Electric bike buyer’s guide
Shop Trek electric bikes
What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes (also known as e-bikes and electric assist bikes) amplify your pedaling power thanks to an electric drive system. There are many different kinds of e-bikes, but all of them use an electric motor and battery to help you power your bike. Most have what’s called a controller that lets you choose the amount of power the system provides.
Is an e-bike right for me?
While e-bikes are a super fun and easy way to get around, they might not be right for everyone. Here’s a brief comparison of electric bikes and other popular modes of transportation.
Electric bikes vs regular bikes
Traditional bikes don’t give you a boost to help you go faster and farther. But they are lighter and generally less expensive than e-bikes. Both are a great way to get exercise!
Electric bikes vs electric scooters
Electric scooters are compact and easy to maneuver in the city. Scooters shine on short, intra-city trips when you want to get somewhere faster than you can walk, but they won’t necessarily replace car trips. Plus, they’re more dangerous and less regulated than electric bikes, and they aren’t always available when you need one.
Electric bikes vs cars
Cars can take you on much farther and faster trips, you have to worry less about weather conditions, and you can haul a lot. But cars are much worse for the planet than e-bikes are, and cars are more expensive initially and over time—consider maintenance, gas, licensing, and insurance costs. Plus, you aren’t getting exercise and you have to deal with traffic and parking.
Electric bikes will change your life
Electric bikes give you the freedom and power to explore more, extend your ride, and have more fun. Whether you’re looking for a faster, more enjoyable, and more planet-friendly commute or seeking more thrills on the trail, there’s a Trek e-bike that’ll help you get more out of the year’s best riding seasons.
It’s easy and fun to get out and ride
Whether you’re coming back from an injury, can’t ride as far as you’d like anymore, or are just thinking about getting a bike for the first time, electric bikes are an awesome option. The extra boost helps you get out for exercise, enjoy the outdoors, and put less strain on your body than a traditional bike.
Ride farther, faster, and right up hills
If hills are discouraging you from riding a bike, electric bikes are the perfect solution! The boost will help you power right up hills, and it amplifies your level of fitness so longer, faster trips are always within reach. No more worrying whether or not you can make it!
Replace car trips and commutes
Electric bikes make long bike commutes super feasible, and make any commute more enjoyable and much less sweaty than on a traditional bike. Plus, the boost lets you carry more on errand runs, giving you yet another reason to take your e-bike instead of your car! You can feel good about getting exercise while lessening your impact on the environment.
Anatomy of an electric bike
Parts of an electric bike
1. Electric bike motor
The main types of e-bike motors are hub motors and mid-drive motors. Hub motors are typically mounted in the rear wheel while mid-drive motors are located in the same area as the pedal cranks and bottom bracket. Mid-drive motors are more efficient, feel more natural while pedaling, and are easier to shift on hills.
2. Electric bike controllers
As you might guess, controllers are what you use to control your e-bike’s settings. They’re super simple to use. You can change your level of assist, see your speed and distance, and check how much battery power you have remaining. Some even integrate with your smartphone for added capability.
3. Electric bike batteries
E-bike batteries are an important factor in determining your e-bike’s range. The higher watt hour (Wh) your battery is, the more potential you have to go farther. Batteries can be mounted in lots of different places, but those mounted on the downtube or integrated into the downtube itself provide the best center of gravity.
We’re your electric bike experts
Expert e-bike service
The qualified technicians in our service center are standing by to ensure your ride is dialed and ready for fun.
We’ll take care of you
Every Trek e-bike is backed by a lifetime frame warranty and a two-year battery warranty.
Best-in-class electronics
We only use e-bike drive systems that meet our incredibly high standard of quality, reliability, serviceability, and ease of use.
