Buying guide · August 21, 2026
How to choose an electric bike
The seven decisions that actually determine whether you will enjoy the bike, in the order worth making them.
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Understand the specification before you spend
Most e-bike disappointment comes from a number that was misread rather than a bike that was badly made. These guides explain what each specification actually predicts about how a bike will ride.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
E-bike motor wattage explained
Rated, peak, nominal and "3000W". What each number means, which one predicts how a bike climbs, and which is marketing.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
E-bike battery and range
Volts times amp-hours gives watt-hours, and watt-hours is the only battery number worth comparing across brands.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
Why claimed range is never the range you get
Manufacturers are not lying about 65 miles. They are describing conditions you will never ride in.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
The fat tire e-bike guide
Four-inch tires solve real problems and create new ones. Here is the trade in full, before you commit.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
20-inch vs 26-inch e-bike wheels
Wheel diameter changes acceleration, comfort, storage and how the bike feels at 25 MPH. It is a bigger decision than it looks.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
Single vs dual motor e-bikes
A second motor buys traction and torque, and costs range, weight and money. Most riders do not need one.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
Choosing an e-bike for hills
Gradient is where cheap e-bikes fall apart. Torque, gearing, cooling and brakes matter more than headline watts.
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Buying guide · August 21, 2026
E-bikes for heavier riders
Payload ratings, frame material, brake capacity and spoke count — the specifications that stop mattering in theory and start mattering in practice.
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