Things to Know Before Buying an E-Bike: Electric Bike Buying Guide 2025

Why Buy an E-bike in 2025?

Here are a few reasons why people are switching to electric vehicles from regular bikes:

• Eco-friendly alternative to fuel-based vehicles
• Lower running costs
• Effortless uphill rides and longer range
• Government subsidies and incentives are available, such as FAME II, which help in reducing the final price significantly.
• Improved battery life and innovative features
• Lower GST rates on electric vehicles as compared to petrol vehicles.

Guide on How to Buy an E-Bike in 2025

Here is a step-by-step guide for getting the best deal on e-bike:

Step 1: Know the Purpose of an E-bike

Here, we've explained common purposes along with different categories having their pros and cons. Before looking at the brands and specs, consider terrain, distance, weight of the vehicle and your riding frequency.

Step 2: Understand Motors

The motor in the engine of the e-bike. It affects speed, hill-climbing power, and how 'bike-like' the ride feels.

Types of E-Bike Motors

Here are two types of e-bike motors along with their characteristics:

 Hub Motor

• Mounted in the wheel hub (front or rear)
• Quieter, affordable, easier to maintain
• Great for flat city rides
• Drawback: Less efficient on hills

Mid-Drive Motor

• Located near the crankshaft
• Feels like a regular bike with a supercharged push
• Excellent for climbing hills, better balance
• Drawback: High maintenance and complex mechanics

Power Ratings Explained

*Legal Tip: In India, only e-bikes with 250W power and a top speed of 25 km/h needs mandatory registration along with a valid driving license.

Step 3: Know About Battery & Range

The battery of an e-bike determines how far you can travel on a single charge and how long you wait between rides:

What to Know About a Battery:

• Capacity is measured in Watt-hours (Wh).
• More Wh = More Range, but also more weight.

Here are a few other characteristics of a battery of an e-bike that needs to be checked before buying:

• Charging Time: Most batteries take 3 to 6 hours, which is an ideal time to charge.
• Removable Batteries: Consider removable batteries, as they are easier to charge indoors and replace later.
• Battery Brand: Always look for trusted cells with a good brand name in the automotive industry.

Step 4: Check the Build Quality & Components

Since an e-bike will be a significant investment, ensure the build quality matches your weight & terrain. Here are key parts of an e-bike that needs to be focused while making a purchase:

• Suspension: Check if you are looking for an off-road experience, however, they are optional for city use.
• Brakes: Disc brakes are essential when selecting an e-bike. Meanwhile, hydraulic brakes are superior when it comes to power braking.
• Tyres: Wider tyres mean better grip and comfort. Therefore, check the width of a tyre during the selection process.

Step 5: Don't Ignore Safety & Tech Features

Today's e-bike comes with smart integrations, making riding safer and more enjoyable. Here are a few must-have safety features:

• Front and rear LED lights
• Reflective strips or sidewalls
• High-visibility colour options
• Horns
• LCD Display Panel showing battery level, speed, range, etc.
• GPS & Mobile App for anti-theft alerts, ride tracking, etc.
• Regenerative Braking to charges battery while braking (on premium models)

Step 6: Set Your Budget & Explore Incentives

E-bike prices vary widely, depending on brand, battery, and features.

Depending on brand, battery capacity, and other features, the price of an e-bike varies.

Government Subsidies

• Government subsidies and incentives are available, such as FAME II, which help in reducing the final price significantly.
• Lower GST rates on electric vehicles as compared to petrol vehicles.

Step 7: Test Ride is Important

An e-bike is a personal experience that must be enjoyed by taking a test ride.

Here is a test ride checklist that you can't miss:

• Motor response time
• Comfort level and weight
• Brake quality
• Handlebar ergonomics
• LCD and controls readability

Step 8: Legal and Licensing Requirements

To prevent future hassles, here are legalities that you need to keep in mind:

• License: Low-speed e-bikes (up to 25 km/h) typically don't require a driving license. However, as a bike owner, you must have a valid driving license in India.
• Registration: It will be wise to verify based on your state's regulations.
• Bike Insurance: Having at least a third-party bike insurance policy to ride your e-bike legally is mandatory. However, for extensive protection, choose a comprehensive bike insurance policy and get protection against a series of unforeseen events.

Conclusion

Electric bikes are more than just superbikes. They are the future of affordability and sustainable urban transport. Choosing the right one balances your lifestyle, terrain, power needs, and budget. Moreover, do not insure it with the right bike insurance policy to get coverage against a list of risks.