Your needs and purpose

• If you're a reasonably fit, healthy adult of average height and build then you'll be fine with pretty much any e-bike.

• Sports/fitness e-bikes tend to have a riding position intended to make the most of the rider's own power and to minimise air resistance. Utility e-bikes emphasise comfort and visibility.

• Women may need to look at female-specific bikes with adjusted geometry and contact points (although there's more variation within genders than between them).

• Older riders or riders with disabilities are catered for by step-through frame designs, lower-slung bikes that make it easy to reach the ground and super-stable tricycles.

• Most cargo e-bikes come in one size with lots of adjustability in the saddle and bars. These should work for the vast majority of riders.

• If you're looking for an e-bike for getting around, the most important consideration is the nature of your journeys.

• For city riding, where speeds are lower and visibility and manouevrability are important, the more upright riding position of urban e-bikes is helpful.

• For longer journeys on open roads, you may benefit from the more efficient riding position of a road or gravel e-bike.

• Trekking e-bikes are the classic all-rounders that work pretty well everywhere, so if you're not sure, get one of those.

• Any e-bike will cope with small amounts of luggage (for a day at work or a couple of things from the shop) with either a luggage rack, bar bag or even a rucksack.

• Bulky loads, like a week's groceries for a family, can be carried on a cargo e-bike. These are longer bikes designed specifically for carrying more stuff than a conventional bike.

• Cargo e-bikes are typically able to carry at least two children in addition to the rider. One child can usually be accommodated on a normal e-bike.

• If you're mainly looking to rider for fun or fitness, you can go a bit more minimalist with an e-road bike with either traditional dropped or user-friendly flat bars. They can usually still be fitted with a rack and mudguards if you need a bit more versatility.

• The number one consideration when choosing an e-bike is the intended purpose. Think about what you want your e-bike to do.

• Take into account any physical needs (stature, mobility, disability) that may influence your choice of e-bike.

• Look at trekking e-bikes first, they're real all-rounders.

If you'd like to find out more, read our guide to choosing the best electric bike for you.

Next unit: Other considerations

< Previous Next >