A city electric bike can be great!
However, it must be chosen wisely. We've written many times that we're not fans of electric bikes, but it's hard to deny reality. However, if they're meant to popularize cycling as a means of transportation and a hobby, why should we be against it? For many people, an electric city bike can be a significant convenience, or even the only way to start pedaling. However, choosing an electric-assisted bike for the city is more difficult than a regular one. Despite their growing popularity, the selection is still much smaller (especially compared to the German market) than their traditional counterparts. For this reason, buyers are often forced to compromise. It's worth ensuring they aren't too large, as over time they might completely discourage riding, and that's not the point!
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Drive location
The basic issue: The additional electric motor weighs a lot, so its placement significantly impacts the bike's handling. Forget about front wheel assist. Such a bike handles like a cow and understeers in wet conditions. The only option left is a rear or bottom bracket motor. Electric bikes with a central drive system handle best, as they are the most balanced. This is why all eMTBs are designed this way. This is the optimal option, but for urban use, a rear hub connected to the motor isn't a bad option; what's more, it has one major advantage: if you want to stand the bike upright in a lift, it will be much, much easier than with a central motor.
Climbing mountains on a bike like this must be unforgettable. Photo by: Richard Masoner / Cycleliceus
It's also worth considering the battery placement. It should be located in the downtube of the frame and well protected from rain. Any other option will result in balance problems, and a battery on the rack is just asking for a fall and a rear-wheel-drive uphill ride. You don't want that. An electric city bike must be predictable and safe.
A sensitive issue - weight
Most city bikes are heavy. Electric city bikes are usually very heavy. It's worth keeping this in mind and looking for ones that can be lifted if necessary. We occasionally sell an electric city bike from BZen. The Milano model, which we reviewed here , weighs only 14 kg. For an electric bike, that's a featherweight. The key is a lightweight frame, a sensible minimum of extras, and... moderation. In this case, the smaller-than-average motor and battery translate into lower weight. The bike is not only easier to carry but also handles better. And most people in the city don't need powerful assist on climbs and a huge range. It's worth considering this to choose the optimal bike for your needs.
An electric city bike doesn't have to weigh a ton. The Bzen Milano boasts a weight of 14 kg!A city electric bike must stop well
This mass sometimes needs to be slowed down. Especially when the motor is in the rear hub, adding a lot of rotating mass (for this reason, the wheel must be laced with properly reinforced spokes and rims). Rim brakes can't handle this. Cable-operated disc brakes aren't enough either. The only acceptable solution are hydraulic disc brakes. And good ones at that (read: Shimano). This is a safety issue that's beyond dispute.
A good city electric bike is the right size
A point many people forget. Electric city bikes are often available in very limited sizes. There's no point in making any compromises on this point. A bike that's too big or too small is always a problem, spoiling the fun of riding. It's better to wait for your size than to struggle. Check out our frame size calculator for your height.
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