Electric Bikes for Beginners - Tips For Choosing the Best Beginners E-Bike

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 which 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 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. 

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 experience.

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 so you will get long-term enjoyment and use. 

Criteria for an Ideal Beginner's E-Bike

1. Opt for a Smooth Electric Drive System

• • Smooth, Supportive Power Delivery: Choose a motor with multiple power modes and equipped with a torque sensor, preventing 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. 

  • 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.

  • 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.

2. Stable and Comfortable Bike Fit

• • 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.

  • 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 out there which offer the best of both worlds to beginner riders. 

  • 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.

3. Go Lower Maintenance with Easy-to-Use Gears

• • 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.

  • Hydraulic Brakes: Providing powerful and consistent braking, hydraulic brakes are self-adjusting, reducing the need for maintenance and boosting confidence for new riders. For the ultimate in safety and smooth stopping power there are some electric bikes even now equipped with ABS braking.

  • 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.

4. Purchase from a Reputable Retailer

If you want to have the benefit of a warranty and value having technical support and advice, plus easy access to parts long after you buy it, then purchase an ebike with a reputable brand from a reputable retailer. As a leading 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.

Experience the Joy of E-Biking

Embarking on your e-biking journey as a beginner opens up a world of fun 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.

Why Choose Electric Bikes Brisbane?

Established in 2013 by Nick and Samantha Willis, Electric Bikes Brisbane is more than just a bike shop. We are a purpose-driven organization committed to revolutionizing personal transportation in daily life, promoting healthier and happier communities. Our mission extends beyond providing exceptional e-bikes and service; we advocate for change by educating about e-bikes and supplying top-quality, long-lasting electric bikes. We prioritize selling the right bike optimized for your needs, ensuring long-term satisfaction.

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 - simple to operate, belt drive, lightweight folding ebike
• Earth Prime Trapeze - full sized with smaller frame, great power and easily adjustable 

 Traditional Gearing, All-Terrain

• Kalkhoff Entice 3.B - German-made, smooth & strong Bosch motor, well equipped for all-terrain use and easily adjustable. Two battery 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. internal gears plus with some light offroad capability

Internal Gears With Belt Drive

• Kalkhoff Image 3.B Excite - German-made, comfort-oriented urban design with simple Shimano Nexus 5-Speed gears and smooth, strong Bosch motor
• Riese & Muller Nevo4 Automatic - German-made, strongest Bosch motor, multi-purpose design with automatic gears with belt drive

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. 

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Want some help narrowing the options? Do our handy EBikeFinder and we'll be in touch with some suitable suggestions.