Electric Hybrid Bikes

Bike type

When choosing an e-bike, consider who it is designed for. Women’s e-bikes have a lowered top tube for easier mounting. Of course, men’s bikes are perfectly suitable for women as well if the height fits—just make sure the bike size matches your stature.

Motor mounting position

E-bikes have several types of motor mounting configurations and each of them affects riding performance and handling differently.

• E-bikes with a mid-drive system are easier to control and the ride is smoother.
• E-bikes with a hub drive (front/rear) are not as well-balanced as mid-drive bikes.

Fork

Hybrid e-bikes feature either rigid or suspension forks.

Suspension fork

• Better absorbs bumps on the road or light terrain
• Increases the weight of the bike and its maintenance requirements

If you are buying a bike with a suspension fork, it is recommend that you check whether it has the lock out ability. This lets you lock out suspension to match the terrain, for example when you are riding downhill or on a well-paved road. If you lock out the suspension fork, all your energy will go into pedalling.

Rigid fork

Choose a rigid fork design if you usually ride on smooth and hard pavement where having suspension would serve no point. This fork type allows you to channel all your energy into propelling the bike.