Chris Ryan, Senior Editor and bike expert at Wirecutter, delves into the world of e-bikes, showcasing their potential as a smart commuting option. He explains how e-bikes can provide a sweat-free ride and serve as an affordable car alternative. Listeners learn about the vital differences between regular and cargo e-bikes, maintenance quirks, and the importance of purchasing from local bike shops. Chris also warns against the dangers of cheap batteries and emphasizes the need for certified safety components, making it clear that informed choices matter in e-bike ownership.
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Plan For Weight And Storage
Decide where you'll store and maneuver your e-bike before buying to avoid daily hassles.
Remember commuter e-bikes weigh 40–60 lb and cargo bikes can approach 100 lb, affecting storage choices.
insights INSIGHT
E-Bikes Expand Practical Mobility
E-bikes let many people commute without sweating, replace a second car, and help skip traffic.
They can also enable older or disabled riders to resume cycling and gain mobility.
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Use Pedal Assist To Balance Effort
Use pedal-assist mode to control how much effort you put in and to extend battery life.
Choose lower assist (eco) for more workout and higher assist for less effort but reduced range.
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Fall can be bittersweet—you may be coming home from vacation and settling back into your routines, but you also want to soak up the last of the warm weather before the winter comes. An e-bike might seem like a tempting compromise for an affordable, but adventurous and outdoorsy commute.
In this bonus episode, Wirecutter Senior Editor and bike expert Chris Ryan tells us what an e-bike is, which kind you probably want to look for, and what common safety and repairability issues you’ll want to be aware of before you buy.
This episode covers:
What e-bikes are good for: They’re a great way to commute quickly without getting sweaty. They can also be an affordable alternative to a second car and can help people with mobility issues get back into cycling.
What to know before you buy: E-bikes are heavy, so figure out how you'll store and maneuver one at home and at your destination. You'll also want to decide between a regular or a cargo e-bike, which is built to carry kids or groceries.
Why you should buy from a local bike shop: They’re complex machines and require more frequent maintenance than regular bikes. It's a good idea to have a local professional you can go to for service, repairs, and support.
Why buying a cheap replacement battery can be a fire hazard: It’s dangerous to buy cheap, off-brand replacement batteries. Low-cost batteries often lack a Battery Management System (BMS), which prevents them from overheating and catching fire. Always buy a replacement battery from the original manufacturer.
How to protect your investment: E-bikes can be expensive. Check if your homeowners or renters insurance covers e-bikes, and if not, consider a separate policy. You should also register your bike with a nonprofit like bikeindex.org, which can help you get it back if it’s ever stolen.
The Wirecutter Show is executive produced by Rosie Guerin and produced by Abigail Keel.Engineering support from Maddy Masiello and Nick Pitman. Episodes are mixed by Catherine Anderson, Efim Shapiro, Rowan Niemisto, Sophia Lanman, and Sonia Herrero. Original music by Dan Powell, Marion Lozano, Elisheba Ittoop, and Diane Wong. Wirecutter’s deputy publisher and general manager is Cliff Levy. Ben Frumin is Wirecutter’s editor-in-chief. Hosted by Rosie Guerin, Caira Blackwell and Christine Cyr Clisset.
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