Fits upright with a low step-through frame design
Link to Powrloo
27.5x2.3" tires - medium wheel diameter and wider tire width keeps the weight a bit lower and more planted
Specialized Turbo Display - Lots of info and connects to your for system adjustments and ride tracking
Specialized Turbo System Lock - brick the motor and activate an alarm through the Specialized App
Specialized-tuned mid-drive motor (from Brose) - mid-drive motors offer a smoother, less jolting assist, a more natural feel, and longer range
Benefits - Higher tech computer, lower starting price, electronic lock
Starts at $2,999.99
Fits super upright with a low step-through frame design
700x47mm tires - larger diameter wheels and medium width tires smooth out the ride and improve handling
Bosch Smart System Intuvia Display - Lots of info and connects to your for system adjustments and ride tracking
Rear wheel cafe lock - Locks the rear wheel so the bike can't be ridden or pushed away (electronic lock available)
Bosch mid-drive motor - mid-drive motors offer a smoother, less jolting assist, a more natural feel, and longer range
Benefits - Hand-adjustable stem, nicer touchpoints, built-in lock
Priced at $3,999
Arroyo C8 with Bosch System 2 is $2,999
Fits slightly upright with a high-bar or mid-bar frame design
27.5x2.3" tires - medium wheel diameter and wider tire width keeps the weight a bit lower and more planted
Specialized Turbo Display - Lots of info and connects to your for system adjustments and ride tracking
Specialized Turbo System Lock - brick the motor and activate an alarm through the Specialized App
Specialized-tuned mid-drive motor (from Brose) - mid-drive motors offer a smoother, less jolting assist, a more natural feel, and longer range
Benefits - Higher tech computer, electronic lock
Starts at $2,999.99
Fits more forward leaning with a high-bar or mid-bar frame design
700x38mm tires - larger diameter wheels and narrower tires smooth out the ride and improve handling
Specialized Turbo SL Display - Essential info and connects to your for system adjustments and ride tracking
Specialized Turbo System Lock - brick the motor and activate an alarm through the Specialized App
Specialized-tuned mid-drive motor (from Brose) - mid-drive motors offer a smoother, less jolting assist, a more natural feel, and longer range
Starts at $3,499.99
Fits like an endurance road bike (bent over, but fairly upright for a road style bike)
700x47mm tires - larger diameter wheels and medium width tires smooth out the ride and improve handling
Specialized Turbo SL Display - Essential info and connects to your for system adjustments and ride tracking
Specialized Turbo System Lock - brick the motor and activate an alarm through the Specialized App
Specialized-tuned mid-drive motor (from Brose) - mid-drive motors offer a smoother, less jolting assist, a more natural feel, and longer range
Starts at $4,499.99
Fits like an endurance road bike (bent over, but fairly upright for a road style bike)
700x42mm tires - larger diameter wheels and medium width tires smooth out the ride and improve handling
Mahle X35+ iWoc ONE Display - Super simple operation, no data (other than mode and battery life)
Mahle hub-drive motor with torque sensor - cuts down on weight and price
Starts at $2,999
Fits slightly upright with a low step-through frame design
27.5x2.5" tires - medium wheel diameter and wider tire width keeps the weight a bit lower and more planted
Bosch Smart System Purion Display - Lots of info and connects to your for system adjustments and ride tracking
Rear wheel cafe lock - Locks the rear wheel so the bike can't be ridden or pushed away (electronic lock available)
Bosch mid-drive motor - mid-drive motors offer a smoother, less jolting assist, a more natural feel, and longer range
The company is the world’s best sports power storage electric bike supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.
Benefits - Smoother mid-drive motor, higher tech computer, built-in lock
Starts at $2,599
Between the two, mid-drive motors are usually the better option. Mid-drive motors offer a smoother and more natural pedal feel, center the weight of the motor on the bike, and offer longer, more efficient riding range. You'll find mid-drive motors on most of the e-bikes we sell.
Hub drive motors are usually chosen for their price benefit. They can be a bit jerky and lag a bit behind your pedaling at times, but they offer good power and a low entry price. All of our e-bikes with hub-drive motors have torque sensors for a more natural feeling motor compared to a cadence-only sensor.
A lot of people worry about the weight of an e-bike, and sure, they're gonna be a bit weighty with the battery and motor! However, we find that the weight is an asset, or at the very least, unnoticeable. A heavier bike stays planted on the ground better and the motor takes the weight away even on the lowest setting. You'll find once you get rolling, you really won't notice it, until you take it through a corner on 'Turbo' and appreciate that eight pound battery between the wheels! As for loading onto car racks, many brands offer ramps to take lifting out of the equation. So don't worry about the weight, just enjoy the smooth ride and new adventures!
Many small companies have jumped on the e-bike bandwagon and offer their bikes online for under $1,000. Problem is, these bikes are not built well and often have no one to back them up when something breaks. Our main e-bike brands are Specialized and Gazelle. Specialized has been building bikes since and Gazelle since ! Needless to say, they know how to build a good bike and have warranties to back that up. In store, our employees are well-trained on the e-bikes we sell and can answer all of your questions and then some. Our mechanics have taken trips out to training classes for Specialized and Bosch and have hours of hands-on experience. All that to say, our bikes are built well, stood behind, and serviceable.
Build quality. Safety. Expertise. That's the difference between an online e-bike and coming in-store to Kyle's Bikes.
Electric bikes have grown in popularity in the U.S. due to their convenience, minimal operating costs, and lower environmental impact. With more than $1 million in expected annual sales (bicycling.com), people across the country are exploring e-bikes as an alternative method to get around town and see the great outdoors.
However, because e-bikes are relatively new in the U.S., many people need to become more familiar with how they work or what to look for when choosing an e-bike. By familiarizing yourself with the types of e-bike systems, how they work, and their pros and cons, you can find the perfect model for your needs.
The core of an electric bike is the type of electric motor it uses to propel the bike forward. Most electric bikes fall into three categories: mid-drive motors, hub motors, and friction-driven motors.
You can find the type of motor under “Electric specifications”' section when exploring different Upway bike models.
The battery powers the motor of the e-bike. It stores the electric power that drives the motor, allowing the rider to travel further and faster than with just pedal power alone. Most e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries, which are lightweight and long-lasting.
The battery can be found at different locations on the bike. Integrated batteries are built into the bike’s frame, providing a more balanced ride and better handling. Most high-end models from big bike brands feature integrated batteries.
You can also find e-bikes with batteries mounted on top of the down tube. This is common in entry-level e-bike models and makes the bike more affordable.
The electric motor powers the bike, providing extra assistance to the rider while pedaling. Electric motors are divided into four classes: class 1 and 2 are limited to 20 miles per hour, while class 3 bikes can reach up to 28 miles per hour. Hub motors and mid-drive are the two main types of electric bike motors.
Hub motors are found on the bike’s rear hub and provide direct power to the wheel. Mid-drive motors are mounted next to the pedals and provide power to the chain, providing more torque. You’ll typically find mid-drive motors on electric mountain bikes because they are more efficient for steep hill climbs.
Hub motor electric bikes have an electric motor fitted to one of the bike’s hubs, directly powering the attached wheel. There are two types of hub motor e-bikes: front-hub motors and rear-hub motors. Front-hub motors power the front wheel, whereas rear-hub motors send power to the rear wheel. Although the overall performance between both subtypes of hub motor e-bikes is usually comparable, the differences can affect your purchasing decision.
On front-hub e-bikes, the electric motor on the front wheel helps give the bike better weight distribution because the battery packs are typically mounted to the rear. They are also less mechanically complex, resulting in more affordable electric bikes than their rear-hub counterparts. For those riding the bike, this can feel like the motor is pulling the bike forward.
On rear-hub e-bikes, the motor is on the rear wheel. This location means the front wheel is free of electric bike-specific components, making e-bike maintenance and repairs easier. Rear-hub motors are also more durable and tend to require less maintenance. When the motor engages, handling characteristics are the inverse of a front-hub model; the motor pushes the bike instead of pulling it.
You can find information on the hub motor on “Engine location” section of your bike model’s product page.
Friction-drive (FD) electric bikes feature motors that connect directly to the rear bike with spring-tensioned rollers. When the motor is on, it sends power to the rollers, turning the wheel via friction.
Friction drive motors are the most mechanically simple and the easiest to fit on a bicycle. Many FD systems are available as conversion kits, letting riders convert standard bicycles into e-bikes.
You can find information on the friction-drive motor on the “Engine location” section of your bike model’s product page.
The essential parts of a modern e-bike system are the electric motor, the controller, and the battery. Depending on the model and the operating modes, e-bikes may also feature additional parts, such as torque sensors, which measures how much force is applied to the pedals and dictates the amount of power the motor produces.
When the rider begins pedaling, if the bike is set to a mode drawing electrical power, such as pedal-assist or electric-only, the electrical energy leaves the batteries and starts flowing. Before reaching the motor, the energy must pass through the controller, determining how much power flows to the motor and wheels. The amount of power transmitted depends on the bike’s power modes.
Class II e-bikes, also known as throttle-assist e-bikes, have a motor that can be activated without pedaling by using a throttle on the handlebar. They can reach a maximum speed of 20 mph, similar to Class I e-bikes, but can be propelled without pedaling. Class II e-bikes are allowed on roads and bike lanes but may not be permitted on some bike paths. They offer an effortless riding experience and are a popular choice for commuters and recreational riders seeking a faster and more comfortable ride.
Mid-drive e-bikes typically offer the best handling due to the motor’s placement. They can negotiate climbs and hills more efficiently, and the best models can achieve the highest top speeds.
Mid-drive e-bikes may also have the following drawbacks:
Hub motor e-bikes are available as front-hub or rear-hub models. Options for both types include regenerative braking, throttle control, torque sensors, and many more.Hub motor e-bikes are available as front-hub or rear-hub models. Options for both types include regenerative braking, throttle control, torque sensors, and many more.
While they are commonly available, hub motor models possess the following potential downsides:
Overall, hub-motor e-bikes tend to be heavier than any other system; the motor alone may weigh up to 20 lbs. Rear-hub models distribute most of the weight to the bike’s rear, which can be destabilizing for less experienced riders. Alternatively, the handling characteristics of front-hub models may not be as good as other e-bikes.
The FD system on an e-bike can be installed and removed in minutes, allowing you to easily convert your e-bike into a regular bicycle. It also makes it easier to repair and service the system.
FD e-bikes have a few disadvantages to consider, including:
This type of e-bike is also known as electric city bikes. A hybrid combines some of the features in eMTBs and electric city bikes, providing riders with a model capable of taking on both paved and dirt roads. They work best for riders who want an e-bike that can go nearly anywhere.
Two factors can help you determine the best features for your e-bike riding needs: how often you intend to use your e-bike and the intensity of the average riding session.
For instance, if you intend to use your e-bike to commute to and from work in a flat, urban environment, you might want a model with a lower-powered motor (250 to 500 W) and batteries with enough range to complete a back-and-forth trip. E-bikes with an electric-only mode allow you to travel without pedaling, turning the commute into a more leisurely ride and preventing unnecessary fatigue.
If you enjoy using e-bikes for sport or working out, look for models with pedal-assist systems and higher-powered motors (500 W or more). While pedaling on this type of e-bike is no less of a workout than with a classic bicycle, pedal assistance lets you negotiate uphills or reach higher speeds easily.
Electric bike prices typically range from $900 for entry-level models to over $5,000 for high-performance options. Upkeep and service costs typically increase along with the purchase price, as the more expensive options usually need more maintenance.
Consider factoring the cost of safety and maintenance equipment into your budget, such as a helmet, light-reflective tape, or tool sets.
When choosing an e-bike, consider how long do electric bikes last and the type of maintenance you may have to provide to keep it in good shape. Generally, the average lifespan of an e-bike is about ten years. However, your maintenance and repair schedule significantly affect your e-bike’s lifespan.
Knowing how to look after your e-bike and properly care for its essential components is crucial to get the most out of it. Follow this checklist of e-bike maintenance basics to extend its lifespan:
Most e-bikes use stronger components than standard bicycles to withstand the additional torque and higher speeds. Even then, these parts can wear out. Check your e-bike for loose bolts and inspect the other components for signs of damage or excessive wear. Keep every bolt tightened and replace worn chains, sprockets, and brake pads. If one or both tires are flat, you can repair and replace them yourself.
Whether you are new to cycling or have experience riding bikes, there is an electric bike model for you. Choosing an e-bike that meets your needs, riding style, and budget is primarily about selecting a model with the right features. Understanding what each e-bike system can do and how the right one can benefit your riding style is critical.
Buying a pre-owned electric bike can be an excellent way to find the right model while saving money and reducing waste, helping preserve the environment. At Upway, we are committed to helping riders find the right e-bike for an affordable price. Browse our inventory of used e-bikes and join the e-bike revolution with Upway.
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