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With gas prices on the rise, more and more people are looking for more imaginative ways to commute to work. One popular option is the electric bicycle or e-bike. While already popular in China, where gas is even pricier, electric bikes are becoming more well known in the United States. But not many people know much about how they work.
The world of electric bicycles is getting more and more crowded. With more models, brands, and stores making their way into the market, it can be challenging to understand all the new choices that are out there. If you’re new to the e-bike world, you likely have a lot of questions. So, let’s answer some of those questions!
What Is an Electric Bicycle?
An electric bicycle is like a traditional bike in a lot of ways. They have similar frames, pedals, and the same kind of seats. But unlike a conventional bike, an e-bike also has an electric motor attached to the propulsion chain system.
Electric Bike Terminology
| Term | Definition |
| E-bike: | A common term for an electric bike. |
| Power-pack | The electric battery core that provides power to the electric motor. |
| Torque | The force that rotates the drive train on the bike. |
| Support level | The level of electrical power assistance. |
| Display | A small monitor attached to the handlebar that shows a variety of info about the electric bike. Can also be where you control the power assistance. |
| Semi-integrated | When the battery is partially hidden or integrated inside the bicycle frame |
| Watt-hours | The electrical capacity of the battery. |
| Motor systems | The system that provides electric power to the bike. |
| Throttle | A device that controls the flow of electricity powering the engine. |
| Pedal | The foot-operated lever that controls the drive chain mechanism. |
| Pedelec | When an electric motor assists with energy output from pedaling. |
Types of Electric Bikes
Electronic bikes are split into four different classifications.
Class 1
Class 1 bikes have a maximum speed capability of 20mph and are entirely pedal-assisted (PEDELEC). There is no minimum age to operate, and this class does not require a driver’s license. This class of e-bike is the most similar to a standard bicycle.
Class 2
Class 2 bikes also have a maximum speed of 20 mph. Bikes in this class typically use a combination of a throttle that is sometimes combined with PEDELEC. This class can also be operated by anyone and does not require a license.
Class 3
Class 3 bikes can have either a throttle or be PEDELEC. If the bike uses a throttle, it will have a maximum speed of 20 mph. However, PEDELEC models can achieve a max speed of 28 mph. Since this class can achieve higher max speeds, the typical minimum driving age is 16; however, no driver’s license is needed to operate them.
Class 4
Models in this class are typically referred to as “mopeds,” although electric motorcycles also fall into this category. They can achieve speeds over 28 mph and can legally be driven on most roads. There is no pedal operation with this class of electric bikes. Finally, they require the driver to have a license, have a license plate/registration, and be a minimum age of 16.
Can Anyone Ride an Electric Bicycle?
An overwhelming majority of electric bicycles can be driven by anyone regardless of age. This includes bikes with both throttles and PEDELEC propulsion systems so long as the e-bike doesn’t achieve speeds higher than 20 mph. All drivers younger than 17 must wear a helmet while riding. E-bikes that go faster than 20 mph are typically limited to drivers who are 16 or older. For these bikes, all drivers must wear a helmet.
How Much do Electric Bicycles Cost to Buy?
The price of electric bicycles has decreased over the past few years. With popular national brands like Jetson getting into the market with their mass-produced models, e-bikes are suddenly more affordable than they have ever been. Base models for the very lowest-end e-bikes can start as low as $300. There are also conversion kits that allow you to turn virtually any bicycle into an electric one. You can find these kits for as low as $150.
There are an enormous number of features that can affect the price of an electric bike. The very cheapest of the price range typically includes children’s bicycles or models for very light riding. However, most e-bike shoppers tend to be looking for a more energy-efficient way to handle their local commutes. Prices can range as high as $8,000 for some brands or models. However, most e-bikes on the market will fall in the $1,000-$5,0000 range.
Are E-bikes Safe?
Electric bicycles are just as safe as any traditional bicycle. While they travel at slightly faster speeds, they do not pose any additional risks to the rider because speed is limited to a maximum of 20 or 28 mph. Remember that a well-trained cyclist can achieve the same speeds (or more) with a regular bicycle.
Of course, there are safety concerns with riding any bicycle, particularly on roadways that you have to share with automobiles. Like a traditional cyclist, the e-bike rider is much more exposed than the other drivers on the road. This means that a bicycle rider is much more likely to be injured in the case of an accident. Sometimes bicycle accidents can result in severe injuries or even death. The most significant risk is head injury. That is why bicycle helmets are recommended for all riders. Riders under 17 are typically required to wear a helmet nearly everywhere, while older riders might not be. Depending on where you live, a helmet might be required for all ages, so be sure to familiarize yourself with the rules in your area before you hit the road.
Unfortunately, automobile drivers don’t have the best reputation for watching out for the safety of bicyclists who might be sharing the road with them. The most common type of accident occurs when a car hits a bicycle. Rarely are the cyclists at fault in these accidents. This is why it’s so important to always stay aware of your surroundings. Never assume that someone driving a car sees you, and always err on the side of caution.
How to Ride
Contrary to what you might assume, riding an electric bicycle is not “just like riding a bike.” There is a noticeable learning curve for most people. The actual specifics of riding an e-bike vary and largely depend on what type of bike you are riding. While some electric bikes offer a very mild amount of assistance and feel more like a traditional bicycle, others do most of the work for you and may feel more like riding a small scooter with pedals.
Riding Your Electric Bicycle for the First Time
The first time you ride an electric bike don’t be too shocked if it takes you some time to sort the movements out. Just like when you were learning how to ride your very first bicycle, you shouldn’t be surprised if a fall (or two) happens. Don’t worry; you can do a few things to keep the falling to a minimum.
Start on a flat surface that is as open as possible. Many first-time riders find it easier to get going without using any electric assistance. This allows you to get a feel for how the bike handles beneath you. Remember that the motor and the changes to the bike frame can make the e-bike much heavier than what you might be used to. Once you have a good feel for the weight and handling of the bike, turn on the assistance. The assistance should be set to the very lowest setting so you can take your time getting comfortable with the increasing levels of speed.
Some e-bikes might prove too difficult to ride or shift gears without electric assistance. Others might not work at all without the motor. If this is the case with your e-bike, you will have to start using the assistance in the beginning. Just take it slow and steady to allow yourself to adjust to how the bicycle handles with the electric motor.
The other critical thing to keep in mind is the braking system. Before you attempt to ride your e-bike for the first time, make sure you take a few minutes to familiarize yourself with it. Locate the front brake and the rear brake and test out how each one of them works. You should be sure to figure out how each lever works and what each lever operates before you start your first ride. Also, be sure to take some time to familiarize yourself with any digital displays or controls.
E-Bike Maintenance Tips
- Take your e-bike to a bicycle shop experienced at working with electric bicycles once a year for a tune-up. Allowing a professional to inspect and tune the systems will keep your bike roadworthy for much longer.
- Check your tires before each trip. Riding around on an underinflated tire can quickly damage the wheel and even be a considerable safety hazard. Also, be sure that you have access to any tools you might need to fix a flat while you are on the road.
- Inspect the brakes frequently. Whether you are riding a pedal-assisted bike or a bike with a throttle, your brakes are a vital component of stopping. Engaging the brakes typically shuts off the motor. If the brakes fail to work correctly and the motor stays on, you could quickly run into a big problem.
- Inspect, clean, and grease the chain frequently. Just as in a more traditional bike, the chain is what keeps the drivetrain moving. Without it, your wheels won’t turn, and you won’t be going anywhere, no matter how much power your motor has.
- Keep your battery charged. You should plug in your e-bike every time you have the chance. This will reduce the likelihood of having the battery die before you reach your destination. While most e-bikes CAN still be ridden without a working battery, you might find that easier said than done. Very few riders have the strength to maintain it for more than a short period. Also, some e-bikes might not work at all without battery power.
Advantages of Electric Bicycles
While an electric bike is bigger and heavier than a traditional bicycle, most riders find them much easier to ride. Most riders can travel at much greater speeds for long distances with minimal effort. The motor not only helps you get up to speed, but it also helps you maintain it. Plus putting in less effort means that the rider isn’t exhausted or covered in sweat when they arrive at their destination. Finally, an e-bike is incredibly environmentally friendly. There are no emissions and they have a similar carbon footprint to traditional bicycles.
Are There Any Downsides?
While there is a lot to love about electric bicycles, there are, of course, some downsides. The most obvious downside is the initial price. With traditional bicycles, the very lowest-priced options can be under $100, and you can pay even less for a used bike. However, at the lowest price, a base model electric bicycle will cost hundreds of dollars more, and the average sales price for an e-bike is over $1,000.
Another thing to consider is that the rules and regulations for riding an electronic bicycle might differ from those for a traditional bike. While this is not true everywhere, some municipalities have placed restrictions or additional regulations on these bikes simply because they have an electric motor.
Other downsides include the size/weight of the electric bicycle and the electric batteries. By nature, electric bikes have bigger frames and are a lot heavier than their traditional cousins. There is no way to avoid this with the current types of motors used and the batteries necessary to power that motor. This can make the electric bike difficult to maneuver off the road since it can’t be carried quite as easily. Electric batteries can also prove to be a big hurdle. The bike’s extra weight means that some bikes can be difficult or impossible to ride “pedal only.” This can make you a slave to your battery and charging station.
Conclusions
Once you get comfortable riding an electric bike, you will have tons of freedom to get places fast. Around the world, e-bikes are becoming the go-to choice for urban commuters who want to avoid the hassle of dense city traffic. Even though they cost more than a traditional bicycle, they are still tens of thousands of dollars cheaper than even the smallest compact car. So, if you are looking to replace your car with something more eco-friendly with less hassle, consider an electric bicycle.