E-Bike Lifestyle

Buying advice for: City / Urban: Lifestyle

• Frame material

  Aluminium frames are widely used and popular for e-bikes, including lifestyle models. Aluminium is light, stiff and corrosion resistant. It also allows the design of frames in different shapes and styles, which can be an advantage for the design of lifestyle e-bikes. Steel frames are robust and offer a smooth, comfortable ride. They tend to be slightly heavier than aluminium. Carbon fibre is a light and stiff material that offers excellent performance. However, it is usually used in higher priced models as it is more expensive to manufacture. Titanium frames are known for their strength, durability and corrosion resistance. However, they are also very expensive and are therefore rarely used in lifestyle e-bikes, unless they are particularly luxurious or customised models.

• Suspension

  Many lifestyle e-bikes are fitted with a front suspension fork to absorb shocks and vibrations from the road or uneven terrain. This type of suspension improves the rider's comfort and control, especially on uneven surfaces or in bumpy riding conditions. Some high-quality lifestyle e-bikes also have rear suspension to provide additional comfort and better damping. An alternative option to rear suspension is a suspension seatpost, which provides additional comfort by absorbing shocks and vibrations from the bike's saddle. This option is often found on lifestyle e-bikes that are exposed to less aggressive terrain but still want to offer a certain level of comfort.

• Wheels

  The size of the wheels can vary depending on the model and purpose of the lifestyle e-bike. Common sizes are 26 inch, 27.5 inch and 29 inch for mountain bike-like models, while city bikes often use 700C wheels. The choice of wheel size can influence riding behaviour and comfort. The rims of lifestyle e-bikes are often made of aluminium alloy, as aluminium offers a good mix of strength, lightness and corrosion resistance. This is particularly important as lifestyle e-bikes are often versatile and ride in a variety of conditions. The rim width and profile can vary depending on the intended use of the lifestyle e-bike. High-quality spokes are important to ensure the strength and rigidity of the wheels. A sufficient number of spokes and their arrangement contribute to the stability of the wheels.

• Tyres

  The tyre size often depends on the type of lifestyle e-bike and its intended use. Common sizes are 26-inch, 27.5-inch and 29-inch tyres for mountain bike models and 700C tyres for city bikes, depending on the wheels. The tyre size influences the handling and manoeuvrability of the bike. The profile of the tyres varies depending on the area of use of the lifestyle e-bike. For use on paved roads and in urban environments, smooth or slightly profiled tyres with low rolling resistance may be preferred. Tyres with a coarser tread for more traction and stability are suitable for riding on unpaved roads or in challenging terrain.

• Brakes

  Rim brakes are often used on e-bike lifestyle bikes as they are lightweight and easy to maintain. Disc brakes offer improved braking performance, especially in wet conditions and on challenging terrain. They are often found on high-quality lifestyle e-bikes or models for off-road use. Some lifestyle e-bikes may also have coaster brakes, which are activated by pedalling backwards. These brakes are easy to operate and are particularly suitable for urban use.

• Battery motor

  Lifestyle e-bike is equipped with a motor that typically offers an output of 250 to 750 watts. These motors are designed to provide adequate assistance and acceleration for relaxed rides in urban and suburban environments. Together with a reliable battery, they provide a constant supply of energy for daily journeys, shopping or leisure trips. As a rule, lifestyle e-bikes can reach speeds of up to 25 km/h.