Best Guide to Buy an Electric Bike in Singapore 2020

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Choosing an electric bicycle is more complicated than choosing a convention bicycle. There are more rules governing the electric bicycle. Welcome to our article and we will be answering some of the more commonly asked questions. Which electric bicycle is suitable for me? What are the requirements for electric bicycle? Is there any age limit for a pillion rider?

What to Focus on When Picking Out an Electric Bike:

Wheel Size: We recommend for wheel size bigger than 14inches. Smaller tires tend to give bumpier ride.
And also, bigger wheel are able to ride over pothole on the road.

Suspension: A good to have component. It helps in cushioning your buttocks against bumpy road condition.

Brakes: Your safety should always come first, and brakes are important when picking an electric bicycle.

There are 3 main types of brakes on electric bicycle:

Drum Brake: Low maintenance but less effective at stopping you quickly.

Disc brakes: The best of all but will wear out over time. They will eventually need to be serviced, just like a car.

V-brake or C-Brakes (Also known as rim brakes): Cheapest to replace, brake shoe wears out pretty quickly.

Which Electric Bike is Suitable for Me?

There are a number of other factors that you will need to consider in choosing an electric bike that is suitable for you.

If you are using it as a normal commuter, we suggest getting 1 unit that has enough battery to travel to and fro your destination.
E.g. From Tiong Bahru MRT to Tanjong Pagar MRT is 3km distance. You will need to buffer about 7km distance per day for your trip (Due to stoppage at traffic light, initial moving off power and uphill [If there are any]). Multiply that by 5 days and you will get 35km distance.  

 

1 way = 3km
Back and Fro = 7km(1km +/-)
Monday to Friday without charging = 7km * 5Days = 35KM

(See Scorpion Electric Bike)

If you are using it as a food delivery riding, we strongly recommend looking for 1 unit that has a detachable battery option. With an extra battery option, you will be able to travel twice the distance within the same day.

That detachable battery must also have charging feature on the battery itself.

Lastly if you are considering on using the electric bicycle to send your kids to school, do note that there is a law regulating that the passenger of the electric bicycle must be minimally 16 years of age and the passenger must also be wearing a helmet.

(See Page 5 of LTA PDF)

What are the requirements for electric bike?

To ride your electric bike in Singapore, you must ensure that it is type-approved, sealed and registered with a registration number plate. Below are the requirements by LTA:

  • Maximum weight of ebike must not exceed 20kg.
  • All ebikes must be registered and affixed with a rear number plate.
  • Electric/power-assisted bicycles must be affixed with LTA seal of approval.
  • Electric bicycle users must wear a protective helmet when riding on roads.
  • Electric bicycle users and their pillion riders must be at least 16 years of age.
  • Electric bicycles can only be used on roads and cycling/shared paths.
  • Electric bicycles must have a frame or construct similar to that of a conventional bicycle.
  • Electric bike users must pedal to start the motor.
  • Electric bicycles must NOT have start-up assistance features or a throttle.
  • Electric bicycles must have EN 15194 markings to show that it complies with the European Standard.
  • Motor power output of electric bikes must be progressively reduced and finally cut off as the bicycle reaches 25km/h, or sooner, if the cyclist stops pedaling.
  • Maximum power output rating of the electric bike’s motor must not exceed 250W.

Accessories we recommend

Helmet: Your electric bicycle will be going on the road, so we strongly recommend wearing a helmet at all times.

Lock: Similar to a conventional bicycle, you will need to secure your electric bicycle to the bicycle parking stand if you need to leave it unattended. Having a small portable lock will ensure its safety.

Phone holder: Riding hands-free on your phone allows you to concentrate when you are on the roads, in addition, the GPS will tell you the easiest/fastest route to your destination.

Lights: The default lights on most of the electric are nothing fantastic. We recommend getting a separate front light and rear light for safer night riding and visibility.

Rear directional turn signal: Not a must but definitely recommended since majority of the time, you will be riding on the road. Signaling in advance ensures that the vehicle behind you knows your turning intention.

This Post Has One Comment

  1. Zijie January 15, 2020

    this blog was very helpful thanks.

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