That said, many local bike shops now sell e-bikes, and the sales and service staff are typically quite knowledgeable about them. In addition, if you decide to purchase one, they can assist you in making an informed decision. Any bike should always be tried out before you buy it, as we always do. You should be able to get a feel for the bike's shifting, brakes, and feel. (A dealer can make it fit just right for you.) Some dealers will also allow you to rent an e-bike, giving you a chance for an extended ride on the road or trail you plan to frequent. Even if it’s not identical to the model you want to purchase, renting lets you gain additional seat time to settle on the style of e-bike that works best for you.
Once you’ve selected the model you want, keep in mind that it can be—and should be—further customized. Your points of contact and control are the pedals, the saddle, and the tape or grips on the handlebars. Your hands, feet, and butt have to perch comfortably, and all the bike’s parts can be adjusted to fit you—for instance, a new stem can lift the handlebars closer to your torso. A dealer can also add features for you that might not come with a bike, such as a bell, lights, fenders, and a luggage rack. But the key is getting the fit right.
If you haven’t purchased a new bicycle in a while, you might be in for some sticker shock. Bicycles, and especially electric ones, can be a relatively big-ticket item. There are buy now, pay later options, and these vary in how they’re set up. A large finance company, Affirm, offers some 0 percent options, but it can also charge interest rates between 10 and 30 percent. Klarna is a similar competitor, and it is more likely to offer a “pay in four” plan that has 0 percent interest on a four-month loan. How do these banks make a cent on zero-interest loans? Simple: Merchants or exercise bike brands like Peloton, which has zero-interest loans through Affirm, are fronting the finance charges because moving inventory is more valuable to them than making a few extra bucks off the financing.
Our advice: Consider the possibility of high interest rates before signing up for any buy now, pay later plan.
Bosch Active Line Plus
Photo: Bosch
Security Issues to Consider Although e-bike batteries and their electronics are generally very safe, a faulty battery or charging equipment can cause a major fire that could lead to injury or death. Lithium-ion battery fires involving e-bikes and e-scooters in New York City, where e-mobility devices have been in use for some time, are becoming more common, primarily as a result of the availability of batteries and parts that aren't properly tested. An investigation by CR found that these inadequately tested products were a major contributor to fire danger.
In choosing an e-bike, we strongly recommend considering only bikes (and replacement batteries) that have been tested by Underwriters Laboratory (UL) or another nationally recognized laboratory. (Otherwise, there can be serious safety risks.)
The New York City Fire Department has a number of safety tips related to e-mobility devices:
Buy an electric bike that is certified by a qualified testing organization such as UL. The same applies to other devices powered by a lithium-ion battery.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Check out Talaria Sting R.
Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the bike.
Do not leave an electric bike unattended while it’s charging, and don’t leave it charging overnight.
Stop using a battery right away if it starts to smell, change shape or color, leak, or make strange noises or overheats. If the battery reacts in an alarming way, and it is safe to do so, move the device away from anything that can catch fire
