When it comes to buying electric bicycles, there are a lot of choices to make. From the color to the style and size, there are a number of factors that can impact just how well your bike fits you and your lifestyle. One of the most important ones, however, is something many people don’t think about—the bike’s motor.

Why the Motor Matters

The motor is the heart of an e-bike. It’s what differentiates electric bikes from traditional bikes. While you get all the flexibility and active energy of a regular ride, motor-powered pedal assist means you can choose how hard you want to pedal at any given time. In some cases, you can even choose not to pedal at all and coast your way to your destination.

You can get in a great workout when you’re feeling invigorated, or say to hell with hills and let the motor do the work when you want to relax and embrace the moments along the way. It’s your ride, your way—as easy or vigorously as you want to go. Ultimately, a motor means more flexibility in the way you ride, making biking more about enjoying the ride and less of a mandatory test of endurance.