How to Choose Your First E-Bike: A Simple 4-Step Buying Guide for Beginners

How to Choose Your First E-Bike: A Simple 4-Step Buying Guide for Beginners

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New to e-bikes? Learn how to choose the right electric bike for your needs. Compare types, set your budget, understand key features, and find the perfect match in 4 simple steps. 

Why Choosing Your First E-Bike Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated

Thinking about buying your first e-bike? With so many options on the market, it can feel overwhelming. But here's the good news: you don't need to become an expert overnight. All you need is a simple guide to help you match the right e-bike to your needs and budget.

In this guide, we’ll break down the process into 4 straightforward steps, so by the end, you’ll know exactly what to look for and what to skip.We've also included images of each bike type to help you see the differences at a glance.

Step 1: Decide What You'll Actually Use It For

Before you start browsing, think about how you’ll use your e-bike. This will help shape everything—from the type of bike you need to how much you should spend.

1. City Commuting (Short Daily Trips)

Best for: Getting to work, running errands, or quick trips around town
What matters:

  • Lightweight frame (ideal for easy handling)
  • Built-in lights and mudguards
  • Comfortable for 20–40 minute rides
  • Easy to store or carry upstairs
  • Typical range needed: 30–50 km per charge

2. Recreational Riding (Weekends & Leisure)

Best for: Countryside rides, fitness, and exploring new routes
What matters:

  • Comfortable seating position
  • Longer battery life (60–100 km)
  • Multiple assist modes for different terrains
  • Ability to carry bags or gear

3. Cargo & Family Use

Best for: Shopping trips, carrying children, or heavy loads
What matters:

  • Strong frame (can carry 100+ kg)
  • Stable and easy to balance when loaded
  • Powerful brakes
  • Low frame for easy mounting

Quick Tip: If you’re unsure, most first-time buyers start with city commuting or recreational riding. Cargo bikes are specialized, so only consider them if you really need them.

Step 2: Set Your Budget (And Know What You’re Getting)

E-bikes range from €600 to €5,000+. Here's what different price points actually buy you:

Price Range What You Get Best For  Expected Lifespan
€600–€1,000 Basic motor, smaller battery (40–50 km range) Occasional riders, testing e-bike lifestyle     2–3 years 
✅€1,000–€1,800 Reliable motor, good battery (60–80 km),quality brakes Daily commuters, regular weekend riders 4–5 years
€1,800–€3,000 Premium motor, large battery (80–120 km), advanced features Heavy users, long distances, hilly areas 5–8 years
€3,000+ Top-end components, special features Enthusiasts, specific needs only 8+ years

 

Our recommendation for first-time buyers: The €1,000–€1,800 range offers the best balance of quality and value. You’ll get a reliable bike with the right features for everyday use.

Step 3: Understand the Key Features (Without Getting Technical)

You don’t need to be an engineer to understand the essentials. There are three key things to focus on:

1. Battery Size = How Far Can Your E-Bike Go?

Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), which is similar to a fuel tank:

  • 400Wh: 50–70 km (good for short commutes)
  • 500Wh: 70–100 km (covers most daily needs)
  • 625Wh+: 100+ km (for long rides or hilly routes)

Pro Tip: Always choose a battery that gives you double your typical journey. If you ride 20 km daily, go for at least 400Wh. This helps extend battery life.

2. Motor Power (What the Law Says)

In Europe, e-bikes are limited to:

  • 250W motor power
  • 25 km/h maximum speed with pedal-assist
  • Pedal-assist only (motor works when you pedal)

These bikes don’t need registration or insurance, and they’re treated like regular bicycles.

Note: Faster e-bikes (up to 45 km/h) exist but require a licence and can’t use bike lanes. For most people, 25 km/h is more than enough.

3. Brakes (Don’t Compromise Here)

Hydraulic disc brakes are essential, as they stop you quickly and work in all weather conditions. If a bike only has mechanical brakes, keep looking.

Step 4: Check These Details Before Buying

When it comes to e-bikes, a few key details can make all the difference.

Must-Have Features

✅ Minimum 2-year warranty

✅ Local service centres nearby

✅ Clear battery specifications (Wh rating)

✅ CE safety certification

✅ Test ride available

Red Flags to Avoid

❌ No brand name on the motor or battery

❌ Warranty under 2 years

❌ No local service support

❌ “Too good to be true” pricing

When test riding, pay attention to the display and controls—they should be clear and easy to read while riding:

Quick Decision Tool

Answer these three questions to make your decision easier:

1. How far will you ride typically?

  • Under 20 km → 400Wh battery
  • 20–40 km → 500Wh battery
  • 40+ km → 625Wh+ battery

2. What’s your budget?

  • Under €1,000 → Entry-level
  • €1,000–€1,800 → Mid-range (best value)
  • €1,800+ → Premium (if you need specific features)

3. Where will you ride?

  • Mostly flat city streets → Standard city bike
  • Mixed terrain, some hills → Touring/trekking bike
  • Carrying loads → Cargo bike

Our Recommended E-Bikes for Beginners

Based on the criteria above, here are our top picks that balance quality, features, and value:

For City Commuters
Why we recommend it: Perfect for daily 10–20 km commutes. Light enough to carry upstairs, powerful enough for any city riding.

Check out our recommended city commuter e-bikes here →

For Weekend Riders
Why we recommend it: Ideal for longer recreational rides. The extra battery capacity means you'll never worry about running out of power mid-ride.

Explore our recommended bikes for weekend riders →

For Families & Cargo
Why we recommend it: Built specifically for carrying loads safely. The powerful motor handles hills even when fully loaded.
Find the best bikes for families and cargo needs here →

Final Thoughts

Choosing your first e-bike is simpler than it seems. Focus on what you'll use it for, set a realistic budget, and don't overthink the specs. The best e-bike is the one that fits your daily life—not the one with the most features.
Need help deciding? Browse our beginner-friendly collection, check our Support section for quick answers, or email us at marketing@galaxybicycle.com. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for maintenance tips and rider stories.

 

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