Five minutes and you'll know how to choose an electric bike

For the city or off-road?

The first step is the same as for a classic bicycle without a motor. In this case, you also need to clarify where you will be using the electric bike and what kind of routes you will be riding. "Czechs traditionally like mountain bikes, but when choosing, it's always good to ask yourself whether you'll be spending most of your time off-road or riding between work, kindergarten, and the bakery. If you choose the latter, I recommend a city e-bike," says Richard Gasperotti, ambassador for e-bike drive manufacturer Bosch eBike Systems, adding that nothing will tell you more about a bike than a test ride. Arrange one.  You can find a specific bike on this Czech website, which features hundreds of models from nearly a hundred different brands.

Ask about the brand of the drive system

What's extra on an electric bike is the drive system consisting of an electric motor, control unit, battery, and display. There are several manufacturers on the market that meet the highest requirements. You can't go wrong if you ask around to find out which brand people are happy with and what they tend to have problems with. The German brand Bosch eBike Systems, which supplies solutions to more than a hundred e-bike manufacturers worldwide, including the Czech Republic, is a guarantee of quality. 

The motor's power and torque are important

Placing the motor in the center of the pedals has proven to be the most effective, mainly because of the center of gravity, the maneuverability of the e-bike, and the overall riding experience. When choosing, pay attention to performance. In the Czech Republic and most European countries, the motor power of e-bikes is limited by law to 250 W, and the assistance only works up to 25 km/h. Once this speed is reached, the motor automatically disconnects. The main reason for this is the safety of riders and others. Thanks to this restriction, electric bikes can be ridden on bike paths and their users do not need a driver's license, liability insurance, or a registration plate. Helmets are also not mandatory (although we do recommend them, of course).

Beware of chip tuning! In the Czech Republic, it is quite common to unlock the motor, which allows you to ride faster than 25 km/h. However, riding an e-bike modified in this way is illegal. You risk a fine, confiscation of your bike, and, in the event of an accident, non-payment of insurance.

The second important criterion is the torque of the motor. The higher it is, the more the motor will help you when starting, riding uphill, or overcoming obstacles. Remember that the motor only multiplies your pedaling power; it does not work on its own. For it to work efficiently and last a long time, it is ideal to pedal in lighter gears and at a higher frequency. The rule is: faster and lighter is better than slow and heavy.

Battery – higher capacity is better

Everyone asks about range. However, this depends on many factors: the weight of the rider, the route profile, the outside temperature, tire pressure, and the level of motor assistance. The more you pedal yourself, the longer the battery will last. If you let the motor do most of the work, you will drain the battery faster. Generally speaking, the greater the battery capacity, the longer the range. Capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). The current standard is 500–750 Wh. If you want to ride long distances without worry, choose a battery with a capacity of over 800 Wh.

Connected cycling

We live in a digital age, and e-cyclists also benefit from electronic gadgets. Choose an e-bike that will give you the most value. For example, with the Flow App connected to the Bosch eBike Systems drive, you get theft protection. The app locks the system, which can only be unlocked in the presence of the owner. If someone tries to steal the bike, an alarm will sound and you will receive a notification on your mobile phone. You can see where the bike is on the map. The app also contains the bike's serial number and other information for the police. In addition, the app regularly updates the motor software, ensuring optimal performance. There is also smart navigation and many other features. Try it and see for yourself!

Electric bike? Find the one for you!

• City e-bikes – ideal for commuting to work or school.
• Trekking (touring) e-bikes – for longer trips on bike paths and lighter terrain.

• Gravel e-bikes – fast bikes for a combination of roads and dirt tracks.

• Mountain e-bikes (eMTBs) – for rough terrain and mountains.

• SUV e-bikes – robust, comfortable, versatile bikes, often with full suspension and mudguards.

• Cargo e-bikes – for transporting people or goods.