Commuter Electric Bikes

With increasing traffic in our cities, the cost of everything going up, and a rise in the amount of time wasted just sitting in traffic each day, it’s time to look at cheaper alternatives to getting to and from work. That’s one of the reasons why more Australians are looking towards commuting to work on an electric bike. At Electric Kicks, we carry the Aventon range of electric commuter bikes. Order yours and get free AU-wide shipping today. 

There are a few things you should look for in an electric bike if you intend on using it to commute around town regularly.

Low Weight

You need to take into consideration the weight of the unit. Weight not only impacts ride comfort, speed & acceleration, and handling, but if you’re ever going to need to pick the bike up or carry it in tight spaces, the weight is going to play an important factor in your overall riding experience. If weight is a concern for you, try looking for bikes around the 20 kg mark, such as the Aventon Soltera or the Aventon Pace 350.2.

Lights

It’s very important that you can be seen by other vehicles on the road, so always make sure your electric bike has built-in lights. As these lights run off the battery of the bike, you won’t find your lights run out of juice in the middle of a ride. Bikes should have front & rear lights at a minimum, with brake lights and indicators being preferred. All Aventons come with full lighting, while newer bikes such as the Aventon Aventure.2 & Aventon Abound feature indicators. 

Ride Comfort

It doesn’t matter whether you’re riding through the city roads, bike paths, short trips, or long commutes: an uncomfortable ride isn’t pleasant. While ‘fixies’ (single speed bikes designed for commuting) are popular due to their low cost & weight, the ride comfort is horrendous and you may find yourself facing some discomfort post-ride. 

Look for padded saddles, or even saddles with their own built-in suspension such as the Aventon Pace 500.2. 

Hill Climb Ability

While some of us commute across predominantly flat surfaces, some of us aren’t so lucky. If you’ll be encountering hills during your commute, you’ll need to look towards a combination of low weight, high power, and multiple pedal assist modes to make your ascents as effortless as possible. One of the main reasons people buy electric bikes for commuting is so they can arrive at work without dripping in sweat, so it makes sense to look for rides that make your journey as easy as possible.

Storage Space & Accessories

Your commuter bike should come with plenty of space for option extras such as racks, panniers, fenders, and baskets. This is because you will usually need to carry something around with you, whether that is a computer, a change of clothes, or lunch. 

If you can find an electric bike that comes with accessories included, such as the Aventon Level.2, which comes with front & rear fenders and a rear rack as standard, even better. 

Suspension

Depending on your ride, you may encounter a few lumps and bumps. Apart from producing an uncomfortable ride, sudden jolts can be dangerous, particularly when riding around other vehicles. The Aventon Level.2 comes with front suspension, making it a comfortable commuter ride. 

Stopping Power

To which many cyclists will attest, there is nothing more unpredictable than frustrated drivers in traffic, so being able to stop quickly and in a controlled manner is vital. While U-brakes are popular as a cost-saving measure, particularly on light-weight bikes, they are at a disadvantage when stopping heavier electric bikes. For that reason, always choose an electric bike that has mechanical disc brakes at a minimum, with full hydraulics being the gold standard. 

There aren’t many downsides to commuting on an electric bike provided you get the right one for your journey. 

It’s Cheaper

Petrol. Parking. Tolls. These are every-day costs that you’ll run up when you commute by car. You don’t get any of those costs when commuting using an electric bike. 

It Can Be Faster

Depending on the length of your commute and the area in which you are commuting, an electric bike could actually be a faster way of getting to work and back. Particularly apparent in urban & inner city environments, you’ll likely find commuting on an electric bike is faster than using both public transport and driving, particularly once you’ve found parking and walked the rest of your commute. 

It’s Healthier

If you’re looking for new ways to incorporate activity & exercise into your day, an electric bike is perfect for you. The exercise isn’t intense - in fact, if you end up doing intense exercise on an electric bike you either aren’t using it properly or you’ve bought the wrong electric bike. Even a gentle pedal counts as exercise, and if you are using cycle paths that are separate from roads you’ll be breathing in fresher air as well.

Either way, most riders that get to work after a form of mild exercise feel a little brighter and energetic. 

It’s Better For The Environment

One of the main reasons electric transport is growing in popularity is that it is better for the environment. With a global green movement occurring, many of us are looking to minimise our carbon footprint, and electric transportation plays a crucial role in reducing the emissions produced by petrol & diesel vehicles. 

Aventon produces two electric bikes that are ideal for commuting: the Aventon Level.2 and the Aventon Soltera. The Level.2, in particular, is built from the ground-up to be a commuter e-bike. It has full lighting, suspension, hybrid tyres, fenders, rear rack, and a torque sensor that makes it a very fluid and dynamic ride. The Soltera, on the other hand, has a lightweight frame, and while it isn’t as comfortable to ride due to its lack of suspension, it’s a responsive bike with great handling. It’s certainly better for flatter surfaces in inner-city riding, while the Level.2 is better if you have longer distances to cover or a variety of terrain types.