Suddenly, ebikes are everywhere, having gone from fringe leisure pastime to one of the fastest-growing segments of the global transport market.
And they’re having an impact on carbon emissions. A recent Bloomberg report found there are now 11 times more electric two- and three-wheeled vehicles in the world than electric cars, displacing nearly four times as much oil usage.
If you’re considering replacing – or even just reducing – your car’s emissions with an ebike, here are some things to consider.
Know what you’ll use it for
Before browsing, figure out what the main uses of your bike will be. How far might you like to go? How fast? And, crucially, what might you need to carry with you (including goods or passengers)? These will all affect what you buy.
Ebikes range in cost from $600-$20,000 but Dr Elliot Fishman, who heads Melbourne’s Institute for Sensible Transport, says he would be wary of anything under the $2,000 mark. If that sounds expensive, keep in mind the average annual running costs for most cars are in excess of $10,000.
The key components of any ebike are the battery, motor and brakes. A throttle enables you to use the bike without pedalling, if needed.
A mid-mount motor (located next to the cranks, where your chain is) is usually more expensive than one mounted on the front or back wheel but is more efficient and generally provides a smoother ride.
Watt hours (Wh) are considered the best measure of the battery’s energy capacity and generally range from 250 to 750 watts. Anything over about 400Wh should get you more than 80km of level riding on medium pedal-assist mode. Consumer group Choice recommends you should budget for a replacement battery every three years.
For brakes, the ideal is to look for hydraulic braking – especially if you intend to ride with heavy loads.
If you’re considering buying a secondhand bike, take the time to get it looked over in a reputable bike shop, which often have software to check the usage and condition of key components. For a small fee, it will give you peace of mind that you aren’t buying a liability.
‘Two kids and a slab of beer’
Chances are you will have seen them on the streets – family cargo ebikes with a large luggage cart at the front and panniers (storage bags) on either side.
Cargo bikes enable you to carry up to 125kg or, as Fishman says, enough for two kids and a slab of beer.
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“These cargo bikes are leading people to either embrace car-free households or just replace their second car,” says Fishman. “So that can make a lot of sense for people from an environmental perspective, but it also makes sense from a cost perspective when you think of the expense of car ownership.”
When choosing a cargo bike, the power of the motor is especially important – they require a higher torque engine and turning speed. You might also want to consider a model with smaller wheels that are lower to the ground – which will provide a lower centre of gravity and greater stability.
The good news is it’s easy to trial before you buy. As well as the ubiquitous city rental schemes, there are now a number of Australian companies offering subscription and lease plans on cargo bikes.
Find yourself a comfortable ride
An ebike might never be as comfortable as lounging in your car with the radio playing, but the trade-off is you’ll never again have to endure being stuck in endless traffic jams. Ebikes also don’t require the thinner tyres of traditional racing bikes. This can make riding more comfortable and safer for navigating bumps or tram tracks.
If you’re hoping to replace as many car journeys as possible, you want an ebike that’s tailored to your body to provide optimum comfort. The key factors are the geometry of the bike’s frame, the comfort of the seat itself and the shape of the handlebars.
Much of this comes down to individual preference and body shape. Treat ebike shopping like you would shopping for a car, taking different models on a decent test ride where you navigate different terrain (including hills to test out the engine).
Staying out of harm’s way
Most ebike riders will tell you they feel safer than on a traditional bike because they have better control over acceleration. “At traffic lights when you have lots of cars behind you it’s easier to get out of harm’s way,” says Fishman.
Because they’re expending less energy, ebike riders can be pickier about the routes they take, taking a longer option to avoid dangerous road conditions or stick to separated bike infrastructure.
If you’re concerned about road safety, Fishman suggests opting for a bike that is more upright in design to increase your visibility to motorists.
Keeping your ebike yours
While it’s almost impossible to completely eliminate the risk of theft there are steps you can take.
It’s important to get a lock that is commensurate with the value of the bike you buy. If you live in an apartment and lock your bike at the same place every evening, it might pay to keep a second heavier lock in that location.
If you have particular concerns, Fishman says it may be worth investing in an alarmed lock with a tracking device that will send a signal to your phone if it’s being interfered with, and enable you to track the bike if it is stolen.
