There are many different types of eBikes out there, some fat tire, some folding, 500 Watt, 48 V. What does all of that mean? and what is the best option for you? How to choose an ebike?

Today, we find out! Lets tackle all of the common questions one at a time, feel free to read it in order, or skip to a certain question. 

What is the right size ebike for me? 

The basic sizing method of bicycles, will look for too things: 

1. You should be able to get the seat high enough so that your knees have a slight bend when pedaling, if you can't get your knee is too bent, the bike is too small for you
2. If the bike has a top bar, you should be able to stand over the bar without touching it, like shown in the picture below: 

Geometry: Step-Through eBikes vs eBikes with a Top Tube?

Should you get a step through ebike?

A step through ebike is an ebike without the top bar, which allows you to get onto the bike by stepping through it rather than lifting your leg above the rear seat. 

If you are interested in doing jump, then you'll find that a bike with a traditional top bar is slightly lighter. However, for the average rider who is not doing jumps, the weight savings of having the top bar is considered too small to be significant. 

Thats why, at Teslica ebikes, we usually recommend step through electric bikes, as they are easier and safer to use. 

It must be noted that in some cases, even a traditional ebike with a top bar is designed as step through ebikes, then have a top bar welded onto it, making it slightly lighter 

Fat Tire vs Regular vs Traditional Tire 

Fat tire ebikes are becoming more and more popular these day. But should you get a fat tire ebike? Why do some ebikes have wider tires? 

Fat Tires hold more air, and air = comfort. As you hit bump and pot wholes, the air does a great job absorbing these bumps and ensuring you stay comfortable

Fat Tires are also more stable. Imagine this: you have to walk over a very narrow piece of wood, that can be challenging, but if it the wood was wider, walking over it will be way easier. It's the same of ebike tires, the wider the tire, the easier to is to balance

Fat tires also have more contact with the road, giving better traction and stability over loose terrain, grass, gravel, train tracks, and even snow and sand 

On the other hand, fat tires will usually be about 10 lbs heavier. And because of the extra traction, they are harder to pedal, leading to a reduced battery range 

If you Choose a Fat Tire: 20" Fat Tire vs 26" Fat Tire

A 20" fat tire ebike will usually have more toque, which lets you ride steeper hills. 

A 26" fat tire will be easier to pedal if you do not use as much motor power. 

If you intend on using more motor power than your own pedalling power, you are likely to get better performance and more battery range from a 20" fat tire 

On the other hand, if you intend on using more of your own pedalling power than motor power, you are likely to get better performance and more battery range from a 20" fat tire 

Should I choose a folding ebike? 

If you fancy the idea of folding the ebike and putting it in your vehicle and riding it somewhere new, then a folding ebike is a great option 

If you do not intend to fold the ebike, then remember that folding ebikes are not heavier, nor more expensive than non folding ebikes. Therefore, there are no real disadvantages to having a folding ebike 

On the other hand, if you are interested in an ebike that is not a folding ebike, you can always add an ebike carrier to the back of your vehicle for transportation 

Torque Sensor Vs Cadence Sensor? 

On an ebike, when you pedal, the electric motor will engage, and when you stop, the motor will stop. 

On an ebike with a cadence sensor, the bike will only know whether you are pedaling or not, but it won’t know how hard you pedal. Therefore, it will give you the same amount of power regardless of how hard you pedal 

On an ebike with a torque sensor, the ebike will have a sensor between the pedals that measures how hard you pedal. The bike will then use an intelligent system to adapt the motor power based on how hard you pedal. Therefore, the bike will automatically give you more power up a steep hill, and less power when turning a tight corner 

A torque sensor ebike is considered a safer and smoother option, and is usually preferred by most riders, but comes at a slightly higher price ($200-$500 more depending on what else is changed on the bike) 

Motor Power: 250 Watt vs 350 Watt vs 500 Watt vs 750+ Watt? 

The “Watt” number, or “W”, is a measurement for the power of a motor, note that is power is what the motor can sustain for an extended period of time, and is different that the peak power number which is the maximum power the motor can give for a very short period of time, 

 The most important consideration when choosing motor power is the local legal restrictions. 

• In Canada, ebikes are allowed up to a 500 Watt motor 
• In Europe, ebikes are restricted to 250 Watt
• In the US, some states will allow up to 750 Watt of power  

We at Teslica advise most riders to use a 500W motor, unless you are interested in a lighterweight folding ebike in which case a 350 W is sufficient 

How much should I spend on an ebike? 

Some ebikes are sub $1,000, some are above $10,000. How much should you spend on an ebike? 

We found that the sweet sport between quality and price is $2,000 - $4,000. Lower end of ebikes lack build quality and durability, and more expensive ebikes are, well... more expensive 

How do I know whats a good ebike? 

How do you know whats a good ebike? The warranty will tell you. Look for an ebike with a longer warranty as this usually indicates better durability, performance and after sales service. A good warranty for an ebike is 2 years, with 1 year being too low, and anything more than 2, is great. Teslica is proud to offer an industry leading 10 year warranty!