Buying an e-bike for commuting: 4 things to think about

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Buying an e-bike for commuting: 4 things to think about

Buying an electric bike is a new lifestyle investment that costs quite a bit of money upfront, so the decision to buy is understandably a big one. As with any purchase, it's natural to weigh the positives of e-biking against any concerns you may have. To help you make that choice, we'll address 4 common e-bike commuting concerns, and how the right model can provide you with smooth, effortless rides to work!

 

How long do e-bike batteries last for?

Take our popular commuter models, the CGO800S and CGO600 Pro, for instance. The range of them could be up to 100 km with a single charge in ideal conditions. However, the lifespan of the battery depends on how often an e-bike is used and how well it is maintained. Obviously, the more you use it, the more energy is consumed. But other factors also affect its lifespan, such as power levels, temperature and riding conditions. The more demanding these are on your battery, the greater the effect on its lifespan; for example, riding up hills at higher power levels on freezing days will be more demanding on a battery than riding on flat terrain with low assistance levels in pleasant riding weather.

Maintenance is also important to keep your e-bike battery at peak performance, and taking good care of it will help you get the most out of it for as long as possible. E-bike manuals also list guidelines for use and maintenance for safe & optimal battery performance.

If you do run out of battery power on a ride, don't worry – you can still ride your e-bike like a normal bike without electric assistance. Our lightweight e-bike CGO600 have been praised for their natural riding experience with and without power.

 

How much does it cost to maintain an e-bike?

Similarly to the previous answer, how much an e-bike is ridden and the riding conditions will also affect the cost of maintenance. Regular riding in more challenging conditions will require more frequent maintenance or repairs to keep your e-bike in top shape.

Compared to cars, however, you will still save much more money with an e-bike. In terms of maintenance, an e-bike should be taken to a cycling specialist for an annual check-up, and usually the components that need to be checked regularly for repair/replacement are the brakes and tires, which wouldn't cost anywhere near the amount it costs to maintain a car. E-bike maintenance is much cheaper and easier, plus you don't need to pay out for fuel!

TENWAYS e-bikes are built with quality components that will keep them rolling for years to come, including the Gates Carbon Belt drive that makes commuting almost maintenance free. And if you do need help, our after-sales support & service centers can give you extra peace of mind with your TENWAYS ride!

 

How fast can e-bikes go?

This partly depends on the rider's fitness and how fast they want to pedal alongside the powered assistance! E-bike motors have a speed limit at which their assistance stops helping you ride faster, and this depends on whether the e-bike is a pedelec or a speed pedelec. In the EU, pedelecs (including TENWAYS e-bikes) have a maximum speed limit of 25km/h and motors of up to 250W, whereas speed pedelecs have a limit of 45km/h and higher-wattage motors, and come under the same classification as mopeds, meaning riders need insurance and a licence plate. We differentiate between them more in this guide on how to ride safely.

 

How important is weight on e-bikes?

It doesn't make much difference unless your commute includes substantial hills. The more weight your e-bike carries on a hill, the more power it will consume and the harder the motor will work.

If you’ll be riding on relatively flat terrain, a lightweight e-bike such as those in the TENWAYS CGO009 City electric bike is ideal. For tackling hills regularly, e-bikes fitted with motors that provide more torque would be more suitable, such as the AGO T with its 80Nm of torque. And for carrying significant loads, the CARGO ONE boasts an impressive 100Nm of torque.

We hope we've answered some of your e-bike commuting concerns, but if you have more, feel free to contact us or join our Facebook group to ask other riders about their experiences to help you choose your e-bike path.

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