Now that we have choices when it comes to purchasing an electric bicycle it is important to make a check list of our biking habits to figure out which bike meets our needs and usage demands. There are basically four main categories to be familiar with: mountain, folding mountain, mini and mini-folding.

Before looking at the products and falling in love with one which might be the wrong one for your usage, you should jot down your present and anticipated biking habits. It is important to be realistic and as accurate as you can be in assessing your usage. It is important to think of all your short trips, your commutes, trail rides and club events. Also, reflect on your future uses such as job changes, new coffee shop in the neighborhood, change in schools, modified exercise routine or training program.

Mini Features

The Mini is short to the ground with small wheels for easy maneuvering. The folding version typically folds with an instant pull-up folding system. With the battery attached most of the minis are super lightweight and weigh around 35 pounds. The maximum weight is more restricted with a mini but is not a big negative for most active riders. The weight restrict can be 220 pounds or maybe a little more.

Mountain Features

The mountain are similar to standard mountain bikes. Popular mountain types have a 7 gear and shifter system, aluminum alloy frame, 26 inch wheels, and adjustable seat. The added features include brushless hub motor, around 300 watts, and battery pack and charger. Most weigh around 50 pounds including the battery pack. Rider weight restrictions top out at 350 pounds. The folding version will also be light weight and folds in half making it easy to store and to transport when taking a car or riding on mass transit.

Compare Riding Experience

Both have models that allow for easy folding. The mountain folding bike folds easily in half for easy transporting. Both folding bikes are great for RV'ers, camping, commuting, college students, and seniors counting on the backup of power assisted riding. Both bikes can be carried on mass transit or into the coffee shop. The mini is a fun ride, safe through metro traffic or congested campus commutes. Mountain e-bikes have larger tires for better balance for trails and harder to ride surfaces.

Either ride gives you three ways to enjoy riding bicycles. One way is to just pedal no battery pack- results in a fun ride in either version. The second is to ride power assisted. You can pedal and the battery will also kick in to provide additional power. This gives a person extra options. The inexperienced biker can use this mode to build up stamina and energy to provide a basis for riding. People quit riding because they tire too easily from being out of shape- they maybe never reach the fun and scenic bike trail because they are too tired. The power assist makes riding fun again and provides the desired amount of exercise. The third way to ride is to just ride and let the battery do its thing. The electric bicycles have about a 20 mile range and then you have to pedal.

No matter which bike fits your usage needs, you can be confident that the bikes will get you to your designation whether it is school, work, and the restaurant fresh and invigorated. The green ride is the ride of the future just get the bike that fits your usage today and tomorrow.