5 Things To Know BEFORE Buying An E-Bike! 

A helpful hint... Batteries can be removed from most e-bikes. Therefore that heavy bike can be 5plus pounds lighter just by removing the battery. It's much easier to place it on a bike hitch rack and relieves the unnecessary burden on the rack, making for a safer journey.

Pedal assist should be talked about. Whether it runs only electric with throttle or only assist. There completely different.

Battery quality, safety and charging should be talked about more.

Most shops will not touch DTC ebikes for liability reasons. The most we will touch is a tire flat for gear adjustment but we will never touch anything electronic. My shop will even ask customers to disconnect the battery and motor before even entering the shop.

6th Thing - Is the battery and charger on your eBike been safety tested by national testing lab to ensure its safe to use. Here in the US, the CPSC will be cracking down on retailers that sell eBikes without a UL certification. Means bikes in your videos will likely be banned for sale soon in the US. In the meantime, there are many things you can do to protect yourself and your property. Probably justifies a video alone.

Some great tips, advice and things to consider. Great vid, thank you 👍

Great video, giving my two cents on all these points. - Ebikes are heavy - This is true, but I feel it depends on what you get. My ebike is 62lbs, but it's very nimble of it gives the illusion that it isn't too heavy... I am shocked by some of them that easily go over 100lbs - Storage - I live in an apartment and thankfully it's on the ground floor so storage isn't that bad for me. I have a walk in closet and charge my ebike in there. Note, I always make sure to notice when my battery light turns green and then I unplug the ebike and the plug from the wall. Probably overkill on the protection since the company my bike is from (Aventon) has UL certified batteries, but it takes 5 seconds to do both for peace of mind. - Transport - This is a huge issue for me. I drive a Honda Civic, so it isn't ideal to transport bikes, let alone ebikes. I suppose I could always pull the front wheel off and muscle the bike into the car somehow, but I haven't and probably won't. - Ride less than you think - Depends entirely on the rider. I am fortunate enough to live outside of a major city and there are a number of areas and bike paths that are far enough away from people to keep me entertained. Also this depends on weather and your lifestyle. I live alone, no partner and no kids all by choice so if I want to go on a ride it's entirely up to me. My ebike is also my main form of transportation to and from work. I use it for literally everything except groceries. - Durability - Completely agree on needing a plan when it breaks. I would like to add a sixth one. - Your ebike is not a motorcycle - Far and away the most common question I get about my ebike is, "how fast does it go?!" because of American's natural need for speed... People need to understand that even though you can go faster, ride longer distances with less energy if you choose, that doesn't give one the right to simply just disregard laws and common decency.

Hi maybe it’s easier to lift on bike rack or wherever take the battery out first 👍

Folding bikes fit into smaller spaces. Make sure the latch on the folding handlebars and the frame are sturdy and have more than one action needed to unlock. I've had handlebars fold on me when riding with disastrous results. Also, take the battery out of the frame before lifting the ebike. Battery packs can weight anywhere from 5 to 15lbs or more.

I go into drones and then after that bad changes for personal flying in areas you can't anymore. So, now I wonder what will be next for us using ebikes. I find cops that hate them and others that like them. I worry ebiking in Washington State. I now have two ebikes and ready for another. My Eahora has been bad since I bought a new one. I need to put a sign on my ebike for folks that don't understand strokes. My plan is to ride over Eastern Washington from west. Reason why I bought a 60-amp battery ebike, that way I don't have to have three more batteries anymore. Ebikes are completely different and safe if one takes it easy riding like I do. I have fallen twice once really bad and the other fine. Heck, I have fallen down two super bad on a standard bicycle. Once on a bike is possible for a bad since. I now just hope standard bicycles should be nice to us with ebikes. I ride every time abought 50 to 80 miles, I get to see places otherwise I just seat and don't do anything after stroke. Enough of me. Thanks!

Very good points

I work in a bike shop and I just wanted to say that we all hate these bikes. Most of them are extremely heavy. They take up a lot of room. They usually come with not great brakes. Not all shops will work on the electronics, so if that goes you’re going to have to talk with the manufacturer. Every rear flat change with a hub motor will cost about $50 for just the labor, and not all shops will even have the right size tube you need so they will have to order it and you’ll be stranded without a bike. Also if you have a converted bike that you did yourself than kiss most shops good bye because that bike is a liability and they won’t even look at the bike. As much fun as these bikes are they are a lot to work with in a shop setting so take that into consideration.

Nice to se a review in Seattle. Looking for recommendations of walk- thru e bike, on a little budget.

I got a motorcycle rack and altered it somewhat to lighten it up. Under 200 bucks from harbor freight.

Hey would love to see you do a vid on gravel bikes if you have not yet or a more current one

Only half way through. Very helpful.

In addition to the hitch mounted rack being able to handle the weight and size of the ebikes, people also need to account for whether or not the actual hitch can handle it. Some hitches can have rated tongue weights of as little as 150 pounds. Even that might be fine for transporting a couple of ebikes down a smoothly paved street, but take that same loaded rack down a bumpy dirt road or even some speed bumps and you might have a very loud, very expensive failure.

The headlight on that Hiboy is pointed too high, boy! Most ebikes I've seen come out of the box with the headlight pointed up. Which means it's not showing you the road as well as it could be, plus it's blinding oncoming traffic.

Dig the older CRV :) Is the Maverick gone?

Velotric 35 pound [ Thunder 1 st ] , great bike to ride . [ assist ]

I totally love this guy and his ebikes 😂

Nice bite size video. Can we get another update for the 2023 bicycle industry / 2024 market sentiment prediction ?

I see a lot of the same equipment on differently named bikes. They're all made of pretty much the same stuff but in a different shape, color and configuration.....So (for me) it comes down to who offers the most features/equipment for the best price. Funny how price is rarely mentioned. I bought a foldable with all the features I wanted; dual motors, hydraulic brakes, LG Batt., 1,500 watts (total) and what I consider necessary equipment; fenders, nice seat, lighting, mirrors etc... just under $1,500.00. I'm not out there to race anyone...30 mph is plenty. If I wanted to get there faster I'd buy a SUZUKI GSX-R 1000 K5 TURBO. A somewhat soft Fat tire puts more rubber on the surface for better grip and smoother ride. Wide tires "float" over ruts and grooves instead of getting caught in them. A heavier bike is more stable, especially at higher speeds where stability is paramount. Extremism has been the "thing" since kids learned to do a 360 on a skateboard....now it's double back flips on dirt bike....ffs. If you take an e-bike or any bike off road in the rocks and trees....something is going to get broke...that's a fact....probably a "thing" too. I'll keep mine on the pavement...I have several dirt bikes that weigh a little over 200lbs each...two YZ450F's and two WR250's that are pretty much indestructible if you're not doing back flips.

Any chance you have an old ebike youd be willing to gift?

You know what your talking about...well done

Which is a little better, this or the Rundeer Attack10?

I'd like to see you with a name brand e-MTB.

I agree about batteries being a big issue, even if they are safety certified. But another thing is longevity, these bikes should be a long term investment, but most of them really aren’t. There is no assurance that you will be able to get a battery replaced when it needs it in 5-7 years - this is especially big risk if you buy an off brand made by a fly-by-night company that won’t be around by then. And, battery technology has potential to change over the next 10 years. This could make thousands of bikes un-rideable, or require expensive battery refurbishing to keep them going. I would say a regular non-electric bike probably will last longer.

in EU you also have to take into consideration if the ebike is even legally allowed on the road ( a lot of them are not ) . There's a discussion going on here to adjust the regulation for those "fatbikes " ...that could result in them being banned ( good luck finding parts then )

You listed many negative things about e-bikes that I have decided not to buy one. Thanks!

I believe my folding ebike (engwe) has the safest battery situation with the metal encased battery encased in more metal

I really want to know more about lithium batteries explaining. Saw on a Reddit three folks in vans and rvs having serious fires saying please understand these batteries.

😮so 40 of them ! I can barely choose 1 of the 100 from Amazon ! Today I’m going into a store 🏬 to check it out

Hi there. I'm a fat lazy baby boomer weighing in at over 350 pounds. I can't remember the last time I rode a push bike but i do like the look of these new e-bikes and have plenty of cash to throw at one. What would you recommend?

In your Walmart e-bike review, you said you have no desire to own an e-bike. But were only getting it because of the price and to see whether a $398 "mountain" e-bike was any good.

What has been the numbers for electric fires? Remember the hoverboard?

Love your videos so bad!

Hi, I heard you say you have about 40 e-bikes. I wouldn't mind 1 of them 😊 Michael from Nigeria

can we put these fat tyre e bikes on translink buses racks?

Dear friends, when can you make a product video

# 1 roll it

I tie my bike down on my roof rack like a Christmas tree 🎄

The Onemile Nomad weighs only 17.9 kg.

What about theft?

IS AVAILABLE IN INDIA WEST BENGAL STATE SILIGURI TOWN

I just wish I could afford a e-bike .. Stanwood is hilly and not really bike friendly..

i use my ebike and etrike every day. they are not pleasure toys, they are a mode a conveyance. my car is obsolete for distance under 20miles. do not buy pre made ebike's, use conversion kits.

I don't have a car or Driving I need a good e-bike I live upstairs apt

To be fair, a lot of these issues comes down to the fact that fat tires ebikes in general are a form factor that I dislike. The tubes are heavy, the tires are heavy and have high rolling resistance, they need more braking power, etc. This also means the frame has to be tougher, thicker, and heavier. There's a reason I never recommend these fat tire ebikes: even without accessories, they're usually heavier than fully featured 1.9-2.5" gravel/MTB style ebikes and especially commuter style ebikes. Another set of issues comes down to the fact that component choices and tuning are just badly done. If these companies were to spend more on components, QC and especially tuning, they could easily have winners on their hands.

You put me off buying one

I think that the _real_ reason why electric bicycles aren't as popular as their manufacturers - and a somewhat alarming number of politicians - want them to be is that the vast majority of them are being marketed on the grounds of utility and almost none of them are being touted as fun machines: I've been looking through this whole e-bike thing for a couple of years now, and almost every single bike I see is being showcased with fenders and a rack! Manufacturers seem to ignore the notion that some of us would like to ride e-bikes for the sake of fun and only fun, and if an e-bike happens to pique my interest and I try and find pictures of it _without_ the fenders and the rack, it would be nigh on impossible to find any online. Heck, some e-bikes even have the racks welded to the frame, and they're not even cargo bikes! Message to manufacturers: please show us e-bikes that are stripped bare of eyesores such as fenders and racks and give us the option to buy them separately as accessories instead!

Now you tell me…

Workout before even buying the E bike you want. The one I’m getting It’s I think 150lbs, that’s including the 72v battery, and 12000w motor

if you do some serious riding a bike from an actual bike company will be hugely better. less risk of it turning into a fire. also much better quality, will last you years to come. brands like Specialized, haibike, trek, canyon, cube come to mind. also local bike shops will service these but wont the chinesium veriety that you showed here. shure they cost more but will last.

I'm so sorry to hear your legs don't work. But I'm only 73, so pedaling a real bicycle isn't that hard for me.

Know, you will not lose weight, until the battery dies. Or you take the initiative.

Learn how to do your own maintenance, then you don’t need to worry about bike shops

Step-thru ebikes ride like a wet noodle when carrying weight on the rear rack. No bracing is scary. 😬

We are the manufacturer for High end E-Bikes in China.

After riding motorcycles for decades, e-bikes are a piece of cake to me.

😝 'promo sm'

Great video until you suggested buying from the crappy Chinese companies whose bikes you kicked over.

😅😅 who's carrying or hanging ebikes it has wheels

Wuss 😂

Just get on the bike and go where you need to be.who cares anput using a car to get it there some of the. Bikes can go 60 miles on a charge liol

Battery bikes are weak

7, or 8 or 9 whatever. SIZE They look small on the website, but a 26inch is LARGE, it's deceiving. A 26in mountain bike isn't large, but a 26inch fat tire bike is really like a 29inch and the stepover height is pretty high and a very large bike.