Discover
Best Electric Bikes: NZ Buying Guide
It's time to put down the car keys and get on an e-bike! All the reasons we used to avoid cycling are gone.
Last updated: 8 July 2024
No more excuses — it's time to put down the car keys and get on an e-bike! All the reasons we used to avoid cycling are gone. Too hilly? No problem. Too far? Not anymore. Electric bikes have a motor that kicks in when you need extra power so you don’t get too sweaty or tired on the way. You can say goodbye to traffic and hello to easy, fun rides. They’re also treated the same as a normal bike by the law, meaning, you don't need a license to own and ride one. No wonder they’re so popular! If you’re ready to invest but don’t know where to start, we’ve put together a comprehensive buying guide. Let’s get started.
Types of electric bikes
All electric bikes use a pedal assist, which activates the motor as you pedal. However, some include a throttle allowing you to use the motor without pedalling. To help you decide what type of e-bike is right for you, here’s a simple rundown of all the main differences:
1. Front hub motors
Like forward wheel drive in cars, front hub motors are set in the front wheel, pulling the bike forward.
Pros: Affordable and straightforward, perfect for flat terrains. Great for throttle-controlled e-bikes where you might not always pedal.
Cons: Less traction on hills and lower battery range if you rely solely on the motor.
2. Rear hub motors
If you need more traction and stability on mixed terrains, rear hub motors have a more consistent power.
Pros: Consistent power output regardless of pedalling. Improves drivetrain longevity.
Cons: A heavier rear end can affect handling and put stress on the rear wheel.
3. Mid-drive motors
Mid-drive motors are mounted between the pedals, applying power directly to the chain.
Pros: Efficient use of gears, balanced weight distribution, and a natural riding feel. Great for climbing hills.
Cons: More expensive, can increase drivetrain wear, often comes with single chainring setups.
Top electric bike brands NZ
Each brand brings its own strengths to the table. Choose the one that fits your needs best:
1. Giant e-bikes
Giant has become a titan in the e-bike industry, known for high-quality construction and reliable performance. If you want to ride around the city on the weekdays and do some off-roading at the weekends, their Giant Explore E+ is perfect. It has powerful motors and long-lasting batteries. Riders also say they love the extensive dealer network for excellent after-sales support.
Shop for Giant e-bikes.
2. Sinch e-bikes
Sinch does foldable fat-tire bikes, a big plus for storage and transport. One of their most popular designs is the Aventon Sinch. It’s versatile, perfect for city commuting and casual outings, and it’s super affordable. Overall, their e-bikes have a solid build, good battery life, tech-savvy features like a backlit LCD display and app connectivity for real-time stats.
See the Sinch e-bike range.
3. Trek e-bikes
Trek e-bikes use integrated GPS and fitness tracking for a high-tech, high-quality ride. Users love the smooth, powerful performance, making them ideal for both city commutes and adventurous trails.
Shop all Trek e-bikes.
4. Specialized e-bikes
Favoured by the more serious cyclists, Specialized e-bikes boast powerful motors, advanced suspension systems and high-capacity batteries. In other words, they have excellent ride quality and are super reliable.
Browse the Specialized e-bike range.
5. Meloyelo e-bikes
Meloyelo e-bikes have all the essential features, but at an affordable price, making them great value for money. They’re all about practicality and comfort, with good battery life and a user-friendly experience.
Find a Meloyelo e-bike.
6. Scott e-bikes
Scott’s meticulous engineering guarantees a smooth and efficient ride. Favoured by serious cyclists, these bikes are durable and efficient, providing a stable and enjoyable ride across various terrains.
Shop the Scott e-bike range.
7. Yamaha e-bikes
With extensive motor technology expertise, it’s no surprise that Yamaha has created powerful and reliable e-bikes. Word on the street is that Yamaha e-bikes make for a smooth riding experience.
See the Yamaha e-bike range.
8. Avanti e-Bikes
Avanti e-bikes have a good balance of performance and cost-effectiveness, making them popular among budget-conscious riders. Avanti focuses on practicality, delivering accessible and user-friendly e-bikes for everyday use.
Shop Avanti e-bikes.
Other features to consider
Volts (V): Think of volts as the 'horsepower' of your e-bike. More volts mean more power. Common options are 24V, 36V, and 48V.
Amp-Hours (Ah): This measures battery capacity, similar to a car’s fuel tank. Higher amp-hours mean a longer range.
Watt-Hours (Wh): Indicates total energy capacity. Higher watt-hours generally mean a longer range, depending on voltage.
Torque (Nm): Torque is the rotational force, measured in Newton-meters. Higher torque means less effort pedalling and better hill performance.
Battery life, charging and expected range.
E-bike batteries typically last between 2-5 years, depending on usage and care. In general, you can expect between 500-1,000 charge cycles. Charging is simple, just plug the battery into a standard wall outlet and leave for 3-6 hours to fully charge. As for how far one charge will take you, that depends on your weight, the terrain, and assistance level.
Power up your ride
Ready to make your commute fun and eco-friendly? Electric bikes are the way to go. Whether you're tackling hills, cutting down on travel time, or just cruising around town, there's an e-bike perfect for you. Choose from top brands and find the features that match your lifestyle. Get ready to ride smarter, and greener.
Author
Other articles you might like
