23 Things We Want Manufacturers to STOP Doing On E-Bikes
Like any other field, the e-bike industry is constantly evolving as technology becomes more affordable and new brands/technologies appear. It is a regular occurrence for a new bike to redefine what is possible at a certain price point. Once this innovation occurs, competitors must keep up with the changing times or risk becoming old news.
As such, many of the changes we wished to witness two years ago have already come to pass. Likewise, 12-24 months in the future, any number of the points discussed in this article might naturally become irrelevant without our efforts to address them.
As industry advocates, however, we take pride in helping to direct the flow of progress. The following perspectives are based both on our personal experiences as well as the opinions of our readers and viewers.
Our goal with this article is not to debase any particular bike or brand, but to encourage broad, beneficial growth in a direction that improves the ride experience for all users. By making e-bikes more enjoyable and appealing, we hope to encourage more motorists to ditch two of their wheels and take up pedaling.
The Look: E-Bike Aesthetics and Style
Copycat Designs
The saying “imitation is the sincerest form of flattery” certainly applies to e-bikes. When a specific model is particularly groundbreaking or successful, we often see a plethora of bikes from other brands “borrow” heavily from its design. These copycat bikes may or may not offer a more competitive price, but they are often inferior to the original product.
We believe every bike should stand on its own merits without hanging on the coattails of others. Of course, we understand that independent factories might sell the same frame to multiple brands, but we think every effort should be taken to ensure that every company’s e-bikes are unique.
External Batteries
A decade ago, when many e-bikes were home-built assemblies of parts resembling Frankenstein’s monster, fully external batteries were not only acceptable, but expected. Tinkerers and bike brands alike would often add a hub motor and battery to an analog bike frame, with the power source mounted wherever there was room.
Perception has changed over time. As manufacturing has shifted, batteries have largely become semi- or fully-integrated into the structural members of the frame, creating a cleaner and more refined appearance. With the possible exception of moto-style e-bikes with batteriy packs that resemble gas tanks, external batteries are now somewhat of an eyesore.
Fortunately, the use of external batteries is a trend that seems to be dying out, but we encourage any brands still outfitting e-bikes with them to make the switch. Once again, looks are subjective, but most folks can agree that a new Corvette looks better than a 1985 Honda Civic.
The Feel: How an E-Bike Rides and Operates
Ghost Pedaling
Regular readers and viewers may see/hear us regularly discussing a phenomenon called “ghost pedaling,” where a bike’s gearing is not sufficient to allow pedaling effort to contribute to its propulsion. On bikes with limited ghost pedaling, the rider must maintain an unnaturally fast cadence to engage with the drivetrain. On the most serious offenders, however, no amount of pedaling can keep up with the speed provided by their motor.
A bike’s style and price are often factors in whether ghost pedaling is acceptable or appropriate. On single-speed trikes, moto-style e-bikes, and other varieties with cadence sensors, it can promote a relaxing, leisurely experience. On e-bikes where pedaling is encouraged, however, the effect feels out of place, as it prevents riders from reaching a bike’s full potential.
Gearing needs can differ based on a bike’s style, weight, and motor power, but we encourage brands to test their bikes with a variety of different riders to ensure that the gearing is both appropriate for their maximum speeds, and that it allows for effective pedaling.
Throttle After Pedal
E-bikes use one of two different types of throttles: Throttle After Pedal (TAP) or Throttle On-Demand (TOD). The latter allows an e-bike’s throttle to propel the bike from a complete stop, while TAP requires the bike to be moving (usually 1-2 mph) for the throttle to engage.
There are many reasons riders might employ the throttle to get moving, whether they need to get through an intersection quickly, they forgot to downshift when coming to a stop, or they simply prefer an easy experience without pedaling and shifting. We find that most riders prefer the ability to engage the throttle from a stop – and we find ourselves usually doing it too.
Throttle-On Demand is simply more user-friendly and fun than TAP, and fortunately it is far more common. We hope to see this trend continue so that Throttle After Pedal becomes a thing of the past.
Heavy Folding Bikes
Across the pond, space often comes at a premium, public transit is an essential part of daily life for many, and folding bikes are designed to accommodate these factors by being small, light, and easy to move and store. Here in the US, bigger is often seen as better… but we believe that shouldn’t always extend to folding e-bikes.
A majority of the folding e-bikes we have tested weighed between 65 and 75 lbs! Their big motors, fat tires, and suspension forks allow them to approach “do it all” status, but this comes with tradeoffs. Bulky, cumbersome bikes can be difficult for users to lift, and depending on their design, they may not collapse to a much smaller size. In contrast, bikes like the Blix Vika+ Flex are just as fun, while being significantly lighter and easier to move.
We encourage brands to consider making smaller, lighter – and much more practical – folding e-bikes that prioritize size reduction and portability. Of course, the bigger and heavier bikes will still have their appeal to a certain audience, but we hope to see a better balance in the future.
Oh – and one more thing: we’d love to see the regular inclusion of straps or magnets that keep both halves of the frame cinched tight!
Single Speed Throttles
Class 2 e-bikes allow for throttle speeds up to 20 miles per hour. While most Class 2 bikes use throttles that allow for modulation – that is, the ability to regulate speed depending on how far the throttle is twisted or pushed – this can be difficult and tiring depending on the duration of the ride and the smoothness of the road.
We’ve tested a handful of e-bikes, such as the Velotric Nomad 1, that connect throttle speeds to the speed limits of the pedal assist system. This practice offers a variety of maximum speeds to make throttle operation easier without the need to hold a thumb or wrist in the same delicate position.
We encourage more brands to consider tying throttle and PAS speeds together – or at least offering riders the option – for increased user-friendliness and smoother operation.
Slippery Grips
While this is another trend we’ve largely seen brands shy away from, two things that do not belong together are smooth, press-fit, faux leather grips and e-bikes meant for riding off-road. Few things can make a rider’s heart skip a beat more than having a hand slip off the handlebars when running into a dip.
Press-fit grips tend to move around a lot, while certain types of faux leather can be slippery when wearing gloves or riding with sweaty hands in summer heat. We urge brands to stick with locking rubber grips for the sake of comfort and safety!
Refusing To Offer a Throttle
As discussed previously, the addition of a throttle can add user-friendliness, functionality, and loads of fun to an e-bike. Throttles can be extremely useful in starting up from a standstill, especially when stopped at a red light and surrounded by traffic. The ability to get moving quickly, speed through an intersection (where 27% of cyclist fatalities happen, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), and keep up with traffic is essential on a morning or evening commute.
A significant percentage of commuter-style e-bikes we have tested did not come equipped with throttles, and we hope to change that. We appreciate bikes and brands that encourage active pedaling – we need the exercise as much as anyone – but once again, we feel that safety and rider experience should take precedence.
The Function: E-Bike Displays and Programming
Non-Customizable Speed/Assist Levels
While it has become increasingly more common for e-bike brands to offer wider levels of customization over Class settings and the increments of PAS settings, our experience suggests the divide is still roughly 50/50. Many e-bikes we have tested were limited to the settings they shipped with, and some that did allow for customization offered only a limited selection of options.
We understand that, due to the variability of laws and regulations governing e-bike use, brands can appeal to the widest range of potential customers by shipping e-bikes in Class 1 or 2 settings. With that in mind, we greatly appreciate it when bikes like the Ride1UP LMT’D V2 offer broad customization options to allow users to tailor the bike to their preferences and local laws.
We encourage more brands to allow users the ability to switch between Class settings, choose their number of pedal assist settings, adjust the speed or power output limits of each setting, and otherwise customize how the bike behaves.
Bar-Based Battery Readout
All e-bikes communicate their current battery status in different ways. Some use three, five, or more bars that represent charge level. Others use a single shrinking bar that depletes as the battery is drained. Still others use a series of lights or a single color-changing light ring.
We find that the most useful battery indicators display charge level as a percentage. Where bar or light-based readouts can be fickle, occasionally resulting in the battery expiring while our range testers are miles away from home base, percentage-based displays tend to be consistent and reliable.
This is a trend that has been slow to change, thus we feel the need to urge it forward. Bar-based readouts are still the predominant method on most e-bikes, but for the sake of accuracy and out of concern for the user experience, we challenge all e-bike manufacturers who have not yet done so to upgrade to percentage-based battery indicators!
Cryptic Menus
Relating to one of the points discussed above, we urge manufacturers to select (or program) their displays to be easily readable and simple to understand.
As bikes begin to offer greater levels of customization, it is essential that users can quickly scan through settings menu options without the need to decode abbreviations and symbols. Fortunately, all e-bikes seem to have the option to reset to default if things go awry, but we have lost count of the number of times we have mistakenly altered a setting when exploring the bike’s menu.
I would go so far as to recommend linking as many adjustable settings as possible to a mobile app (if the bike offers Bluetooth connectivity), but even without this step, communication is key. Users will be better likely to understand if a setting is off-limits when they know what it is!
The Defense: E-Bike Brakes and Rider Safety
Our qualms in this section relate specifically to safety features. E-bikes can be fast, so it’s important that they also prioritize the safety of their rider.
Commuters Without Brake Lights and Indicators
We believe e-bikes that ride alongside city traffic are safest when they can travel at Class 3 speeds; the fewer vehicles that pass a rider, the less chance there is for a collision. Bike lanes are helpful in separating motorists and cyclists, but at least in the US, well-developed bike infrastructure is still a rare bird. As such, riders of e-bikes of any Class must rely on the basics for safety: helmets, lights, and hand signals.
Commuters are some of our favorites (we have a whole list of our picks for the best commuter e-bikes on the market), but we often find ourselves puzzled when they do not include brake lights. With an onboard battery – and in most cases, some form of tail light – already in place, this seems like a no-brainer. Motorists are far more likely to understand bright/flashing red lights over the hand-down, palm-back hand signal for braking.
Bikes like the Aventon Level.2 are leading the charge when it comes to communication on the road by integrating highly visible brake lights and even turn signals into their seat stays. We’ve seen an increasing number of brands follow suit, but there is still plenty of room for improvement. Brake lights (and turn signals), especially when used in conjunction with hand signals, will only help riders to be safer!
Mechanical Brakes on Heavy/Load-Bearing E-Bikes
In 2023, Lectric shook the industry (a regular practice, it seems) by equipping their flagship e-bike the XP 3.0 with hydraulic disc brakes. This type of brake system is widely regarded as being more effective than any of the mechanical variety, but also more expensive. Lectric’s move was unprecedented on e-bikes bearing a price tag of just $1,000, but it also raised the bar for other brands to follow suit.
To be clear, hydraulic disc brakes are not always necessary on lighter city and urban e-bikes or utility bikes with lower centers of gravity. There are even a select few mechanical brake systems that regularly perform as well as hydraulics in our standardized Brake Test.
However, on heavier bikes with 26”+ wheels and those meant to haul significant weight, we recommend that bike brands invest in effective hydraulic disc brake systems with appropriately-sized rotors. Upgrades can certainly be made by the consumer after purchase, but we believe a lower up-front price should not take priority over safe and effective stopping power.
Inadequate Brakes on Heavy/Performance-Oriented E-Bikes
Building on the previous point, even basic hydraulic brake systems may not be ideal when dealing with hefty, inertia-bound e-bikes or those meant for technical off-road environments. A majority of the e-bikes we test come specced with entry-level 2-piston hydraulic disc brake systems paired with 180mm, 1.8mm-thick rotors. These are generally effective on run-of-the-mill, regular-use e-bikes, but their performance can fall short elsewhere.
Some of the worst performers in our Brake Test were large and heavy e-bikes that weighed 74.6 lbs on average. These bikes had a less-than-ideal average stopping distance of 25’9”, showing a need for increased stopping power.
Based on this data, we encourage manufacturers to adopt the standard practice of equipping better brakes on (fully assembled) e-bikes weighing above 75-80 lbs. Heavy e-bikes meant for off-roading are more difficult to bring to a stop, so they need the increased power of an upgraded brake system, once again paired with appropriately-sized rotors. We urge brands to consider 4-piston hydraulic brakes, 203mm diameter rotors, or 2.3mm-thick rotors (or just all the above?)and adjust from there.
The Buyer: E-Bike Quality, Ease of Purchasing, and Customer Support
Branching Out Too Fast
We get it. The e-bike market is saturated with brands and models of all conceivable varieties. With such fierce competition, it can be difficult for newer brands to establish a foothold. In some cases, brands seem to feel a sense of urgency that leads them to release a dozen new e-bike models at once, but in our experience, the idiom “a jack of all trades is a master of none” holds true.
We have worked with a number of companies that started with one or two e-bike models, carefully taking the time to perfect their approach and gain the necessary experience before branching out. Once that solid foundation was established, these brands have usually been more successful simply because they were/are able to offer better products.
Building trust with consumers is essential to longevity, and one of the best ways to ensure loyalty is to make quality products that have been painstakingly developed. Massive legacy brands like Trek and Specialized did not build their reputation overnight, proving that slow and steady goes a long way toward winning the race!
A Confusing Catalog of Models
One of the ground rules for good marketing is making your content accessible and easy to understand. Most brands get this right, but we’ve encountered a handful of companies with confusing product names and far too many listings for similar products with slight variations in specs, frame style, etc.
In contrast, Aventon is perhaps one of the best examples of a brand that uses distinct names for their respectably-sized catalog of e-bikes. Each of its bikes has frame style, color, and sizing options accessible from within the main product page. We find this method of presentation to be extremely effective and user-friendly.
We celebrate brands that offer an extreme range of customization options, but consumers can find it overwhelming when too many options are presented up front. Just as we encourage manufacturers to make their products unique, we also urge them to use simple, thematic naming conventions with concise descriptions and well-organized, easily-comprehensible options.
Releasing Bikes Without Riding and Testing
While this is extremely rare, we have occasionally tested e-bikes with such a combination of flaws that lead us to think they had been designed, produced, assembled, and sold without a single test ride. From uncomfortable geometry, to rampant ghost pedaling, to a host of features not appropriate for the bike’s intended use, the list goes on. We do our best to be objective and constructive when critiquing these bikes, but the truth is that we struggle to understand how certain aspects of them were allowed to reach the market.
As e-bike advocates, we want bikes and their manufacturers to succeed. We also want to encourage consumers to spend more time on two wheels – having more fun, getting more exercise, and experiencing life away from a screen. We take our role as reviewers seriously, but we cannot recommend a bike that seems to have been hastily pieced together.
Our bread and butter is the testing of e-bikes, but we encourage brands to do their own evaluations during the development process. An hour-long ride can reveal many flaws, but we recommend brands perform their own Speed, Range, Hill, and Brake Tests (just as we do) to ensure that every bike reaches its maximum potential.
A Small/Slow Customer Service Team
We understand that company size and budget are major factors affecting the quality of customer service, but we want to push for an industry-wide improvement in customer interactions. The internet is, of course, a place where grains of salt must be applied liberally, but we regularly receive comments from less-than-joyful customers reporting their negative experiences in getting problems resolved.
Relating to other points in this section, satisfied customers are the key to long-term success. Careful development, clear presentation, and a user-friendly purchasing process are essential to reducing the number of unhappy patrons. A capable, fast-acting, and knowledgeable customer service team can make up for the remainder of the unfortunate hiccups that will inevitably arise.
Including Slow Battery Chargers
As with all technologies, e-bikes aim to offer MORE with every step in their development. More features, more power, more comfort, more value, etc. As e-bikes have become more popular, the call for more range has led manufacturers to include larger, higher-capacity batteries – but their chargers have largely stayed the same.
Most e-bikes include 2-amp chargers, which work well for small to mid-size batteries. As battery capacities increase, however, charging times are extended. For example, a common 10 amp-hour (Ah) battery will take 5 hours to charge using a 2-amp charger, while a 20 Ah battery (seen less often, but not uncommon) requires 10 hours of charge time with the same charger.
3-amp chargers are currently the most common variety of fast charger, but we have even seen some brands offer connections of up to 4 or 5 amps for lightning-fast charging speeds. Considering that time is a commodity we all need more of, we encourage manufacturers – especially those of e-bikes with high-capacity batteries – to include faster chargers with their products!
Concessions: Some Flaws Have Reasons, But Improvement is Necessary
Building a working bike is relatively easy, but building a great bike takes a lot of effort and care. Add shifting supply chains, limited resources, investors who demand increased profits, and heaps of competition, and we think it’s fair to say that running a company that builds consistently great bikes seems nigh on impossible.
That is to say, we understand that some things we have identified as areas for improvement might exist as a result of a complex series of factors, and that, intentional or not, they may be necessary. Each point on the following list likely has a reason for its ubiquitous nature, but regardless, we still believe it would benefit brands, bikes, and users if done differently.
One-Size-Fits-All Frames
It’s certainly possible to create a one-size-fits-all frame (the Specialized Globe Haul ST is perhaps the best example we’ve seen so far), but in most cases, there are significant trade offs to fit, comfort, and overall ride feel when producing a single e-bike meant to fit both tall and short riders alike.
Some brands opt to manufacture two frame styles (high step and step-thru) in an attempt to mitigate this problem, but even then, riders on the ends of the spectrum might feel left out. We understand that the practice of offering a single frame size allows brands to significantly reduce production and storage costs, but even an increase from one size to two (per frame style) would greatly improve rider fit.
Black, White, and Grey Paint Jobs
Another cost-saving approach, manufacturers can reliably and consistently sell standard color options that are either black, white, or some combination of the two. This absence of colors, patterns, and other eye-catching visual elements results in a sea of similar-looking e-bikes that have little to distinguish themselves from others.
Ultimately, the result is boring. It’s the reason we get excited about e-bikes that buck the trend with splashy colors that give them more personality. With all of its customization options, the Electric Bike Company Model S (or really anything from EBC) comes to mind.
These bikes appear too infrequently, and we’d love to see more bikes that shine with great performance AND a head-turning paint job.
Non-UL-Certified E-Bikes and Batteries
At this point, we feel confident in guessing that any e-bikes NOT currently UL Certified are likely in a queue awaiting testing and/or approval from a recognized laboratory. Following the recent, widespread (and often misguided) publicization of e-bike battery fires by the media, such safety certifications are highly encouraged – or even required in locations such as New York City.
While there are significant hurdles to obtaining this seal of approval, we think all e-bikes should be UL Certified for consumer safety, security, and peace of mind. Some e-bike brands, such as Rad Power Bikes, have taken additional steps with precautions such as the potted battery in the Radster Road commuter e-bike.
We expect to see all e-bikes bear some form of UL 2271 and/or UL 2849 certification in the near future. The truth is that brands who do not follow through with this process will likely limit their sales and customer base.
Black-and-White Displays
With the caveat that simple, monocolor LCDs are completely acceptable on e-bikes at or around the $1,000 mark, color displays have become widely accessible and cost friendly in recent years. We have seen them appear more and more frequently on models we have tested in the $1,500 price range, with one of the first and most memorable instances on the mighty Aventon Aventure.
Black-and-white displays are functional and affordable, but color screens offer a perceived upgrade in quality and refinement. It may seem like a small detail, but with how much time a rider spends looking at the screen, the effect is noticeable; we always appreciate a unique, colorful, and well-organized display.
Considering that roughly 50% of the bikes we test include them at the time of writing, we encourage the remainder to follow suit and embrace color displays.
High Hopes for Changing Trends
To be clear, we find ourselves encouraged by the direction the industry is heading, and we consider it a privilege to be a part of its growth. We created this list of 23 things we want e-bike manufacturers to stop doing to inspire change, not to simply complain or demean.
Even the best e-bikes are not perfect. There will always be room for improvement, and the acceptance of feedback – followed by the implementation of change – is essential for consistently satisfied consumers, excited reviewers, and successful e-bike manufacturers.
Do you agree with our points? Have some thoughts of your own to add to this list? Let us know what things you want e-bike manufacturers to stop doing in the comments section below!
Michelle says
I’m wanting your reviews to include the weight and the payload capacity. And whether the design is pedal forward
John S. Bozick says
We list the weight and payload capacity in every review with the bike specs. We can mention pedal forward in the future. Thanks for the feedback!
PAUL DEGARIE says
Regenerative Charging from Brake and Motor Whilst Going Downhill Recover some Presious Miles While Riding
Alan says
The Lectric Trike changed my life! I cannot walk as I am in a wheelchair currently but my adorable dog, a 17 pound Labradoodle needs her exercise daily to stay slim and trim. With the Lectric trike. I run her on a leash about a mile and a half a day. She loves it, and I am able to get outside. Thank you,
Ed says
I think Throttle After Pedal should remain an option. There’s always some yahoo in a group of riders who will come up to an ebiker and twist the throttle as a joke, “Hey, what does this do?”
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Rob Klein says
Excellent suggestions! There are too many “fly by night” bike manufacturers. If all adopted your recommendations, the weak ones would fade away!
Bill says
Many of your points are well taken and the industry should take note.
ayne Kotzur says
Thanks for your overview and criticism of the current ebike ranges .As a designer builder of e tandem trikes I agree with almost all of your suggestions. If riders find the controls daunting, the fit poor and the power priorly regulated they are not going to have a great experience. They could even be a danger on the road or end up throwing it in the garage due to poor instruction and integration.