If you’ve started looking into e-bikes, you already know the problem: there are hundreds of options, a confusing set of “classes,” and every brand claims to be the best. Whether you’re commuting through Downtown Los Angeles, running errands, or just want an easier way to get around the city, this guide breaks down exactly what to consider before you buy. We are currently changing over our LA bike tours to E-bikes and spent months researching, shopping and test riding several different brands and classes and finally settled on Velotric class 2 bikes for our tours.

Things to Consider Before Buying an E-Bike

Before you fall in love with a specific model, think through these basics first:

  • How you’ll actually use it. Commuting, errands, several times a week? Spend a little more and get a 500 to 750 watt motor. Just occasional riding? Spend less, on a light weight, cheaper model, 350 watt motor is fine.
  • Distance and terrain. In addition to the tours, I bought one for my 17 mile round trip commute. I got a 750 watt motor, class 3. I have some significant hills in my commute and the power of a class 3 is essential.
  • Storage and portability. We bought a few Velotric Fold, class 3 bikes, they’re great for most sized riders, but better for taller. I took one on a little road trip, and it was awesome not to have to think about a bike rack or worry about theft with it safely tucked in the car. The folding model is damn heavy though so keep that in mind. There are many lightweight models, our most recent bike purchase for the tours was the Velotric Tempo. At 39 pounds, with thinner tires and a 350 watt motor it most mimics the feel of a regular bike. Our downtown LA tours are 6-8 miles, so it is perfect for a casual, slow speed spin around town.
  • Cargo needs. If you’re hauling groceries, kids, or work gear, make sure you’re buying a sturdier frame, preferably with a rack that is part of the frame. Our fold versions have this, but my Velotric Breeze has an add on rack, that easily ports 2 full bags of groceries, and can hold a toddler seat.
  • Budget — including accessories. Factor in a lock, lights, a helmet, and maintenance, not just the sticker price. You will need an expensive lock. If you will use it a lot, spend the money on a better brand like Velotric or Aventon, if it might be a fad, or a once a month situation get a Lectric or Retrospec. Ask your LBS about specials. The technology is evolving so fast, many companies are constantly updating models, and flash sale phased out models.
  • Local laws. E-bike class regulations vary by city and state, so it’s worth checking what’s street-legal where you ride, especially in bike lanes.

Understanding E-Bike Classes

E-bikes are generally grouped into three classes, and understanding the difference matters for both performance and legality. The numbers can be confusing since they’re counter intuitive. We think of 1 or first class as best, but it is opposite in E-bike classes. 3 or third class is best when it comes to power and speed, class 1 is the slower less powerful.

Class 1 — Pedal-assist only, no throttle, motor assistance cuts off at 20 mph. These are the most widely accepted on bike paths and trails. Best for occasional riders.

Class 2 — Pedal assist and a throttle (you can accelerate without pedaling), also capped at 20 mph. Great for stop-and-go city riding where you want an easy launch from a stop. All you need for regular riders and commuters.

Class 3 — Pedal-assist and throttle, but assistance continues up to 28 mph. These are built for faster commuting and covering more ground in less time, though some cities restrict them from certain bike paths. For the more serious rider, great for trails, hauling and long distance commutes as a more powerful motor means more range.

How Often You’ll Ride

Your riding frequency should shape your budget and bike category more than almost anything else:

  • Daily commuters should prioritize durability, a reliable warranty, weather resistance, and battery range that comfortably covers a round trip with margin to spare. Get a class 3, spend the money.
  • Weekend riders have more flexibility and might prioritize comfort and fun features over raw range or ruggedness. Get a class 2, Velotric Breeze or Tempo is great for you.
  • Occasional riders may be better served by a low-range model rather than overspending on a bike that will mostly sit in the garage. Class 1 or 2 Retrospec, or if you want to spend a little more Velotric Tempo has the feel of a regular bike.

Riding Conditions: Weather and Rain

City riding means dealing with real-world conditions, not just sunny test rides:

  • Rain resistance matters. Most e-bikes are water-resistant, not waterproof — check the IP rating before assuming your bike can handle a downpour. Honestly if you have wet weather, don’t risk the mechanical failure.
  • Wet-weather braking. Hydraulic disc brakes perform far better than mechanical brakes in rain, which is worth prioritizing if you’ll ride in unpredictable weather.
  • Heat and battery life. In hotter climates like Los Angeles, batteries can lose some efficiency in extreme heat, so don’t expect max advertised range on a 100-degree day.
  • Tire choice. Wider, grippier tires improve traction on wet pavement and give you more confidence riding through the city in less-than-perfect conditions. Thinner tires feel like a regular bike, but are not great for safety with speed.

Popular E-Bike Brands to Know

A few names come up again and again when people start researching e-bikes:

  • Lectric — Known for affordability and foldable models, popular with riders who want a budget-friendly entry point.
  • Rad Power Bikes — One of the most established e-bike brands in the U.S., with a wide range covering commuters, cargo bikes, and off-road models.
  • Aventon — Known for sleek design and a strong balance of performance and price, popular with city commuters.
  • Velotric — Known for a smooth, refined ride feel, strong torque sensors for natural pedal assist, and reliable build quality — which is exactly why Handlebar Bike Tours uses Velotric e-bikes on our Los Angeles tours. They also have live trouble shooting for those who like to wrench their own bikes.

E-Bikes Can Actually Be Safer for City Riding

It might seem counterintuitive, but a lot of experienced city riders will tell you e-bikes can be safer than traditional bikes in dense urban environments like Downtown Los Angeles — not despite the extra speed, but because of it:

  • Merging with traffic. The ability to quickly match the speed of city traffic makes merging into lanes and clearing intersections faster and less stressful than pedaling a traditional bike up to speed.
  • Taking the safer route, even if it’s longer. With an e-bike, adding a few extra blocks to avoid a dangerous intersection or busy street doesn’t feel like a real cost — the assist makes detours nearly effortless, so riders are more likely to actually choose the safer path instead of cutting through risky traffic.
  • Getting out of harm’s way faster. Quick acceleration can help you clear a crosswalk, get ahead of a turning vehicle, or avoid a close call in ways a standard bike simply can’t.

The Grocery-Hauling Advantage

If you’ve ever tried to pedal a loaded bike up even a gentle hill, you know the struggle. E-bikes remove that entirely:

  • No more “is this too heavy” hesitation. The motor absorbs the extra weight, so a full grocery run doesn’t turn into a workout.
  • More errands by bike, fewer car trips. Once weight isn’t a limiting factor, it becomes realistic to replace short car trips with bike trips — saving gas, parking hassles, and time circling for a spot.
  • Better balance and control when loaded. Motor assist helps maintain a steady pace even with a heavier front or rear load, which makes handling a loaded bike feel far more stable.

Want to Try Before You Buy? Take a Handlebar Bike Tour

Reading specs online or test riding in a bike shop parking lot only tells you so much — the real question is how an e-bike actually feels over a longer, real-world ride. If you’re searching for things to do in Los Angeles or looking for a Los Angeles tour that’s more memorable than the usual sightseeing options, a guided bike tour Los Angeles locals actually recommend is a great way to test an E-bike and see if it right for you.

Handlebar Bike Tours offers guided Downtown LA tours on both Class 2 and Class 3 e-bikes, so you can get the real feel of a longer city ride — merging with traffic, cruising past landmarks, and experiencing what a genuine e-bike commute feels like — before you ever commit to buying one. We currently offer the Velotric Fold and Tempo models for our Downtown LA Bike Tours.

Whether you’re a first-time rider curious about e-bikes or a seasoned cyclist wanting to compare classes, booking a tour is one of the best ways to make an informed decision — all while exploring the Historic Core, Arts District, and Little Tokyo along the way.

Ready to experience it yourself? Book a Handlebar Bike Tours e-bike experience through Downtown LA today.