Beginner’s Guide: How to Choose the Best E-Bike for You

If you're new to e-bikes, you've probably stared at product pages wondering: “Do I need a powerful motor? How much range is enough? Will this even be legal to ride in my city?” I get it—there's a lot to unpack. But choosing an e-bike doesn’t have to be confusing. This guide breaks down what actually matters for EU riders, using simple steps and real-world examples. By the end, you'll know exactly how to pick an e-bike that fits your life—and we'll share one that checks all the boxes for beginners.

Step 1: Figure Out “How You'll Ride It” First

The biggest mistake new riders make is falling for flashy specs (like “100km range!”) without thinking about their daily routine. Ask yourself these 3 questions to narrow it down:

What's Your “Go-To” Ride?

· Commuting to work/school: If you're swapping trams for two wheels (say, 5km each way in Berlin or Amsterdam), you need something easy to park. Narrow streets and small bike racks mean a compact e-bike works better than a bulky one—no more struggling to fit into tight spots.

· Weekend trips: If you want to cruise along the Seine in Paris or explore Munich's park trails, comfort matters. Look for a padded seat and tires that handle cobblestones (trust me, bumpy rides get old fast).

· Running errands: Grabbing groceries or picking up packages? A rear rack (even an optional one) will save you from balancing a bag on your lap. And a low step-through frame makes it easy to hop on/off when you're carrying things.

How Far Do You Need to Go?

Don't let “max range” fool you—most brands test this in perfect conditions (flat roads, light rider, eco mode). Here's how to calculate what you actually need:

1. Use Google Maps to measure your most frequent route (e.g., home to work = 6km one way).

2. Double it for round trips (12km total).

3. Add 20% extra for detours (like stopping for coffee) → 14.4km.

If an e-bike has a real-world range of 50km+, it'll cover your needs and weekend rides. No need to overspend on 200km range if you never ride that far!

What's Your Space Like?

If you live in a small apartment (common in European cities like Prague or Vienna), weight matters. Lifting a 30kg e-bike up stairs is a nightmare—aim for something under 25kg. I once helped a customer in Brussels who bought a heavy e-bike and couldn't get it into her third-floor walk-up; she ended up returning it. Save yourself the hassle!

Step 2: Focus on These 3 Specs (Ignore the Rest)

You don't need a degree in engineering to pick a good e-bike. Just focus on these three things:

1. Motor: 250W Is All You Need (And It's Legal!)

EU laws cap e-bike motors at 250W—and that's more than enough for most riders. Here's why:

· It's powerful enough to climb small hills (like the ones in Lisbon's historic district) without you breaking a sweat.

· It's quiet (no loud hum) and saves battery (more range for your commute).

· Anything stronger (like 500W or 1000W) is considered a “motor vehicle” in most EU countries—you'll need a license, insurance, and it won't be allowed on bike lanes. Skip it if you're a beginner.

Pro tip: Look for a “brushless motor” — they last longer (5+ years vs. 2-3 for brushed motors) and need less maintenance.

2. Battery: Prioritize “Safety + Compatibility”

A battery is the most expensive part of an e-bike—don't skimp here.

· Capacity: “Ah” (ampere-hours) tells you how much power it holds. A 10Ah battery is perfect for beginners (real-world range ~50-70km). A 10.4Ah battery (like some models have) gives you a little extra buffer.

· Safety: Choose a battery with a lock! Battery theft is common in cities like Barcelona—look for one that locks to the frame (no one can yank it out quickly).

· Charging: Make sure it works with EU outlets (230V) and charges in 4-6 hours. Overnight charging should get it to 100%—no waiting all day.

3. Compliance: CE Certified + Speed-Limited

This is non-negotiable in the EU:

· CE Certification: This means the e-bike meets safety standards (no faulty brakes or wiring). Without it, you could get fined if stopped by police.

· 25km/h Speed Limit: EU law requires e-bikes to cut power once they hit 25km/h. This keeps you safe (no out-of-control speeds) and legal. Avoid any e-bike that doesn't have this.

Step 3: Avoid These 2 Common Mistakes

Even smart shoppers fall for these traps—don't let it be you:

Mistake 1: Buying a Cheap E-Bike (<500€)

I've seen too many beginners grab a 300€ e-bike off a random website, only to have it break in 3 months. Here's what's wrong with cheap models:

· No CE certification (illegal to ride in most EU countries).

· Batteries are often old or refurbished (they die fast and can even catch fire).

· No after-sales support—if the display breaks or the motor fails, you're stuck paying for repairs.

Save up for a 800€+ model from a brand with a website (not just a Facebook ad). You'll get a warranty and peace of mind.

Mistake 2: Forgetting About “Everyday Extras”

Small features make a big difference:

· LED Lights: Mandatory for night riding in Germany, France, and most EU countries. A good front light should be bright enough to see potholes (and be seen by cars).

· Waterproofing: If you ride in rainy cities like London or Amsterdam, look for “IPX4” waterproofing (protects against splashes).

A Great Option for EU Beginners: The AMANO S900

Now that you know what to look for, let's talk about an e-bike that fits all these criteria: the AMANO S900. It's designed for EU riders, and here's why it works for beginners:

· Fits Your Routine: 19.5kg (light enough for stairs), compact design (easy to park), and a 10.4Ah battery (real-world range ~58-73km)—perfect for commutes and weekends.

· Legal + Reliable: 250W brushless motor (EU-compliant), CE certified, and 25km/h speed limit. The battery locks to the frame (anti-theft!) and charges in 4-5 hours with EU outlets.

· Everyday Extras: Built-in LED lights (legal for night riding) and optional rear rack (for errands).

· Peace of Mind: 2-year warranty on the frame and motor, plus 24/7 customer support in English, German, and French. We sell directly online (no in-store hassle), so you can order it from home.

· Direct Access: View full specs, color options, and order now via our AMANO S900 product page.

Final Checklist: Before You Buy

Use this to make sure you're not missing anything:

✅ My e-bike fits my main use (commute/leisure/errands).

✅ It has a 250W brushless motor and CE certification.

✅ The battery is ≥10Ah, locks to the frame, and works with EU outlets.

✅ It's under 25kg (easy to carry) and has LED lights + optional waterproofing.

✅ The brand offers a warranty and EU-based support.

Choosing an e-bike is about finding one that fits your life—not the other way around. The AMANO S900 checks all these boxes, but even if you're considering other models, use this guide to make a smart choice. Happy riding!