Some History
E-bikes (electric bicycles) have been around for over two decades – they are not a new idea, but are increasingly getting more attention! Since the start, e-bikes have come a long way. Over the last while, momentum is gaining and the cost to purchase them has lowered. The cost of owning an e-bike is far less than an automobile – and there are many health benefits with riding versus driving.
Types of E-bikes
Electric bicycles are just motorized versions of regular bikes. There are several kinds, and we list a breakdown of the differences below.
Street/Road Bikes: Street/Road bicycles with a motor are meant for moving around cities and towns. They don’t tend to have as much power as an electric motorbike, but they can still drive at a good speed. They brake well, and they have good acceleration so that you can manage traffic lights. Street bikes may or may not be legal to use on bicycles paths, bikes lanes, and streets. It really depends on the city.
Mountain Bikes: Some people might consider this cheating, but others have found that the electronic version gives them the ability to reach places they couldn’t go to normally. They have more capacity on average and a good battery – therefore your trips can be long and you can go mountain biking for a while.
Tricycles and Pedicabs: Pedicabs and three-wheel bikes are popular in tourist areas. You will often see a few people being driven around in them by their driver. Many pedicabs are still pedal-powered, but this is considered more of a novelty. Instead, by using a small motor, people can still get around easily using this charming mode, but with more speed.
Folding Bikes: The folding e-bikes are almost always just street bicycles, but they fold up, meaning that they are relatively easier to transport around due to their size. They are also simpler to carry and take up much less room to store. One disadvantage though, is that they are heavier.
The Laws and Regulations
Pay very close attention to laws and regulations surrounding the use of e-bikes. They are still new enough that local laws haven’t caught up with them and so some cities treat them like regular bikes and others treat them like cars. In some cities, you can use the bicycles lanes, bikes paths, trails and off-street bikeways. In other places, you need a license and cannot use the bikes paths. You must be a minimum age to operate an e-bike in at least forty states and provinces. Usually, that age is 14-16 years or older. However, in Quebec, you must be 18. So please check the laws regarding age restrictions in your area. Each state and province have varied rules and regulations. Make sure that you are aware of your municipality laws before riding.
What is E-Bike Technology Like?
An e-bike consists of a motor, battery, and a display. The display provides information such as the remaining battery life, speed, distance travelled and sometimes more. Obviously, motors and batteries can differ in size and power and are why the cost will vary.
Electric bicycles have several more parts than normal bicycle and more parts mean more chances for problems to pop up. E-bikes are heavier than regular pedal bicycles. Most of the time when you are biking you won’t notice. If, however, you happen to run out of power while going up a hill, you may begin to notice the extra weight of the motor and battery pack.
On the note of running out of electricity, don’t forget to charge your battery after each ride. Also, don’t let your e-bike sit unused for too long. Lithium-Ion batteries last 2-5 years and an SLA battery lasts 1 to 2 years, so keep that lifespan in mind.
Do You Need to Pedal When Using an E-bike?
When you push the pedals on a pedal-assisted bicycle, a small motor engages, therefore giving you a push. You will be able to bicycle up hills and cruise through rough terrain without using much, if any, of your own power. E-bikes feel just like a regular pedal bicycle, but they are much more powerful and can accelerate quicker. This allows you to travel long distances in a shorter period of time!
Do I Need a Licence or Registration for My E-Bike in Chicago?
Please check for the most current information regarding the laws in your area.
How Far Can I Go On an E-Bike?
Electric bicycles claim to do anywhere from 16 – 128 km (10 – 80 miles) per charge – depending on the conditions in which you are riding. E-bike batteries are phenomenal when it comes to convenience! If you can find an outlet then you can charge your battery. Most batteries can be fully charged in 5 – 8 hours.
Things to Consider When Purchasing an E-bike
We’ve put together the following items for you to consider before you get your bike so that you end up with the bicycle you need, and want.
What do you need? Which features are important to you and what is not so important? Long-distance rides, lightweight, foldable, comfort, hill climbing, power – these are all things you want to think about when deciding which e-bike is the best fit for you.
Where should you purchase your bicycle? We offer a wide variety of e-bikes, parts, accessories, clothing etc. Of course, there are brick and mortar stores too if you prefer.
How much are you willing to spend? Remember the sentence “you get what you pay for”? A high-quality e-bike will come with a correspondingly higher price tag. On the flip side, e-bikes do pay for themselves with consistent use by saving you money in fuel costs, monthly insurance payments, maintenance costs, parking, and health, so think of your e-bike purchase as more of an investment
What are your riding abilities? Are you new to cycling, or are you looking for something to increase your game? Do you need an e-bike that can run all day or just for an hour or so? Will it be used daily, or just for occasional pleasure? It is important to spend some time doing some research, considering all of your needs, and generally taking some time to figure out what you want out of your electric bike so that you can make the best possible decision. We want you to acquire an e-bike that will be perfect for you!