1.  CHOOSING A BRAND
 With its mix of well-known and lesser-known brands, the electric bike market can be overwhelming. How to tell if an e-bike is good: Check Components: Quality parts, like Bosch motors, indicate a reliable bike supported in New Zealand.
 Examine the Brand: Quality is typically guaranteed by brands that are well-known in the discerning markets of Europe and the United States. Be cautious with NZ-only brands, especially those claiming local design—these might be low-quality imports with a local brand name.

 Avoid "Alibaba" Imports: Importing e-bikes is seen as an easy business opportunity by many, which can result in subpar products and inadequate after-sales support. Buy from Established Stores: Shops with a physical location and a dedicated bike or e-bike workshop indicate a commitment to long-term support and service.

2.  SELECTING A MOTOR To be considered bicycles legally, e-bikes must be rated at 300W or less. Most bikes on the market are either 250W or 300W.  Since bikes with the same "wattage" can have different amounts of power, we always recommend testing them out first. We sell both main types of motors, hub drives and mid-drives. Both have advantages and disadvantages, so choose wisely. Most riders find that hub drives work well. A rear hub will get better traction in steep or loose terrain than a front hub, although rear hubs combined with rear-mounted batteries can however create an imbalanced bike.  Mid-drives offer better efficiency and balance than hub motors, and are better for long, steep ascents.  However, they often cost more and usually don't have a throttle option.  Our advice: Be wary of dealers who claim that one type of motor is superior to all others because they specialize in that type. Try the different options and decide for yourself.

 3.  CHOOSING A BATTERY
 The battery is the most expensive part of an e-bike and the part that is more likely to break on a cheap one. The cell manufacturer is a crucial factor; Panasonic, Samsung, and LG are all high-quality brands. There are however other electronics like the Battery Management System (BMS) that are also important and will be less likely to fail if the bike itself is from a good brand. Check out Talaria X3.

 Some manufacturers will state very optimistic or unrealistic ranges for their bikes.  Batteries are also measured in "watt hours" which is voltage (usually 36 or 48) times the number of amp hours e.g. a 48V 13Ah battery (624Wh) is one third larger than a 36V 13Ah battery (468Wh).   It is reasonable to anticipate a range of approximately 15 kilometers per 100 watt-hours of battery power; however, this number can significantly fluctuate based on the motor's power, the level of assistance, the rider's weight, the terrain, and other factors.