How to Choose the Right E-Bike: A Beginner's Buyer's Guide
Thinking about getting an electric bike but not sure where to start? You're not alone. With so many options on the market, choosing your first e-bike can feel overwhelming. The good news is that finding the right one comes down to a few simple questions about how you plan to ride.
Our team at Riding 5 has helped hundreds riders find their perfect e-bike. Here's everything you need to know before you buy.
First Question: What Will You Use It For?
Before looking at any specs or prices, ask yourself how you'll actually use the bike. Your answer shapes everything else.
Commuting to work or school? You want something comfortable for daily riding, with enough range to get you there and back without worrying about battery life. Look for a bike with an upright seating position and practical features like a rack for your bag.
Weekend rides and exploring trails? You'll want versatility, maybe some suspension for bumpy paths, and a bike that handles both pavement and light off-road terrain.
Running errands and short trips around town? A step-through frame makes hopping on and off easy, and a rack or basket helps you carry groceries or supplies.
Keeping up with family or friends? An e-bike lets you match the pace of stronger riders without exhausting yourself, making group rides fun again.
Understanding E-Bike Classes
California uses a three-class system to categorize e-bikes. Knowing the classes helps you understand what you're buying and where you can ride.
Class 1 bikes are pedal-assist only. The motor helps you while you're pedaling and stops assisting at 20 mph. These are allowed on most bike paths and trails and are a great starting point for most riders.
Class 2 bikes have a throttle, so they can move forward even when you're not pedaling. They also max out at 20 mph. Good for riders who want the option to take a break from pedaling, especially on hills or when tired.
Class 3 bikes are pedal-assist only (no throttle) and can assist up to 28 mph. These are built for longer commutes and keeping up with traffic, but they're restricted from many bike paths.
For most beginners, Class 1 or Class 2 is the way to go. They're allowed in more places, and 20 mph is plenty fast for most riding situations.
How Much Should You Spend?
E-bike prices range from under $600 to over $8,000, which can be confusing. Here's a realistic breakdown:
Under $800: Budget bikes exist at this price, but you're often sacrificing battery quality, motor reliability, and safety certifications. We generally don't recommend going this low if you want something that lasts.
$1,000 to $1,500: Entry-level bikes from reputable brands. Good for casual riders and short trips. Expect smaller batteries and basic components, but you'll get something safe and functional.
$1,500 to $3,000: The sweet spot for most riders. This range gets you better motors, longer battery range, quality brakes, and bikes built to last. If you plan to ride regularly, this is where you should look.
$3,000 and up: Premium bikes with high-end components, longer range, advanced features, and lighter weight. Great for serious commuters, off-road enthusiasts, or riders who want the best.
At Riding 5, we focus on that middle range where you get the best value. Our staff can help you find a quality bike without overspending on features you won't use.
What About Battery Range?
"How far can I go on one charge?" is one of the most common questions we hear. The honest answer: it depends.
Most e-bikes advertise ranges like "30 to 60 miles," but real-world range varies based on terrain (hills drain the battery faster), how much assist you use, your weight, wind conditions, and tire pressure.
For practical planning, expect to get about 60 to 70 percent of the advertised maximum range under normal riding conditions. If a bike claims 50 miles, plan for 30 to 35 miles to be safe.
If you're commuting, calculate your round-trip distance and add some buffer. A bike with 40 miles of realistic range is plenty for a 10-mile round-trip commute with room to spare.
Do You Actually Get Exercise on an E-Bike?
Yes, and this might surprise you. Studies show that e-bike riders often get more total exercise than traditional bike riders. Why? Because e-bikes make riding more accessible and enjoyable, so people ride more often and for longer distances.
You're still pedaling. You're still using your legs. The motor just makes it easier to tackle hills, headwinds, and longer distances without completely exhausting yourself.
Think of the motor as a tool you control. Want more of a workout? Use less assist. Feeling tired? Turn it up. The flexibility means you can ride more consistently, which matters more for fitness than occasional intense rides.
Can E-Bikes Handle Hills?
Yes. This is actually where e-bikes shine. That hill that used to make you dread your commute or avoid certain routes? With an e-bike, it's manageable.
The motor provides extra torque when you need it most. You'll still feel the climb, but you won't arrive at the top completely gassed. For Southern California riders dealing with hills in places like Riverside or Temecula, this can be a game-changer.
Are Cheap E-Bikes Worth It?
The short answer: usually not.
The battery is the most expensive component, and this is where low-cost manufacturers cut corners. Cheap batteries can have shorter lifespans, unpredictable range, and in worst cases, safety issues. Battery fires from uncertified e-bikes are a real concern.
Beyond safety, cheap bikes often come with components that wear out quickly, limited or no warranty support, and parts that are hard to replace. A $700 bike that needs $400 in repairs after a year isn't actually a deal.
Our advice: buy from a reputable retailer who stands behind the bikes they sell and can service them when needed. A quality bike in the $1,000 to $1,500 range will outlast and outperform a $600 bike in nearly every way.
What Features Actually Matter?
Brakes: Hydraulic disc brakes offer the best stopping power and require less maintenance. Mechanical disc brakes are good too. Rim brakes are outdated for e-bikes.
Frame style: Step-through frames are easier to mount and dismount, great for commuters, seniors, or anyone who values convenience. Traditional frames offer a sportier feel.
Display: A basic display showing battery level, speed, and assist level is all most riders need. Fancy touchscreens are nice but not essential.
Weight: E-bikes are heavier than regular bikes (typically 45 to 70 pounds). If you need to carry it up stairs or lift it onto a car rack, weight matters. Otherwise, the motor compensates while riding.
Rack and accessories: If you'll carry things, make sure the bike has mounting points for racks, baskets, or bags.
Why Buy from a Local Shop?
You can buy e-bikes online, but here's what you miss:
Test rides. You can't know if a bike fits you until you ride it. Seat height, handlebar reach, and overall feel vary a lot between models.
Proper assembly. E-bikes require careful setup. A bike assembled by an experienced mechanic will ride better and last longer than one you put together from a box.
Service and support. When something needs adjustment or repair, a local shop can help quickly. Good luck getting fast support from an overseas online seller.
Expert advice. Our staff rides e-bikes. They know the products, understand the local terrain, and can match you with the right bike for your needs.
At Riding 5, we also service e-bikes you didn't buy from us. We believe in supporting the whole riding community, not just our customers.
Quick Checklist Before You Buy
Before making a decision, ask yourself:
- What will I primarily use this bike for?
- How far do I need to travel on a typical ride?
- Will I encounter hills regularly?
- Do I need to carry cargo, kids, or gear?
- What's my realistic budget (including accessories like a helmet and lock)?
- Where will I store the bike and charge it?
Bring these answers when you visit us, and we'll point you toward the best options.
Looking for Specific Recommendations?
Check out our staff's top e-bike picks for different types of riders in our Holiday E-Bike Gift Guide. We break down our recommendations for commuters, weekend adventurers, seniors, kids, and riders who need maximum battery range.
Read the Holiday E-Bike Gift Guide HERE
Ready to Find Your E-Bike?
The best way to choose an e-bike is to ride one. Stop by any of our locations, tell us how you plan to ride, and we'll help you find the perfect match. Test rides are free, and there's no pressure to buy.
Our Locations: Claremont | Ontario | Brea | Long Beach | Temecula | Riverside
Have questions before you visit? Give us a call or stop by. We're happy to help you figure out if an e-bike is right for you.
