How to choose an electric bike: a practical buying guide for everyday life

Choosing an electric bike may seem easy at first, but it becomes much more complex when you start comparing motors, batteries, frames, sensors and more. A good electric bike buying guide should not simply list specifications; it should help you understand which features really matter when choosing one.

In this guide, we will compare the experience of an electric bike with a conventional bicycle, explain the difference between a rear hub motor and a mid-drive motor, look at battery capacity and real-world range, review folding and standard formats, different wheel sizes, weight, brakes, and see why sensors, components, after-sales service, test rides, available subsidies and legal compliance are important when choosing the right model for your needs.

At Legend eBikes, we have spent more than 15 years focused on urban mobility, folding formats and practical everyday use, so many of these questions often come up in our conversations with customers. In our experience, the best choice is the bike that fits your real life and the use you are going to give it.

Quick checklist for choosing an electric bike

To begin, here is a quick checklist so you can see at a glance some of the points to consider. We will explain them in detail later:

Electric bike vs conventional bicycle: what really changes?

An electric bike still feels like a bicycle. You pedal, steer, brake and choose your route. The difference is that the motor assists your pedalling, helping you gain speed, climb hills or ride against headwinds.

In practice, the decision between an electric bike and a conventional bicycle usually depends more on effort, distance and consistency than on speed. A conventional bike may be ideal if your journeys are short, flat and you enjoy riding completely without assistance. An electric bike can be especially useful if you want to arrive less tired, extend your range, carry more weight or ride more often.

When a conventional bicycle may still be the right option

• Your journeys are short and mainly flat.
• You want the lightest and simplest option possible.
• You mainly enjoy cycling as a sport.
• You do not need motor assistance for hills, wind or longer rides.
• Budget is a priority for you.

When an electric bike starts to make more sense

• You commute to work or move around the city frequently.
• You want more predictable journey times.
• You ride in hilly areas.
• You want to replace more car journeys.
• You carry shopping, a backpack, bags or a child seat.
• You want to use the bike more often with less effort.

The big change is not speed. The real change is consistency. An electric bike makes the difficult parts of your journeys more manageable, so you are much more likely to use it again tomorrow.

Folding electric bike vs standard electric bike

This is one of the most important decisions, especially if you live in a city.

A folding electric bike is not simply a smaller version of a regular electric bike. It is a different answer to a recurring question: where are you going to store your bike when you are not using it?

If storing it, taking it upstairs, putting it in the lift or leaving it safely overnight is going to be difficult, there is little point in having the best motor in the world.

A standard electric bike will require more space and will be less flexible in your case if your everyday life includes stairs, lifts, public transport, a car boot or travelling with it.

When a folding electric bike makes sense

A folding electric bike makes sense when space and flexibility are not secondary details, but part of the buying decision.

It may be the best option if:

• You live in a small flat or apartment and want to store it indoors.
• You use lifts, trains, metro or combined transport.
• You travel with a camper, van, caravan or take trips by car.
• You want to take it to work and store it more safely.

This is where folding electric bikes earn their place and solve the problem that often decides whether a bike becomes part of your routine or stays parked.

For Legend, this is one of the clearest use cases. Models such as the Legend Siena and the Legend Monza are designed for compact urban mobility, that is, for daily journeys, storage and combined transport, without leaving aside a level of comfort similar to conventional bicycles.

Wheel size: why it matters more than it seems

Wheel size is not an aesthetic detail. It defines how the bike feels, how it fits into your space and how it behaves in the city. The most common sizes on electric bikes are 20", 24", 26", 27.5" and 700C (28").

• 20 inches: small wheels, typical of compact folding bikes. The bike feels very agile in the city, easy to manoeuvre between cars and pedestrians, and very compact when folded. In return, it handles large kerbs less well and feels somewhat less stable at higher speeds.
• 24 inches: an interesting balance between compactness and comfort. More stable than a 20" and easier to fold and store than a 26". A good format for everyday urban use.
• 26 inches: more comfort over bumps and uneven surfaces, greater ability to overcome urban obstacles, while still offering manageable geometry. Common on robust urban bikes and some folding bikes designed for mixed use.
• 27.5 inches: common on hybrid electric bikes or light mountain bikes. Good stability on paths and mixed routes, without losing agility in the city.
• 700C / 28 inches: the classic urban or trekking bike format. Large wheel, high stability at speed and better rolling on longer routes. However, the bike is bulkier and rarely foldable.

At Legend we offer a range that is unusual in the market:

• A compact 20" bike (Legend Monza).
• A more comfortable 24" urban folding bike (Legend Siena).
• A 27.5" urban yet all-terrain hybrid folding bike (Legend Etna).
• A robust and comfortable fixed-frame model with 26" wheels (Legend Milano).

This combination allows you to choose according to the space you have and the type of journey you make, without giving up the possibility of folding.

Our best-selling model, the Legend Siena, is an uncommon proposal: a 24" folding electric bike that combines the stability of a larger wheel with the portability of a folding frame.

Electric bike weight: the factor that decides whether you use it or not

Weight is one of the most underestimated criteria when buying an electric bike, and one of the factors that has the greatest impact on real use.

An urban electric bike usually weighs between 18 and 25 kg. That difference, which may seem minor on paper, in practice determines whether you will be able to carry it up the stairs of your building, put it in the boot of your car, lift it onto a train luggage area or load it onto the bike rack of your motorhome.

• Under 21 kg: the bike remains very manageable for most people, especially if you need to lift it frequently or carry it up stairs every day.
• Between 21 and 24 kg: this is a very common range for practical urban electric bikes. You may sacrifice a little manageability when lifting or folding the bike, but in return you usually gain comfort, stability and robustness when riding.
• Over 24 kg: the bike can still work very well when rolling, but lifting it regularly becomes much less convenient.

For a folding electric bike, weight is especially important because part of the advantage of the format depends on being able to move it when it is not rolling. However, the lightest option is not always the best one. A slightly heavier folding eBike can offer a more solid frame, greater riding comfort and a more reassuring feeling on daily routes.

This is the balance we look for at Legend eBikes. Our models are generally in the 21 to 24 kg range, because we prefer to prioritise comfort, stability and robustness in real riding conditions, while still keeping the folding format practical for storage, transport and everyday use.

Electric bike motor: rear hub vs mid-drive

The position of the motor is one of the most important decisions in any electric bike buying guide. The two most common options are the rear hub motor and the mid-drive motor. Both can be good. They simply fit better with different types of user and different types of bike. It is also worth remembering that motor position does not explain everything: the electric system, assistance programming, controller and integration quality have a big influence on the final experience.

What is a rear hub motor?

A rear hub motor is integrated into the rear wheel. It pushes the bike from behind and usually offers a smooth and intuitive feeling for urban riding. This system is common on many urban electric bikes and folding models because it allows for a clean design, efficient assistance and natural integration into compact frames.

Rear hub motor: advantages

• Smooth assistance for city riding.
• Lower maintenance and repair cost.
• Works well in compact and folding electric bikes.

Rear hub motor: points to consider

• It may feel less natural than a mid-drive motor on steep climbs.
• Weight distribution is not as centred as with a mid-drive motor.

A rear hub motor is usually a very sensible option for urban users. If your main use is commuting, moving around the city, combining transport or using it for your trips, you probably do not need the performance of a mid-drive motor.

What is a mid-drive motor?

A mid-drive motor is located around the bottom bracket, in the centre of the bike. It delivers assistance through the transmission, so the motor support is better integrated with the rider's pedalling. This usually offers a more natural and efficient feeling, especially on climbs or mixed terrain. Mid-drive motor systems are often chosen by users who prioritise climbing performance, weight distribution and a response closer to that of a traditional bicycle.

Mid-drive motor: advantages

• Good support on climbs.
• Balanced weight distribution.
• More natural pedalling feel.
• Good performance on varied terrain.
• Often preferred by sportier users.

Mid-drive motor: points to consider

• It is usually more expensive.
• It is generally more complex.
• It can increase drivetrain wear.
• It is not always necessary for relaxed urban use.
• It does not always fit as well into compact folding designs.

Cadence sensor vs torque sensor

Another important element in the riding experience is the sensor that tells the motor how and when to assist. The two most common systems are the cadence sensor and the torque sensor.

What does a cadence sensor do?

A cadence sensor detects that you are pedalling and activates assistance based on that movement. Put simply: when you start pedalling, the bike knows you want help.

This type of system can work very well for everyday users because it is intuitive, easy to use and especially practical in urban riding with many stops and starts. It can be a very suitable option if you want smooth assistance for commuting, pulling away at junctions, starting at traffic lights and moving around the city without complicating the experience.

What does a torque sensor do?

A torque sensor measures the force with which you press the pedals. The more force you apply, the more assistance the motor delivers. Many users describe it as a more reactive or sporty feeling, especially on variable terrain.

Which is better?

Again, this will depend on your preferences and the use you are going to give the bike. A torque sensor may feel more dynamic for users looking for a sportier response linked to effort. A cadence sensor can be especially useful for those who value ease of use, predictable assistance and comfortable urban mobility.

Legend uses a cadence sensor, and that fits well with the brand's practical approach, focused on daily city journeys or hybrid use (in the case of the Etna and the Milano). For users looking for an electric bike that is accessible in everyday use, and not technical simply for the sake of being technical, it can be a very sensible choice.

Electric bike battery and real-world range

One of the most common questions when buying an electric bike battery is very simple: how many kilometres can it do? The honest answer is that battery capacity matters, but it is not the only thing to consider, because the rider's weight, terrain, wind, tyre pressure, temperature, assistance level and riding style will also have an influence.

That is why useful conversations about range focus on real-world range, not just an ideal catalogue figure.

How to understand battery capacity

Battery capacity is usually expressed in watt-hours, or Wh. In simple terms, more Wh usually means more available energy. But more energy does not translate into the same distance for every user or on every route.

• A lighter rider on flat urban terrain, using moderate assistance, can achieve considerably more range.
• A heavier rider, using high assistance on hills or in cold weather, may achieve less.

If you want a more detailed explanation of range, assistance levels and route variables, this article on how many kilometres you can travel with an electric bike can be useful complementary reading.

How much range do most urban users really need?

Many buyers overestimate the range they need every day. If your commute is between 8 and 15 km each way, you may not need the largest battery on the market. What matters is that the battery covers your routine with a reasonable margin, without making the bike unnecessarily heavy or expensive.

This is especially important on a folding electric bike, where balance, portability and daily handling also matter. A sensible battery choice often creates a better bike overall, not just a bigger number on paper. That is why compact urban models such as the Legend Siena or the Legend Monza can be especially relevant for users looking for a practical everyday bike, rather than simply the highest possible range figure.

Battery life and care

A well-cared-for lithium battery usually offers between 500 and 1,000 full charge cycles before it begins to lose noticeable capacity. In normal urban use, that translates into several years of everyday use before considering a replacement.

Some simple habits help extend its lifespan:

• Avoid leaving it discharged for weeks.
• In winter, store it indoors in a cool, dry place between 10 ºC and 20 ºC.
• Keep it between 60% and 80% if you are not going to use it for some time.
• Always use the original charger.

When the time comes, the battery can be replaced while keeping the rest of the bike, which makes the cost per year of use quite reasonable.

Brakes: the most underestimated component of an electric bike

On an electric bike, the brakes are a critical component. Speeds may be similar to those of a conventional bike, but the additional weight (motor, battery, reinforced frame) makes braking performance especially important in everyday use.

The three common options are:

• V-brakes: light, simple and inexpensive. They work well in dry conditions, but can lose effectiveness in rain or dirt. They are common on basic urban bikes.
• Mechanical disc brakes: better braking performance than V-brakes, good behaviour in wet conditions and straightforward maintenance. A balanced option for everyday urban use.
• Hydraulic disc brakes: the strongest option in terms of braking power, precision and comfort. They offer smoother modulation, require less effort at the lever and provide a more reassuring feeling, especially on electric bikes.

For an urban electric bike used daily, a good disc brake system is essential. Hydraulic disc brakes are usually the most comfortable and confidence-inspiring option, especially if you ride in traffic, carry extra weight or use the bike in different weather conditions.

Mechanical components and why recognised brands matter

When buyers compare electric bikes, they usually look first at the motor and the battery. That makes sense, but the mechanical parts still define the user experience week after week: brakes, transmission, tyres, wheels, saddle and other components can affect regular maintenance.

Components from recognised brands can make maintenance, part replacement and workshop support easier. That does not mean that every lesser-known component is bad. It means that clear specifications and ease of servicing matter, especially over time.

Why recognised components help

• Maintenance is easier to understand.
• Spare parts are usually easier to find.
• Workshops are usually more familiar with the parts and systems.
• Long-term support tends to be more predictable.

This can be especially important if you plan to use the bike daily and not only occasionally. For many buyers, ease of maintenance becomes more important after purchase than a striking feature on the first day. That is why clear component choices and practical everyday design matter so much in a brand like Legend, oriented towards real recurring use and not occasional novelty.

Smart electric bikes: why the electric system matters

When comparing electric bikes, you should not focus only on the motor, battery or wheel size. The electric system behind them also matters: the controller, display, app, assistance modes and error diagnostics.

A smart electric bike can make the experience clearer and easier to manage. What matters is being able to better understand the bike's status, adjust assistance, record your rides and detect possible issues more quickly.

At Legend, we work with an electric system developed by MAHLE, one of the most recognised German suppliers in the automotive industry, which provides reliable integration and long-term support. Through the handlebar controller, the MAHLE Pulsar One display and the app, you can check ride data (average speed, distance, remaining battery), adjust assistance levels, review system status and receive alerts if any issue is detected.

And if any doubt or issue arises, our technical team can review the system status remotely to diagnose it faster, saving you time and trips to the workshop.

A smart electric bike does not only help you move; it also helps you better understand how your bike is working.

Electric bike insurance: an extra layer of peace of mind

An electric bike is a significant investment, and more and more users use it as their main means of transport. That is why it is worth considering specific electric bike insurance covering theft, accidental damage and, depending on the policy, civil liability.

At Legend, we collaborate with two of Europe's most reliable e-bike insurance partners, Laka and Qover, which offer conditions designed specifically for cyclists and urban electric bikes, with clear coverage and simple management processes. The decision to take out insurance is entirely yours, but it is worth knowing that serious options adapted to real use exist.

Partner workshops and after-sales service

An electric bike is not just a product. It is a mobility tool you are going to use daily. That is why partner workshops or service points and after-sales service matter so much in practice.

Even a very good bike may need an adjustment, brake check, electronic inspection, replacement of wear parts or general advice. Many buyers underestimate how reassuring it is to know where to go after the purchase.

What good after-sales service should look like

• Clear technical information before buying.
• Responsive customer service.
• Access to partner workshops or service points.
• Transparent warranty conditions.
• Practical help with setup, maintenance and resolving doubts.

For those who value long-term confidence, this can be as important as the choice of motor. At Legend we place great importance on support, partner workshops and practical after-sales guidance, something especially relevant if you buy online and want the peace of mind that help does not end when the order is completed.

In-store test rides and trial periods

A product page can explain many things, but it cannot fully tell you how a bike feels when you ride it. Comfort, confidence, riding position, ease of folding and daily handling are things you only really notice when you get on the bike. That is why a test ride can make such a difference.

Why trying the bike matters

• You feel the geometry instead of trying to imagine it.
• You notice how the assistance responds while moving.
• You understand whether the bike matches your comfort expectations.
• You can assess whether folding, lifting or storing it fits your real routine.

At Legend, we know that one of the main barriers when buying an electric bike is uncertainty. That is why we give so much value to the possibility of trying a Legend before making the final decision, through our network of more than 60 test points in Europe, where you can visit and try the model you are interested in before buying it.

For some users, a showroom test ride is enough. For others, the most important thing is being able to compare the feel of the bike with their real life, not just with a technical sheet. That kind of reassurance is especially valuable when buying online and wanting to choose with more confidence, not just with more information.

Buying an electric bike online with confidence

Buying an electric bike online can feel like a bigger step than buying many other products. It is not just about the price. It is about size, feel, storage, maintenance, warranty, setup and the simple doubt of whether the bike will really fit your everyday life when it arrives.

We understand that doubt. In fact, it is one of the reasons why we believe information about electric bikes should be practical, honest and easy to use. What helps reduce that uncertainty:

• Clear product information that explains what matters in real use.
• Transparent warranty conditions so you know what to expect from the beginning.
• Accessible support before and after purchase.
• Test ride options to try the bike properly.
• Visible after-sales service so you know where to go later.
• Specialised insurance available through recognised partners.

At Legend, we try to reduce that uncertainty by focusing on practical design, clear information and support that continues after the purchase.

Aids and subsidies for buying an electric bike

In many European countries, public aid exists for the purchase of electric bikes, generally linked to sustainable mobility plans. This aid may come from the State, the autonomous community or region, or directly from the town council.

The amounts and requirements vary greatly depending on place and timing, but they can represent real savings on the final price. Some common examples:

• Spain: local aid in cities such as Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Seville, Zaragoza and many other municipalities, in addition to Moves plans or occasional regional programmes.
• France: national bonus vélo, in many cases extended by regional or municipal aid.
• Germany: local programmes and some Länder schemes, as well as tax incentives if the bike is used as a company vehicle.
• Belgium and the Netherlands: highly developed leasing and deduction systems for electric bikes used as a regular means of transport.

Before buying, it is worth spending a few minutes checking which subsidies are currently available in your city and region. In many cases they cover between €200 and €600, and sometimes more. If you want to see an updated list by city, we have compiled it in our electric bike subsidy guide.

Accessories: what you need besides the bike

An urban electric bike usually comes well equipped as standard, but there are some accessories worth having from day one:

• Helmet: mandatory outside urban areas in Spain for EPAC, always recommended.
• Good-quality lock: one of the most important investments for urban use. A robust lock is better than two cheap ones.
• Lights: many electric bikes already integrate them. If not, they are essential.
• Mudguards and rack: they transform the bike into a truly practical means of transport.
• Panniers or basket: for shopping, a backpack or bags.
• Pump and basic puncture kit.

For the Legend Etna, we also offer the BySchulz folding stem as an optional accessory, ideal for those who want to maximise portability by also folding the handlebar.

EPAC electric bike regulation and EN 15194 in Spain and Europe

If you buy an electric bike in Europe, it is important to understand what an EPAC electric bike is. EPAC stands for Electrically Power Assisted Cycle. In practice, it is the category most urban users are looking for: a pedal-assist bicycle with a maximum nominal continuous motor power of 250 W and assistance that cuts off at 25 km/h.

You will also often see the term EN 15194. It refers to the recognised European standard for EPAC bicycles. For the buyer, this matters because it helps confirm that the bike has been designed for the European market and for the type of legal and everyday use most users need.

Electric bike helmet: is it mandatory?

Regulations vary depending on the country and context:

• Spain: not mandatory for adults in urban areas on an EPAC, but mandatory outside the city. For children under 16, always mandatory.
• France and Germany: not mandatory on an EPAC for adults, but highly recommended.
• The Netherlands and Belgium: generally not mandatory, although it is for higher speeds (S-Pedelec).

Beyond the legal obligation, wearing a helmet is always a good idea, especially in the city.

EPAC, S-Pedelec and higher-power models: why the difference matters

A standard EPAC electric bike is designed for use similar to a conventional bicycle, with pedal assistance up to 25 km/h and a maximum nominal continuous power of 250 W. For most urban users in Europe, this is the simplest and most practical category for moving around the city, cycle lanes and everyday routes.

But not all electric bikes are designed for the same use. There are also higher-power models or models with assistance at higher speeds, such as some S-Pedelecs or electric bikes aimed at sport, recreational or off-public-road use. These models can be very interesting for certain users, but it is important to understand that they normally belong to another legal category or require different conditions of use.

The difference is not that one option is “better” or “worse”. The difference is where, how and for what purpose you can use it.

Before choosing a higher-power or higher-speed electric bike, it is worth checking whether it affects the following:

• Where you can ride.
• Whether it can be used on public roads or only on private/off-road land.
• Whether it needs registration, licensing or insurance.
• What type of helmet or equipment may be required.
• Whether it can access cycle lanes.
• Whether it can qualify for local aids or subsidies.

At Legend, most models are designed for urban and everyday use within the EPAC framework. For example, the Legend Etna 500W reaches up to 43 km/h and is designed for off-road use or private land, not for riding around the city or on public roads as a conventional EPAC bicycle.

Quick comparison of the Legend range

You can see the complete range of Legend electric bikes with all detailed specifications in our store.

How to decide which electric bike is right for you

Start with your routine. Ask yourself:

• Where will I ride most often?
• How much distance do I really cover on a normal day?
• Do I need to store the bike indoors?
• Will I take it in a lift, train, car or camper?
• Do I want relaxed assistance or a sportier feel?
• Do I often climb hills?
• Do I value having an app, display, diagnostics and connected functions?
• Do I need easy access to support and maintenance?
• Does the bike comply with European EPAC requirements?

Anyone choosing between a normal bicycle and an electric bike is really deciding how much effort they want cycling to require.

Anyone choosing between a folding electric bike and a standard one is deciding how the bike fits into their home, work and transport.

Anyone comparing a rear hub motor and a mid-drive motor is choosing between simple urban assistance and a more dynamic feel oriented towards climbs.

There is no perfect electric bike for everyone. There is a bike that adapts to your needs, or it does not.

Conclusion: choose the electric bike that fits your real life

A good electric bike should make daily mobility more realistic, not more complicated. The best buying decisions usually come from understanding the basics well: what changes with assistance, how motors differ, how sensors affect the riding feel, how real-world range works, whether the folding format fits your lifestyle, what support you can expect after the purchase and whether the bike complies with the European EPAC framework.

At Legend, that is exactly how we think about our bikes. We build them for real urban use, practical storage, daily journeys and a riding experience that should work again and again, not just look good in a specification table. If you want a bike that fits city life, combined transport, flats, camper use or daily mobility with less friction, that approach can make a real difference.

The right choice still depends on your route, your storage space and your habits. But when the bike is designed around real use, and when the buying process gives you enough clarity and confidence, choosing well becomes much easier.

Want to take the next step? Explore the Legend range, book a test ride at your nearest showroom or read our guide on how many kilometres you can travel with an electric bike to fine-tune your decision.