Don’t make the mistake of underestimating small electric bikes. Compact and lightweight, their modest size makes them more agile, portable, and easier to store. Despite being smaller than most traditional motorized and non-motorized bikes, they efficiently take riders from point A to B, offering them a convenient way to get around without harming the environment.
The electric bike market was worth US$49.1 billion in 2023, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.9% during the next 5 years. If you’ve been thinking of buying one, you’ll find lots of models to choose from as there is a healthy demand for these two-wheelers.
Join Gin e-bikes, a top supplier of electric bikes in the UK, to discover your options. Find out why a small electric bike reigns supreme.
What’s So Special About a Small Electric Bike?
Today’s top e-bike brands offer an impressive selection of features like small builds and batteries that cover longer distances in less time.
This electric hybrid bike by Gin e-bikes weighs a mere 43 pounds. It’s smaller and more compact, has anti-puncture tires that make it suitable for challenging terrain, and comes with 5 pedal assist boost modes for varying fitness levels. It gives you all the features that make an electrically powered two-wheeler a hit with riders—at a price that won’t break the bank.
Pros and Cons of Small Electric Bikes vs. Large Bikes and Bicycles: A Comparative Analysis
Here’s a comparative analysis of traditional bicycles, electric bikes, and small electric bikes (hybrid bikes), so you can find the perfect ride.
✔ They are Eco-Friendly
Using a bike as your main transportation mode instead of a four-wheeler (like a car or van) decreases life cycle CO2 emissions by over 15 pounds a day.
The reason?
Traditional bicycles and electric bikes don’t use diesel, petrol, or other fuels. These two-wheelers don’t release toxic gasses and smog in the atmosphere, making them a top choice for pollution-free transport.
A lot of people think e-bikes come second in this race but the opposite is true! Sure, they’re not as eco-friendly as bicycles, but they allow you to reduce your carbon footprint by eliminating the need for fossil-fueled vehicles.
Battery-operated hybrid bikes are also great options.
✔ They Require Low Maintenance
All types of vehicles require maintenance to keep them in tip-top shape.
That said, electric bikes require more effort (and ££) compared to traditional bicycles as they have complicated systems and parts like motors and drivetrains. That’s why it's best to purchase your ride from a reputable seller who offers a parts replacement warranty.
Plus, you can also do most of the repairs yourself!
✔ They Meet Your Need for Speed
On average, you can cycle 9 to 12 miles per hour on a flat paved road. This figure goes down substantially if you’re riding on rocky terrain, have below-average physical fitness, or face weather elements like headwinds.
It's almost the same with hybrid bikes, which rely on the rider’s endurance.
Electric bikes, on the other hand, have a motor that can help you reach speeds from 15 to 20 miles per hour when the battery is fully charged. However, they’re not made to satiate the racer in you. The main goal is to bring convenience to the fore by helping you travel longer distances in shorter amounts of time using the same amount of effort.
However, if speed is non negotiable, our fast electric bikes will give you the most exhilarating rides of your life with 25 to 30 miles-per-hour speeds.
✔ They Support Your Fitness Needs
Cycling works out your lower body, trunk muscles, core, and arms. If you go on an intense ride, the increased effort will drain your energy and leave you exhausted.
That’s not a problem you face with electric bikes.
These pedelecs boost the rider’s pedal power with a motor, which reduces the strain on the body’s muscles while allowing riders to reach their destinations without looking like a hot sweaty mess. Don’t worry; research shows you still get moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity 95% of the time.
✘ They Can Be Expensive
Electric bikes can put you out by around £1,200 to £2,500. Some are thousands of pounds more expensive because of their features. Moreover, the battery of an electric bike can become compromised or damaged with regular use, which will cost you £200 to £380 every 3 to 5 years.
On the flip side, you can secure a bicycle for under £1,000. Spend a couple hundred more and you can get the best of both worlds from a hybrid model.
✘ They Have Battery Concerns
Unlike traditional bicycles, which run on pure, unadulterated pedal power, electric bikes have rechargeable batteries that power the motor.
Naturally, once the battery dies, so will the motor’s functionality.
This means that if you don’t ensure that your electric bike has enough juice to power your ride, you’ll be doing all the heavy lifting yourself.
So, which one should you invest in?
Ideally, you want to look for lithium-ion batteries. They’re lighter and more compact. They roughly last 1.5 to 2 years before their efficiency drops below 80%. They’re available for hybrid and fully loaded e-bikes, but we suggest going for smaller electric bikes as they have lower power consumption, so you get a longer riding range.
✘ They Weigh You Down
A traditional road bike can weigh as little as 15 to 17 pounds, though it can also be heavier based on the type of components it has.
On the other hand, a fully loaded e-bike has wider wheels and a robust frame. It also features additional components like a battery and motor which can weigh as much as 10 to 20 pounds each, bringing its total weight to around 44 to 55 pounds.
This can affect maneuverability and make pedaling a chore, especially if you’re going uphill or tackling challenging terrains.
The same is true for small electric bike variants. They weigh a bit less at 30 to 40 pounds. Since you’ll be relying on its electrical assistance for movement, it's best to avoid obsessing over every pound!
When Should You Use Small Electric Bicycles?
Small electric bikes for adults shine for riders who want to:
Meet Their Fitness Goals
Do you have ailments that make it hard to exercise, such as knee pain or asthma? A small e-bike can help you level up your cardiovascular fitness, build muscle endurance, boost brain health and mood, lower stress, and challenge your core—while being kind to your joint and bone health.
It has many pedal assist modes, so you can tweak the amount of energy you spend pedaling based on how you’re feeling that day!
Use Them for Recreation
Whether you enjoy exploring local areas or get an adrenaline rush from tackling challenging terrains and high altitudes, a small e-bicycle will serve all your needs. It gives you the electrical assurance you need to manage different trails while being lightweight enough for easy maneuverability.
Take Advantage of Easy Storage
Do you live in an apartment building?
You can’t leave your e-bike outdoors, especially since police data shows incidents of theft have more than doubled.
What you can do is make the switch to a small electric bike. It’s relatively easier to take up the stairs or transport in lifts. You should also familiarize yourself with safety and security tips to avoid getting your bike stolen.
Commute Over Short Distances
Are you someone who takes an Uber or bus to work?
A small e-bike will help you avoid traffic, conserve energy, and save on monthly travel expenses. And, thanks to how compact it is, you can easily take it on the train with you.
Enjoy a Superior Riding Experience with Gin e-Bikes
In the race between traditional bicycles and full-fledged electric bikes, a winner that didn’t exist a few years ago has emerged: small electric bikes. They’re compact and portable, offer superior performance, and can be purchased for as little as £999.
Have any queries or concerns? Contact us to learn more.
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