Do You Need a More Powerful eBike?
What Does Power Mean for an Ebike?
Before we get too far, what do I mean when I say ebike Power? What I am referring to is acceleration and top speed. These days, Ebikes range all over the place in both of these categories. Top Speeds from 15 MPH all the way to 50 or more! And acceleration can be as slow as barely telling it is doing anything up to feeling like it wants to throw you off the bike. Here, we are going to compare entry level low power options to picking something with a little more. We are not talking about extreme options, but should you get a bike with more than the minimum?
How to Know Which Ebikes Have Power?
Almost every time I see someone reference how more Powerful eBike is, the only spec they reference is the motors advertised power or wattage. This is one of many factors that determine an Ebikes power.
Items to Consider:
- Motor - Continuous vs Peak power, torque, and overall quality (not all our equal).
- Weight - E-bikes can get heavy and this impacts acceleration and top speed.
- Rolling Resistance - Knobby tires? Fat Tires? How hard it is to keep rolling is a factor.
- Controller - This unit plays a huge role in power delivery.
- Battery - How well can it deliver the power needed to go fast?
That is a Lot! I Need an Easier Way.
Obviously, you want to pick a bike that has the right amount of power for you. Diving in to motor, controller, battery, and other specs is probably not going to be the route most people want to take. So, what do you do?
Watch YouTube reviews. As many as you need to so that you feel comfortable with your decision. These reviews allow you to see exactly how the bike performs, accelerates, and what top speed it can reach. It also allows you to get many opinions from different people who have different riding styles.
What Else Should I Look For?
Acceleration and power are the main items, but I would also pay attention to:
- Acceleration through steep inclines - not all Ebikes handle this well.
- Range - Power is great, but if it is dead after 20 miles, was it worth it?
- Maintain Speed Through Inclines - Some may hit a steep incline at 30 MPH, but slow way down as they cannot maintain their speed.
- Stopped Power - Power responsiveness. Does the thing go right away, or does it have a delay?
Okay, Power or Not?
So, this depends on your riding style. I will make cases for both sides so you can see where you fall. My wife would tell you a more powerful ebike or fast ebike is unnecessary. I would tell you that you are going to want that power. This is because where we ride and how we ride is completely different. The situations we are in, the traffic, the intersections.... all different.
Lets break this down.
Modest Power
The RadRover is a great bike but the models I tested had very modest power. Slower acceleration and a top speed in the 20's. Great for riders needing less power.
The Case for A Slower E-Bike
When my wife takes a ride on her e-bike, she is on slower city roads. She is in locations where traffic is minimal and slow. She does not go through intersections or have to accelerate with traffic. None of this requires you have more power.
You are basically riding a bike that has an electric assist.
This is a great example of not always needing more acceleration, top end speed, or torque. If you plan to ride your e-bike more like a regular bike and lightly use the assistance it provides, then power is not directly important.
Just A Little More Power
The Multijoy Spaniel still falls in the category of a "lower powered: e-bike, but it has just a little more get up and go if that is what you are looking for.
The Case for A More Powerful E-Bike
A lot of people new to e-bikes hear about more power and instantly associate that with more danger. Depending on how much power it has, you may need to get comfortable with it. But... even most "more powerful" e-bikes don't do anything extreme. You still feel in control, but with a little more zip.
Now, I mentioned more power being associated with more danger. I actually believe in the opposite, depending on where you are riding your bike. Because, traffic is dangerous. People in cars are often distracted. Many get extremely annoyed if a bike is slowing them down and lose all patience. They swerve around you, cut you off, of fly by almost knocking you off the road.
This is why I feel so much safer with enough power to accelerate with traffic. Maintain a speed that does not annoy traffic. Or simply be able to move with traffic fast enough that I can get myself out of the way. I feel so much safer riding like this, compared to being stuck, slow, and trapped in the middle of traffic.
The Big Question - How Are You Going to Ride Your E-Bike?
There is a huge difference between riding slow roads that have minimal traffic and roads that have traffic, intersections, and people on the go.
The simplest way to put it, if you would feel comfortable riding your regular bike at the places you plan to ride an e-bike, you probably don't need anything with too much power. On the flip side, if you would not feel comfortable but a little more acceleration and top end speed would help, there you go.
Check Out the Aniioki A8 Pro Max
A bike that has the perfect balance of acceleration, top end speed, and battery range! The Aniioki A8 Pro Max is a prime example of an e-bike with more power I am talking about in this article.
I'm Nervous, What Are These Powerful E-Bikes Like?
Again, watch videos to get a better understanding of the actual experience and power of each model e-bike. When I talk about more power, it really does not feel like that much more and most people would feel just fine.
That being said, some e-bikes are getting fast. I am testing the Motor Goat V3 and I will say that thing will scare some people. It has some real acceleration and goes about 45 MPH.
But most of the bikes I am suggesting have more, but still modest acceleration and you are in complete control of the top speed even though they are only capable of 32 to 35 MPH most of the time. This includes e-bikes like the Aniioki A8 Pro Max, Ride1Up Revv 1, and Philodo H8. These e-bikes have a little more power, a quicker response time when you hit the throttle, but after a few minutes... you have the hang of it and feel completely comfortable.
Other Things to Consider...
- Fat Tire - These bikes are great for for road and off-road. If you want to be able to go anywhere, these are worth considering.
- Road Safety - While getting more common, not all have features I prefer. This included a button for headlight control, turn signals, and rear brake and turn signal lights.
- Seat Adjustment - Some of the moped style e-bikes I have mentioned are really comfortable and enjoyable to ride for long periods at a time. If you want to do a lot of pedaling and get exercise, these can be less ideal as you cannot find the that perfect ride height. They are more for a throttle heavy and less pedaling experience.
- Weight - E-bikes are getting heavy. If you need to load the bike to take places, keep an eye on weight. I am currently testing the Jasion EB5 which is a lower power e-bike, but rather light and great quality if you want that type of e-bike.
Check Out The Ride1Up Revv 1
Another option with solid acceleration, 32 MPH top speed, but meant more for the roads. A very well-built bike with moped style styles, is extremely comfortable on the roads, but not not ideal for heavy off-roading. Check out the Ride1Up Revv 1 here!
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