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Electric Bikes 101: Everything You need to know

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What Is An Electric Bike?

An E-bike means electric bicycle. An E-bike is basically a regular bike, but with an electric motor that gives you a little extra boost. You still pedal, but the motor helps you out, especially when you’re going uphill or want to go farther without breaking a sweat.

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How does it Work?

E-bikes use a combination of motor, battery, pedal assist and control systems to make traditional pedalling easier for the rider. Pedal assist E-bikes are fitted with a small motor powered by a rechargeable battery which kicks in when you pedal. You control the amount of assistance you require by using the control system on the handlebars.

Motor Types

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Hub Drive

Motor located in the middle of the rear wheel. The motor directly moves the wheel. Often more affordable and best suited for flat terrain and shorter trips

Best suited for:

Often more affordable and best suited for flat terrain and shorter trips

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Mid Drive

Motor located In the middle of the bike where the pedals connect to the bike. The motor directly drives the bike’s chain, which means it works with the bike’s gears.


Best suited for:

Often a smoother, longer range and more powerful. Suitable for climbing hills, riding off road or simply riding further. Offers a more natural riding experience.

Types of Electric Bikes

E-Road and E-Gravel

E-Road and E-Gravel

E-Road and E-Gravel bikes are designed for riders seeking versatility and performance on both paved roads and rugged gravel paths.

Best Suited For: Long distance riding and commuting.

E-Hardtail Mountain

E-Hardtail Mountain

E-Hardtail mountain bikes combine traditional hardtail mountain bikes with the power of electric assistance, making them ideal for tackling challenging trails and steep climbs.

Best Suited For: off-road terrain riding.

E-Hybrid

E-Hybrid

E-Hybrid bikes combine the versatility of a hybrid commuter bike with the power of electric assistance, with features designed for comfort and efficiency.

Best Suited For: commuting and recreational riding.

E-Dual Suspension

E-Dual Suspension

E-Dual Suspension bikes are designed for riders seeking a smooth and comfortable ride over rough terrain, featuring advanced suspension systems that absorb shocks and bumps.

Best Suited For: off-road mountain biking and trail riding.

E-Commuter

E-Commuter

E-Commuter bikes are designed for urban riders seeking a practical and efficient way to navigate city streets.

Best Suited For: commuting.

E-Cargo

E-Cargo

E-Cargo bikes are designed for transporting heavy loads with ease, featuring robust frames and spacious cargo areas.

Best Suited For: Families with kids or light cargo, can replace a car.

E-Folding

E-Folding

E-Folding bikes are compact, lightweight electric bicycles designed for easy storage and portability. 

Best Suited For: Urban commuting and caravanning travel.

E-Compact

E-Compact

E-Compact bikes are designed for urban commuters seeking a lightweight and portable solution for navigating city streets.

Best Suited For: Urban commuting.

E-Fat Tyre

E-Fat Tyre

E-Fat Tyre Bikes are designed for adventurous riders seeking to tackle diverse terrains with ease, from sand, snow or rocky paths.

Best Suited For: Off-road or leisure riding.

E-Cruiser

E-Cruiser

E-Cruisers are designed for relaxed, comfortable rides, perfect for leisurely trips around town or along scenic routes.

Best Suited For: Leisure riding.

Calculating Range

Want to know how far your E-bike will get you?

There are a few factors to take into consideration when calculating range. This includes battery capacity, motor efficiency, rider weight, bike weight, terrain/riding conditions and pedal assist level. Use our range calculator to estimate range or chat to us in store about the different options.

E-bike Range Estimator

Disclaimer: The range estimates provided by this calculator are based on the following assumptions:

  • Rider weight of 80 kg
  • Bike weight of 25 kg
  • Riding on sealed surfaces with mountain bike tyres
  • Ideal weather conditions

Estimates may vary depending on rider, terrain, and environmental conditions. Use as a general guide only.

Free Test Rides & 24 Hour Demos

Quick Test Ride

Drop into your local 99 Bikes store and take a quick spin around the block. A team member will help you choose the right model and set up the bike so you can feel how it rides.

Find Your Nearest Store

WHY SHOP WITH US?

E-bike Expert Stores

E-bike Expert Stores

Our E-bike expert stores offer the very best in E-bike advice and an extended range of options to suit any budget. Our expert staff have been through extensive training and have a passion for all things E-bikes.

30 Day Perfect Ride Guarantee

30 Day Perfect Ride Guarantee

Enjoy peace of mind knowing that if you’re not completely satisfied with your new bike you have 30 days to swap it for free!

5% Best Price Guarantee

5% Best Price Guarantee

Our 5% Best Price Guarantee is our commitment to always offer the lowest price. If you find a cheaper price, we will beat it by 5%.

Club 99 Benefits

Club 99 Benefits

On top of knowing you’ve scored your dream bike at the best possible price, our Club 99 members have so many perks. Read more here

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Finance Options

Let’s get you riding sooner with easy payment options!

View All FInance Options

Maintaining your bike

We recommend getting your bike serviced at least once a year by one of our expert mechanics. Check out our service plans here. To keep your E-bike riding perfectly, we recommend following the basic maintenance steps before every ride:

Battery Safety

Please familiarise yourself with correct care and usage of batteries in your bike manual. Watch our safety & storage tips for your electric bike here.


Lithium-ion batteries have exceptional abilities, but they are sensitive to both heat, cold and also are affected by how they are used and left in storage. Avoid charging the battery when it is hot, let the battery cool down after riding before attempting to recharge.


All 99 Bikes stores will recycle your lithium batteries from bikes sold in our stores. 

FAQs