How to choose your electric bike
Our guide tells you all about the best way to choose your ideal electric bike
1. Determine the use of your electric bicycle
The electric city bike
The electric city bike is perfectly suited for regular use on short and medium distance road trips.
This is the most suitable type of bike for daily commuting in the city: your position is upright for more comfort, and the frame is often open (swan-neck) for easier mounting and dismounting of your bike.
Most city bikes also allow you to easily fit a basket for carrying light items, as well as a rear rack for your panniers or a child seat.
The electric hybrid bike (VTC)
The VTC offers a perfect balance between daily urban use and regular outings on paths. Its slightly wider tires , frame and suspension offer more comfort on uneven terrain, while maintaining a comfortable position in town.
The electric mountain bike (MTB)
Less versatile than the VTC, the electric MTB is essential if you wish to make sporting exits in mountain or on uneven paths.
The geometry of the frame, the type of tire, the choice of the engine and the whole of the equipment were thought for a practice which privileges the performance.
The electric folding bike
It is very suitable for short and medium distance road use.
2. Check the size of your electric bicycle
For each reconditioned bike offered for sale on Upway, we specify the minimum and maximum recommended size in the description of each model. The seat height and handlebar adjustments will then allow you to adapt the bike to your morphology.
For city bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes and folding bikes, these size ranges are wider, with some even offering a single size suitable for people between 1.60 and 1.90 metres tall.
For the more technical and high end e-bikes, for example the sports road bikes, it is advisable to also check your inseam length to choose your frame size as finely as possible. For these products, we provide details of the recommended frame sizes.
Reminder: with Upway, you have 14 day trial period during which you can return your garment, for example if the size does not suit you.
3. Choose your battery life
The autonomy of your battery can vary according to the weight of your load (luggage, child), the relief of your route, or the wind encountered. This is why manufacturers give you a range of expected autonomy in average conditions.
For urban use, check the distance of your daily commute. In most cases, a range of 30 to 50 km is quite sufficient and you will only need to recharge your battery once to three times a week.
If you want to ride for several hours or in conditions that consume more energy (steep climb, loaded bike with children, strong wind), we recommend a range of 60 to 90 km.
Remember: At Upway, the battery life of each bike is diagnosed. When necessary, the battery is reconditioned or replaced in order to recover a range as close as possible to the original level. Each battery is guaranteed for 1 year.
4. Identify the location of the motor and battery
When the motor is located in the front or rear wheel, the effort accompaniment tends to be relatively binary: the motor activates fully when you pedal, regardless of the pedaling force. This can provide an easier start, but some find the accompaniment less smooth.
When located in the crankset, your motor often provides more gradual accompaniment: the level of assistance accompanies the force with which you press the pedals.
The battery can be located on the frame or on the rear rack of your bike.
A rack-mounted battery is best suited for a city bike and a touring bike.
When located on the frame, the battery allows the center of gravity to be lower and more centered on the bike, which increases riding comfort. This can be useful for a VTC use, and becomes essential in case of sport practice of MTB or road bike.
With Upway, the position of the motor of each reconditioned electric bike is specified in the description of product, and the position of the battery is clearly visible on the proposed photos.
5. Define your budget
Less than €1000
Their equipment is simple and efficient, the battery life is adapted to short trips, the electronics are visible outside the frame and the design is often simplistic.
These bikes are suitable for light use over short distances, especially in the city.
€1000 to €2000
The equipment is more durable and the finishes more refined.
You get access to the most reliable historical brands, the battery life is longer and the motor is more responsive.
The offer ranges from elegant city bikes to versatile VTCs and MTB.
More than €2000
Above 2000€ are the top of the range reconditioned electric bikes.
They benefit from the most modern equipment, their reliability allows them to travel very long distances with complete peace of mind, and they offer the highest level of comfort and performance.
They are particularly suitable for frequent or intensive use. They are also popular with sportsmen looking for technical equipment, or cyclists looking for the best design.
Ready to make your choice?
You give a new life to a bike, you benefit from prices from 20% to 60% lower than the new price and you benefit from a one year warranty!