Buying an electric bicycle
Buying an electric bicycle requires research on how they work, the different classes and types of electric bikes, cost, and the most reliable e-bike brands. The best e-bike is the one that fits your lifestyle, price point, and features profile.
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What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes are bicycles with battery-powered motors that assist with pedaling. Some electric bikes can also power the bike on their own, so you can take a break from pedaling and use a handlebar-mounted throttle to control your speed.
In the United States, electric bikes are broken down into Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 e-bikes.
Class 1 e-bike: These bikes only give pedal assistance; they don't have a throttle that can propel the bike on its own. The top speed of the motor is limited to 20 mph. You can ride a Class 1 e-bike everywhere you can take a normal bike.
Class 2 e-bike: This bike has both pedal-assist and throttle, so you can use the motor to propel the bike without pedaling. The top speed of the motor is limited to 20 mph. In most states, a Class 2 e-bike can be ridden anywhere a normal bike can, but some areas may not allow a Class 2 bike on naturally paved or single-track dirt trails.
Class 3 e-bike: This pedal-assisted bike can hit 28 mph. It doesn't have a throttle, and the motor will shut off once you hit 28 mph. The big downside to a Class 3 bike is that you can't ride them on unpaved surfaces or multi-use trails in most states. However, you can ride them on roads and in bike lanes.
How much does an e-bike cost?
The cost of an e-bike depends on the type of e-bike, the brand, and the features you choose. You can pick up a bare-bones electric bike for around $400. Prices can run over $8,000 for a high-end model. In general, expect to pay between $1,000 and $2,000 for a standard e-bike, according to REI.
What to look for in an electric bike
In addition to price, there are a few factors that will help you make a final decision on buying an electric bicycle:
Battery life
When buying an e-bike, it's important to consider the battery capacity, which indicates how much energy the battery can store. A higher capacity allows for longer rides, while a lower capacity is suitable for short commutes. One charge, depending on your battery capacity and your power consumption, can last 15-35 miles. The typical e-bike battery will last 500-1,000 charge cycles, according to Really Good EBikes.
Speed
The speed of an e-bike is determined by its class and limited by federal regulations. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes are limited to 20 mph, which may be suitable for more casual or inexperienced e-bike riders. If you want a higher-powered e-bike, Class 3 e-bikes are limited to 28 mph but come with more restrictions on where they're allowed to operate. All classes are allowed on roads and bike lanes.
Lifestyle
The best e-bike is one that suits your lifestyle. If you're using an e-bike to commute, it's worth considering safety features that will protect you on the road. If you're buying an e-bike for exercise, consider the battery capacity and power of the e-bike for longer, more intense rides. If you want to take things off road, consult an expert to get the right bike size and features to maximize your experience.
Brands
The best e-bike brands offer reliable bikes that deliver safety, updated features, and fun. The best brands also offer warranties and replacement parts. Here are a few brands to consider when you're deciding where to buy an electric bike:
Aventon offers a wide selection of e-bikes, including commuter bikes, fat tire e-bikes, and folding e-bikes. If you're looking for value and an e-bike that's easy to get around in the city, the Soltera.2 e-bike is a popular, affordable choice.
Rad Power Bikes is another popular e-bike brand. If you need a practical bike that's designed for carrying kids or cargo, the RadWagon™ 5 Electric Cargo Bike is showcased as a replacement for the minivan.
SUPER73, "the original electric motorbike," offers a higher-end bike designed for the rough and tumble. If you're seeking high performance, the SUPER73-R Adventure Series Core could be a good place to start.
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