E-Bike Essentials: A Guide to Finding Your Perfect Ride
Looking to purchase an e-bike but not sure what model fits your needs? Read on to learn from Modo's partner OHM Electric Bikes, the e-bike experts!
We always suggest customers to think of how they plan to use their bikes - will it be mainly for commuting, running errands, or will it mostly be for leisure riding? Will it be used only in the city and on paved roads, or will the customer plan to take it to the countryside or ride on gravel roads? Lastly, do you have a budget in mind?
For customers looking to commute to ride exclusively in the city or on paved roads, our Cruise 2 and Cruise 3 models feature the Shimano STEPS E7000 mid mounted motor and an integrated 504 Wh (Watt-hour) battery that gives up to 150km of assisted riding. Powerful front and rear LED lights brighten up the road after dark and our sturdy Racktime rear rack provides 25kg of carrying capacity.
For customers looking for a bit more performance and features, our Quest 2 features the more powerful Shimano EP800 motor and an RST front suspension fork with 100mm of travel. Shimano's Deore 10 speed gearing system helps conquer all types of terrain and 4-piston hydraulic disc brakes stop you safely. The Quest 3 has even more power (600W) with the latest Shimano EP801 motor unit.
For the ultimate adventurer, the Quest 2 SUV - on top of all the features of the Cruise 2 and Quest 2 - feature a long travel (120mm) front suspension fork, wider Schwalbe 2.4" Super Moto tires, and our biggest 630Wh battery for the longest range.
Top things to look for and consider before before purchasing an e-bike
E-bikes are a pretty big purchase, so we definitely recommend doing some research before considering the investment. Following are some points to consider when choosing the best ebike for you:
- quality of the frame - Motors and batteries are heavy, and the frame has to be strong enough to carry the extra weight without breaking. OHM frames are made from aluminium alloy and reinforced at critical points to provide a strong and sturdy riding platform. All our frames pass the EN15194 European e-bike safety standards and carry a 10 year warranty.
- hub motor vs mid mounted motor - In general, mid-mounted motors are more expensive, but they also have better performance and durability than hub motors. OHM e-bikes exclusively use mid-mounted motor systems from Shimano, the largest bicycle component manufacturer in the world
- quality of the batteries - Poor quality batteries and/or poorly constructed battery packs can be a fire hazard. OHM sources all its Lithium Ion batteries from one of the largest battery suppliers in the world - LG Chem. The cells are carefully constructed and further encased in a strong aluminium alloy housing for extra protection.
- quality of components, especially the gearing system and braking system - With the higher speed and weight of ebikes, quality of the drivetrain and the brakes become a critical safety issue. All OHM e-bikes use Shimano gearing systems and 4-piston hydraulic brakes to ensure the highest level of performance and safety
- service and support - E-bikes are highly sophisticated machines with motors, batteries, and gears. We at OHM pride ourselves in providing the highest level of customer service and support to keep your OHM e-bike working flawlessly for years to come.
- buy local - Last but not least, OHM is a local North Vancouver company and has been producing e-bikes since 2005.
Are you a BC business? Businesses ca apply for the SUVI Program.
The SUVI Program is designed to support B.C. businesses with the adoption of cargo type electric bikes. To qualify for the rebate, applicants must be a B.C. businesses with valid business licenses, or not-for-profit organizations or public entities. Maximum amount for the rebate is $1700. For more details, please visit: https://www.ohmcycles.com/blogs/promos-and-perks/bc-suvi-rebate-program
Do all Ohm Cycles bikes qualify for the rebates?
We currently have 5 models that are eligible for the SUVI rebate: Quest 3, Quest 2 SUV, Quest 2, Cruise 3, and Cruise 2 models. Please feel free to contact us for further details or if there are any questions.
Modo members will receive a FREE Camelbak OHM water bottle (a $30 value) when you visit our North Vancouver store for a test ride! Furthermore, Modo members purchasing an Ohm e-bike will receive an additional $500 accessory bundle with their purchase!
