Test Riding an E-Bike Before Purchase: Your Essential Guide

Informing yourself about the characteristics and specifications of the e-bike models that interest you is extremely useful in order to decide which electric bicycle to buy. However, this information should only serve as a starting point in the search for your bicycle. The final verdict should always be made after testing the e-bike.

A test drive is not just about checking that the brakes and gears are working properly. The purpose of the test drive is to make sure that the bike you are thinking of buying meets your personal tastes and needs. During the test, you will be able to assess if it will really give you the service and performance you are looking for. Unfortunately, the test drive is a service that not all stores offer. The most advisable thing is to find one that does allow it. 

Before testing the e-bike

Make sure the e-bike is safe – check that all parts are properly assembled and adjusted, the tires have the correct air pressure, and the brakes work properly.

Adjust the e-bike to you – use a frame in your size, and adjust the height of the saddle. If necessary, ask them to adjust the angle of the handlebars to your liking. 

Recreate a real ride – try to wear the same clothing you usually wear when riding a bike (helmet, shoes, etc.)

Establish your priorities – in order to determine which bike is the best fit for you, you must first be very clear about what you are looking for in an e-bike. 

What should you focus on during the test?

During the test drive, you should evaluate if the bike fits your body, your pedaling style and your personal needs. To achieve this, you must pay close attention to different aspects of the bike's performance:

1. Control and manoeuvrability

Frame and fork geometry influence a e-bike's control and manoeuvrability. Pay attention to the qualities of the e-bike at different speeds, in wide and tight corners, pedalling in the saddle and standing up. If possible test the e-bike on slopes and on different terrain. Ideally, you should have the opportunity to test it under the conditions in which you intend to use the bike.

2. Comfort

The comfort provided by each electric bike for adults can vary greatly, small differences in frame geometry or handlebar shape are enough. Consider how comfortable the bike is and whether that comfort means sacrifices in performance. At this point, it is important to remember the priorities that you previously established.

3. Comparison between e-bikes

Don't limit yourself to testing just one e-bike. It is very important to try different models and even different sizes of the same model. As we already mentioned, small differences in geometry or size can have a considerable impact on the performance, efficiency and comfort of a bicycle.

If you still have doubts about the type of electric bicycle that best suits your needs, this is the time to try the different alternatives that you have in mind. Don't be sorry, if you have to try 10, try 10.

More things to consider:

Here are more things that you need to consider.

First of all, is a warranty. In some cases, the guarantee can become a decisive point. Some warranties apply only to manufacturing defects in certain components. There are others, more extensive that even cover the box for life. Magicycle offers two years of warranty and you can purchase it without any pressure.

When you test drive a e-bike, take into account the normal riding situations you encounter on a daily basis. Take into account the time you'll spend on the e-bike, the terrain you'll be riding on, and what you'll need from your e-bike (certain speed range, braking power, etc.). If you are looking for a e-bike to make a trip with panniers, try the e-bike with weight, if you are looking for a folding try the folding system and portability.

During the test drive, you can also take the opportunity to test e-bikes with different characteristics. You can try different braking and transmission systems, different sizes, geometries, and types of tires, among other factors that could improve your experience on the e-bike.

So now you know, if you are looking for electric bicycle take these points into consideration. It doesn't matter if the bike is new or second-hand.

We hope this information is useful to you. If you have any questions, suggestions or opinions, please leave us your comment. And for more information, please keep up with our news section: https://www.magicyclebike.com/blogs/news.