Go wherever you typically love to ride with your road bike, now with a boost. Electric road bikes are allowed on most paths and roads and can help riders go further and keep up with stronger people in their group. Hop on the e-Bike on weekend joyrides, mid-week training sessions, or fast-paced group rides.
How to Choose the Right Road E-Bike
Written by: Rémy Rossi | November 21, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Rule the road with a pedal-assist bike that’s sleek and streamlined. As a roadie myself, I’ll share tips on how to pick out the perfect road electric bike from the bunch.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
A road bike isn’t just a road bike these days. Sub-categories like gravel bikes and road e-Bikes have exploded in popularity with cyclists who want to explore paved roads and adjacent routes with a bit more spice.
Today, let’s dive into the differences you may encounter when looking for your next road electric bike. I’ll show you the ropes when it comes to road, gravel, and performance e-Bikes to find what electric bike is best for you.
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What is a road e-Bike?
Electric road bikes are road bikes with an integrated motor to provide extra power when pedaling on the pavement. They’ve got the same road components you’d expect like 700c wheels, rigid frames, and skinny tires for ultimate efficiency and speed over smooth riding surfaces. More robust gravel e-Bikes, with their wider tires and gravel gearing, are typically included in this category as well.
Road e-Bikes are also quite good at going undercover, often appearing just as slim and streamlined as their non-motorized counterparts. The compact motor and small battery are neatly integrated into the bike for a moderate boost that doesn’t sacrifice sleekness. Road e-Bikes prioritize being lightweight and offering a natural-feeling push.
What are the types of road e-Bikes?
There are a few flavors of road e-Bikes that match different riding styles. In general, road e-Bikes can be categorized into standard road, gravel, performance, and flat-bar models..
When searching for a road e-Bike, deciding on the right type will get you most of the way there to finding the perfect model to suit your needs. Later on, I’ll discuss additional considerations that can help differentiate certain models.
If you’re splitting hairs between a couple of models that you’re interested in, consider the road e-Bike specs below:
Road e-Bike motors
Some road electric bikes have motors positioned between the pedals (referred to as mid-drive) while others have motors inside the rear wheel (hub-drive). Both motor types deliver plenty of power and smooth acceleration required for road cycling. The ultimate decision on which motor design you prefer can come down to maximum power and aesthetics.
In most e-Bikes, mid-drive motors are considered to be the preferred option, but road bikes are designed a bit differently than other electric bikes so it isn’t always the case. Road bikes typically require less torque and high-end power than electric mountain bikes. Running a hub motor preserves the sleek profile of a road bike since there’s no frame bulge around the pedal area— this can be a big draw for many riders.
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Additional considerations
Frame Material
As with most bikes, riders have the choice between aluminum and carbon frames. Models with carbon frames are pricier but are lightweight and stiffer, which can be worth it for more performance-oriented e-roadies. Aluminum road e-Bikes offer excellent value for the price, especially since weight savings aren’t as critical on pedal-assisted bikes (after all, there’s a motor to help you along).
Battery range
Most electric road bikes have a battery capacity (labeled in watt-hours) around the 230 Wh mark. Road bikes prioritize efficiency instead of raw power, meaning the batteries last longer and there’s less need for larger and heavier batteries you may see on other models. If you need longer range, there are still several road e-Bikes in the Upway catalog with higher-capacity batteries.
Budget: Is it worth it to pay more?
In general, what you get from a higher-priced electric road bike are lighter parts and premium components. Road cycling is all about optimization, and that’s true even on road bikes with a boost. Riders will pay a premium for carbon frames and lightweight drive units. You’ll likely have to do less maintenance on a road e-Bike made from higher-quality parts.
Purchasing a new or certified pre-owned road e-Bike from Upway enables riders to get premium models at a steeply discounted price. Whether you’re seeking a fast electric bike for daily riding or a high-end carbon model, Upway’s selection has a bike at every price point, fully inspected and reconditioned with a one-year warranty.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use an e-road bike for?
Is a road e-Bike right for me?
Road e-Bikes can be the perfect option for road cyclists who need that small boost to get the most out of their ride. Whether you’re recovering from injury, riding with faster mates, or simply don’t have the same power you used to, road e-Bikes smoothly amplify your pedal power.
How much power do I need on a road e-Bike?
Most road e-Bikes have 250W motors which is plenty of power for road cycling. High-end performance ultimately comes from the efficiency of the motor, torque rating, and the tuning of the pedal assist levels. 250W models are capable of reaching maximum speeds of 20 mph or 28 mph.
Key Takeaways
- Road e-Bike Types: Choose from standard, gravel, performance, or flat-bar models based on your riding style and terrain.
- Essential Features: Look at motor type, frame material, and battery range to find the right fit.
- Budget Tips: High-end models offer premium components, but certified pre-owned options deliver great value.
