E-bike buying guide: 7 mistakes you must avoid

Buying an e-bike is a decision that can change your life – more freedom, more exercise, less traffic. But beware: the market is huge, and those who buy too hastily often end up paying more in the long run.

To ensure your investment doesn't become a bad purchase, we'll show you the 7 most common mistakes that e-bike beginners in Germany make – and how to avoid them.

❌ 1. Price before quality ("Buy cheap, buy twice")

An e-bike for €799 at a discount store or hardware store looks tempting. But what's under the hood?

🛑 The problem: Cheap bikes often cut corners on the brakes (safety!), the battery, or the build quality. If the "no-name" manufacturer goes out of business, you'll be stuck with a bike without spare parts.
✅ The solution: Look for brand-name components (e.g., Shimano gears, batteries with Samsung/LG cells). Quality costs more initially, but saves on repair costs in the long run.

❌ 2. Misjudging engine power (watts vs. torque)

Unlike in the USA, e-bikes in Germany are limited to 250 watts . Many buyers only focus on the wattage, but the real power lies elsewhere.

🛑 The problem: A weak hub motor may be sufficient on flat terrain, but it fails on the first steep vineyard.
✅ The solution: Pay attention to the torque (Newton meters, Nm) .
- City/Plains: 30–40 nm is perfectly sufficient.
- Hills/Mountains: Look for 60 Nm or more.
- Battery: 500 Wh to 700 Wh is standard today for a good range.

❌ 3. Choosing the wrong type of e-bike

A full-suspension mountain bike (full suspension) looks cool – but do you need it for your commute?

🛑 The problem: Wide knobby tires on asphalt waste battery power unnecessarily. A high frame ("bar") is impractical in city traffic with frequent mounting and dismounting.
✅ The solution:
- Commuters: Trekking or city e-bikes with luggage rack (for panniers).
- Terrain: E-MTBs.
- Lack of space: Folding e-bikes for the train or the car trunk.

❌ 4. Underestimating the weight (and transport).

E-bikes often weigh between 23 and 30 kg. That's heavier than many people think.

🛑 The problem: Do you live on the 3rd floor without an elevator? Do you have to lift the bike onto a car's rear carrier? A bike that's too heavy quickly becomes a burden.
✅ The solution: Check the overall weight. A removable battery is essential to make the bike lighter (and to conveniently charge the battery indoors).

❌ 5. Ignore the “service desert”

The bicycle has been bought, but who will repair it?

🛑 The problem: Many local bicycle dealers do not repair foreign online brands or do not have software for exotic motors.
✅ The solution: Buy from brands that offer good support , easy maintenance (standard parts), or have partnerships with mobile repair shops. Check before buying: Are replacement batteries and displays available?

❌ 6. Forgetting the StVZO-compliant equipment

In Germany, you can't just put a bicycle on the road.

🛑 The problem: Many "cool" bikes from the internet come without lights, reflectors, or a bell. This is illegal and can be expensive if you're stopped by the police. Furthermore, without mudguards, you'll arrive at the office covered in mud in typical German rain.
✅ The solution: An everyday bicycle must be "StVZO-compliant" .
- Must-haves: Permanently installed light (powered by the battery), reflectors, two independent brakes, bell.

❌ 7. Avoid genuine user reviews

Glossy brochures always promise the moon.

🛑 The problem: 100% 5-star ratings on your own website are often not meaningful.
✅ The solution:
- Search on YouTube for "[Model Name] Test" or "Review".
- Check out forums like Pedelecforum.de .
- Pay attention to real customer photos: What does the bike look like after 6 months of use?

✅ Your pre-purchase checklist

[ ] Intended use: Is the bike suitable for my commute (asphalt vs. forest path)?
[ ] Power: Does the motor have enough torque (Nm) for my environment?
[ ] Legality: Is the bicycle compliant with German road traffic regulations (lights, 25km/h limit)?
[ ] Weight: Can I carry the bike (or the battery)?
[ ] Service: Where can I get spare parts in an emergency?

Avoiding these 7 mistakes means you're not just buying a bicycle, but a loyal companion for many years.

Start smart – and enjoy every ride! 🚴♂️

E-bike buying guide: 7 mistakes that will cost you dearly