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E-bike test – how to find the right electric bike

E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular. This is partly because an electric bike makes cycling a lot easier. On the other hand, many people appreciate the sporty alternative to the car. Riding a bike keeps you fit and is also easier on your wallet. As the popularity of e-bikes continues to grow, the selection of different models is also very large.

Von Fabian Huber  |  7 minutes read time

E-Bike Test – so findest Du das passende Elektrofahrrad
About the author Fabian Huber

Fabian founded MYVELO together with Vincent. The two share a long-standing passion for cycling. Together they have cycled thousands of kilometers and fought for victories in the German racing bike league. The idea of founding MYVELO arose from their many years of experience and knowledge of what makes a good bike. Find out more about MYVELO now

Published: November 24, 2022  |  Updated: July 18, 2024

The selection of MYVELO e-bikes has also grown steadily in recent years. Whether it's an e-bike folding bike, e-mountain bike or trekking bike, our range has a suitable model for every riding style. Your own preference and riding style play an important role in the choice.

Important before the e-bike test starts

Discover the different e-bike categories here. Once you have found a category that suits you, testing an e-bike will be easier.

E-Bikes Trekking

Are you looking for a robust e-bike for the city and the terrain? Then the trekking bike is just right for you. The powerful motors offer power and support for many areas of use. Long distances are no problem with a trekking bike. The additional equipment such as mudguards, a sturdy luggage rack and reliable technology also ensure a high level of comfort.

E-Bike folding bikes

The E-Bike folding bike has a practical folding function and is therefore particularly practical if you often travel by train or bus. The bikes can be quickly and space-savingly stowed in the car and are ideal for day trips or your next vacation.

e-mountain bikes

If you are looking for even more performance, an e-mountain bike is the right choice. The profile allows for safe off-road riding. The robust frame ensures stability and safety. Important to note: Not all e-mountain bikes are street legal.

single-speed e-bike

The electric single-speed bike shines with its minimalist features. The bike requires little maintenance and is extra light. The single-speed bike is well suited for flat urban areas and gets you from A to B quickly. Since the bike does not have gears, you should be aware that the ride comfort is somewhat lower than with a city or trekking e-bike.

Once you have found a suitable e-bike category, the e-bike test can really begin. Because only a comparison and test of different electric bikes in a category is ultimately really promising.

The right drive is the be-all and end-all when testing an e-bike

The drive of an e-bike plays an important role. Before the test, you should ask yourself a few questions. What does the terrain look like where I am riding? Do I attach great importance to individual gear setting or is a fast gear ratio with little delay important to me? And how robust and durable should the motor of my electric bike be? These questions are best answered by taking a closer look at the different types of motors.

hub motor

The hub motor is characterized by its power and robust construction. The incredibly good gear ratio ensures that the power of the drive is transferred directly to the road.

Compared to other motors, the wear and tear of the hub motor is extremely low. The sometimes expensive drive components need to be replaced less often and offer years of enjoyment from the e-bike.

  • requires little maintenance

  • extremely robust

  • fast power transmission

mid-engine

Do you like to ride your e-bike through picturesque landscapes in the mountains? Or does your hometown have lots of hills and steep corners? Then the mid-engine is just right for you. Compared to the hub motor, this motor has the practical advantage that you can choose the gear ratio yourself using the gearshift. This way you can adapt your riding style to different terrain and always travel quickly and comfortably.

The motor is located on the bottom bracket. The clever placement at the lowest center of gravity of the e-bike provides additional stability. Anyone who enjoys multi-day tours will quickly become enthusiastic about this type of riding.

  • ensures stability

  • controlled by a circuit

  • Motor transfers the power to the bicycle chain

  • high driving comfort

  • suitable for long distances

How can I test the engine?

The easiest way to test the engine is to take it for a test drive . But you can also check the most important criteria from home and find an engine that perfectly suits your driving style and daily route.

It is important to note the Newton meters and the weight of the motor. The e-bike drive often has 50-85 Nm. 50 Nm is ideal for the city and slight inclines. Would you like even more strength and power? Then try an e-bike with 65 N m. These motors have so much power that even a low cadence is enough to move forward quickly. For rough terrain and steep mountains, the e-bike needs around 80 Nm. If you have to carry your e-bike often, a lighter motor model is also recommended.

The battery's watt hours also indicate how long you can travel with the e-bike and what distances are possible. A 504Wh battery is sufficient if the e-bike is primarily used on paved, straight routes.

The market leaders for motors are Shimano and Bosch. The e-bikes from myvélo rely on the high-quality motors from Shimano. These are characterized by their robust construction, power and high quality.

How to compare engine performance in the e-bike test

The wattage of an e-bike tells you how far an electric bike can go. The higher the wattage, the further you can ride the e-bike. However, the weight of the battery also increases with the wattage. If the electric bike has more than 250 watts, you also need an insurance license plate. Pedelecs often do not need a license plate. Only e-bikes and S-Pedelecs with the corresponding battery need this identification.

Important to remember: The battery supports the motor power and can even compensate for it to some extent. If an e-bike has a good battery, it can sometimes have a better range than an e-bike with a weak battery and good motor power.

If you have already found favorites, make sure that you compare e-bikes with very similar engine performance.

If you mainly ride your electric bike in the city, a lightweight motor and battery are a good option. The motor's support is sufficient in city traffic and even easy bike rides on the weekend are particularly pleasant with a lightweight motor.

How do I recognize a good gear shift?

You want to test the quality of the gear shift, but don't know how to do it best? Here is a helpful insight:

In the city, a hub gear is a good choice. It requires little maintenance and supports you on relaxed bike rides and the way to work.

hub gears

  • requires little maintenance
  • Coaster brake is possible
  • can be used with a belt drive

    Mountains and hills are no longer a problem with a derailleur. It is ideal for sporty riding.

    derailleur :

    • suitable for powerful engines
    • has a larger translation
    • comfortable and fast gear shifting

      Once you have decided on a variant, only compare gearshifts of one type with each other.

      The brake should not be missing in an e-bike test

      Today's e-bikes are increasingly offered with disc or rim brakes. Both models are available as mechanical and hydraulic variants. These two types have continued to develop in recent years. The hydraulic models are preferred for mountain bikes or racing bikes.

      Mechanical disc brakes have greater braking power and are therefore recommended for city, trekking and e-mountain bikes. The ease of use is another plus point.

      The braking power of rim brakes depends on the weather conditions. Rainy weather increases the braking distance, which is something to keep in mind when riding a lot in the city.

      Important to know: Good brakes are not cheap. So always pay attention to how expensive an e-bike is. If it is offered with a high-quality brake and is also almost too cheap, a thorough test is particularly important. A test drive is helpful here.

      weight and frame

      Now you're almost at the end of your e-bike test. But there's still one point to consider - the weight. Here, too, the terrain plays an important role. If you're riding your electric bike through the city, a particularly light model is a good idea. If you want to carry the bike up a few steps or take part of your daily journey by train, a lightweight model is particularly practical.

      So before you buy, think about how often you will need to carry and transport your e-bike. You also need to consider where you will store it in your home. If you store your e-bike in the basement, a lightweight e-bike is the better choice.

      The easiest way to test the weight is to take a test drive. During the ride, you can easily determine whether the weight is compatible with your everyday life or whether you should choose a slightly lighter model.

      Tip: Even if the e-bike is only used on flat terrain, you should be able to lift it up for a few seconds. When testing your e-bike, it is therefore advisable to lift the electric bike briefly.

      This is what you should definitely consider when testing an e-bike

      If you want to buy an e-bike, an extensive e-bike test is helpful to ensure that your new bike is a good fit for you and your riding style. Test the most important features such as the drive and gears, brakes and weight to get a meaningful result.

      • Hub motors are particularly robust, low-maintenance and provide a fast transmission of power
      • Mid-engines provide stability, can be controlled by a gearshift and ensure driving comfort
      • for the city an e-bike with 50 Nm is sufficient
      • a 504Wh battery is suitable for daily cycling
      • with more than 250 watts, the bike requires an insurance license plate
      • Hub gears are robust, while derailleur gears are well suited for powerful drives
      • Mechanical disc brakes are suitable for city, trekking and e-mountain bikes
      • in the city and as a commuter, a lightweight model is the optimal choice

        If you compare e-bikes from one category and with the same features, you will get a better overview and be able to identify differences more quickly.

        The perfect e-bike for the modern cowboy

        Further information and frequently asked questions zu E-bike test – how to find the right electric bike

        Get advice from cycling enthusiasts

        Of course, there are different answers to this question, as it always depends on your own riding style and preferences. However, a trekking and city e-bike is the right choice for many bike lovers. Both models can shine both off-road and in the city. If you prefer to ride fast and sportily, an e-mountain bike or single-speed bike is the best option.

        To find a suitable electric bike, you should consider the quality of the motor and gears, the brakes, the battery life and the weight. If you compare e-bikes in the same category, you can quickly find a suitable model.

        Traditionally, men's e-bikes have a medium-high bar, while women's e-bikes have a low entry, because the bar is particularly low here. However, there are now hardly any differences between the two versions, as men also increasingly find the low entry on an e-bike more comfortable. Therefore, it is a good idea to test both types of frame when testing an e-bike.

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