We’ve compiled 10 quick tips to help you make an informed choice when buying your next e-bike — whether you’re looking for a smooth ride to get around town or something more powerful for off-road adventures on the weekend.
The three electric bike classes are defined by their maximum assisted speed and whether or not they have a throttle.
The class of e-bike you choose will depend upon your needs and preferences.
If you want to go fast, then consider a Class 3 e-bike. If you want the added benefit of pedal assist and don’t mind putting in some of the hard work yourself, then a Class 1 will be your best bet.
If you’re looking for a purely recreational e-bike, or you just something that will allow you to get around town without breaking a sweat, then a Class 2 might be what you need.
E-bikes come in a variety of types, each designed for various riding styles. For those wanting an electric bike for short city commutes or urban riding, a commuter or folding e-bike is ideal.
If you’re looking for something with the ability to handle varied terrain, a fat tire or hybrid e-bike is recommended. For something that can handle heavy-duty off-roading, such as rocky trails with sharp inclines or declines, a mountain e-bike is a must.
For cyclists wanting a sportier ride, city/street e-bikes are light and fast. Alternatively, cargo e-bikes feature a heavier and thicker frame, allowing the rider to cart heavier loads as needed.
The style of electric bike you choose should reflect how you’ll be using it. For example, if you want to use your e-bike to go grocery shopping, you’ll want to get a cargo e-bike with a heavier frame and plenty of storage capacity.
Pedal assist and throttle are two different ways of controlling the amount of power you send to the e-bike’s motor. The pedal assist operates by detecting when you’re pedaling and then automatically increasing the motor’s power to help you along. The throttle works by allowing you to push a button directly on your handlebars (or simply twist them) to control the speed.
The main difference between these two types of electric bike features is that with a throttle, you can ride without pedaling at all. With a pedal assist e-bike, however, you must still pedal for the motor to kick in and help you along.
The main difference between the two types of electric bike motor is that a hub motor is located in the rear wheel, while a mid-drive system is placed inside the frame.
Hub motors are cheaper and easier to maintain, but they’re not as efficient as mid-drive systems. Mid-drive bikes are more expensive, but they also offer more torque and power than hub motor models, as well as longer range.
It’s important to consider the pros and cons of each motor when choosing the ideal model for you.
Torque-sensing and cadence-sensing are the two primary forms of pedal assist systems (PAS). Cadence sensors measure the number of times that you pedal per minute, while torque sensors measure how hard you are pushing.
While torque sensors are more expensive than cadence sensors, they use less battery and offer a more realistic riding experience that’s in sync with your movements. Cadence sensors are easier to install and therefore come at a cheaper price tag than e-bikes with torque sensing. They’re less efficient when climbing hills, however, so are better suited for casual, flat-terrain riders who don’t need the extra power that torque sensing offers.
The battery range and power of an electric bike are two of the most important factors to consider when buying. If you intend to ride your e-bike on long trips, you’ll need a model that has a long battery life.
The battery range is affected by how much weight your bike is carrying, as well as the terrain and your riding style. The more you rely on your e-bike’s motor for propulsion, the more you’ll drain the battery.
But the larger your battery capacity, the more distance you can travel between charges.
A good rule of thumb for determining how much power you need is to consider what kind of riding you plan to do. If you’re planning on taking long rides through mountainous areas, then go for a bike with more power.
On the other hand, if you’re just going to use your e-bike around town or on flat terrain, then less power will suffice.
The weight of your electric bike is an important factor in determining how much work you’ll have to do while riding it. A heavier bike will require more effort from your muscles and tendons, while a lighter one will allow you to pedal with less exertion. That said, a heavier e-bike may have a more powerful motor and battery.
E-bikes can range in weight from 18 pounds to upwards of 70 pounds, however, the most common weight for a standard electric bike (including motor and battery) is around 45-55 pounds. This can vary depending on what type of motor is used, but if you’re looking for something sturdy yet easy to maneuver, keep this number in mind when shopping around.
Service and maintenance are important for the long-term health of your electric bike. All e-bikes need regular service, but the frequency will vary by manufacturer.
Most manufacturers recommend servicing your bike every 500 to 1,000 miles, with some requiring more frequent visits depending on the type of riding you do (for example, if you commute in heavy traffic or ride off-road).
If you’re unsure whether your model requires servicing, check out its user manual or contact the manufacturer directly before taking it to an authorized dealer for a tuneup.
Electric bikes come in all shapes, sizes, and prices. While some high-end e-bikes out there cost several thousand dollars, many budget electric bikes cost less than $1,000.
Generally, the more money you spend, the better quality bike you’ll get. More expensive models tend to be lighter, have better battery life, and offer more features than the cheaper ones.
The key to finding a good electric bike is doing your research and making sure that you’re buying from a reputable manufacturer. It also comes down to what features and specifications you’re looking for in an e-bike and how much money you’re willing to spend on them.
The length of a warranty is an important consideration when buying an electric bike. Most manufacturers offer a 1-year or 2-year warranty on their products, but it’s important to note that this doesn’t always cover wear and tear or mechanical failures.
Be sure to read through the manufacturer’s instructions thoroughly before riding your new bike for the first time so you know how to operate it safely and securely. Additionally, keep track of all maintenance records as well as any parts replaced during repairs, as this will help make for easier claims down the road.
Warranties vary widely from one manufacturer to another in terms of what they cover, so be sure you understand exactly what kind of protection comes with yours before purchasing an electric bike.
When you know what to look for, buying an electric bike is a lot easier. By following our top ten tips above, you can find one that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle with ease.
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What are the different “classes” of ebikes, and how should I choose between ebike classes when shopping for an ebike? These are common questions we get from visitors to Really Good Ebikes.
In this article, we break down the different classes, and help you decide which one will best meet your needs.
Federal Law
The federal government has defined and regulated “electric-assisted bicycles'' - commonly referred to as ebikes - since 2002. Under Public Law 107-319, electric bikes are governed by the same regulations that cover traditional, human-powered bicycles. Ebikes are regulated by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, and must comply with conventional bicycle safety standards.
For the purpose of federal regulations, ebikes are not “motor vehicles” and are thus not subject to vehicle standards set forth by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Public Law 107-319 is meant to ensure that electric bikes are designed, manufactured and tested like traditional bicycles for the purpose of consumer product safety law.
Under federal law, low-speed electric bicycles are defined as “a two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts (1 h.p.), whose maximum speed on a paved level surface, when powered solely by such a motor while ridden by an operator who weighs 170 pounds, is less than 20 mph.”
Wow, that’s a mouthful, but we will help translate that into normal human language. Importantly, this definition only provides the maximum assisted speed that an electric bike can travel when being powered only by the motor; it does not provide a maximum assisted speed when an ebike is being powered by a combination of human and motor power. Therefore, the maximum allowable speed will be whatever is allowed based on the local traffic laws, which all bicycle riders are subject to.
State Laws
Over 30 states have incorporated electric bikes into their traffic codes, regulating them in a manner similar to conventional bicycles. The remaining states have outdated laws that lack specific classifications for ebikes, and often treat ebikes as a moped or scooter. This has created a significant amount of confusion for consumers, manufacturers and retailers.
The advocacy group People for Bikes devised a three-class system to categorize electric bikes, allowing them to be regulated based on their maximum assisted speed and whether or not they have a throttle.
For all classes, the maximum power output is 750 watts (1 h.p.), and manufacturers and distributors of electric bicycles would be required to apply a class identification label to each electric bicycle.
Problems with Ebike Classes
Unfortunately, these classes of ebikes are somewhat disconnected from the reality of the market, which is dominated by models falling within the Class 2 definition. There are very few Class 1 or Class 3 ebikes available in the US. The simple fact is that ebike enthusiasts love their throttles, which allow you to ride your bike without the need for pedaling.
Most ebikes on the market today include a conventional geared drivetrain, so that you can shift gears like a regular bike, based on riding conditions. They also have a pedal assist system (PAS) which gives you a boost while pedaling, regardless of which gear you choose to ride in. And importantly, they have a twist or thumb throttle, which can engage the motor whether or not you choose to pedal. Ebike throttles are awesome, and it’s unfortunate that they have been stigmatized by bicycle advocacy groups and government regulators.
In fact, any ebike which exceeds the Class 2 criteria, by having a motor that exceeds 750W, has a throttle or can exceed 20 mph maximum assist speed, are basically treated like a moped or scooter. These are sometimes referred to as Class 4 motor vehicles, which require licensing and registration, and which are prohibited from use in bike lanes or on public trails.
Common Sense More Important Than Regulations
In our opinion, consumers should use common sense when shopping for ebikes, and not worry about the ever-changing regulatory landscape. When shopping for an ebike, it is much more important to focus on the type of rider you are, and what kind of riding you plan on doing, than to worry about the various overlapping and sometimes conflicting regulations set forth by local, state, regional and federal regulators.
If you want a bike that is comfortable to ride, with an upright riding posture that relieves strain on the neck, shoulders and arms, then you should focus your search on cruiser style ebikes. If you want a bike that is easy to mount and dismount, then check out all of the step-thru models available. If you plan on riding on rough, unpaved trails, a fat tire electric mountain bike may be the best choice for you. Only then, after considering the frame style, you can look at motor power and throttle type. For most riders, a 350W or 500W motor will have sufficient power for most riding conditions. However, if you are a hunter who plans on towing a heavy load, or if you yourself weigh over 250 pounds, then a 750W or 1000W motor would be preferable.
While we are not scofflaws and do not advocate breaking rules, we do not believe that your choice of ebikes should be driven by any specific set of regulations. Moreover, there are no markings on ebikes which specify their class, nominal motor wattage or maximum level of assistance, so it’s really impossible to tell which class an ebike is just by looking at it. Likewise, we do not believe that traffic cops or park rangers have the knowledge or inclination to cite riders for violating obscure ebike classification standards. That being said, it is crucially important that you follow the rules of the road, do not exceed posted speed limits, and always wear a helmet.
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