How to Pick the E-Bike Model that Suits Your Needs Best

Did you know that if 15% of city trips were replaced by e-bikes, urban CO2 emissions could drop by 11%? 

It's no surprise that e-bikes are reshaping urban mobility for the better. As a greener, more affordable form of transport, e-bikes offer the perfect blend of sustainability and practicality for the average city dweller.

With the global e-bike market projected to reach $51 billion by 2029, you may wonder why e-bikes are becoming so popular and which model works best for different needs.

Beyond being a wallet-friendly travel option, there are additional benefits, including a positive environmental impact, enhanced health and wellbeing, and the convenience they provide when you choose the appropriate model for your requirements… but where do you start when choosing an e-bike?

We've put together a guide to help you choose the best e-bike for your needs, whether you're navigating flat roads, slopes, or uneven terrains.

Let's take a look.

Factors to consider when buying an e-bike

With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start when finding the perfect e-bike for your needs.

Here are some questions you can ask yourself to narrow down your options:

• What is your daily commute like? Is it an inner-city trip (<10km) or a long-distance ride (20km+)? 
• Do you ride on predominantly flat roads or slopes?
• Do you require extra utility ?(e.g., a child seat or additional room for carrying groceries or work gear)
• What budget do you have?
• Do you want smart functionality or additional tech features?

How to choose the best e-bike

To avoid overwhelm, we've rounded up the best options to suit different lifestyle demands, so that you can align your priorities with the best features to find the perfect e-bike.

The urban commuter

Ideal for: City dwellers tackling short, daily rides (less than 15km) on paved roads, bike lanes, or mixed urban terrain.

Key features needed: 

• Lightweight frame under 18kg for easy manoeuvrability when carrying upstairs, onto trains, or crowded stations.
• Integrated lights and fenders for rainy commutes.
• Compact, sleek design to navigate busy, narrow streets and crowded bike racks.

Recommended models for the urban commuter:

• CGO600

With its 15kg net weight sporty frame, the CGO600 is a budget-conscious, compact e-bike model that packs an intuitive punch.

Beyond its nimble design, it features a low-maintenance carbon belt drive for fuss-free travel and a rear hub motor, ideal for navigating flat roads.

• CGO600 Pro

Aptly described as the Lightweight Champion, the CGO600 Pro is a compact yet powerful e-bike with a 17kg net weight, featuring a Mivice M070 hub motor.

Perfect for smooth commutes, it has a colour OLED display supporting 7 European languages, sleek concealed cabling, and an integrated rear light on the mudguard for maximum safety and convenience.

• CGO800S

The CGO800S is perfect for commuting in comfort and style, with its suspension front fork absorbing any bumps in the road for journeys over cobbled or uneven roads for smooth riding.

Additionally, the CGO800S' Selle Royal saddle and upright seating position keep you comfortable for everyday cycling and longer rides, all accompanied by the sleek, integrated display with app-enabled navigation.

The hill and terrain navigator 

Ideal for: Riders in hilly cities or on cobblestone terrain.

Key features needed:

• Multi-speed, precise gearing to adapt easily to shifting slopes and hilly terrain.
• Robust mid-drive motor: consistent torque for climbing inclines, even with heavy loads.
• All-weather braking (e.g., hydraulic disc brakes that deliver reliable stopping power on rainy days).

Recommended models for the hill and terrain navigator:

• AGO Air

Whether you're urban commuting or climbing slopes, the AGO Air is a versatile e-bike that excels on steep slopes and heavy loads due to its 80 Nm max torque mid-drive motor.

The 9-speed drivetrain of the AGO Air is a key highlight, offering reliable and crisp gear shifting for a variety of terrains. In short, if you value raw power for challenging ascents, it's the ideal e-bike model.

• AGO X

We describe the AGO X as your e-bike SUV for a reason. The combination of a 10-speed drivetrain with a mid-drive motor is ideal for optimal cadence on steep climbs.

Safety is also a key factor in the AGO X's design, such as the hydraulic disc brakes that have all-weather stopping power, making it a safe option for technical climbs and a variety of weather conditions. 

• AGO T

If premium comfort came in the elegant form of two wheels, it would be the AGO T. Suitable for all urban road surfaces, it's a smooth ride powered by a mid-drive motor.

The AGO T's carbon belt drive requires zero maintenance, and its slick frame means you get a tailored, comfortable ride with a fully integrated rear carrier for added convenience.

• CGO600 Plus and the CGO800 Plus

Both the CGO600 Plus and the CGO800 Plus feature 8-speed drivetrains for optimal cadence when climbing moderate urban slopes. 

Whether you're riding on bicycle paths, paved or cobblestone streets, or climbing slopes, both models are a budget-friendly, simple option with variety in mind.

The long-distance explorer

Ideal for: Suburban commuters, weekend adventurers, and riders covering 25 km+ daily.

Key features needed:

• Long-range battery to avoid stress and range anxiety.
• Ergonomic comfort with an adjustable stem, ideally with customisable handlebar height for shoulder/neck relief, particularly for longer journeys.
• Suspension seat post to absorb vibrations on uneven roads and surfaces.

Recommended models for the long-distance explorer:

• AGO T

Range anxiety during longer journeys isn't a worry with the AGO T due to its reliable 100km battery range. Adding to its overall comfort, the AGO T also has an upright position to reduce strain on wrists and the lower back during longer journeys.

A dual suspension (front fork and seat post) enhances the comfort as well, whether you're riding over cobblestones, forest trails, or canal paths.

Tip: Remember that real-world range depends on rider weight, terrain, and pedal-assist usage.

Rider with specific capacity needs 

Ideal for: Parents doing errands (e.g., school or grocery trips), or small business owners needing cargo capacity.

Key features needed: 

• Extended wheel base for stability with heavy loads or kids.
• Rear rack for panniers, child seats, or baskets.
• Enhanced safety features to keep additional cargo safe and secure.

Recommended models for riders with specific capacity needs:

• Longtail Duo

From children and groceries to larger items and business cargo, the Longtail Duo does it all in a safe and stable, and secure style. 

The extra-large portable battery and anti-theft protection offer reliability and safety, whilst the extended wheelbases and heavy-load capacity give you the space to carry what you need to with peace of mind.

• Cargo One

The extra-large cargo box of the Cargo One is perfect for carrying your little ones (whether two or four-legged) through life's adventures with adaptable and ergonomic features like automatic ambient lights, turn signals, and safety belts.

The Cargo One is the perfect choice for a multitasker, helping to manage day-to-day tasks and your most precious cargo with a touch of style.

The tech-forward rider

Ideal for: Innovation seekers who value smart connectivity, seamless app integration, and refined details for an enhanced and modern riding experience.

Key features needed: 

• Smart connectivity for real-time tracking and anti-theft alerts via integrated app.
• Integrated function with wireless controls and automatic updates.

Recommended models for the tech-forward rider

• CGO009

Blending smart riding with integrated tech seamlessly, the CGO009 allows you to unlock live feedback functions on the status of your ride after simply mounting your smartphone, including a notification if your bike moves or falls unexpectedly.

Beyond the impressive smart features, the CGO009 is crafted to set you apart from the crowd, from its reliable carbon belt drive and portable battery to the integrated rear light, modular components, and chic profile.

Pick the best e-bike for your needs by choosing TENWAYS 

E-bike commuting can save time, money, and the planet — but only if you pick the right bike.

Whether you're looking to tackle a city commute without breaking a sweat or the bank, or carry cargo with ease, there's a TENWAYS e-bike to suit your needs and help you to tackle your day in chic style.

Why not use our comparison tool to explore our different e-bike models and find the one that suits your needs best?