Electric Bikes & E-Bikes: City, Fat Bikes, and Mobility

Electric Bikes and E-Bikes: A New Way to Get Around

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike or pedal-assist bike, combines pedaling with a motor that supports the rider’s effort. This assistance makes it easier to get started, climb hills and cover longer distances, whether you’re commuting or out for a ride.

At HawaiiSurf, electric bikes are part of a broader world of Bikes, with models designed for different ways to ride.

How do you choose an electric bike?

There’s no single electric bike that suits every cyclist. The right model depends above all on how you plan to use it.

For daily rides, consider range, handling and comfort. For longer rides, battery capacity and riding position matter more. If you want to carry a passenger, the bike’s design is also a key factor.

Motor, torque, battery, brakes, tires, weight and maximum load are among the main features to compare before buying.

What are the different types of electric bikes?

E-bikes now come in different styles to suit specific needs. Some models prioritize urban mobility, others comfort, long rides or the ability to carry a second person.

L's goal is therefore less to find the most powerful electric bike and more to choose one whose geometry, range and features truly suit your rides.

Two-Seater Electric Bike: Ride Together

The two-seater electric bike is designed to carry a rider and a passenger. This setup may include an extended saddle, footrests and equipment suited to the extra weight.

It’s particularly suitable for riders who want to keep the versatility of an electric bike while still being able to share some rides.

For this type of riding, check out our Two-Seater Electric Bikes.

Beach Cruiser electric bike: comfort and style

The Beach Cruiser electric bike follows a different philosophy. Inspired by cruisers, it generally prioritizes a comfortable, relaxed riding position.

Some models combine this geometry with the wide tires characteristic of electric fat bikes. The result is a bike with a distinctive style, designed for both commuting and leisure rides.

Explore this style in our Beach Cruiser Electric Bikes collection.

Electric fat bike: why choose wide tires?

The electric fat bike is best known for its extra-wide tires. Their volume adds comfort and a sense of stability, while giving the bike its distinctive look.

However, Fat Bike and Beach Cruiser are not synonymous. The first term mainly describes the tire configuration, while the second refers more to the bike's geometry and character. Some models combine both features.

What range should you choose for an electric bike?

L'range is one of the main criteria when buying an electric bike.

It depends on the battery capacity, but also on the assist level, terrain, weight carried, temperature, frequent stops and tires.

For a commute, calculate your round-trip distance, then leave some room to spare. For longer rides, a higher-capacity battery can give you more freedom.

Electric bike battery: understanding capacity and range

The battery stores the energy used by the assist system. Its capacity therefore directly affects the bike's range potential.

But choosing the largest battery isn't always necessary. A higher capacity can also affect the bike's weight and price.

If you're replacing it, compatibility is essential: the voltage, connectors, mounting, and specifications of the electrical system must match the bike.

What power should you choose for an electric bike?

Motor power is an important factor, but it isn't enough to determine how an electric bike feels or what it can do.

For a standard electric bike compliant with European regulations, the motor's continuous rated power is limited to 250 W and the assistance must gradually cut out before or at 25 km/h.

It's also worth looking at motor torque and how the assistance is delivered.

What motor torque should you choose for an electric bike?

Torque is measured in Newton-meters, or Nm. It can help you assess the force available when starting and climbing hills.

High torque can be especially useful when the bike is heavy, carries a passenger, or regularly has to tackle hills.

So it's worth comparing power, torque, and how the assistance is managed rather than focusing on just one feature.

Electric bike for commuting: what should you look for?

For a commute, start by working out the actual distance you travel each day.

L's range should leave enough of a buffer to avoid having to recharge between your outbound and return journeys. Comfort, braking, handling, and parking options should also be taken into account.

A bike used every day should above all be practical and suited to your surroundings.

Which electric bike should you choose for the city?

In urban environments, stopping and starting are frequent. Gradual assistance and effective braking therefore help make a bike more comfortable to use.

Bike size can also make a difference. A fat bike or Beach Cruiser is generally bulkier than a traditional city bike, which can affect storage and parking.

The best urban electric bike isn't necessarily the most compact or powerful: it should suit your routes and daily needs.

Which electric bike should you choose for long rides?

For longer rides, choose a comfortable riding position and a battery suited to the planned distance.

Tire width, frame geometry and motor response also affect how the bike feels over longer rides.

Always leave some range in reserve, especially when your route includes hills or you regularly use the highest assist levels.

Voltaway: electric bikes designed for a range of uses

Voltaway develops electric bikes with an identity strongly inspired by coastal lifestyle, including fat bikes, Beach Cruisers and models designed for two-up riding.

The range lets you choose a setup based on your riding style, rather than just its looks.

Discover the models available in our Voltaway collection.

What accessories do you need for an electric bike?

LEveryday use of an e-bike may call for different gear: a lock, battery, charger or replacement parts.

For components related to the electrical system, always check compatibility with your model. A battery or charger should not be chosen solely based on its capacity or visible connector.

Check out the gear available in our Bike Accessories selection.

Find your electric bike at HawaiiSurf

Choosing an electric bike starts with a simple question: how are you really going to use it?

City rides, commuting, long outings, comfortable riding or carrying a passenger all come with different needs. LRange, motor, torque, battery, tires and geometry can then help you fine-tune your choice.

HawaiiSurf selects electric bikes designed for a range of uses, so you can find a model suited to your journeys, comfort and riding style.