What is an Electric Bike?
An e-bike might look like a regular bike, but it’s actually much more than that. E-bikes are made with several tech add-ons, like a motor, battery, and controller. These features power the bike and take you further on your journeys.
How Does an e-Bike Work?
Electric bikes still allow you to pedal like a regular bike, but they’re also outfitted with a motor and other accessories to give users a better riding experience. They’re not necessarily a motorcycle where you don’t pedal at all but are more like a bike with a bit of a boost to get you to go farther.
Benefits of e-Bikes
E-bikes have several benefits when compared to manual bikes. E-bikes are good workout options for those who enjoy exploring the outdoors. On top of that, you can travel farther since they come with a motor, and they can be a great alternative for commuting with a portable folding electric bike.
What Are the Three Classes of e-Bikes?
When it comes to exploring e-bike options, they come in three different classes, which are listed below:
Class 1:
Pedal Assist: Yes
Throttle: No
Max Assisted Speed: 20 mph
Class 2:
Pedal Assist: Yes
Throttle: Yes
Max Assisted Speed: 20 mph
Class 3:
Pedal Assist: Yes
Throttle: Yes
Max Assisted Speed: 28 mph
How to Choose an Electric Bike
Which Class of e-Bike is Right for You?
Part of choosing an e-bike is figuring out which class of e-bike is right for you. For most new riders, Class 1 is the way to go. They’re affordable if you’re just looking to try them out, and they still allow you to explore areas and squeeze in a workout.
Class 2 might also be an option for first-time e-bike buyers, as they only go up to 20mph but can push a bit further than Class 1.
For those who want to enjoy the speed and everything else an e-bike offers, Class 3 is a good fit, reaching almost 30 mph when in use.
Motor
- Hub-Drive Motors
- These motors send pedal power directly to the rear wheel
- The placement of the motor can cause complications when changing a flat rear wheel
- Hub-drive motors found at the front of the bike are comparable to how a FWD vehicle handles
- Mid-Drive Motors
- Usually located on the bottom bracket of the e-bike
- A lot of e-bike motors follow this setup
- Since the motor is more central on the bike, the weight and location help with the balance and stability of the bike
Pedal-Assist Levels
Many e-bikes have three or four levels of pedal assist attached to them. These range from eco mode, which saves on battery, to a turbo or boost mode, which will give you a big push for going up hills and gaining speed.
Other Features
A few other features to look out for in e-bikes include:
- Lighting
- Lighting is a great feature to have for safety reasons
- Higher-end bikes tend to have brighter lights for increased visibility
- Handlebar-Mounted LCD Displays
- LCD monitors display battery life, distance, speed, and more when you’re riding
- Smartphone Integration
- Some higher-end bikes have smartphone connectivity
- Come with apps that include features like a GPS or the ability to lock the bike
e-Bike FAQs
How Fast Does an Electric Bike Go?
For the majority of electric bikes, most provide electrical assistance up to 20 mph, but some can go as fast as 28 mph. This will vary depending on which class of e-bike you choose.
Do I Need a License for an Electric Bike?
E-bikes are still relatively new, meaning not a lot of laws have been made across the United States for their use. Some states view them as regular bikes, whereas others want to start treating them the same as vehicles, which would require a license. Because of the varying views, it’s important to look up specific laws per your state.
How Many Charges Can I Get Out of One Battery?
A good number of electric bikes in North America contain lithium-ion batteries. With these batteries, you can get the following:
- 500 charge cycles at a minimum, after which battery capacity would be around 80%
- Some provide more cycles, up to 1,200 cycles, giving you more charge to keep using your e-bike
How Long Can You Ride on an Electric Bike?
How long you can ride on an electric bike will depend on whether you use the pedals with the motor or solely rely on the motor to drive you.
For a lot of electric bikes, with normal pedaling, the range is between 22 to 50 miles on one charge, but some bikes are able to go 80 miles or more. The length of the ride really depends on the electric bike battery capacity, the environment where you’re pedaling, and the rider.
Can You Ride an Electric Bike in the Rain?
Yes, an e-bike can be ridden in the rain. E-bikes are specifically built for use in a variety of weather conditions, especially if you get an electric mountain bike. You will want to make sure your e-bike has been tested to ride in the rain beforehand and to avoid large puddles when riding. It’s important to note that a few brands of e-bikes aren’t meant to get wet, so make sure to read all the details of the bike before purchasing.
Are You Ready to Experience an Electric Bike?
An e-bike is a great investment for people who want to go farther distances with their bike, love exploring the outdoors, or need a better way to commute around the city.
Are you wondering, “How much is an electric bike and where can I find one?” Rack to Door has a variety of e-bikes at affordable prices to fit your needs. Start reaping the benefits of an e-bike and take one for a spin today!