1. Decide how you will ride
Commuting, errands, trails, hauling and travel call for different bikes. A commuter wants low weight and fenders; a trail rider wants wide tires and suspension; someone who carries a bike up stairs or into a car wants it light or foldable. Pick the main use and let it exclude the rest.
2. Match the frame to the job
Folding frames store and travel easily but have small wheels. Fat tire frames are comfortable on rough ground and add weight. Cargo frames carry more but are long and heavy. Step-through frames are easier to get on and off. Mountain frames add suspension at the cost of weight and price.
3. Compare battery size, not just miles
Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh), and it is the fairest way to compare bikes. Claimed range is each brand's own figure, measured under different conditions. A rough way to sanity-check a claim is to divide the watt-hours by the claimed miles; see the range page for how this works.
4. Treat motor watts with care
Watts on a spec sheet may be rated (continuous) or peak (short bursts), and brands do not always say which. Two bikes that look 500 watts apart may feel similar. Class limits and your local rules also cap how the power can be used.
5. Check weight, brakes and rider limit
Weight decides whether you can lift the bike, and many e-bikes weigh 60 to 90 pounds. Hydraulic disc brakes are generally easier to use and stop more consistently than mechanical disc brakes. The rider weight limit covers you plus everything you carry, so leave headroom.
6. Ask about support before you buy
Many direct-to-consumer brands sell online with no local shop. Before buying, check the warranty length, whether replacement batteries and parts are sold, how to reach support and what the return policy is. Prices on these brands often include sales, so look at the regular price as well.