E-bikes: how to choose the right electric bike

Updated on 2 November 2026. Recommended products are available at the time of this update.

To choose the right electric bike, start with the routes you ride: e-city for everyday journeys, e-MTB for trails, e-gravel for a mix of tarmac and smooth gravel tracks. Then consider motor torque, battery capacity and charging options, along with size and comfort. For normal use as a bicycle, choose a compliant pedelec with assistance up to 25 km/h.

How to choose

Before comparing specifications, establish how many kilometres you ride, what climbs you encounter and where you will store the bike. These details determine how useful a technical feature will be.

• Route: distinguish between city streets, country roads and trails with roots or rocks.
• Elevation gain: a long, steep climb calls for different considerations from a road bridge.
• Charging: if there is no socket near where you park, look for a removable battery.
• Transport: if you need to carry the bike up stairs or load it into a car, check its actual weight and dimensions, including when folded.
• Riding position: check the size, how easy it is to get on the bike and the distance to the handlebar.
• Servicing: consider maintenance, electrical system diagnostics and spare parts availability alongside the equipment.

Mid-drive motors and torque: what difference do they really make?

A mid-drive motor works through the bike's drivetrain and uses its gears. It is an option to consider for frequent climbs and demanding routes, remembering to use low gears and ease pressure on the pedals when shifting.

A front or rear hub motor can be a suitable choice for urban journeys. The sensor matters too: a torque sensor adjusts assistance according to the force you apply to the pedals.

• Watts, W: indicate power. On their own, they do not describe performance on climbs.
• Newton metres, Nm: indicate torque. Higher torque can help when setting off again and on gradients.
• Real-world comparison: two systems with the same Nm can respond differently. Assistance management, gearing, load and pedalling cadence all matter.

For flat city riding, there is no need to seek out the highest torque figure. For steep climbs and off-road riding, consider the motor, drivetrain and tyre grip together.

Battery and range: how many kilometres can you ride?

Battery capacity is compared in watt-hours, Wh. All else being equal, greater capacity provides more available energy, but does not guarantee a specific number of kilometres.

If a specification lists only volts and amp-hours, nominal capacity is calculated by multiplying V by Ah. Comparing only Ah between batteries with different voltages can lead to incorrect conclusions.

• Climbs and load: increase energy consumption, especially with high assistance levels.
• Surface and tyres: unpaved surfaces, wide tyres and unsuitable tyre pressure can reduce range.
• Temperature and wind: affect the available range.
• Assistance level: always using maximum assistance consumes more energy.

Treat claimed ranges as a guide, not a promise. Choose with a margin beyond your usual ride and check whether the battery can be removed: integrated into the frame does not necessarily mean removable.

E-city, e-MTB or e-gravel?

• E-city: for commuting, errands and leisure rides. Consider step-over height, riding position, lights, mudguards and pannier rack, checking what is included.
• E-MTB: for trails and off-road routes. A hardtail has front suspension; a full-suspension bike adds rear suspension. Travel, brakes and geometry must suit the routes.
• E-gravel: for tarmac and smooth gravel tracks, with a sporty set-up and usually a drop handlebar. Check the tyres, gearing and riding position for the distances you want to ride.

If you are looking for an electric road bike, focus on riding on tarmac and the riding position. Do not automatically consider an e-gravel bike equivalent to a road bike or an MTB: your usual terrain remains the main criterion.

Pedelecs and speed pedelecs: the difference matters

In Italy, a normal compliant pedelec is a pedal-assisted bicycle with a maximum continuous rated power of 250 W. The motor assists while you pedal, and assistance gradually reduces until it cuts out at 25 km/h, or when you stop pedalling.

• Pedelec up to 25 km/h: does not require a number plate or compulsory RC insurance for use as a bicycle.
• Speed pedelec up to 45 km/h: is subject to moped regulations and requires type approval, a number plate, RC insurance, a driving licence and an approved helmet required for the category.

25 km/h is the assistance limit: you can exceed it under your own power or downhill, while following the rules of the road. Modifying the system to maintain assistance beyond the limit can mean the bike no longer meets the requirements for use as a bicycle.

Our recommendations, available now

Trek FX+ 2 Electric City Bike

It is suitable for everyday journeys: the Hyena rear motor with 40 Nm uses a torque sensor and is paired with an integrated 250 Wh battery. It includes lights, mudguards, a kickstand and a MIK-compatible pannier rack.

Torpado Venus T260 Electric City Bike

It is an urban option for anyone who wants to charge the battery at home or in the office too: the 468 Wh battery is removable. It has a 250 W rear motor, Shimano 7-speed gearing, a rigid fork and V-brakes.

Myland Big Handy SUV 26" City E-Bike with Mid-Drive Motor

It is designed for riding in the city, on unpaved tracks and on trails. It combines a OLI Sport mid-drive motor with 85 Nm of torque, an integrated, removable 602 Wh battery, a Suntour NVX fork with 80 mm of travel and Shimano MT200 hydraulic brakes.

Torpado Ares E-Bike MTB 29'' 9-speed Oli

It is a hardtail e-MTB for trail rides, with 29-inch wheels and an air fork with 100 mm of travel. The Oli Sport Plus motor delivers 85 Nm of torque, with an integrated 630 Wh battery and a Shimano Alivio 9-speed drivetrain.

Trek Rail+ 5 Gen 5 2027 Full-Suspension MTB E-Bike with Bosch Performance Line CX

It is designed for enduro and demanding descents, with 160 mm of front and rear travel. It combines a Bosch Performance Line CX motor, an integrated, removable 800 Wh battery, Shimano hydraulic brakes with 4 pistons and 12-speed gearing.

Torpado Explorer T350 Folding E-Bike

It suits urban riders looking for a bike they can store or transport folded, with an aluminium frame and 20-inch wheels. It has a removable 360 Wh battery, a 250 W rear motor and Shimano 6-speed gearing; mudguards, a luggage rack and lights are included.

You can compare other models in the Electric Bikes collection. For shipping information, see the shipping policy.

Visit us in Casapulla

Evolution Bikes has been a family-run shop in Casapulla, in the province of Caserta, since 1974 and is now in its third generation. Come and try a bike or have your riding position adjusted: with our workshop, bike fitting and e-bike support, we can help you choose. For advice before your visit, contact us.

Frequently asked questions

How much torque in Nm does an electric bike need?

It depends on the gradients and load: modest torque may be enough for flat city riding, while steep climbs and trails may require more. Assess the gearing, sensor and motor response during a test ride too.

How many kilometres can you ride with a 500 Wh battery?

There is no single figure: range and energy consumption depend on elevation gain, total weight, assistance, terrain and temperature. Compare the conditions behind the stated ranges and keep some charge in reserve for the return journey.

Does an electric bike need a number plate and insurance?

A compliant pedelec with a continuous rated power of 250 W and assistance that cuts out at 25 km/h does not require a number plate or compulsory RC. A speed pedelec capable of up to 45 km/h is subject to moped regulations, requiring type approval, a number plate and insurance.

How much does a good electric bike cost?

The cost depends on the motor, battery, components and equipment. To choose, compare models suited to the same use and also consider maintenance, support and spare parts availability.