BEFORE BUYING AN E BIKE

If you are in the market for a 'Power-Assisted Bicycle' (E-Bike), you should make yourself aware of the advantages and benefits of E-Bikes, aswell as the risks, in order for you to make an informed decision. This section will assist you when comparing electric bicycles among the growing number of dealers.

BATTERIES

Be sure to find out the specifics of the battery.

Look for the life expectancy of the battery (how many charges you will get out of it before having to replace). There are some electric bicycles on the market with low battery life; 80-100 charges.
Go Green E Bikes electric bicycles have a battery life of 300-500 charges.

Also consider the type of battery in the E-Bike. Lead Acid batteries are used in about 95% of electric bicycles manufactured, however there are some made with NiCad (Nickel Cadmium). NiCad batteries were not initially made for heavy loads, they were build for smaller appliances, such as hand power tools and small remote controlled toys. Also, NiCad batteries are much less eco-friendly and are generally disposed of in landfills.
Go Green E Bikes chooses only rechargeable Lead Acid batteries, which are recycled!

Next, look for an electric bicycle that has a removable battery. This is because in the winter, when the bike is not being used, the battery must be kept dry, and at room temperature. There is the option of storing the whole bike, battery included, in a garage through the winter, but then you must keep the shelter heated! Therefore, a removable battery is the simple answer to maintain the battery through the colder months of the year, aswell as more suitable means of recharging.
All of Go Green E Bikes electric bicycles have removable batteries.

You may also encounter companies advertising double batteries for their electric bicycles. When the mathematics of this are taken into consideration, the second battery is not quite as beneficial as one may think. Firstly, the second battery is usually placed under the seat of the E-Bike, which takes away from the storage capacity. Secondly, the weight capability of the E-Bike is decreased because of the extra battery (usually weighing about 50 pounds!). You also have to take into consideration the cost of the extra battery charger and replacements.

MOTORS

You should have questions about the motor of the E-Bike. Find out the exact size of the motor. Dealers advertise the 'maximum output', 'peak output' or 'high output wattage', not necessarily the size or watt size of the motor. If you see and advertisement stating an electric bicycle with a 500watt motor, make sure the motor itself is 500watt, and not the 'maximum output'.
You should be able to locate the motor size of any E-Bike by simply examining the front or back wheel, where the motor is positioned. We recommend an electric bicycle with the motor in the rear wheel, solely because of better balance. When the motor is attached to the front wheel there is a tendancy to shift the weight of the bike, which may cause you to lose balance and control!
This is commonly seen in 'conversion kits'.

Click on E Bikes for information on each electric bike Go Green E Bikes carries.

PARTS AND SERVIES

Be sure to inquire about parts and services: Do they have parts for the E-Bikes? Is service available on site? Who does the services?

Go Green E Bikes offers full service on site (nothing is shipped out), and we strive to stock all parts for our electric bicycles.

WARRANTIES

You should find out if there is a warranty, and what EXACTLY it entails. Companies must state their warranty, whether it is one year, six months, etc. and if that includes labour and parts. Some companies provide a one year warranty, but be careful to read the fine print, as the warranty may only cover one or two parts for the full year and the rest of the parts may not be covered at all!

Go Green E Bikes offers a six month conditional warranty on all of our electric bicycles (Document Available In Store).

BUYING OUTSIDE OF CANADA

Buying outside of Canada is risky, no matter the product, but especially E-Bikes. Dealers outside of Canada may not be aware of important laws regarding Electric Bicycles, and the bike most likely will not conform to Canadian laws and requirements.