Which electric bike is the right one? All types at a glance

Before buying an electric bike, you should be aware that its riding behaviour is different from that of models without electric pedal assistance. Compared to other types of bikes, they react differently in certain situations. It applies to e-bikes in general,

... that they are heavier than "normal" bikes.

... that they have a longer braking distance.

... that it requires more force to tilt them when cornering.

Beginners, especially those getting back on a bike after a long time, should take it easy and get a feel for the electric bike. There are special cycling courses that focus exclusively on e-bikes and teach you how to use them correctly.

Finding the right model for a beginner depends first and foremost on the intended use. Where are you going to ride your bike and what are you going to do with it? If you have trouble narrowing it down, our RENTertainers in the shop will be happy to help you make the right choice.

While relatively few types of bicycles were equipped with an electric motor at the beginning of the e-bike boom, this has changed rapidly in recent years. Today, there is almost no variation that is not available with electric pedal assistance. Let's take a look at the world of e-bikes and their uses.

The pioneer bicycle category for e-bikes was primarily trekking bikes. They are the perfect companion for anyone looking for freedom and versatility on two wheels. Whether for relaxed long-distance rides, challenging mountain tours on gravel paths or the daily commute to work - these bikes offer the ideal combination of comfort, performance and functionality. Thanks to their electric assistance, you can effortlessly master steep climbs and long distances, while the robust construction and street-legal equipment ensure safety and reliability.

With an electric trekking bike, you can not only carry your luggage on multi-day trips, but you can also ride on gravel roads and enjoy nature to the fullest. Depending on the model, you can also install additional batteries to extend the range of your trips.

E-mountain bikes (e-MTBs) are the perfect choice for anyone looking for outdoor and off-road adventure with the added assistance of an electric motor. They open up a whole new world of possibilities: You can tackle steep climbs with ease and go for longer rides without tiring your legs. However, not all e-MTBs are created equal - a distinction is usually made between light e-MTBs and "regular" e-MTBs. Because weight changes riding behavior, manufacturers of lightweight models reduce the size of the battery. This allows the bike to retain its playful characteristics while still providing electric assistance.

If you prefer to take your e-MTB on very long rides, a model with a large battery (starting at 700 Wh) is a better choice.

Get local on-site advice from one of our RENTertainers if you are not sure which e-MTB to take on your next tour. Our bike experts not only know the products, but can also recommend huts where you can recharge your batteries.

Bikes in this category are usually found in an urban environment. While each of these bikes deserves its own category, they all share the same habitat.

• E-city bikes are the ideal choice for everyday tours through the city: they score points for their high level of comfort and upright riding position. Perfect for short to medium distances, they make commuting to work or shopping in the city easier
• Electric cargo bikes, on the other hand, are true transportation wonders. Whether you're doing the shopping or taking the kids to nursery. Many e-cargo bikes can be customised to suit your needs, providing an alternative to congested city centres.
• Bikes in the urban e-bike category focus on style and agility: they are light, manoeuvrable and minimalist in design, ideal for short distances on paved roads. Compared to city bikes, they often come without additional equipment such as pannier racks in order to offer a more sporty and modern riding experience.

The first electric assist road and gravel bikes are relatively new to the market. Unlike other types of e-bikes, they have a smaller battery capacity so that the weight doesn't increase too much.

• If you want to ride sporty tours on paved roads and the battery helps you to extend your range even further, then an electric road bike is the right choice.
• However, if your planned excursions include a lot of gravel paths and you like to take a detour into the woods, then an e-gravel bike is the better option.

Both models are designed for sporty touring, and thanks to the pedal assistance, headwinds are no longer an issue.

Our experts at the INTERPSPORT Rent locations will help you choose the right e-bike. We'll advise you on site and make sure you get the right size.

Children's bikes with electric motors are particularly suitable for holidays, as they compensate for the physical differences between the parents. They have the same features as normal children's bikes, but with the addition of pedal assistance. This means that everyone can ride together. You can find hardtails in various sizes in our INTERSPORT Rent shops – just come in, choose the right model, hop on the saddle and pedal off to the next lake.

If you plan to go on long trips with an electric bike, you will logically need a suitable battery. But how much capacity do you need? The required power, battery size and consumption depend on a number of factors:

• The length of your planned trips
• The topography of your planned tours
• The surface of the paths and roads you are going to take
• The e-bike you are riding (choice of tyres, weight etc.)
• The riding style

Depending on the category of e-bike, there are batteries with 300 Wh and models with up to 1,250 Wh. If you want to cover long distances (100 kilometres and more) on your electric bike, you should choose one with at least 750 Wh. Those who prefer sporty trips with fewer kilometres will also get by with a smaller battery and enjoy the advantage of a lighter, more playful bike on top.

There are also various options for increasing the battery performance with a range extender. These can be added to the frame.

Tip: Riding at full power mode all the time saves energy, but also reduces the battery capacity. It's better to switch to ECO mode more often and don't forget to change gears.

To find out which electric bike is right for you, you should think about your future use cases. The more specific you can be, the easier the decision will be. If you are unsure, our bike experts at one of the INTERSPORT Rent locations will help you choose - and you can even test the bike before you buy.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question. The people who ride them and their needs are too different for that. Increasingly innovative materials and new production techniques are also making new e-bikes possible, e.g. models that are particularly light. The best choice can vary depending on the intended use. A city-commuter will love the comfort, upright riding position and pannier rack of an electric city bike. On the other hand, someone who spends a lot of time travelling in the mountains and values downhill performance will describe a light e-MTB as the best e-bike.

Electric trekking bikes and many models for the city (e-city bikes, e-cargo bikes, e-SUV bikes, urban e-bikes) are ideal for a bike trailer. They are also a good choice for their versatility, as they can be used not only  for comfortable city riding, but also for weekend touring. Trailers can now also be fitted to e-MTBs and other bike types.

Step-through bikes are recommended if you have knee problems. The downward-sloping frame makes it easy to get on and off the bike, and no contortions are required to get back on safely.