November 23, 2021 5 min read

If you want to improve your health, lower your carbon footprint, and save money by reducing the number of car journeys you take, you should consider purchasing an electric bike. However, it is a big decision and is worth taking the time to examine your options.

Here are some factors to consider before buying an ebike.

10 Things to Consider When Buying Your First Ebike

Riding Style and Intended Use

Electric bicycles are intended for a variety of users and purposes. It is entirely up to you to determine which features are most important. If you want to be as comfortable as possible, a step-through frame like the Boogie Bike Cruiser might be the way to go. If aggressive trail riding with a lot of hill climbing is important, a middle motor system or high torque hub motor may be the best option. If you like to ride long distances, a battery with 400 watt-hours or more is ideal. Understanding your specific needs can help determine which features are most important on an electric bike.

Choose your ebike dealer wisely

Buying from a brick-and-mortar bike store that allows you to do a test ride before purchasing has advantages, yet the pandemic has complicated this procedure. A real shop also provides a location for you to bring your ebike when it needs repairs, as even mending a flat on an electric bike is more difficult than on a standard bike due to the weight and complexity of the components. And shopping at a respected local store is simply good for your town.

Having said that, buying online can save you a lot of money. If you must buy online, be sure it is from a respected brand with a one- or two-year warranty. Give them a call and find out what support they are able to offer. They should have a good supply of parts (maybe even better than your local shop) and have knowledgeable professionals answering the phone with the ability to solve your problem quickly.

Test ride the bike

Test riding is perhaps the most important—and enjoyable—part of purchasing an electric bike. Trying an electric bike allows you to ignore specs, reviews, and research in order to answer the most important question: 'Do I love this bike?' If that's the case, go on to the next set of questions: 'Does it climb hills the way I need it to?'; 'Does the bike fit me the way I want it to?'; and 'Does it have the quality and functionality I want?'

At Boogie Bikes, you can test ride the bike before you make a purchase. We’ll connect you with Boogie riders in your area so you can get a feel of the bike before making a decision. We also have a 15-day try-at-home policy, which means you have 15 days after receiving your item to request a return.

Have high expectations

The electric bike is a game-changing mode of transportation. Quality electric bikes are finally available, and they are dependable, powerful, practical, and enjoyable to ride. Overall, an electric bike can change your life. However, not all electric bikes are created equal. Many electric bikes on the market fall well short of the goal of a modern, high-quality machine. It is up to you, the customer, to set high standards and demand the best.

Expect a warranty

Purchasing an electric bike, whether for $1500 or $100,000, is a significant financial commitment. With a warranty, you may be confident that your investment was worthwhile. Most electric bike manufacturers with products selling for more than $2000 should provide a two-year warranty on parts, motor, and battery (with no restrictions for regular use). Check out our warranty on the bike and parts.

Trust your instinct

It may appear that the internet is a jungle of conflicting information, and this is not far from the truth. There are several options, various points of view, and few reputable bodies that certify and review electric bicycles in a systematic way. What should someone do? The greatest method is to rely on your instincts. If something appears to be too good to be true, it most likely is. If you've never heard of a brand and can't locate any information about it, it's usually better to avoid it.

Think long term

Being environmentally sustainable requires more than just riding an electric bike; it also includes the manner the bike was made, the quality of its construction, and the after-sales support to keep it in good shape. With regular maintenance, you should anticipate your bike to last between five and 10 years, and your battery to last between 600 and 800 complete charge cycles. When it comes time to replace the battery, your retailer should be prepared to have it repaired or repurposed rather than thrown away.

Service is just as important as quality

Electric bikes aren't toys; they're modes of transportation. The quality of the bicycle itself, regardless of the drive system, is very important, and particularly so if you intend to ride it every day. While the quality of bicycle components is generally easy to determine by going through the parts list, motors and batteries can be a little more tricky. When in doubt, look into the motor and battery manufacturers. However, keep in mind that the quality of the components won't make much of a difference if your electric bike isn't properly set up and calibrated. Your local independent bike dealer is an ally in preserving the high-quality components you've purchased.

Support local

Buy local wherever possible. Even if your purchase goes as well as expected, you will have questions regarding your bike, and in the worst-case scenario, you will have troubles, so no matter what happens, you will want to be able to get the assistance you need. Furthermore, your business ensures that local electric bike professionals will be available to you for years to come.

Boogie Bikes are built locally in Wisconsin using global parts. So whatever issues you come across with your Boogie Cruiser, you will get the assistance you need.

You get what you pay for

The old saying applies to electric bikes just as much as it does to everything else. Building a good electric bike with dependable components is not inexpensive. Expect to pay at least $1500 for throttle-controlled or cadence-sensing bikes. Expect to pay at least $2500 for ebikes with torque sensors. The good news is that a nice e-bike will quickly pay for itself. And that doesn't even take the happiness dividend into consideration!

The Boogie Bike Cruiser

The Boogie Bike Cruiser is a Class II electric bike packed with both pedal assist (PAS) and throttle. With a great team backing you up from your first mile and a warehouse loaded with parts “just in case” you can count on Boogie to deliver a great ebike experience. If you have ANY questions about this information give us a call. As a customer, future customer or just fellow ebike enthusiast, we’d love to hear from you.

Dean DuMez
Source: https://boogiebikes.com/blogs/news/10-things-to-consider-when-buying-your-first-ebike