Before you begin shopping, you should do some homework and understand what is realistic when it comes to the bike you want. I want to start with what is not realistic: 

1. An ebike that is a good offroad bike and a good road bike.  Many manufacturers of ebikes have tried and sold a version of this bike with little success.  What you end up with is an ebike that does both things poorly.   

2. A lightweight ebike that has lots of power and has a long range.  As you add power and range, the weight goes up.  It is just a fact of life.   

3. If your electric bike budget is $1500 or less, you should purchase a pedal bike.  Ebikes under this amount are available but can end up stranding you on a regular basis or even burning your house down. 

Next, turn off all the noise you are subjected to on the internet.  After a few days of internet shopping, you can feel confused and frustrated.    

Okay, now the homework.  Before you shift into buying mode, define what bike you think you want while being realistic about what is possible.  If you ride mostly on roads, look at road or cruiser ebikes.  Most cruiser bikes are fine on hardpack dirt or gravel surfaces. If you are commuting to work, you will want an electric bike with adequate range, uphill torque, and a throttle, so you don’t get sweaty on your way to work.  The bottom line is knowing what you want before you start shopping.  It will make the experience less confusing and more fun. 

Now you are ready to shop.  First, google the bike store or ebike stores that are close to you.  Check out their web sites to be sure they sell and service ebikes.  Check out that their customer reviews and any awards are good. Put on comfortable bike riding clothes and select two or three retailers that look good to you.  You want to purchase your new ebike from a retailer where you can touch, feel, and ride the bike before you purchase.  Forget purchasing on the internet.  I have so many horror stories about internet purchases that I could fill pages.   

1. Make sure the retailer services what it sells and stocks parts for the bike.  

2. Make sure the brand of ebike you are looking at has been in business for at least 10 years and has nationwide distribution. 

3. Find out how long the local retailer has been in business and serving your community. 

4. Determine which class of ebike you are interested in.  Class 1,2 or 3.   

5. Check the warranty.  Longer is better.  

6. Make sure the salesperson knows how to fit you on the bike.  If you don’t feel comfortable on the bike, it may be the fault of the bike or the fit is not correct.  A good fit is important. 

7. Ride all the bikes you test on the same route, which should include at least one steep hill. 

8. What benefits does the retailer offer to their customers?  Loaner bikes when your bike is in for service?  Discounts on rental bikes when friends come to visit?  Discounts on accessories? Will they handle warranty claims and repairs? If they don’t service what they sell, go somewhere else to purchase your bike. 

Accessorize your bike with everything you want. Go overboard!  The more excited you are about your new bike, the more you will want to ride it.  Last piece of advice, spend money on a good helmet, and lock.  If you are purchasing for a child, require them to attend a training course.    

Now get out there and enjoy yourself!