Whether you’re jumping on for a leisurely ride or enjoying a healthier commute, an e-bike offers you a variety of advantages. Biking has long been touted for its fitness benefits and for being an eco-friendly method of transportation. Bicycles first appeared and evolved throughout the 19th century, so that by around 1885, the “rover” bike had been invented and significantly resembled the bicycle of today with two identically sized wheels and a drive chain.

So bikes have a long history, but in the last couple of decades, they have undergone a new revolution with the invention and adaptation of the electric bike. With an electric bike, or e-bike, riders can go faster and farther, and in more mountainous areas then Hilton Head Island, can ascend hills with ease. These bikes have battery-run motors that assist with pedaling. But they don’t do all the work unless you want them to, allowing you to still experience the fun, freedom, and fitness of biking, just on a grander scale.

Buying a bike can be a big commitment, and when it comes to an e-bike, it might feel like you are riding into uncharted territory. That means it’s important to choose a reputable e-bike dealer who works only with reputable manufacturers. But how do you know which dealers and manufacturers those are?

To start, consider longevity. If you want your bike to last for a long time, head to a dealer who has been around for a long time. Think of it like building a lasting relationship. Not only will an established bicycle shop be there to help you in the future, but it will also be staffed by experienced bike enthusiasts who will have the knowledge to guide you on choosing your ideal e-bike. A reputable dealer will also stand by their sales by offering a local warranty, as well as and on-site maintenance and repair.

Working with a respected e-bike dealer will automatically take care of the second recommendation — selecting an e-bike from a reliable manufacturer. Good bike dealers will only sell products they can trust. They have already done the legwork in choosing only the best bike brands. One rule of thumb is to avoid getting an e-bike from a company that only launched recently.  You can also look to manufacturers like Trek who have a strong track record of producing high-quality bikes and have added electric bikes to their mix of offerings.When you are ready to buy an e-bike or want to learn more about them, talk with our expert team members, who are here to answer your questions. And before you make the big leap, you can even rent an e-bike to really get to know what you like. Once you decide, you’ll be on the road to expanded horizons.