Beatrice Lang
Electric bikes are expensive, so it's important to test ride one before you buy it. Most electric bike shops will allow you to call in for a test ride, although some may ask you to book ahead. You can also test ride electric bikes at dedicated events, such as Interbike in the USA, Eurobike in Germany and The Cycle Show in the UK.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Interbike in the USA, Eurobike in Germany, The Cycle Show in the UK, RadRetail stores, Charge bike shops, local electric bike shops |
| Cost | Usually free |
| Requirements | Photo ID, proof of address, signed disclaimer against injury, helmet |
What You'll Learn
Electric bike shops
Some shops are very cautious when it comes to test rides and may ask for photo ID, proof of address, and a signed disclaimer against injury for their insurance. They may also insist that you wear a helmet, and some may even ask to take a swipe of your credit card before you ride, although this is unusual.
If you're looking for a specific brand, you can check their website to find a test-ride location near you. For example, Charge has a growing network of dealers and test-ride locations, and RadPowerBikes has RadRetail stores and local retail partners that offer free test rides.
There are also dedicated electric bike test tracks at Interbike in the USA, Eurobike in Germany, and The Cycle Show in the UK, where you can try out the latest models.
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Trade shows
There are also independent owners who volunteer to offer test rides, service, and advice to prospective buyers. For example, Ride1Up has a network of locations where you can test ride their electric bikes, although the quality, conditions, and experience may vary.
Rad Power Bikes Canada also offers free test rides at their showroom in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, although you must be 16 or older to test ride. After your ride, you can purchase your favourite ebike online or from a RadRetail partner.
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Retail partners
Electric bikes are expensive, so it's important to test ride them before you buy. Most electric bike shops will allow you to call in for a test ride, although some may require you to book ahead. Some shops may ask for photo ID, proof of address and a signed disclaimer against injury for their insurance. They may also insist you wear a helmet.
If you're looking for a test ride in the USA, you could try Interbike, which has a dedicated electric bike test track. In Germany, there's Eurobike, and in the UK, The Cycle Show.
RadPowerBikes also offers free test rides at its RadRetail stores and local retail partners. Charge Bikes has a growing network of dealers and test-ride locations.
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Dealers
Electric bikes are expensive items and some shops are very cautious when it comes to test rides. Dealers will often ask for photo ID, proof of address and a signed disclaimer against injury for their insurance. They may also insist you wear a helmet. If they’re particularly cautious, they may also ask to take a swipe of your credit card before you ride, but that’s unusual.
Most electric bike shops (and pedal cycle shops with a sideline in e-bikes) will allow you to call in for a test ride. Some places don’t mind if you walk in off the street while others prefer you to book ahead – call or check online to see how it works.
There are several dealers and test-ride locations for electric bikes. For example, Charge has a growing network of dealers and test-ride locations. You can type in your zip code to find one near you. RadRetail also has stores and local retail partners that can show you their ebike models, answer your questions, and set you up with a free test ride.
If you're in the USA, Germany or the UK, you can test ride electric bikes at Interbike, Eurobike and The Cycle Show respectively. These events each have dedicated electric bike test tracks and the latest models.
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Online
There are several options for test-riding electric bikes online. Rad Power Bikes Canada offers test rides and rentals at their RadRetail stores or local retail partners. You can also purchase their ebikes online and have them shipped to you for free, or pay an additional fee to have your ebike arrive professionally assembled and fully tuned. Lectric eBikes also offers rentals and test rides at locations across the U.S., and you can purchase their ebikes at select Best Buy stores. Ride1Up has a network of independent owners who offer test rides, service, and advice to current or prospective buyers. You can find a local bike shop that works on Ride1UP electric bikes, but quality, conditions, and experience may vary. Lectric eBikes also has a network of trusted partners that offer rentals and test rides, and they are always growing their network, so be sure to check back if you don't see a location near you.
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Frequently asked questions
Most electric bike shops will allow you to test ride their bikes. Some places don't require you to book ahead, but it's always best to call or check online first. You can also find dedicated electric bike test tracks at Interbike in the USA, Eurobike in Germany and The Cycle Show in the UK.
Some shops are very cautious when it comes to test rides, so you may need to bring photo ID, proof of address and a signed disclaimer against injury. They may also ask to take a swipe of your credit card and insist that you wear a helmet.
Yes, test rides are a great way to get some hands-on experience with electric bikes before you buy. You can usually test ride for free at a shop or retail store.
Yes, if you've ordered an electric bike online and it isn't right for you, you can usually pack it up and send it back. However, this can be a pain, so it's a good idea to test ride a bike before you buy.
