Since their invention in 1885, motorized two-wheeled vehicles have been a favorite of people from all around the world. Since then, there have been thousands of innovations, and things don’t seem to be slowing down. Finding the right bike for you can be daunting. After all, there are bikes explicitly made for everything from an efficient primary mode of transportation to an adrenaline-filled off-road experience.
At Motomentum, we eat, sleep, and breathe all things bike-related, and we want to use our knowledge to help you figure out which bike is right for you. Put your helmet on and hang on tight while we race through the ins and outs of e-bikes, street bikes, and dirt bikes. By the end, you will have a better idea of what each type of bike is used for and which one fits your needs best.
What is an E-Bike?
Electric bicycles have been around for longer than most people think, but they didn’t achieve mainstream popularity until recent years. This rise in popularity is due to the increased reliability of e-bikes and the growing public concern for cleaner modes of transportation.
There are minor differences between e-bike styles, but they all utilize a battery-powered motor to assist the rider with propulsion. E-bikes can be pedal or throttle assist. On pedal-assist bikes, the motor engages once it senses the rider is pedaling. On the other hand, throttle-assist bikes operate like traditional motorcycles. When the rider twists the throttle, the motor exerts an increasing amount of power to the wheel.
The battery powering the bike will either be mounted externally or internally. You can remove external batteries for easy charging no matter where you are. Internally mounted batteries, although better protected, require the bike to be wherever the power source is. Meaning if the only power source is indoors, the bike is too.
Types of E-Bikes
E-bikes, like regular bicycles, come in different styles. Although they all utilize an electric motor to generate power, these electric motors can be mounted on many different frames to accommodate specific applications better.
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Cruisers
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Foldables
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Mountain Bikes
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Road Bikes
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And More
Cruisers are your classic bicycle. These bikes will get you where you need to go. Cruisers are the perfect option for those looking for everything from leisurely rides around the block to everyday transportation.
Foldable bikes make dealing with traditional bike-owner problems easier than ever. The compact makeup of these bikes makes storing, safekeeping, and transporting a breeze. With the addition of an electric motor, riding can also be a breeze.
Everyone loves a little biking in the mountains. But did you know this exhilarating, healthy, and often scenic pastime has been changed forever? The combination of quality performance mountain bikes and electric motors makes for a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Road bikes are the ideal setup for everyday transportation. Beat the traffic, cut the gas bill in half, and have a good time while you’re doing it.
What is a Dirt Bike?
Dirt bikes are essentially motorcycles for off-road riding. They come with four or two-stroke engines ranging from 50cc up to 500cc on average. Dirt bikes are a ton of fun, but their off-road designation makes them a better choice for those who intend to ride trails and tracks over those who need a ride to work.
Another thing to keep in mind about dirt bikes is the fact that they are gas-powered. The combustion engines of gas-powered dirt bikes deliver significantly more power to the bike. However, the increased power comes at the cost of routine maintenance. Four-stroke engines require regular oil and filter maintenance to stay running strong, and two-stroke engines require rebuilding.
If your primary concern is a street-legal mode of transportation, don’t count the dirt bike out just yet. A dirt bike can be made street-legal in many places with minimal modification. Check your state’s laws and local ordinances if you think you may become interested in converting a dirt bike into a street-legal machine.
What is a Street Bike?
A street bike combines a gas-powered engine with a comfortable riding frame and is meant to be ridden on paved roads. These bikes are the best option for daily transportation and can be used for quick trips to the store or long-distance weekend rides.
Like dirt bikes, street bikes are outfitted with different engine sizes to create an optimal riding experience tailored to the rider’s capability and individual riding style. A 125cc is the perfect sized engine for a beginner, but a more experienced rider might gravitate towards the higher-end 1000cc and up bikes. And, of course, if you feel comfortable somewhere in the middle, there are plenty of other options.
Street bikes are the clear choice for anyone that plans on using their ride for short or long-distance travel. However, street bikes require regular maintenance, and since they use gas, they will likely cost more to operate than, say, an e-bike.
Things to Consider
The perfect bike for one situation is not necessarily the ideal bike for all situations. The fact of the matter is that each bike serves its purpose. To find the right ride for you, consider the following points.
Usage
What are you going to use your bike for? Do you want to go fast or slow, on or off-road? These considerations will ultimately help you on your hunt for the perfect bike. You won’t get a street bike if you want to go off-road. On the other hand, you won’t get a dirt bike if efficient on-road travel is your primary concern.
If you’re interested in an environmentally friendly activity, be it mountain biking, trail riding, or road riding, an e-bike may be the right choice for you. For track and trail riding, a dirt bike is the best choice. Further, if you’re in the market for a powerful bike with the fewest limitations on distance and capabilities, a street bike would probably be your best choice.
Location & Mileage
Transportation is highly location-specific, so you want to consider the circumstances surrounding your living situation. The needs of someone living in New York City differ vastly from those living 20 miles from the nearest town.
We have found that e-bikes work better for urban transportation. The limited mileage of e-bikes and ease of storage fit the urban living situation better than any other. This metropolitan superiority is due to shorter travel distances and storage limitations.
Since street bikes do not suffer the same distance limitations e-bikes do, they are the way to go if you live outside of town or in a suburb. You can ride a street bike as far as you want so long as you can make it to the next gas station.
Dirt bikes are a little trickier to categorize since you likely won’t be using them for transportation. As a result, it doesn’t matter where you live. If you want a dirt bike, you should get one. However, since these are primarily off-road vehicles, you should check to ensure you have a track or trail system close enough to make owning a dirt bike feasible.
Maintenance
Maintenance is considerable because it requires time, money, and a little know-how if you plan on doing it yourself. If you want a low-maintenance ride, then an e-bike is the clear choice since dirt and street bikes require regular maintenance. That said, gas engine maintenance is affordable, and the additional benefits of gas-powered cycles make it well worth it.
Cost
There are always exceptions, but e-bikes are generally more affordable than dirt and street bikes. The general rule of thumb to keep in mind is the bigger the engine, the higher the price.
Which One is Right for You?
At the end of the day, the perfect bike for you will depend on what you intend to use it for. The only thing we can guarantee is that no matter what road you choose to travel, you’ll have a better time doing it on a motorized cycle. Contact Motomentum today for more information, and one of our knowledgeable team members will help you find the bike that’s right for you.
