5 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying an Electric Bike

Because electric bikes usually cost over a thousand dollars and involve core components such as the battery, motor, and electronic control system, the purchase decision should not be based only on instinct . Some users later realize issues like, “I should have bought the smaller version of the fat tire e-bike. I really like it now, but after installing two batteries, it weighs over 120 pounds, and I didn’t think about that before ordering online.” Situations like this are not uncommon. Below, we analyze five common mistakes and provide specific, actionable suggestions in each section to help you make a more rational decision before buying.

Mistake 1: Choosing the Wrong Type of Electric Bike

Commuter Electric Bikes

Urban commuter e-bikes usually come with 250W–500W motors, weigh around 22–26 kg (about 48–57 lbs), and typically use 2-4 inches wide tires. This setup allows riders to maintain stable speeds on paved city roads while balancing efficiency and range, with single-charge distances commonly between 30–60 miles. These bikes often feature step-through or mid-step frames for easier mounting and dismounting. The riding posture is upright, comfort is better, rolling resistance is lower, and energy use is more stable. However, suspension travel is usually limited (front forks are often 60–80mm or there is no suspension), so if your daily route is mainly asphalt and paved roads, this type is more suitable.

Fat Tire Electric Bikes

Fat tires can operate at lower tire pressure, increasing the contact area with the ground. Their advantages include strong traction, better natural shock absorption, and a greater sense of stability. Comfort on uneven terrain is noticeably better than that of narrow-tire models. Although rolling resistance is generally higher, the motor can help compensate for this. However, it is undeniable that the overall weight of the vehicle is relatively heavy, which makes handling and transportation less of a priority. The overall size of the Macfox fat-tire e-bike is relatively compact, making it somewhat easier to store and use.

Folding Electric Bikes

Folding e-bikes offer strong portability and are suitable for short-distance commuting or combining with public transportation. They are highly maneuverable at lower speeds in urban environments. However, because they usually have smaller wheel diameters, stability at speeds above 20 mph is not as good as larger-wheel models. On rough roads, vibration is more noticeable, and long-distance comfort is lower. Therefore, they are better suited for daily rides of 5–15 miles rather than extended high-speed riding.

Cargo Electric Bikes

Cargo e-bikes usually feature extended frames with longer wheelbases. Motor power is often 500W–750W, torque commonly exceeds 70Nm, battery capacity ranges from 600–1000Wh, and total weight is typically between 30–40 kg (66–88 lbs). Maximum load capacity can reach 300–440 pounds. The main advantage of this type is strong carrying ability, making it suitable for family grocery trips, transporting children, or commercial deliveries. Stability at low speeds is good. However, the larger frame increases turning radius and requires more storage space. Without regular heavy-load needs, the bike can feel bulky. Prices are usually higher than standard commuter models. If you do not regularly carry more than 50–70 pounds, this type may add unnecessary cost and weight burden.

Road Electric Bikes

Performance road e-bikes are lightweight, have low rolling resistance, and maintain stable speeds. However, the riding posture is more forward-leaning, and comfort is lower than upright commuter models. Shock absorption is limited, and vibration can be more noticeable on complex urban road surfaces. This type is more suitable for sport-oriented riders rather than users mainly looking for short-distance transportation.

Mistake 2: Overestimating Range Needs

The larger the battery capacity, the higher the price and the heavier the bike. Many consumers hope to “ride as long as possible on a single charge,” but in real-world use, daily commuting distances are often much lower than the advertised maximum range.

For example, if your daily round-trip commute is 15 to 20 miles, a bike rated for 40 to 60 miles of range is usually sufficient. The maximum range published by manufacturers is often tested under ideal conditions at the lowest assist level. In real use, range may decrease by 20% to 40%. Therefore, instead of pursuing extremely large battery capacity, it is often better to choose a mid-capacity battery and plan to charge every two to three days.

It is recommended to calculate your total weekly riding distance before purchasing and consider whether you have consistent access to charging. If you live in an apartment, prioritize a model with a removable battery, such as those offered by Macfox electric bikes, so you can charge the battery indoors separately. Do not pay extra for ultra-long range that you rarely use.

Mistake 3: Blindly Pursuing Higher Motor Power

Motor power is a specification many consumers pay attention to. E-bike motors typically range from 250W to 1000W, and special-purpose models can exceed 1000W. However, higher power does not mean it is more suitable for daily use. For most city commuting, 250W–500W is already sufficient, and extremely high power is not necessary. Excessive motor power can increase overall weight and accelerate energy consumption. Stable assist output and reasonable torque are more important.

In most states, electric bikes are divided into different classes, and there are limits on maximum assisted speed and motor power (commonly capped at 750W). Before purchasing, you should understand local regulations and confirm that the bike belongs to a legal classification. Otherwise, it may not be allowed on certain bike lanes or trails.

Mistake 4: Ignoring the Included Accessories

Many consumers look only at promotional images and assume the bike includes all displayed accessories, such as fenders, racks, lights, kickstands, or even child seats. However, the actual purchased model may be sold as a bare bike without those accessories. Overlooking this detail can lead to inconvenience after purchase.

Mistake 5: Ignoring Brand Stability and Safety Certification

Before purchasing, check whether the brand’s official website clearly lists technical specifications, certification information, and warranty terms. You can also look for real user reviews and long-term usage feedback. Compared to simply chasing the lowest price, choosing a brand with stable operations and complete safety certifications is more beneficial for long-term safety and ownership experience.

Safety certification is an important indicator of whether an electric bike meets electrical safety standards. The battery system is a high-energy-density component. Low-quality or unbranded e-bike batteries may lack overcharge protection, short-circuit protection, or proper thermal management design. In high-temperature environments or during prolonged charging, the risk of overheating or even fire increases significantly. Poor battery structure design can also cause internal cell imbalance and shorten lifespan. Some electric bikes use generic imitation parts, with poor quality components, hard-to-find brake pads, poorly functioning exhaust systems, and weak universal parts assembled into the bike.

When purchasing, prioritize products with batteries that are UL certified or hold equivalent safety certifications. These certifications typically cover battery packs, electronic control systems, and overall electrical safety testing, helping reduce potential risks.

Macfox provides a 2-year comprehensive manufacturer warranty covering all manufacturing defects, and all electric bikes currently sold on Macfox official website are UL certified, improving long-term reliability from both after-sales protection and electrical safety perspectives.

Final Thought

In summary, choosing the right type of bike, realistically evaluating range, matching appropriate motor power, confirming included accessories, and prioritizing brand stability and safety certification are all essential. Only by fully understanding your needs and verifying key specifications and warranty protections can you ensure that your electric bike becomes a reliable, comfortable, and safe long-term transportation tool rather than a burden discovered after purchase.

source https://macfoxbike.com/blogs/news/5-mistakes-to-avoid-when-buying-an-electric-bike