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If the thought of riding up steep hills is enough to put you off cycling, an electric bike could be a smart purchase. E-bikes provide motorised assistance to help you climb hills and cycle longer distances much more easily, but some bikes are better at climbing hills than others.
Keep reading to find out how to find the best electric bike to tackle the hills near you.
An electric bike is a bicycle that includes a battery-powered electric motor. The majority of electric bikes in Australia are pedelec (or pedal assist) models, with the motor providing assistance when you start pedalling.
You can choose the level of assistance you want, but once you reach 25km/h the motor won't provide any more help.
The main advantage of electric bikes is that they allow you to ride further with less effort. This helps make long-distance touring and riding up steep hills more accessible to a wide range of riders.
There are several factors that influence how quickly and easily an e-bike can ascend a hill. These include:
In the market for an electric bike that will perform well in steeper roads? Here are five options you might like to think about. These were chosen based on a number of factors including the type of motor, weight and cost.
XDS E Cruz. Designed for city commuting and cruising, the XDS E Cruz features a mid-drive Bafang 250 watt motor that produces 80Nm of torque.
Cube Cross Hybrid Pro 500 Allroad. Featuring a Bosch PowerTube 500Wh battery and a motor that produces 75Nm of torque, the Cube Cross Hybrid Pro 500 Allroad is designed to tackle everything from roads and bike paths to dirt tracks.
Focus Aventura² 6.6. Not only does this bike offer mudguards, a pannier rack and an 85Nm Bosch motor, but you can also expand the range of the 500Wh battery with a second battery.
Marin Pine Mountain E2. Powered by the Shimano Steps E8000 system, which includes a 500Wh battery and churns out up to 70Nm of torque, the Marin Pine Mountain E2 is designed with bikepacking adventures in mind.
Merida eOne Sixty 8000. With a Shimano EP8 motor that delivers 85Nm of torque, this dual-suspension mountain bike is ready for any off-road adventure.
If you're ready to buy, visit one of the following sites.
There's a fair bit to consider when choosing an e-bike to help you tackle hilly terrain. Not only will you need to take factors like weight and torque into account, but you'll also have to compare battery range, bike components and price before deciding which is the best electric bike for hills.
Most importantly, the electric bike you choose will need to be suited to the style of riding you do. If possible, it's well worth test-riding a range of bikes to find one that's right for your needs.
What can I do to ride up hills quicker?
There are several simple things you can do to improve your hill-climbing performance. These include using the correct tyre pressures, improving your fitness, losing weight, choosing the correct gear, and knowing when to sit or stand.
Are there any power limits for electric bikes in Australia?
Yes. It's illegal to ride a pedelec bike on the road or on a bike path if it has a stated power output of more than 250W. For bikes without a pedal assist system, this limit drops to 200W. Check the regulations in your state or territory for more information.
How do I know if an e-bike will be suited to the type of riding I want to do?
While online research helps, the easiest way to work this out is to take that bike for a test-ride. This will give you a chance to see whether the bike is suited for the terrain you want to tackle, while the staff at your local bike shop can also offer advice on how to choose the best electric bike for your needs.
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