Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About an eBike

Everything you need to know about getting an electric bike to ride farther, ride faster, tackle bigger hills, carry bigger loads, save the planet, and get healthier. Experience the ride of your life with an eBike! Electric bikes look a lot like the non-electric bikes you’re familiar with, but they’re equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to assist you in pedaling faster and farther. They are offered in a variety of styles, including cargo bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, folding bikes and more. The motors on an electric bike senses when you’re pedaling and gives you a boost to propel the bike forward, making pedaling easier. Many eBikes have several levels (or modes) of assistance that allow you to adjust the amount of boost you get. Some electric bikes provide a boost only when you pedal, others have a throttle button that will assist you even when you don’t. They are categorized into three main classes, which often determine where you can ride them. Most bike manufacturers and state, local and other entities have adopted this system, which defines eBikes as a low-speed bicycle with fully operational pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (about 1 horsepower).

What are the three classes of eBikes?

	Class 1	Class 2	Class 3
Pedal Assist	Yes	Yes	Yes
Throttle	No	Yes	No
Max Assisted Speed	20 mph	20 mph	28 mph

 

• Class 1: The motor kicks in only when you’re pedaling, and the assist stops helping at 20 mph.
• Class 2: These eBikes have a pedal-assist mode up to 20 mph; they also offer a throttle-powered mode that doesn’t require pedaling.
• Class 3: Like a class 1 eBike, the motor kicks in only when you’re actively pedaling, but it stops helping at 28 mph.

Do I have to pedal to engage the motor?

It depends on the class of bike you have. For class 1 and class 3 eBikes, you must pedal to get motor assistance. Class 2 eBikes also have a throttle that propels the bike even without pedaling.

Where can I ride an eBike?

eBike laws differ from state to state and even in local areas, and the class of bike you have will often determine where you can ride. Always check your local rules, or consult the advocacy group PeopleForBikes for an overview of laws and policies.

Why choose an eBike?

The short answer? They’re a lot of fun, and just one of the many options you have when choosing your two-wheel ride. You can ride farther and faster on eBikes, carry heavier loads with less effort or even help replace a car as transportation for short trips or commutes.

Do I need a license or insurance to ride an eBike?

Generally, no, if your electric bike falls within the three-class system we mentioned. But it’s always a good idea to check your local laws or state laws. It’s all our responsibility to know the law, follow speed limits, share the road, and respect other users’ safety.

What types of eBikes are available?

You’ll find eBikes designed for different types of riding, such as mountain biking, hauling cargo, commuting, road riding or recreational/urban riding.

Are eBikes heavy?

The electrical components (battery, motor, controller) on an e-bike might add between 10-20 pounds more to the weight of an eBike compared to its non-electric counterpart. They can range from about 40-80 pounds.

Can I ride eBikes in the rain or bad weather?

Yes, just like any bike, you can ride your eBike in the rain. Do eBikes have shifters? Most eBikes have gear shifters just like non-electric bikes and pedaling in easier gears at higher cadences helps preserve battery life. We know eBikes! Our experienced and passionate team is here to help you get the ride that is best suited for you and your lifestyle! Remember, we have bikes for sale and also have a full repair service if you ever need it! Read our Google reviews and see how awesome we are. Visit our Facebook page or give us a call at 949.484.6409 to get fitted for your ideal ride!

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Reference: [https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/what-is-an-electric-bike.html]