How to choose your electric bike? Purchase guide

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May 30, 2024

Understanding the fundamentals of an electric bike: why ride an e-bike?

Unlike a traditional bicycle, the electric bicycle is equipped with a rechargeable battery that powers the motor and allows you to pedal more easily and cover longer distances without tiring. They offer many advantages, both ecologically, practically and economically:

This type of bike offers increased mobility and requires much less effort than a conventional bicycle. No more sweaty arrivals at the office in the morning. Furthermore, it has been proven that in urban environments, the average speed of a bicycle often exceeds that of a car.
Ideal for city commutes, this bike allows you to navigate traffic more easily, avoiding traffic jams. It's a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of public transport while still enjoying the outdoors.
It's an eco-friendly alternative to a car or scooter, and it's even proven that in the city, you can go faster by bike than by car.

They are economical vehicles because they require less maintenance and save on fuel.
The electric bike is a versatile ally that adapts to everyday life. You can take your child to school in a child seat, go shopping by storing it in the front basket, and get to all your daily appointments while avoiding traffic jams.

Determine the use of your electric bike

To choose the ideal bike, it is important to clearly define your use.
Is this a bike that you will use mainly for your daily commute, to get to work?
What is your route, how long will it take, which routes will you take?
What do you like about a bike?
Who will be the person or people who will use it?

An electric bike for everyday use

Like the vast majority of e-bike users, you are probably looking for the ideal bike for your everyday journeys.
To choose an electric bike suitable for your daily commute, here are some important criteria you should consider:

Comfort: It is important to choose a bike that you feel comfortable on throughout your ride, whether in terms of position, road feel, seat comfort or frame height.
Component quality: High-quality components ensure the durability and reliability of your bike. Choose well-known brands to avoid maintenance issues and frequent replacements.
Weight: A lightweight bike is easier to maneuver and transport, whether you're climbing stairs or storing it at home. Choose a model with a good weight-to-performance ratio for optimal comfort.
Engine and its feel: High torque is essential for fast acceleration and smooth driving, especially uphill. Consult specialized engine articles to understand the differences and choose the one that best suits your needs.
Accessorizing: to be able to carry your computer, your bag, shopping, or your children, it is important to ensure that your bike has luggage racks and the possibility of mounting the most suitable accessories: basket, panniers, etc.
The presence of a mudguard and a strap: To avoid arriving completely dirty in the rain, for example, mudguards will be particularly useful. A strap instead of a chain will also prevent splashes on your pants.
Place of manufacture: Place of manufacture: Depending on your environmental awareness, the origin of the bike can be an important factor. From a practical perspective, a bike designed abroad can lead to longer and more polluting delivery times for components than a product made in France.
Battery: A removable battery can greatly facilitate charging and maintenance. Additionally, a lightweight battery reduces the overall weight of the bike and makes it easy to carry if you keep it with you. Finally, the battery life should be sufficient to cover your daily commute without requiring frequent charging, ensuring convenient and worry-free use.
Energy recovery: Some bikes offer an energy recovery system, which is particularly relevant in urban environments. This system can partially recharge the battery when braking, thus increasing the bike's range.
Aesthetics: Design is a decisive factor when choosing a bike. A bike with an attractive, modern appearance can enhance your enjoyment of the bike and reflect your personal style.
Connectivity & Anti-Theft System: Modern connectivity allows you to track and manage your bike via mobile apps, while the integrated anti-theft system provides additional protection against theft.
Lighting: A good lighting system is crucial for your safety, especially if you're riding at night. Make sure your bike has powerful, visible front and rear lights. It's best if they're integrated so you don't forget them at home when you need them most.

Electric bike for sport and leisure

For a bike intended primarily for sport and leisure, it's essential to adapt it to your riding style and the distances you'll be traveling. When choosing an electric bike for your weekend outings, there are a few key criteria to consider:

Adaptability: Forest rides won't require the same type of bike as road or trail riding. Similarly, you need to decide whether you're looking for a leisurely ride or a performance bike; in the former case, you'll want to opt for versatile models like hybrid bikes, while in the latter, you'll want more specialized models like mountain bikes or gravel bikes.
Engine Power: A powerful engine is essential for tackling difficult terrain and covering long distances without overheating or losing performance.
Battery life: It is important to have a battery life that will cover the distance you want to travel during your outings.
Robust frame and suitable suspension: A strong frame, made of aluminum or lightweight alloy, is necessary to withstand the rigors of various environments, while a high-performance suspension improves comfort and handling on the most rugged terrain.

Choosing the right engine type and power

Bicycle engines can be classified into different types depending on their location on the bike. These include:

The front hub motor , located in the front wheel of the bike and providing pedal assistance from the start.
The rear hub motor , placed in the rear wheel and offering better thrust and stability. In the case of the hybrid bike, it ensures energy recovery and facilitates maintenance.
The pedal motor , integrated into the bicycle's pedals and allowing more natural and more power-oriented assistance.

Therefore, when choosing a motor, it all depends on your type of use. For more details on VAE motors, do not hesitate to find out by reading our dedicated article: Types of electric bicycle motors to know .

The importance of battery and autonomy

Electric bike batteries are overwhelmingly lithium-ion. Batteries are differentiated by their capacity, which influences their size and weight. Their location also varies: on the frame's downtube, integrated directly into the frame, or on the rear rack. It's essential to choose the type of battery that best meets your needs in terms of range and performance, and especially weight.

To estimate the range you need, you should consider factors such as the distance you plan to travel, the terrain you will be riding on, and your own weight. For urban use, you should choose a lightweight, removable battery, especially if you live in a city where it is recommended to always take your battery with you to avoid having it stolen.

Some bikes have non-removable batteries, which means that to recharge your bike, you'll need to have an electrical outlet close to where you park it. These models are especially recommended if you live in an apartment.

Battery charging time is also important if you use your bike daily; the shorter it is, the more convenient it will be for you on a daily basis.

If you're looking for the bike with the most compact and practical battery for everyday use, you've come to the right place. Discover the Anod Hybrid with its 650g battery that charges with any USB-C charger. You can even use the bike without a battery and still benefit from electric assistance.

Choosing the right brakes for your electric bike

On an e-bike, brakes are even more important than on a power bike, as your average speed will be much higher. Safety is paramount. Choosing the right brakes for an e-bike is crucial for ensuring safety and performance. Here are some points to consider:

Disc brakes: On a bicycle, the brake disc is mounted on the hub, located in the center of the wheel. When the brake is applied, the pads clamp down on the sides of the disc. This type of brake offers many advantages: it is compact, easy to use, and remains the most efficient system even in bad weather. However, disc brakes are relatively expensive and are only fitted on the highest-end bikes. This braking system can be either mechanical or hydraulic.
Drum brakes: These brakes are located at the wheel hub. Like disc brakes, they act on this part of the wheel to slow and stop the bike. In traditional models, braking is achieved by two pads placed inside the hub, which come into contact with a circular surface called the drum. However, unlike disc brakes, drum brakes require more maintenance. Although more robust, heat dissipation is less efficient.
Rim brakes: They are lightweight, easy to repair, and economical. However, they can damage bicycle rims over time, require regular maintenance, and their effectiveness can vary depending on weather conditions. Like disc brakes, rim brakes can be hydraulic or mechanical.
Motor brakes (regenerative braking): An advanced feature of e-bikes is motor braking, also known as regenerative braking. This system uses the motor to slow the bike, converting kinetic energy into electrical energy, which is then returned to the battery. This not only extends the life of the brake pads, but also increases the battery's range. This type of braking is generally quite gradual and smooth.

To ensure everyone's safety, brakes must meet the following criteria:

Power: The brake must be able to stop the bike under any circumstances. Since e-bikes are often used in urban areas, it is crucial to be able to react quickly to unexpected obstacles.
Progressive braking: Braking must combine efficiency and smoothness to avoid sudden stops that could cause injuries.
Be ergonomic: The brakes must be easy and intuitive to use, allowing for quick and comfortable use of the electrically assisted bicycle.

Select the electric bike based on design and comfort

A key criterion is feeling good on your bike. It must make you want to use it as often as possible. If this motivation persists even on rainy days, you've found the ideal bike!
Aesthetics play a crucial role in this. Choose a bike that appeals to you visually to maximize your riding pleasure. E-bikes come in a variety of designs, ranging from Dutch, vintage, sporty, and even futuristic styles. The right bike is, above all, one that inspires you to pedal and provides enjoyment on every ride.

Men's and women's electric bikes: any differences?

Although most electric bikes on the market are designed to be unisex, brands often distinguish between men's and women's ranges. This distinction is mainly for marketing purposes, and in reality, anyone can ride any bike as long as it suits them. However, here are some features to help you find your way within these two categories.

Women's electric bike

Women's electric bikes emphasize low, open frames that better fit the female body. Compared to traditional bike frames, these open frames make it easier for riders to get on and off the bike, even when wearing a skirt or dress. These bikes often come with practical accessories such as front baskets, perfect for keeping a bag within easy reach.

Choosing the most suitable electric bike is crucial to meeting the specific needs of female cyclists. The bike's weight plays a key role: a lightweight design facilitates maneuverability and makes it easy to transport when needed, particularly when going up or down stairs or using public transport.

A good bike should also include proper frame geometry, a comfortable saddle, and a low standover height for easy mounting and dismounting. Choosing a well-designed e-bike that fits your size can significantly improve the comfort and enjoyment of everyday riding.

Men's electric bike

So-called “men’s” electric bikes are generally designed with a higher frame, and often feature a closed frame and a slightly more sporty and responsive position, with relatively low handlebars offering a slightly more “forward” ride.

Despite the differences between these products, some brands offer unisex bikes that meet the needs of all types of cyclists. Brands like Anod offer accessories such as luggage racks or removable baskets to meet the specific needs of each user.

Value for money: how to find the best electric bike

When it comes time to make your purchase, it is best to know how to evaluate the quality/price ratio in order to find the best deals.

Don't be seduced by the lowest prices: cheap does not always mean quality.
Take the time to compare prices and features of similar products.
Study details such as material quality, features and performance.
Also consider resale value: A cheap bike easily loses a large part of its value upon resale and trade-in. It may be worth investing in a quality bike for a better resale value.
Don't hesitate to consult customer reviews to help you choose the right electric bike. Learn more about the locations and conditions of e-bike manufacturing.

Additional benefits to consider

To go even further, there are many additional options for e-bikes, such as lighting, speed sensors, and connectivity. These features offer you an enhanced riding experience and greater safety on the road.

The integrated lighting system avoids the risk of forgetting it at home or having the light stolen if it is directly integrated into the bike.
Speed sensors allow you to monitor your speed and adjust your effort based on road conditions.
Post-purchase experience: One element that can radically transform the buying experience is support. A good brand stands out for the quality of its after-sales service, its accessibility, and its effectiveness in addressing consumer issues. Since purchasing an e-bike is a long-term investment, benefiting from good support means avoiding the hassle of finding a professional for servicing or repairs.

How to benefit from financial aid for your purchase?

In France, there are several incentives and subsidies available for the purchase of an electric bike, aimed at encouraging the adoption of more ecological and sustainable modes of transport. One of the main incentives is the €500 bonus for the purchase of an electric bike , also known as the "electric bike bonus".

Here is some information about this bonus and how to get it:

This bonus is offered by the French government to encourage the use of electric bicycles as an ecological means of transport.
To benefit from it, the electric bike must meet certain conditions: be new, be equipped with a lithium-ion battery and comply with European standards in terms of safety and quality.
To obtain the bonus, you generally have to apply to your municipality, department or region, as the procedure may vary depending on where you live.
It is recommended that you check with your local authorities or consult official websites for specific details and how the bonus applies in your area.

In addition to the €500 bonus, some local authorities offer additional grants for the purchase of an electric bike. These grants may vary depending on the region and local sustainable mobility policies. You can learn more about the grants available for the purchase of an electric bike in this article.

Why choose an Anod hybrid bike?

If you're looking for the perfect urban bike, we're probably a little biased, but the Anod Hybrid should tick all the boxes for your buying criteria.
The Anod Hybrid promises to be the bike that offers you a perfect experience on the saddle, but also once you've parked it. No more heavy batteries and the stress of having to systematically check its charge level. Anod offers you a battery that fits in your pocket and recharges via USB-C, with any charger. It can even recharge your iPhone via USB-C and, when it runs out, you still benefit from electric assistance thanks to energy recovery and our hybrid system.

Choosing Anod means choosing practicality and a high-end product, made in France. Between the ease of use with its carbon strap, connectivity, and assistance, everything is designed for quick and intuitive handling. Finally, in terms of security, your application allows you to lock the bike when not in use, geolocate it at any time, receive alerts in the event of suspicious movement, and also have a maintenance logbook always at hand.

Don't miss the opportunity to discover the benefits of the Anod Hybrid for yourself and book your test drive now .

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect electric bike requires careful consideration of several key criteria. Motor power, battery life, ride comfort, and additional features such as safety and connectivity systems should be considered. Additionally, aesthetics and design also play an important role in overall user satisfaction. As we saw above, while some bikes focus on a very specific technology or riding style, others, like Anod, seek a subtle blend that can suit a wide range of urban users.