Holiday season is quickly arriving. Which means that many of you are either looking to gift a loved one a new electric bike, or perhaps buying one for yourself (lucky you!). Either way, it’s a big investment and you want to make sure to select the perfect electric bike model. So we’ve put together a list of the most common mistakes consumers make when buying a new e-bike.
MISTAKE #1- Buying An E-Bike With A Small Battery
This is one of the most important factors when looking at e-bikes because the bigger the battery, the more riding range you’ll have before needing to recharge. Juiced Bikes’ batteries get between 35-70+ miles on a single charge depending on the model. The biggest battery, the 52V/19.2Ah, delivers 994 watt-hours of power. We've heard it time and time again from disappointed riders who upgrade to a Juiced... 'I wish I would have bought an e-bike with more riding range and a bigger battery'. So don’t make the mistake of skimping on the battery!
One Juiced e-bike, The HyperScrambler 2, even comes standard with TWO batteries for a whopping 100+ mile range. Not sure you want to splurge on the biggest battery? For less than $2,000, several Juiced models are equipped with a 52V/15Ah battery that power roughly 45+ miles of riding on a single charge. Of course, riding range depends on road conditions, wind, and the weight of the rider. But we list a true mileage that many riders realize. In fact, if you set the pedal assist to a lower level, you’ll find you may well exceed that range.
MISTAKE #2 - Buying An E-Bike That Doesn’t Fit Your Lifestyle Or Needs
How are you planning on using your e-bike? What kind of ground and terrain will you be riding on mostly? These are just two of the things you need to consider, before selecting your model. If you’re mostly going to be commuting on pavement, then you probably will fare well with a commuter bike -- like the CrossCurrent X -- that has the right tires, range and comfort level for the job. If you’re going to mostly ride on dirt or bumpy roads, then consider a RipCurrent S and its fat tires have the versatility for off-road riding. Battery range is also a huge consideration, as mentioned above. But if you’re going to be commuting to work everyday on your e-bike, make sure you consider the round-trip miles you’ll need to go per charge. That way you won’t need to bring the charger with you to your office. New to e-bikes? Beginners love the fan-favorite Scorpion X!
MISTAKE #3 - Buying The Wrong Size E-Bike
An uncomfortable riding experience can be a literal pain. Don’t go there. Bikes come in different sizes for a reason and you want one that fits you properly. That means one in which you won’t struggle to get on or off the bike; can get optimal and comfortable leg extension with; and one in which you can ride with your natural posture without hurting your back or neck. When you’re buying a Juiced e-bike, talk with our experts and let them know your height -- bike frames come in various sizes. Know that you can adjust the seat height, to fine-tune the vertical size. In general, we recommend you look at our size chart on our website and view the standover height. Comparing this to your inseam, you will want to get the frame that’s closest to but not higher than your inseam. Have hip or mobility issues? Be sure to look at our step-through models as their frame is made for comfortably getting on and off the bike. Bottom line: You want it to be the right fit, from the first time you sit on the bike.
MISTAKE #4 - Buying An E-Bike That’s Really Cheap
When it comes to e-bikes, you get what you pay for. There are models on the market selling for less than $1,000 that are simply awful: Either they have little range or power, or they’re made with cheap components that offer zero durability. These buyers often suffer instant regret. If you’re going to spend your hard-earned money on an e-bike, spend a little extra for one with a good reputation and checks off all of the boxes for build quality, performance, ride smoothness, high-end components, and overall durability. Know that all Juiced e-bikes check all of these boxes. In fact, if you price out e-bikes based on performance (range, speed, power, etc.) and premium components, you will find Juiced offers unparalleled value!
MISTAKE #5 - Buying An E-Bike Without A Warranty Or Domestic Customer Service
Things can go wrong with any product, despite the brand having a great reputation and/or the product being made with premium components. To ensure you have accessible support, it’s an absolute MUST to buy an e-bike that has both a warranty and domestic customer service. The value of having a real person answering your SOS call cannot be understated. Juiced not only offers all of this with every e-bike it sells, it also has a complete library of how-to videos online that clearly and slowly show you step-by-step how to handle unforeseen events. The company is staffed with a team of U.S.-based customer service advocates and expert e-bike technicians. You’ll be hard-pressed to find any other e-bike manufacturer that stands behind its products as thoroughly and with as much accessibility as Juiced.
MISTAKE #6 - Not Understanding E-Bike Specs Before You Buy
Pay attention to all of the specs on a bike you’re interested in - whether it be the motor size, tire size, tire type, component names, key features, available upgrades, etc. And look to see if it offers everything on your list, and understand why a certain spec makes a difference. For instance, did you know hydraulic disc brakes on an e-bike are a critical safety feature because stopping power is much more critical on a bike that can travel at 20-28MPH? Did you know that a bigger battery will directly impact how many miles you can ride on a single charge? Did you know, many e-bikes aren’t equipped with a throttle for on-demand power? Understanding the most important e-bike specs likely leads to a disappointing purchase. Also make sure there’s room for any accessories you have in mind. For instance, people often add a side-view mirror or phone holder to their bike’s handlebars. What about a rear rack, or a water bottle holder? Check out each bike, and don’t be afraid to ask our experts about any detail.
MISTAKE #7 - Not Asking The Right Questions
Speaking of questions, make a list of those you want answered -- before you start the buying process. You want to be as informed as possible before making a large purchase like this. That way, you’ll have comfort in knowing all of the facts up front.
We know e-bikes are a big-ticket splurge this holiday season, so we want you to be giddy with anticipation after you make your purchase. When you purchase a new Juiced bike, rest assured that you're about to embark on the ride of your life with a safe, high-performance and reliable electric bike.
Still trying to find your perfect e-bike? Take our interactive e-bike quiz!