E-bike Buyer’s Guide

E-Bike Buyer’s Guide

Your road to the perfect electric bike starts here.

With hundreds of models now on the market, choosing the right e-bike can feel overwhelming. But at Sydney Electric Bikes, we’ve been helping people ride electric since 2009 — and we know exactly how to guide you toward the best e-bike for your needs.

Over the years, we’ve refined this process into five key decisions every buyer should make. This guide walks you through each one, just like we do in store before you test ride. By the end, you’ll have a much clearer idea of what to look for — and where to start.

1. Choosing Your Bike Style

The type of e-bike you choose determines your entire riding experience — from comfort and performance to how well the bike suits your terrain.

Start by asking yourself:

  • Will you ride mostly on roads or paved cycle paths?

  • Are you planning to explore gravel trails or mixed terrain?

  • Do you want a proper mountain bike for off-road riding?

  • Is comfort or an upright posture more important to you?

  • Do you prefer a step-through frame for easier mounting (especially if you have injuries)?

  • Do you need cargo capacity for work, shopping, or passengers?

Once you narrow this down, we recommend test riding at least two or three bikes of different styles — including some you might not expect to like. Many customers end up choosing a bike very different from what they came in for (e.g. a mountain bike for commuting, even if they don’t ride trails).

At SEB, we group bikes by design in-store, so it’s easy to try a range:

  • Step-through

  • Step-over

  • Mountain

  • Folding/Compact

2. Understanding Power & Torque

All e-bikes come with one of two types of motor output:

  • Standard torque

  • High torque

If you live in a hilly area (like most of Sydney), you’ll likely benefit from a high-torque motor, especially if you’ll carry gear or shopping. High-torque motors provide better climbing performance and a more powerful ride, but they also tend to be heavier and more expensive.

If you're in a flatter area or want a lighter bike that feels more like a traditional bicycle, standard torque might be ideal.

Also, keep in mind:

  • As motor power increases, so does weight

  • Bigger battery = more range, but also more weight

  • Riding experience and fitness level matter — some riders prefer more assist, others want to pedal more themselves

The best advice? Test ride and trust your instincts. Don’t buy based on pictures or specs alone. Ride it, feel it, and then decide.

3. Estimating Range

How far do you plan to go? How many hills? What assist level will you use most of the time?

Battery size (measured in amp-hours or watt-hours) is the biggest factor in range — but so are terrain and power mode. Riding on Turbo mode all the time or tackling lots of hills will drain your battery faster than cruising on flat paths in Eco mode.

Here’s a realistic range estimate, based on battery size and typical usage (not the overly optimistic figures you see on some brands):

  • 9Ah: 30–40km

  • 10Ah: 35–45km

  • 12Ah (400Wh): 50–65km

  • 14Ah (500Wh): 65–85km

  • 17Ah (612Wh): 85–115km

If you're riding long distances or want less charging hassle, opt for a higher-capacity battery.

4. Motor Design: Hub vs Mid Drive

One of the most important — and misunderstood — choices is motor design. There’s no "best" option here — it comes down to your riding style and experience.

Hub Motor Pros

  • More affordable

  • Less effort required by rider for hill climbs and take-offs

  • Simple pedalling style — like a normal bike

  • Can often be repaired internally (unlike many mid-drives)

Hub Motor Cons

  • Heavier at the wheel (affects handling)

  • Poor traction on front-wheel setups (especially in wet or off-road)

  • Higher risk of broken spokes due to motor stress

  • Changing a flat tyre is trickier — often requires tools and experience

Mid Drive Pros

  • Better weight distribution (motor is low and central)

  • More efficient on hills (motor uses bike’s gears)

  • Easier wheel removal for punctures or maintenance

  • Feels more like a regular bike to ride

Mid Drive Cons

  • More expensive

  • Requires rider input (gear shifting matters)

  • Can cause more wear on chain/cassette if not used properly

  • Most models cannot be repaired internally — motor must be replaced if it fails outside warranty

Which One is Right for You?

  • If you’re an experienced cyclist who wants to pedal, shift gears, and get some exercise, a mid-drive motor is likely best for you.

  • If you’re new to riding or just want maximum power with minimum effort, a hub motor is the more user-friendly choice.

And again — the only real way to know is to try them out in person. A lot of customers arrive with strong opinions based on online research... and leave with a completely different bike after test riding.

5. Budget & Value

Let’s be real — e-bikes are an investment. And while there are loads of "cheap" options online, you often get what you pay for. Many of these models make bold promises with no real after-sales support.

At SEB, our prices start from $1,500, but we only stock trusted brands with proper Australian warranty and service backup. That means if something goes wrong, you're not stuck dealing with a foreign supplier or waiting months for parts.

As your budget increases, you’ll get:

  • Better quality components (that last longer and perform better)

  • More durable frames

  • Refined motor systems

  • Greater range and smoother riding

  • Lower maintenance costs over time

Ultimately, a higher-quality e-bike often works out cheaper in the long run — especially for daily riders.

So… What’s Next?

Come in and test ride.
That’s it. The only way to buy the right e-bike is to try them for yourself. We’ll get you on 3–5 models of different styles and price points so you can feel the difference and understand what works for you.

It’s not an easy decision — but with the biggest range in the country and expert staff to guide you, we’ll make sure you ride away with the right bike. One that fits your lifestyle, your body, and your goals.

It could be the best money you ever spend on yourself — and it will absolutely change the way you experience your city.

See you in the shop. 👍⚡🚴