Plan to buy an ebike? Here are some factors you should take note.

eBike actually encourages people who are overweight to consider cycling.

I read a report that most people who are overweight are not keen to cycle as the assertion can make them perspire heavily. Also, they fear the embarrassment of being watched if they have to get off a regular bicycle to push it uphill. You can ride uphill on an eBike more easily, provided the slope is not too steep and within the acceptable gradient limit specified for it.

Factors you have to note before getting an ebike from any shop:

1) Is the wattage and speed legally acceptable to be ridden in your own country? In Malaysia, we follow the UK rules so ebike must be pedal assisted, which means that it must have pedals installed that can be used to propel it.

2) Do you want it installed with lithium or lead acid battery which is heavier but cheaper?

3) Ebike comes in tyre size of 14” to 26”. What tyre size is best for your size?

4) Will you have difficulty getting batteries or replacement parts or services to maintain it?

5) What is the highest gradient of incline the ebike can ride up on?

6) Do you need it foldable for ease of transport when you are not riding it?

7) Do you need one with extra seat for pillion rider?

8) Do you need one with gears too?

9) Does it have proper locking system in place to prevent theft?

10) Is the lighting adequate enough for rides at night?

11) Does it have a horn to warn pedestrians and other road users of your approach?

12) Does it charge while you pedal? Some ebikes are supplied with self-charging system so that while cycling, you can recharge your battery. eBike with “recharge” mode will be more expensive.

Shop around and look at the specifications of the ebikes you are interested in. Here are some examples of what is available in Malaysia.

This unit is foldable with 16″ wheel size. If you plan to use public transport part of the way while cycling on your ebike, a foldable model will be a good option to consider. Note the weight of the ebike. Is it too heavy to consider trotting around?


This model with 24″ tyre size comes with a seat for passenger. As it also comes with a basket, it will be suitable for rides out to pick up some stuff or to carry stuff of a child that you plan to ferry around.


If you know what are available in your market, it will be easier for you to make a decision after considering all these factors.

What is the best bike for a child age 5?

If you know the age of the child, you can refer to this "bicycle chart" to determine the right wheel size bicycle to buy.  A 16" wheel size bicycle will be suitable for a child age 5.

Note that if you get the child a 12” bicycle when he should be riding on a 16”, his legs will ache due to fatigue as the saddle is too close to the handlebar for him to ride comfortably. He will often stand on the pedals to cycle to ease the ache. The PVC pedals installed will not be able to withstand his full weight on them. So, if you have to replace the pedals frequently, you will know that the child has outgrown his bicycle or you have bought the wrong size bike. 

Bicycles with wheel size of 12” right up to 16” will have training wheels already installed on them. There are also 12″ bicycle with removable rod attached so you can hold on to the rod while the child learns to ride.

This is very helpful when it is time to remove the training wheels as the child may still need support.  Without the rod, you may have to lean over to hold on to the handlebar and saddle to assist the child.

If you opt for a 12” balance bike you will have to note the age range the model is suitable for. Example, the JDBug models I carry is suitable for children age 2.5 to 5 years and can take a rider’s weight load of up to 30kg. There is also an option to install pedals when these are required at a later stage. So, if you decide to get a balance bike, you will have to study what is suitable for a child age 5.

I noticed that children enjoy choosing bicycles in my shop. They will try to find the kind of bicycles that their friends are cycling. They will be even happier if they can find bicycles in colours of their choice or with cartoon characters they like.

If it is possible, bring the child to a bikeshop.  Let him sit on the bicycle of his choice. Does he feel comfortable on it? Is the bicycle too big and heavy for him? You will know that it is not suitable if he has difficulty pedaling it.

There are a great variety of bicycles for kids in the market. Make sure that the regular bicycle you choose comes with mudguards and a bell attached. The child will be able to sit in a more upright position if you get him a bicycle installed with BMX handlebars like this.

Add front and rear lights if he intends to ride out at night. If it is within your budget, also provide the child with a protector set.

Can an adult ride an 16 or 18" kids bike?

This bicycle has a size 16″ rear wheel and a size 24″ for its front wheel. It is a bicycle suitable even for shorter members in the family.



This is also a 16″ bicycle.


Adults should not look awkward cycling on bicycles like these.

Size 12″ to 20” folding bike is another option a shorter rider can consider. You can raise the seat post and handlebar to a height where you will feel comfortable cycling. Straddle over the body of a 20” folding bike. It is not likely to touch your crotch area.

This is a how a 12 inch wheel size folding bike looks like.



This is a 20″ folding bike.


If the handlebar of a 20″ foldie is too far away for your reach, choose a folding bike that gives you the option to change the handlebar to one that you can reach. Some folding bikes come installed with T shape handlebar which is not interchangeable.

A bicycle with 20" wheelset is suitable for kids 6 years and above. However, if you get yourself a 20″ BMX bike with a top tube length of 18" to 20" you will be able to ride it till you are 5’ 3” in height.



A BMX has higher handlebar which is more comfortable as you do not have to slouch over to reach it. If it is installed too far for your reach, you can lower it down towards you. The seat post bends backward to accommodate the height of taller riders. That way, their legs will not feel too tired cycling. There is a tendency for cyclists to stand on the pedals to ride to relieve the fatigue and that will damaged the pedals sooner.

I usually discourage my customers from buying 18″ wheel size bicycles as it is not a common size in Malaysia and they will have difficulty finding spare tyres and tubes.

What kind of bicycle is great for ferrying pets?

This is currently the most suitable bicycle I have in my shop for ferrying pets. The large metal basket at the front can be padded with cushions so that it is more comfortable for the pet to stand or sit on.



The wheel size is only 16″, so even the younger ones in the family can take the pet out for a ride. I like it that the rear carrier is welded to the body so that it is strong enough to carry an animal cage on it.