The ultimate e-bike buying guide 2026: How to find the perfect e-bike for you

The market is huge, the technology complex, and the promises grand. We shed light on the subject and show you step by step what really matters when buying an e-bike – from the motor to the design, from the drive system to everyday usability.

Are you thinking about getting an e-bike? Fantastic idea! You're about to discover a new kind of freedom, revolutionize your everyday life, and experience the city or nature in a way you might not even imagine yet.

But then comes the moment when you start researching. And suddenly you're faced with a mountain of technical terms: mid-drive motor vs. hub motor, chain vs. belt, 500 Wh vs. 750 Wh, torque, pedelec, S-pedelec... The selection is overwhelming and it's easy to lose track.

Don't worry, you're not alone. That's exactly why we wrote this comprehensive e-bike buying guide . We'll take you by the hand and guide you through the most important decisions. Our goal is that you'll not only know which e-bike you want, but also why . Let's find your perfect e-bike together.

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Step 1: The most important question first – Who are you and what do you need?

Forget about the technology for a moment. The best e-bike in the world is useless if it doesn't fit your lifestyle. Therefore, the first and most important decision is based on your individual intended use.

A) The urban commuter & city cruiser

Do you want to get to work, the supermarket, or a café quickly and stress-free? Your territory is paved roads and bike paths. You need an agile, reliable, and ideally low-maintenance bike.

• Your focus: agility, low weight (in case you ever have to carry it), reliability, and style.

• Recommended category: Urban e-bikes or city e-bikes . They are characterized by a clean design, often integrated batteries and a seating position designed for comfort or light sportiness.

B) The Touring Enthusiast & Weekend Adventurer

Are you planning longer weekend trips, perhaps even multi-day cycling tours? Do you ride on cycle paths, but also sometimes on gravel or forest tracks?

• Your focus: comfort on long journeys, a long battery range, robustness and the ability to transport luggage.

• Recommended category: Trekking e-bikes . They are the all-rounders – equipped with luggage racks, mudguards and a comfortable geometry.

C) The Trail Hunter & Mountain Conqueror

Asphalt is just the route to the real fun for you: the trails in the forest. You love pushing yourself to your limits, both uphill and downhill.

• Your focus: Powerful motors with high torque, robust suspension (full suspension), grippy tires and a sporty geometry.

• Recommended category: E-mountain bikes (E-MTBs) . Here you'll find everything from hardtails (front suspension only) to full-suspension bikes (fully suspended) for rough terrain.

D) The Pragmatist & Everyday Hero

You ride every day. In sunshine, in rain, in winter. Your bike simply has to work. Always. Reliability and minimal maintenance are your top priorities.

• Your focus: Durable components, encapsulated drives (gear shifting, belt drive) and weatherproof equipment.

• Recommended category: Low-maintenance e-bikes . You'll often find these in the urban or trekking segment; pay particular attention to the type of drive system.

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Step 2: The heart of the machine – understanding the motor and battery

Now things get a bit more technical, but don't worry, we'll keep it simple. The drive system is what turns your bicycle into an e-bike.

The engine: Where does the power reside?

• Mid-drive motor (at the bottom bracket): The most common type. It provides a low, central center of gravity, resulting in a very natural and stable riding feel. Ideal for e-MTBs and trekking bikes. The disadvantage: It puts more strain on the chain and sprockets.

• Rear motor (in the rear wheel, also called hub motor): This motor propels you from behind, which feels very powerful and sporty. It is often quieter and protects the chain and gears. A major advantage is the appearance: Bikes with a rear motor often look like normal bicycles. Perfect for design and urban e-bikes where a clean aesthetic is important.

• Front motor (in the front wheel): This is now almost exclusively found on very inexpensive entry-level models. It can cause the front wheel to slip on loose surfaces or in wet conditions and is therefore less recommended.

What does "torque" (Nm) mean?

Simply put: Torque (measured in Newton meters, Nm) is the force with which the engine propels you forward.

• 40-50 Nm: Perfect for the city and flat to hilly terrain. Sufficient power, very smooth and battery-friendly.

• 60-90+ Nm: Ideal for e-MTBs and trekking bikes in mountainous regions or for transporting loads. Here you get maximum power for the steepest climbs.

The battery: How much power do you need?

Battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh). More Wh means...

Tends to have a greater range.

• 250-400 Wh: Perfectly sufficient for most daily commutes in the city and shorter tours. Leads to lighter and slimmer e-bikes.

• 625-750+ Wh: Useful for touring cyclists who want to ride over 100 km at a time, or for e-mountain bikers who spend long periods climbing hills in turbo mode. The disadvantage: These batteries are heavier and more expensive.

More important than sheer size: The actual range depends on a huge number of factors: your weight, the selected assistance level, tire pressure, temperature, and terrain. A smaller but efficient drive system can often take you further than a large battery with a power-hungry motor.

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Step 3: The invisible heroes – circuitry and drive type

This is one of the most underestimated, yet crucial, aspects when buying an e-bike. It determines how much time you spend riding and how much you spend maintaining your bike.

Derailleur gears: The classic

• Advantages: Wide translation range, sporty feel, relatively light, widely used.

• Disadvantages: High maintenance. The chain needs to be cleaned and oiled regularly. The chain and sprockets are exposed wear parts and need to be replaced every few thousand kilometers, depending on usage.

Hub gears: The city friend

• Advantages: Encapsulated and therefore very low-maintenance and weatherproof. Switching is possible while stationary.

• Disadvantages: Somewhat heavier, limited number of gears, not suitable for very sporty use.

The top class: Pinion gearbox & Gates belt drive

This is the ultimate low-maintenance e-bike solution .

• Pinion gearbox: An enclosed gearbox (like in a car) that replaces the classic gearbox. Extremely durable, precise, and only requires an oil change every 10,000 km.

• Gates belt drive: Replaces the oily chain with a clean carbon belt. No lubrication, no rust, no dirt on your trousers. The belt also lasts 3-4 times longer than a chain.

• Conclusion: The combination of Pinion and Gates belt drive is the most expensive, but by far the best solution for anyone looking for a "hop-on-and-ride" bike for everyday use. It's the definition of "carefree".

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Step 4: The details that make the difference

Once the big questions are answered, pay attention to these important details:

• Brakes: Definitely opt for hydraulic disc brakes . They offer the best and most reliable braking performance in all weather conditions, which is absolutely essential given the higher speeds and weight of an e-bike.

• Frame & Ergonomics: Pay attention to the correct frame size. A bike that's too big or too small won't be fun in the long run. Whether you choose a diamond frame (men's), a trapezoidal frame (lower top tube), or a step-through frame (wave frame) is a matter of personal preference and flexibility.

• Lighting & Features: A good, permanently installed lighting system that runs off the main battery is invaluable. High-quality mudguards and a sturdy luggage rack make your e-bike suitable for everyday use. On premium bikes, these components are often elegantly integrated into the overall design.

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Step 5: The moment of truth – The test drive

Have you found your favorites? Perfect! Now you have to test drive them. A test drive is non-negotiable.

• Drive more than just one lap around the parking lot. Try to find a slight incline. Brake hard a few times. Shift through all the gears.

• How does the motor feel? Does the assistance engage smoothly and harmoniously, or rather abruptly?

• Listen to your gut feeling. Does the bike feel stable and safe? Is the riding position comfortable?

• Test the handling. Lift the bike once. Is the weight practical for you in everyday use?

Conclusion: Your path to your dream e-bike

Buying an e-bike is an investment – in your mobility, your health, and your quality of life. Take the time to make the right decision.

1. Define your intended use: city, tour or trail?

2. Choose a suitable motor and battery: Less is often more.

3. Decide on a drive type: Do you want to tinker or ride? (We clearly recommend the low-maintenance option!)

4. Pay attention to high-quality components: brakes, lights, ergonomics.

5. Take an extensive test drive.

At Asfalt, we have a clear philosophy: We build urban e-bikes that impress not only with their minimalist design, but also with their uncompromising quality and low maintenance. We combine the quiet Mahle rear motor with the worry-free combination of a Pinion gearbox and Gates belt drive because we believe your focus should be on the riding experience.

We hope this guide has helped you. If you're ready to discover an e-bike built according to this philosophy, then take a look at our models.