How to buy an electric bike on the internet

All your Riese & Muller e-bike questions answered

How to buy an electric bike on the internet

The rise of the internet has been great for consumers, giving access to huge choice and the ability to compare products and prices. But this can create massive confusion, and trying to select the right bike and comparing like for like can be almost impossible.

I have used this blog to talk through the best way to go about purchasing an electric bike. And whilst internet research is great, you can’t beat a short-cut to get the answers you need. Whilst I am an authorised specialist dealer for Riese & Müller in the UK, this content is still relevant if you are thinking of buying a Haibike, Specialized or any other brand of electric bike on the market today.

I have split the process into 4 key phases;

Phase 1: Online research supported by product experts
Phase 2: Find a dealer and try some bikes
Phase 3: Specify exactly the bike you want
Phase 4: Delivery, set-up and hand-over

Phase 1: Online research supported by product experts

When I first got interested in electric bikes I spent endless evenings and lunch hours getting to grips understanding how an e-bike works, the different batteries, motors and manufacturers available under the broad term of ‘electric bikes’. Once I thought I understood exactly what I would need, I made my first electric bike from parts I bought on Alibaba, and a donor bike I purchased at Go-outdoors. The research phase took me at least 3 months, but more like a year if I am being honest.

Once built up, the combination of the all the components I had purchased, gave me a bike which was very different to the image I had built in my mind from my reading. But my money was spent, so I made the best of it.

My second bike was made from a conversion kit purchased in the UK but using a popular Chinese motor, controller and battery brand. Again, the idea was good but the application and delivery was poor.

My third bike was a mainstream brand which I bought online from a european distributor offering a great price. The delivery was awful, the bike was ‘lost’ for about a month. When it arrived, it needed building and the ride and feel whilst good, was not what I had imagined. Returning it was not an option as I had covered 20 miles on my first ride and the bike was now used.

I currently ride Riese & Müller Delite GT Rohloff, and none of my previous bikes even come close in ride quality of ride or build. But to get to this point I spent about £10,000 and it took me roughly 4 years. If I had known it would take me this long and cost this much, I would have started by purchasing my dream bike straight away.

I now offer my customers the benefit of the experience and the knowledge I have gained, free of charge. This can help you save a fortune and radically reduce the research cycle, and ensure you get the right bike first time.

Phase 2: Find a dealer and try some bikes

This is when you find out if all your research has been a complete waste of time! It’s unlikely, it will be a complete waste, but there will be a check of reality against the image you have built up of an electric bike. You trip to a specialist e-bike retailer is a critical step, which is missed if buying online, which can help you save a lot of money in the long run.

Plus, it is better to try the bike at your local bike retailler who will be equipped for you to try different bikes, rather than ordering on-line with the view of returning it if it’s not what you wanted. Remember, you will be liable for the cost of return for an item purchased online and it must returned un-used and in it’s original packaging. That doesn’t sound like much of a deal to me.

A lot of the time we find customers arriving to try a particular style or specification of bike, then go on to order something completely different!

We offer our customers the opportunity of a two hour test ride guided by our in house Riese & Müller expert for a cost of £95 which is refunded against the purchase of a new bike. A two hour session like this can be the best way to ride more than one bike in a real world situation and whilst gaining valuable product knowledge.

Phase 3: Specify exactly the bike you want

When buying online, you are essentially looking at stock which has previously been specified by dealers and it is their job to try and work out the most popular configurations and stock these. This is a lot easier when the product range is limited like many of the mass produced brands. For example, you will find each model of bike only comes in one colour way, with one configuration of gears and no options.

Riese and Müller allow you the choice of colours, gears and options so you can choose what you actually wanted. As an example, the Riese & Müller Superdelite/Delite range has 60 different size, colour and gearing variations in the 2020 line-up before you even start to consider the list of options available. So the likelyhood of finding the exact bike you wanted in stock is going to be pretty slim.

Unlike any other manufacturer, Riese & Müller offer customers a factory order option. Factory ordering is a simple process and allows you to specifiy any combination of bike in the catalogue and have it built for you. Once ordered, your bike will likely arrive in the showroom in 3-4 weeks. We specialise in this option as we believe it is important to get the right bike as it is likely to be an investment to last many years.

Phase 4: Delivery, set-up and hand-over

If you have ever bought a bike on-line you’ll know this means booking at least half a day off work to wait for a courier delivery. And when the bike arrives you will need a torque wrench, pedal spanner, allen and torx bits, to fit the pedals, adjust the handle bars, shifters, brake levers. You’ll also need to do a saftey check on the bike to ensure nothing has been damaged during transportation. In addition you will need to understand how a bike should be set-up for the most comfortable ride, including the adjustment of suspension.

As part of our service, we offer to personally deliver bikes up to 2 hours away at no additional charge. We will work with you to find a mutually agreable time for delivery, and when we get to you, we will spend time configuring your bike and running through the controls. Most importantly, we will take away the packaging so you don’t have to deal with the disposal.

Give us a try, you will be pleseantly surprised.

We can be contacted 7 days a week 9am-5pm on 01453 834300. Or email us any questions [email protected] and we will get back to you as soon as we can.

Talk with an e-bike specialist

Talk with one of our helpful e-Bike advisors on 01453 834300 or fill out the form below with your message. We’ll be more than happy to help you in your search for your dream e-Bike.

Many people have been in the position you are now, looking for their dream bike. Be assured that once you get in touch, we will treat you with the best customer service, just like we did for them. Don’t just take our word for it, read what 181 customers say here with an average 5.0 star Google review rating.

Call one of our knowledgeable advisors on 01453 834300 or complete the form below.

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Andy

1701115539

I recently purchased a Tinker2 from Edemo online. Even though my purchase was remote the service I received was 1st class. I was offered excellent advice and guidance both before and after my purchase and shipping was really prompt. The bike arrvied set up and in perfect condition. The Tinker2 is a brilliant little bike which i have been using on my daily commute. Its superbly designed and puts a huge grin on my face. Highly recommended.

Ben O.

1700582911

Edemo bikes' customer service and attention to detail is second to none. I dealt with four different people and every one of them was courteous and helpful. My order was taken quickly and efficiently and the few questions I had, about the various options, were dealt with fast. So buying the bike was a very smooth experience. The very friendly guy who delivered it to me, explained at length how it all worked, and answered any questions that I had. It was an excellent handover experience.I went on several short rides around the block today, around a small park opposite me, where there is rarely any traffic. I just wanted to get a feel for the controls and various levels of assist. I also fine tuned the saddle and handlebar heights.All I can say about the actual bike, a Riese & Muller Nevo GT Rohloff, is that it made me feel like Superman! A road around a small nearby park is perfect for testing, because it is spread over a steep hill. I was able to get a good feel for changing the gears to cope with the different inclines, as I went around, and I was amazed how easily I was able to cycle up hill; something which will be so useful in a coastal town with steep roads everywhere. After about 10 minutes of riding, and when I felt confident enough to control it well, I actually found myself enjoying going uphill, more than going down.I have a small knee problem and was starting to struggle with my ordinary push bike, so this eBike is a godsend. From the short time that I've spent with it, I can tell that it's going to be a life changer. When pain becomes a deciding factor in riding a bike, one starts to ride less, and the difficulty I had, getting over the high bar on my push-bike, was causing me to abandon it at times. Now I'm very confident that I'll be out and about more, enjoying the lovely landscape we have here, and the fresh air.So thank you to Edemo Bikes for giving me such a pleasant experience - something I'm not generally used to, from UK companies. I hate to say it, but although we have moved on a bit, from the "Fawlty Towers" service that we once had, we still don't generally come anywhere close to other countries. In my opinion, Edemo is an exceptional UK company, with knowledgeable people and excellent customer service. What's not to recommend?

Steven I.

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Have to say EDEMO E-Bikes have been exceptional AJ in the Bristol branch was most helpful and knowledgeableI ordered a Super charger which was delivered home ahead of timeVery pleased thank you all

Mike D

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From the first telephone consultation with Dan to assist with choosing a Nevo with Nyon giving me honest advice over the new smart system. He also bettered a price match and helped with panniers, locks and supply and fit a tracker.I used the CycleScheme which was seamless with Edemo with excellent comms from Jen and AJ.Dan booked me in for an afternoon appointment for the handover which was second to none going over every aspect of the bike from operation, maintenance and setting up the tracker, downloading maps and software updates. Then arranging a delivery (a 4hr round trip) as I couldn’t actually take the bike home that day and AJ delivering it up stairs in my property.I will take my bike back for servicing etc as Edemo isn’t just a bike shop it’s an ethos to be part of their e-bike community and to be part of your investment as their knowledge, expertise and customer service is exceptional. I feel this purchase will grow into a lasting friendship with all the staff in the future.

Oliver B.

1692635112

Had a great experience with Edemo, they brought the bike to us for a demo ride, when the bike did arrive at the shop they spend 30 minutes taking me through all of the different bits of kit and functionality. Will be back in six months for my first service.

John W.

1692546766

After making the arrangements, on Sat 5th August I travelled 110 miles from Ammanford to Edemo's, Nailsworth to view a Reise & Muller Homage with Rolhoff and Gates carbon belt. I was met by AJ one of the employees. The shop was very clean and tidy and full of R&M ebikes. AJ spent the next two hours explaining the bike in detail and ensuring the bike fitted me. There was no pressure to buy but it was the ebike I wanted. Having had other ebikes previously this R&M Homage was on another level. I bought the bike. I have used the bike regularly since and I am now fully conversant with it and enjoying it much more than other ebikes I have owned. I am 80 next month so it will certainly see me out. Thankyou AJ and Edemo for a wonderful personal service. Highly recommended R&M ebike shop.

robin T.

1692358327

Top quality bikes and top quality service.The perfect combination

Mike C.

1691830853

I recently bought a new e-bike from EDEMO and I couldn’t fault any aspect of the buying process. My first contact with EDEMO was via the excellent website which answered most of my questions about e-bikes and the Riese Muller range in particular. I followed up with email and telephone questions which were answered promptly and helpfully. After that I visited the Nailsworth showroom to see the bikes, and test ride the two I was most interested in buying. The Nailsworth showroom is in a great location with free parking and some ideal roads/tracks nearby to test ride the bikes. All the staff I dealt with were friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful and the handover of my new bike was reassuringly thorough. A premium product needs premium service and that is exactly what EDEMO delivered.

Michael C.

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Having just taken delivery of a R&M Superdelite from Edemo, I’m sufficiently impressed to praise both the bike and the supplier.As anyone contemplating an R&M machine knows, they ain’t cheap. Quite the opposite in fact, they are of the highest quality of design and manufacture, and as I’m discovering, worth the price tag. My first day out on the bike in the Yorkshire Dales was a joy (in spite of the weather). Very comfortable, stable, easy to ride and managed anything my two daughters were riding on their full on MTBs. I have a little more practice to work on the gear shifts and the intricacies of the Nyon display, but overall I was delighted (oh yea) with the SuperD. Liking the seat post and side stand a lot….there are a lot of gates to open in the Dales ;-)As far as the supplier, Edemo, goes, they too deserve a shout out for excellent service. Their videos leading up to the purchase told me virtually all I needed to know, and what they didn’t, was carefully explained to me by phone; I thank them for their patience (I can be a bit nerdy on the techie stuff). I actually learnt more from their website, than from the main R&M site. Alas, there was a lost small part at delivery, but that was sent next day, so thumbs up to all the team at Edemo.Although I’ve only had the bike a week, all in all, from original enquiry to delivery of the bike, I thoroughly recommend both R&M and their excellent distributor Edemo; tip top !

Mark E.

1689887913

It took me over a year to finally purchase a new electric bike. After owning two bad examples a few years ago, I was keen to find a durable, good quality bike. Repeated internet searches finally directed me to the well made and high specification brand Riese and Muller and to the friendly and knowledgeable team at Edemo Electric Bikes. It was reassuring to learn that they are Riese and Muller riders themselves and this gave me confidence in their unhurried advice, given without any pressure to make a snap decision. Home delivery was an added bonus and I am most pleased with my purchase.

Stuart P.

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I recently decided to buy a Riese and Muller Superdelite and chose to get it from Edemo. I did so because they have produced a series of informative, inspiring and entertaining videos which helped me choose the right model and cement my decision to buy. Having made contact I found the team to be endlessly patient, accommodating and honest about everything even when it wasn't always in their best interest. I had to travel over 200 miles to buy at Edemo but it was worth it to get this level of service.

Ade H.

1689636844

HiI purchased the Novo4 GT Vario step through around three weeks ago. I am a 17 stone overweight 76-year-old, and have absolutely no problem getting around on this bike.I've managed every hill I come to, and have also managed to get double the mileage it's supposed to do. I did a 40 mile ride a couple of days ago and still add 40% of the battery left.This bike is a joy to ride, and I really enjoy getting around on it.Using the batteries auto mode, which rates the battery as being capable of doing around 25 miles. Rarely for devices that are battery powered, this bike actually underestimates the mileage the battery is capable of producing.Just turning the pedals and letting the bike to all the work, might possibly reduce the range to 25 miles in a very hilly terrain. I however, like to get some exercise in, and although I use the bike in the sense that having an electric motor makes it a lot easier to cycle than a normal bike. This bike makes every ride, a very easy ride.This is my fourth electric bike, the first two being Halford nasties, my third which lasted for the last nine years being a Kalkoff (German-made and being so reliable, it prompted me to purchase another German bike.The Reece and Muller N0V0 4, it is very comfortable ride, it has very bright lights, excellent brakes, a built-in lock on the back wheel, thick tyres, an excellent display on the handlebars and overall is very sturdily and very well made.10/10

Chris N.

1689407976

Great experience throughout the process. Definitely recommend.

david N.

1689357446

Very helpful and knowledgeable. Great high end bikes options.

ian R.

1688553612

First class customer service from the whole team at Edemo. We spent hours with Johan test riding the full range of bikes before settling on our preferred options. Communication with Jen about the purchase and delivery was first class. Delivery was exactly as promised and AJ spent time making sure we understood everything at the point of hand-over. A great experience from start to finish and I have every confidence that if I have a problem, Edemo will help sort it 👌

L G.

1688491314

Dan and Duncan could not have been more professional and knowledgable. Not once did they try a hard sell but genuinely want a customer to get a bike that’s right for them. If you’re lucky enough to find your bike at Edemo you’ll also have new Friends!

Mark C.

1688375980

If you are thinking of buying a Riese and Muller bike, the only place to get it from is EDEMO Electric Bikes. Having recently purchased an UBN Five silent, the customer service is second to none. From the initial ordering process with Jen, to AJ delivering the bike and going through the various settings making sure I was happy with everything, they really do care about their customers. The best experience I have had in buying a bike.

Alice A.

1684740087

I came across these guys as I couldn't find a stockist in Scotland who did the bike I was looking for. From the get go the staff were really helpful, I mostly dealt with Jen, they didn't bat an eyelid at my many requests and changes including delivery to central Scotland - working around my timescales. Brilliant service!

Neale B.

1683894820

Great service from choosing the correct model to delivery and tuition - all part of the service which is Platinum

Preston S.

1682507724

Lots of good advice, no pressure and plenty of opportunity to road test bikes. I was on a break in Glos and called in to EDEMO, having previously watched a number of their very useful you tube videos about Riese & Muller bikes. Two days later my chosen stock bike was prepared and paid for and a week later delivered to my address in Cumbria. Faultless. A pleasure dealing with them. The bike is great too!I would recommend.Thank you

Michael D.

1682274189

Excellent service. Dan guided me through all the choices, Jen organised the delivery and kept me updated, and AJ delivered the bike and got me set up and going. The team let me know I can come back to them anytime for any help or support I might need.

Mike R.

1681987430

I had a test ride booked and was pointed to a very steep hill to try the bike on and then a reasonably flat cycle-way to give me an idea of different riding scenarios. Enjoyable test ride. Got back to the shop and had a talk about the bikes and tried a different model. I got some very helpful advice, decided on the bike and purchased it. They delivered the bike to my home and spent some time running through all the features and adjustments I could make. Very happy with the bike and the service from Edemo.

Mike M.

1677260519

Nice shop, good selection and helpful staff, good place to buy a bike.

John H.

1675859607

It was such a pleasure to buy my bike from Edemo after years of dealing only with internet based suppliers. I used the Bristol based office/workshop and enjoyed the entirely personal service provided by AJ who also delivered my bike to me when it was ready and explained how to operate and maintain it. In particular I felt reassured that Edemo would continue to provide support during my ownership of the bike. Great service throughout!