Which e-bike is right for me?

Which E-Bike is right for you depends first on what you use it for, how tall you are, and where you store it when you are not riding. Then compare the step-through design, motor and sensor, battery capacity in watt-hours, and weight. Only then is it worth looking at individual models and their specifications.

We will go through the points one by one, with examples from our E-Bikes. Below, you will find models to compare, each with what it does well and its drawback.

What will you use the E-Bike for?

Start with your everyday needs, not the specification sheet. If you ride to work or school every day, a luggage rack, good brakes, and a battery you can take inside to charge are important.

If you take the bike on the train or have a narrow hallway, look at a folding bike. According to the manufacturer, the JOBOBIKE Ace Pro and ENGWE O20 Boost can be folded; you can find more models among the folding E-Bikes. If you want to transport children or a weekly grocery shop, a regular E-Bike quickly reaches its limits. That is what cargo bikes are for.

Which frame size suits your height?

A general frame-size chart is only of limited help. More important is the height range the manufacturer specifies for the individual model. You can find this information from the manufacturer, and it varies from model to model. Check it before buying, especially if you are very short or very tall.

Step-through or high-step frame?

With a step-through frame, you do not have to swing your leg over the bar. This is convenient if you often get off at traffic lights, ride with a bag or skirt, or are no longer as mobile. If you do not need this, a high-step frame is not a disadvantage.

Mid-drive or hub motor?

The motor is located in one of three places. According to ADAC, a mid-drive motor at the bottom bracket rides similarly to a regular bicycle. A hub motor in the rear wheel provides good traction but makes lifting the bike up stairs more difficult. A motor in the front wheel can spin or slip on slippery surfaces, uphill, or in bends.

According to JOBOBIKE, the JOBOBIKE Astra has a mid-drive motor with 45 newton metres (Nm) of torque, while the Vogue Prestige has a Motinova mid-drive motor with 80 Nm, according to Vogue. The JOBOBIKE Ace Pro and JOBOBIKE Robin Pro use a motor in the rear wheel.

Cadence sensor or torque sensor?

The sensor determines how the assistance feels. A cadence sensor only detects that the pedals are turning, not how hard you are pedalling. A torque sensor measures the force on the pedals, and the motor provides more or less assistance accordingly.

If you want the E-Bike to feel like a bicycle with a tailwind, look for a torque sensor in the specifications. According to the manufacturer, the JOBOBIKE Ace Pro, ENGWE O20 Boost, and JOBOBIKE Astra have one.

How many watts does an E-Bike need?

For a pedelec, meaning an E-Bike that legally counts as a bicycle, the law sets the limit: a maximum continuous rated power of 250 watts, assistance only while pedalling, and a cutoff at 25 km/h (§ 1 para. 3 StVG). More watts make the bike a motor vehicle. For an S-pedelec up to 45 km/h, you need at least an AM licence, an insurance plate, and a helmet.

You are more likely to see differences between models in their torque. According to JOBOBIKE, the Ace Pro has 45 Nm, the O20 Boost has 75 Nm according to ENGWE, and the Robin Pro has 80 Nm according to JOBOBIKE.

Comparing watt-hours

How much energy a battery stores is measured in watt-hours (Wh): volts multiplied by amp-hours. 36 volts and 15 amp-hours give 540 Wh, as with the Ace Pro. The ENGWE Mapfour N1 Air reaches 360 Wh with 36 volts and 10 amp-hours, while the Robin Pro reaches 960 Wh with 48 volts and 20 amp-hours.

For mixed riding, ADAC estimates 50 to 100 kilometres per charge, depending on the battery capacity. When the battery is empty, you can continue riding using muscle power.

How heavy can your E-Bike be?

If you have to carry the bike up stairs, every kilo counts. According to ADAC, it can become very cumbersome from around 25 kilos. The ENGWE Mapfour N1 Air weighs around 16 kilos according to ENGWE, while the Ace Pro weighs 24 kilos according to JOBOBIKE. The Robin Pro weighs around 35 kilos, but it has a suspension fork, a suspension seat post, and 4.0-inch-wide tyres.

Also check the maximum payload and the brakes. According to ENGWE, the O20 Boost can carry 150 kilos; according to JOBOBIKE, the Ace Pro, Astra, and Robin Pro can each carry 120 kilos. For higher body weight or a lot of luggage, ADAC recommends hydraulic disc brakes. According to ENGWE, the Mapfour N1 Air has mechanical ones.