 500.3 came out, I assume. I am 52 years old and live in a small town in the south. For me, after working all week, the last thing I want to do is battle the heat and humidity on a standard bike. I tried it in my 40's and I couldn't do it for very long at a time. It didn't help that the bike had me hunched over uncomfortably and the seat felt like I was sitting on a 2x4. I ordered an even wider seat for the Pace along with a suspension seat post, fenders, rear rack, bag, bell, helmet, and the rest of the usual stuff. I have watched a few of your videos and like the straightforward approach. No sales pitches. No hyping up one bike over another. Just good information.

This is a great video and told me everything I needed to know in preparation for buying one. Thanks for the effort you put into making it!

I've never had an accident on my bicycle or ebike after riding all my life 50+ years...sudden stops, yes. But no collisions or dropped bikes. Having bike accidents should not be presumed esp considering our minds are programmed by what we believe.

One key thing to look out for on the cheaper e-bikes is the 'bottom bracket', eg the housing for the pedal spindel. Is that screwed in, or is it heat sealed in? Is it a ball baring type, or a screw in cartidge type. My first e-bike had the cheaper ball baring type bottom bracket which was impossible to remove when the baring failed. The only solution was to replace the frame, and rebuild the bike. So yeah, be warned. Also with hub motors the power is often connected to the weight of that rear wheel. 250w 350w are compact low weight units. Older Hub motors 500w or greater tend to be larger heavier units with permanant magnets for that extra power. That said there are newer designed 500w motors with smaller housings coming on the market. On Throttle vs Pedal assist only. With Pedal assist you have to pedal a couple of revolutions before the motor kicks in. This mean you need a basic level of fitness to use, or you start in a lower gear. With throttle, you can get that accelleraton right off the line , or in practicl terms, stright from a traffic light stop, just twist and go, then apply pedals. If you are older and attracted to ebikes, then i'd say throttle assist is a must. Also there are pedal assist ebikes with torque sensors , these sense the effort on the pedals, or the effort on the chain, and increase the power output. These offer a more natural ride, as oppose to the cadence sensor, which measures how fast you are turning the pedals. One thing not mentioned was protection against flats. A bike shop is unlikely to bring this up, as its their bread and butter trade. Its also a fact of bike life that most wont bring up when they promote a new bike. There are 'puncture proof tyres' offering greater protection, there's also 'green slime tyre sealant' and similar products which self-seals small punctures, well worth putting in your new tires, especially on hub motor wheels.

Thank you for spelling "through" correctly. Lovely to see that kind of quality. Thank you also for a great informative video. Looking forward into getting my first E-bike!

Thanks for the comprehensive video. The weight is a big consideration for me as someone who lives in the city and may occasionally want to take it on the subway, or up stairs. I tried out two models yesterday, one was 30+ lbs, the other 50+ lbs, and it made a serious difference. I liked the removable battery on the heavier one, but the lightness of the other one was what made me look at that more. Off to try some super light models tomorrow but yes, weight is definitely a big consideration.

I live in Sweden but still love your video. I really appreciate your honesty and knowledge sir. God bless you!

Great advice, thanks for taking the time to go through very important considerations. Keep it up…please!

Really enjoyed how thoroughly you covered so many aspects of what go into choosing an ebike. I've seen no "this is exactly what I need to know!" video but this is far closer than any other video I've watched. The presenter has an interested, "I already know this but you might not..." friendly manner which I love. True, the background music is a bit too loud...but I never lost the man's voice. Definitely a 9 star out of 10. Anyone reading comments before investing in the time to watch... WATCH. This video provides fabulous coverage of a LOT of factors and will teach you something.

Excellent video. I’m a long time avid bicyclist and you covered some critical topics the average recreational biker neglects to consider. Any newbie needs to watch this video. We’ll done.

I haven’t bought one yet but I can’t wait to buy one. Your video has to be one of the most informative RU-vid videos I have ever seen. Thank you very much.

This is an outstanding video on E-Bike. So very glad I watched before I purchased and E-Bike. Your hard work on this and advise is very helpful.

Excellent video. Especially the way you have segmented it with titles so one can fast forward it to the sections of specific interest.

My sister gave up on ebikes when she realized how heavy they are and could not load them up and down buses and trains. Even a regular bike was heavy enough, with racks and paniers + water + locks.

Getting ready to live the RVing "Snowbird Lifestyle" Maine beaches summer and Florida beaches in winter. Instead of looking at gas scooters anymore, I'm checking out E-Bikes instead. Makes more sense w/an e-bike all the way around. More welcoming at RV Resorts, Campgrounds, beaches, bike trails, e-friendly towns especially at beachfront towns etc. etc.. Better than a scooter or a Harley Full Dress w/the examples I just mentioned. Thanks for the video!

great work putting this video together. very good information, well presented. I usually switch off when the background is distracting like music etc. But this was so interesting I put up with the music, well worth watching. Thank You.

Best intro guide I’ve seen to date. Great work!

I've ridden a cheap "moutain" ebike for 5000 miles. I just replaced it with a Vivi FM20. Not because the 26" has failed, but because it's getting too hard to kick over the back getting on. My message is: get on an ebike to find out what you really need so your next bike will be perfect. I found you don't need the big wheels, noisy knobby tires, 21 speeds. I do need, fenders, full suspension, easy on and off. They both work, but the new bike works better. And it's much more efficient.

What an excellent, exhaustive, useful, honest and nice explanation. Thanks a lot!

You did an excellent job informing people on this subject. Thank you!

Thank you very much! I've spent a lot of time researching what ebike I might want for me, and your video helped make sure I looked at all the options to consider. Well done!

One thing i might add, which I overlooked back then with step thru bikes, is compatibility with bike racks. While I like them better it definitely limits ways to mount the bike for the car or storage.

Best introductory video for first time e-bike potential customers. Thank you for your clear and precise explanation.

Thank you for this awesome video, you answered several of the questions I had (such as mid vs hub) and reminded me of a few things (such as accessories) I had not thought much of. The only thing about this video that I did not like was the background music - sometimes it was more foreground and almost completely drowned you out. This video would have been a 1000 times better without any music. However, music aside, the information was very helpful.

You are The Man on E-Bikes. Love your vids!!!! Got gen one and gen 2 of the Aventon. I call the Gen one is the Road Runner for tooling around the neighborhood and just running errands.. The Gen two is my Cadillac. That's the one I ride to work.

Your videos are the best around. Very informative. Thank you. I wish I was near your shop.

outstanding overview of e-bikes!!! Thanks for taking the time and effort to share your knowledge!!

Wow, that was a tour de’ force, Bumstead! Thank you…I like your honest practical approach. I learned a few things.

Great video! I was thinking of buying an e-bike for two reasons, because I live in a hilly area and carrying groceries up tons of steep steps is hard work (of course there are roads as well) plus it would be nice to be able to visit the local shopping centre 10 miles away, rather than beg a family member to take me there. And I could cycle when I felt like it, which would encourage me to exercise. I thought that perhaps I could store then bike safely in the hallway, as it wouldn't be any wider than the normal bike that is already there. Secondly, I wouldn't feel like I have to put on all the cumbersome safety clothing - I wouldn't go anywhere without helmet and gloves, though - and keep up with the traffic (30mph is still enough to hurt yourself) but I might even be able to ride on bicycle lanes... But considering the maintenance issue, I think I'll stick to a little motorbike. Plus they are not quite as desirable because you need to have a licence to ride anything more powerful than a 50cc bike.

Got to give this guy credit. He put together a phenomenal video! Not sure what else to say about it, he explains everything. Then tells you why. Thank you

Hi Lloyd, Thanks for the video . Looking to buy an E trike as medical condition stops me driving my truck. Your video is first class as I need some transport down to the store and the post office and you've really helped big time. Thanks from Lloyd (me) from Wales UK.

Thank you for all the good advice and guidance. This will help me out as I navigate the process of researching e-bike brands and models. Great video!

What an excellent review! Certainly one of the best. Lots of useful information presented eloquently and wisely. Thank you so much!

Very informative analysis of all the things that new e-bike buyers need to know. Thanks!

Great video with clear explanations about things. I've considered purchasing a bike online, but this made me rethink it due to having access to SERVICE after I get the bike. I'm not mechanical. I've been spending some time researching this because, for me, price is a limitation so I want to get the best bike that I can within my price range. This was very helpful - thank you.

Very good tutorial on e bikes. You gave lots of good information. Thank you

Thank you for the video. I thought I knew what direction I was going with an ebike purchase, but your video helped me realize a better direction!

Good Man. Always take my bike to his shop. Great service. Bought a folding bike from Bumstead's and use it all the time. Take it on Metrolink and ride the So. Cal sights.

This is a wonderful introduction to e-bikes. I learned a great deal. Thanks so much!

Lloyd, that swept-back handlebar config is exactly what I need. See you soon.

Great job, Lloyd -- very helpful overview. My only complaint is I'm in CT and not CA , so I can't call upon you as my friendly, neighborhood ebike repairman!

Thanks for some solid advice about bikes. It gives a lot to think about.

I'm thinking about buying an E bike and watched a ton of videos today. Yours was the best one by far. I subscribed.

This is some quality content. Learned a lot thank you

great video. It covered everything. It provided me with lots of information. Regarding purchasing a e-bike.

Amazzzing!...i hope someday i'm gonna get one of this beautiful e bike. Many thanks sir for the wonderful info i really enjoyed.

Hello again. Thank you for these excellent videos! You’re helping me make a decision. I left some questions on the other video but forgot to say I wish you wouldn’t have the music going like you do on the videos. 😟It’s gets to be distracting. Thank you.

Excellent, no, exceptional thoughtful presentation for ebike buyers. Thank you!

Hands down the best video to help me understand eBikes. Thanks.😊

Thank you. Excellent info on eBIKES. Just like conventional bikes, the process of purchasing a product is very complex. It's not simple any more.

Another excellent presentation by Lloyd.

I've already bought my e-bike. I would like to have had this information before I bought it. However, by sheer luck, I bought an e-bike that is perfectly suited to ME and the way I want to drive it. Having driven my e-bike for over a year now, your information it spot on. Two thumbs up from me.

Your knowledge and expertise shine through in this good review,

This review was amazing! Thank you

Not what I was expecting at all, but wow. Very valuable and logical information. Thanks.

What a great insightful thorough perspective.

Thanks for this. Am considering an E bike and not thought of a lot of your points.

Thank you so very much for sharing your wealth of knowledge with us. It's very much appreciated. If i lived closer to your store, I'd purchase my e-bike from you! Thx., again.

Fantastic video full of valuable information. Subbed!

great video you coved so much,especially the shops to fix E` bikes ,if one breaks down,im looking but just seems like so much to look at if buying one, maybe a new regular bike for me is better,i.m the type that really dosent like a lot of issues,just want to go haha,for me just around town or to beach and back.anyway really helpful video and you seem like a great honest guy haha. stay safe always👍🚲🚵

So much valuable information. Thank you very much.

Thank You . An honest and detailed brief. Wish you were in my neighbourhood.

One thing I have learned after owning an Ebike for over a year is that if your not mechanical and you don't like to have to read manuals to learn how to make adjustments on your own be forewarned - brakes become loose really easy and have to be manually adjusted by you. I have owned bikes all my life and never once had to adjust my brakes other than taking the bike to a bike shop for a tune up. Another thing is the battery will become unusable in below freezing weather and you won't be able to fully charge the battery if it's near freezing. Other than those 2 things these bikes are a lot of fun.

Thank you so much, this was really informative and helpful! :) I'm considering my first e-bike after decades of regular biking so all the help I can get is welcome.... :)

I watched this video 7 months ago and still had not bought a bike yet. I thought twice about dual motor ebikes. I ended up with something that is fringe legal with a 1,000 watt rear hub.. Commuter with 52 V 20 ah and have added a second battery for high speed long distance. So 40 ah for 2080 wh. The bike I have ships as class 2 limited to 20 mph throttle and PAS.. I adjusted the factory settings and we can leave it at that. Great bike the Ariel Rider Kepler, it has everything I need. Great exercise and fun to ride.

Excellent video! One additional reason for a throttle: it can be a major advantage when you must start up from a stop sign or a stoplight on a hill.

Very good video!! You explained everything throughly. Unfortunately I need to get trike bike because I can’t balance on a regular bike. Do you have a video about trike bikes?

Excellent guide. Good job!

very nicely explained. Thank you

Very good overview, thank you. I would add a bit about battery charging: easily removable or not, not removable, and fire hazards that come with non-regulated products coming -usually- from China: don’t charge these indoors.

Hey bumsteads. Been there. I'm up in washington now. Just wanted to shout out to a great bike shop. I recommend Aventon aventure 2. Ron

I think I can narrow my choices down quite a bit. I want a bike that has dual 1000 watt hub motors.. 52v dual battery system probably. I don't want to exercise with it. Probably 20 inch fat tires with some suspension or front and rear. And I'm 5'9" with 30inch inseam. Weight is no concern. I have a 600 lb motorcycle.. Price below $3,500 is best. 😁 .. Sounds like I'm a Grizzly guy I think. 👍Good stuff.. Great points and nice job , thanks.!!

Please check the BBB sight before you buy a Himiway. Parts and service are the most important part of ebikes. I own three Himiway two of them are just boat anchor now.

I just stumbled on your ytube video I recently started looking at ebikes. The best news is I haven't made a decision yet. After watching your excellent video, I have more questions to resolve. One question would be answered if your shop was near me. But that's not the case. But your video will help me try to answer a lot of your 12 points. You may not even see this comment but thanks a bunch.

I am on the market for an e-bike your video help me a lot, yes, it’s a lot. BTW, I watch your video twice and save it so I can watch it again.

Really helpful. My research has a much better, more realistic focus now. Suscribed. Thank you!

Fantastic job thanks for the info!

Thanks for this video very informative, pity you are in the USA, I am in the UK. There are strict regulations over at the moment but there does not seem to be any law to prevent the sale's of Bikes which are in fact illegal to ride. The restriction here is 250w motor and pedal assist only and no throttle allowed. The majority of e bikes sold direct, a lot of Chinese makes and ones sold on Amazon seem to disregard this rule. Any way thanks again nice video, wish there was shop like yours near me. Chris

Very helpful. I wish there was no music.

A nice thoughtful presentation.

thank you for this info... I'm new to ebikes, not new to cycling.

This is making me not get a lectric bike anymore lol. Just gonna keep saving n not take the cheap route. Thanks for being so informative!

Veteran with some significant injuries and low income thus I have no car. Bone to bone on my knee and multiple surgeries on my career ending crushed hand/arm. I ride a road and MTB bike but I can't stand to climb because of knee pain. I also live on a hill thus any ride requires climbing while seated. Covid lbs to loose and I pull my dog in her dog trailer. My Roadie friends wait for me but on long rides I slow the group down. I stopped joining them on large group rides, especially fun ones for charities involving smiles for 100 miles but they all seem to have quad stinging hills at the very end. I really miss my friends and want to drop lbs without having to smash it up hills. I wish I could buy a bike from your LBS. Your explanation is very much needed as I decide on which e bike to purchase. Not sure I saved enough funds yet as your video points out the lower end bikes aren't the best. As a salty sailor, a Huffy in San Francisco was sufficient but l am older and wiser now... This veteran salutes you for an indepth explanation.

Appreciated. Extremely well done tutorial.