Electric bikes (e-bikes) are reshaping the cycling experience in Brisbane. With the city's sharp, steep hills, hot and humid climate and its substantial (ever-improving) network of bike paths an e-bike transforms cycling in Brisbane into a fun and convenient mode of transportation plus it doubles as a great way to stay fit and healthy.
At Electric Bikes Brisbane, we frequently assist customers who consider themselves "beginners". To aid in your selection, we've compiled this guide outlining the key features of what we consider to be an ideal beginner's e-bike, along with some top picks from our team.
Defining a 'Beginner' Rider
For this guide,
A 'beginner' refers to a rider who is either less experienced or lacks confidence.
You might be returning to cycling after a hiatus or may not view yourself as a particularly skilled rider.Â
Ideal Beginners E-Bike for Brisbane
An ideal beginner's e-bike is user-friendly, instills confidence from the outset and allows you to expand your riding capabilities as you gain confidence and experience.Â
Whilst cost is obviously an important consideration, our emphasis for a beginners e-bike is on functionality and suitability - versus price - to help you build confidence and skill as a rider. Our aim is for you to get long-term enjoyment and use from your new ebike.Â
Criteria for an Ideal Beginner's E-Bike
1. Opt for a Smooth Electric Drive System
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Smooth, Supportive Power Delivery: Choose a motor with multiple power modes and is equipped with a quality torque sensor. This prevents unexpected surges in power that can be unsettling and unsafe for beginners. Typically mid-drive systems suit best and in our experience the Bosch mid-drive system offers the smoothest power delivery. Also ensure torque output is strong enough for the hills you plan to ride so that it counteracts the weight of the bike.Â
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User-Friendly Controls: Select an e-bike with a straightforward control system located near your left-hand thumb, allowing you to adjust power levels without diverting your attention from the road. Ideally it has an easy-to-read display and software that provides rider aids, for example a prompt on when to change your gears up or down.
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Walk Assist Mode: This feature enables the bike to move at up to 6 km/h under its own power, assisting you in situations where you need to push the bike such as ascending a steep driveway or manoeuvring it into storage.
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2. Stable and Comfortable Bike Fit
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Frame Size: Ensure the bike's frame size allows for easy mounting and dismounting, and that your body position is such that you feel comfortable and confident enough to ride for hours at a time eg. not too stretched out. If you are a nervous rider choose a bike that initially gives you the ability to straddle the bike with both feet on the ground while seated when stationary, and that has flexibility to adjust your saddle height and reach once you become more confident.
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Frame type: Frame types like 'trapeze' (or 'mixte') and low-step (step-through or wave) designs are particularly suitable. There are also some great compact sized ebikes (with smaller wheels) which offer the best of both worlds to beginner riders.Â
- Stability: Typically the higher-end bikes offer more stability as there is substantial investment in geometry design and build quality. Additionally, these will be engineered to be lighter in weight. As a rule of thumb though if you choose an ebike with a mid-drive motor with a battery placed low in the frame it will offer greater stability and balance.
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3. Go Lower Maintenance with Easy-to-Use Gears and Rider Safety Aids
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Internal or Automatic Gears: These allow gear changes while stationary, which is advantageous at stops, and they are more forgiving with gear changing. Some electric bikes also offer the option of a carbon belt drive with internal gears (very low maintenance) plus there are now some automatic internal gearing systems available. If your budget doesn't stretch to these then choose a traditional derailleur gearing system with a simple gear change mechanism and smaller - but adequate - number of gears.
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Hydraulic Brakes: Providing powerful and consistent braking, hydraulic brakes are self-adjusting, reducing the need for maintenance and boosting confidence for new riders. They also work well in wet or dry weather. For the ultimate in safety and smooth stopping power there are some electric bikes even now equipped with ABS braking.
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Wider Tires with Puncture Resistance: Wider tires offer a more comfortable ride with better grip and traction. Most modern e-bikes feature tires that are 2 inches or wider. Choose an e-bike that has tires with puncture-resistant layers to minimize the risk of flats.
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Rider Safety Aids. You can always add things to your bike (or you) to increase your visibility, and therefore safety, on the road however if you can get an ebike that comes with extras like this it is a bonus. Take advantage of having power and choose an ebike that has inbuilt lights that can be easily switched on and off while riding. Some ebikes even have indicator lights and brake lights. It also helps if your tires have reflective strips.Â
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4. Purchase from a Reputable Retailer
If you want the benefit of a warranty and you value having backup technical support and advice, plus easy access to parts long after you buy it, then purchase a reputable brand from a reputable retailer.
As a longstanding e-bike retailer and specialist service centre, we often encounter customers who have purchased e-bikes online, from unknown brands, some without a physical presence in Australia, or second-hand making it challenging to source parts and get technical assistance. A retailer like us has a finite amount of capacity so we prioritise our own customers and can only source parts for products that we have suppliers for.Â
Experience the Joy of E-Biking
Embarking on your e-biking journey as a beginner opens up a world of fun, fitness and adventure. Selecting the right e-bike tailored to your needs ensures years of enjoyment. At Electric Bikes Brisbane, we offer a diverse range of beginner-friendly e-bikes. Our team is dedicated to helping you find the perfect match, providing ongoing support to enhance your riding experience.
Our Team Top Picks | Beginner E-Bikes From Electric Bikes Brisbane
To get you started, here are our team's top picks:
 E-Bikes Under $3,000
- ADO Air 20 Pro - lightweight folding ebike, simple to operate with a single gear and belt drive, has indicator lights
- Earth Prime Trapeze - full sized with smaller frame, great power and easily adjustable. Simple 8-speed gearingÂ
- Kalkhoff Image 1.B Advance - full sized, tall upright position. Very smooth Bosch motor with easy-to-use 8-speed internal gears.Â
Traditional Gearing, Sizes Suitable for Smaller Riders Too
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Kalkhoff Entice 3.B - German-made, smooth strong Bosch Smart System motor, equipped for all-terrain use, simple 9-speed gears and easily adjustable. Two battery sizes. Three sizes. Excellent value
- Moustache Open XRoad 3 - French-made, smaller frame with exceptional attention to detail, easy handling Bosch-powered all-terrain tourer and commuter
Compact (Smaller Frame)
- Kalkhoff Endeavour C.B Move+ - German-made, smooth & strong Bosch motor, versatile and easy to use and manage. Also in a belt drive version
- Riese & Muller Tinker Vario - as above, with belt drive and bigger range of internal gears plus with some light offroad capability
Internal Gears With Belt Drive
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Kalkhoff Image 3.B Excite - German-made, comfort-oriented urban design with simple Shimano Nexus 5-Speed gears and smooth, strong Bosch motor. For a more economical version with chain see the Image 3.B Advance
- Riese & Muller Nevo4 Automatic - German-made, strongest Bosch motor, multi-purpose design with automatic gears with belt drive
Lightweight, Full Sized, Fully Equipped
- Kalkhoff Endeavour L.B Move - German-made, new lightweight, smooth Bosch Smart System motor, fully equipped with lights etc.Â
- Kalkhoff Image L.B Adv Belt - new lightweight belt drive with simple 5-speed internal gearing
E-Mountain Bikes
- Moustache Wide 3 - specifically designed for beginners who want stability on trail
Get In Touch
Whether you're ready to purchase or seeking more information, we're here to assist. You can buy from us online, over the phone, or visit us in-store.Â
>> See our Full Range of EBikes
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Want some help narrowing the options? Do our handy EBikeFinder and we'll be in touch with some suitable suggestions.Â
