Introduction
Opting for smarter, sustainable mobility is a growing interest for many people. But with so many options available, where do you start when trying to find the perfect e-bike?
In this blog, we've rounded up the 5 simple questions to help you make a confident decision as to which e-bike is the best investment to bring you daily joy for years to come.
Let's take a look at our checklist!
Your 5-Question Checklist To Evaluate Any E-Bike
By answering the following questions, you'll have your own personalised checklist to evaluate any e-bike, making your decision a clear step-by-step process.
Q1: What will you use your e-bike for most?
Knowing what you'll use your e-bike for most helps you determine which design is best. For example:
- Stress-free city commuting: A lightweight frame for easy transportation is best, with a step-through frame for a more upright posture (ideal for starting and stopping!).
- Weekend fitness adventures: Suspension forks and adjustable stems are a must when tackling off-road paths, with a powerful motor and higher-capacity battery (e.g., 504 Wh).
- Replacing car trips for errands: Step-through frames make frequent stops easier, and front and/or rear carriers are a must for groceries and daily loads—integrated rear rack options can provide space for child seats, making them optimal for car replacement.
- Tackling challenging hills & routes: Steep climbs require high torque (80 Nm), whilst features such as a 9-speed drivetrain make tackling slopes and varied gradients easier.
Q2: How far (and where) will you ride?
Two elements are key: distance and route. Is your commute short and flat, or are your journeys usually longer and hilly? This helps clarify your needs for battery range and motor power so you can ride without range anxiety or overexertion.
For example, daily office commuting (16-30 km per day) would ideally require a battery capacity of 350-500 Wh to cover a distance of up to 70 km per charge, with a motor of 250 W and 40-60 Nm torque for start-stop riding and moderate hills.
Top TENWAYS tip: Select a range that comfortably accommodates your longest typical ride, keeping in mind that a massive, super-long-range battery adds cost and weight that you might not actually need.
Q3: Where will you keep and carry it?
An e-bike that doesn't fit into your routine or space is an e-bike that won't fit into your life!
The physical fit—step-through frames for easier mounting in traffic versus diamond frames for sportier rides—is important, as is storage of the e-bike.
If you need to carry your e-bike up stairs, onto trains, or into narrow spaces, a lightweight frame is essential. Similarly, if you need to store your e-bike at home and at work, is there enough space when accounting for the length and bar width?
You'll also want to consider lower-maintenance features if you don't have space for tools or regular tinkering (e.g., hub gears, belt drives).
Q4: What value do you need in the long term?
You want an e-bike that's durable and reliable, which means considering not only warranty length and coverage (particularly for the battery and motor) but also the quality of core components.
Choosing e-bikes with features like hydraulic disc brakes for consistent all-weather stopping power and a carbon belt drive for a silent, nearly maintenance-free ride translates directly into long-term peace of mind and lower maintenance costs.
For extra longevity and support, purchase an e-bike that offers direct brand support for troubleshooting and easy maintenance.
Q5: How do you want it to feel?
Specifications are important, but so is your overall experience.
If you want a smooth, quiet, and intuitive ride, look for a combination of functional aesthetics (clean lines, comfortable seated posture) and convenience (app connectivity, integrated lights, and different assistance levels).
Think of how you want to feel daily when riding, and work backwards from there!
Your answers, translated into features
- If your answer to Q1 was "city commuting": Look for a lightweight frame, integrated lights, upright handlebars, and a belt drive.
- If your answer to Q2 was "long & hilly": Look for a high Wh battery, a mid-drive motor with high Nm torque, and multiple gearing options.
- If your answer to Q3 was "office & home": Look for a lightweight frame and low-maintenance features such as a belt drive.
- If your answer to Q4 was "ongoing support": Look for e-bikes that offer direct brand support for troubleshooting and easy maintenance.
- If your answer to Q5 was "smooth & simple": Look for a torque sensor, belt drive, and integrated cabling for smooth riding and aesthetics.
As you can see, each answer to the checklist of questions gives an idea of the features and specifications you should look for, so be sure to read through each section carefully and consider your options.
TENWAYS e-bikes answer your questions
Whether you're looking for calm commuting, exciting excursions, or smooth sailing, we craft each e-bike to turn your personal checklist—your mission, route, and lifestyle—into a truly great ride through thoughtful design, reliable performance, and dedicated support.
Now that you've got a clear framework to choose wisely, the next step is simple (and exciting!). Explore the TENWAYS collection, where every bike is designed to answer your unique needs.
