Electric bikes are revolutionizing the way we travel, making commuting, fitness, and outdoor adventures accessible and fun. They are useful both as a fun recreational tool and a powerful one for car ownership, making them a versatile tool for millions of people in the US and around the world.
Whether you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint, avoid traffic, or enjoy the thrill of a steep climb, there's a lot to love about ee bikes. And now that the holiday shopping season is upon us, more people than ever will be jumping on a new e-bike soon. But before you jump in and get your own, here are 10 important things you should know.
1. Understand the different classes of bicycles
In the US, e-bikes come in three main classes, each with different capabilities. These classes affect the bikes speed and how the engine works, which means they will have a big impact on how and where you can use your bike:
• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, maximum power 750W, and maximum speed under the power of the car is 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Class 2: Pedal-assist or throttle, maximum power 750W, and maximum speed under the power of the car is 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, maximum power 750W, and maximum speed under the power of the car is 28 mph (45 km/h).
Not all states in the US use the three-tier system, but most do. You should check to see if yours is one of them. Although it doesn't matter what class of e-bike you have on most public roads and bike paths, there are certain areas, such as mountain bike trails or certain bike paths, that are limited to Class 1 bikes only. Understanding this classification is important because it can determine where you can legally ride and how fast the bike will allow you to go.
2. Distance is key (but not always accurate)
When buying an e-bike, pay close attention to the range, which indicates how far you can go on a single charge. The range can vary based on factors such as terrain, rider weight, and how much you use pedal-assist or throttle.
Most e-bikes claim a range of between 30-60 miles (and some much more), but most of these ranges are unrealistic. They are usually calculated using a very low pedal assist level, resulting in longer rates per charge by using the bike in its lowest power mode.
Unless the company specifically lists the range for each power level, then the general rule of thumb is to cut the advertised range value in half to get the real-world range, especially if you're considering an e-powered throttle bike, since e-bike manufacturers don't list the range throttle only.
Another way to compare range is to ignore the actual mileage figure and instead compare the battery size, usually listed in watt hours (Wh). This is the actual capacity of the battery, and a good basis for comparison. The weight and design of different bikes can still cause mileage differences, but comparing watt hours is still the best proxy for actual mileage comparisons.
3. Consider your needs when choosing a style of e-bike
There are many different styles of e-bikes out there, from utility and cargo bikes to folding and fitness e-bikes, and everything in between.
If you plan to use your e-bike for grocery runs, commuting, or even carrying the kids, think about your storage needs. Some e-bikes come with built-in racks or baskets, while others offer them as add-ons. There are even cargo bikes designed to carry heavy loads, making them a great alternative to a car for running errands.
If you plan to use your e-bike for fitness, a lighter weight model labeled as a road bike is probably a better choice.
If you plan to ride a natural road or mountain bike, then a fat tire bike or an electric mountain bike is probably the best option.
For riders looking for a single bike that can work for the widest range of conditions, then a hybrid between an e-bike and a fat tire e-bike, such as the RadRunner or Lectric XP 3.0 styled e-bike is a good compromise. They can be loaded with cargo or passengers, ridden on and off-road, and still compact.
4. Maintenance is similar to normal bicycles
Although e-bikes have motors and batteries, most of their maintenance is the same as traditional bikes. Always check tire pressure, brakes, and chain lubrication. The engine and battery may require occasional software updates or special maintenance, but overall, ee bikes are designed to be easy to use.
If you're new to bike repair, it might be a good idea to find a friendly local bike shop that can help you with regular bike inspections, and you can call if you ever need service. This is especially true if you are buying your e-bike online from a direct manufacturer, as you are expected to repair and maintain it yourself.
5. Battery life and charging tips
Most e-bikes come with lithium-ion batteries, which usually last somewhere between 500-1,000 full charge cycles. This will vary depending on the type of battery cells and the care given to the battery during its life.
To extend battery life, avoid completely draining the battery and try not to leave it fully charged for long periods of time when storing the bike. A general rule of thumb is if you're not going to use the bike for more than a week, leave the battery slightly less than fully charged, like 80-90%. If you won't be using the bike for a month or more, like in the winter, try to keep the battery at about 50% charge.
Charging times for e-bike batteries can vary, but most e-bikes take 4-6 hours to fully charge. You can plug them into any standard wall outlet, making charging easy. You can also get a second charger if you'd like to keep it on the job, but make sure you get a spare charger that matches your bike's voltage and charge rating. It is best to purchase another charger from your e-bike manufacturer, unless you are familiar with electronics and can be sure to match the voltage and amperage correctly.
6. Pedal-assist vs. Throttle mode
Most e-bikes sold in the US offer pedal and throttle modes. This is different from Europe, where almost all e-bikes do not have throttles due to local regulations.
Pedal-assist increases your pedaling effort, making it easier to climb hills or ride long distances without tiring. Throttle mode, available on Class 2 e-bikes (and most e-bikes sold in the US as “Class 3 Capabilities”), allows you to ride without pedaling.
Consider how you plan to ride, as this can influence what type of bike you should get. Most Americans prefer a bike with a throttle just in case, but a pedal-assist-only bike can be a great way to make sure you get a good workout and don't go back to using the throttle too often.
7. Weight of the bike
E-bikes tend to be heavier than traditional bikes due to the motor and battery, as well as the rugged frame. Most e-bikes range from 45-75 pounds (20-35 kg), but lighter and heavier e-bikes can also be found.
The higher end of that range may sound intimidating, but this weight is usually not noticeable when riding. However, the added weight of heavy e-bikes can certainly be a factor when lifting or moving the bike. If you're going to store your bike in an apartment or need to carry it upstairs, think about how comfortable it is to carry the extra weight.
8. Invest in a good key
Since e-bikes can be a bigger investment than traditional bikes, theft prevention is important. At the very least, you should invest in a high-quality key.
Ideally, two locks of different styles are chosen. For example, using a heavy-duty U-lock or rolling lock paired with a chain lock will show thieves that it's probably not worth the extra time and risk of trying to defeat two different locks.
One of my favorite locks is the Foldylock Forever, which is compact but very heavy and secure. You can see my review of it here.
Many e-bikes come with built-in GPS tracking or offer optional tracking devices, adding an extra layer of safety. Even adding a small tracking device like the Apple AirTag can be a good idea and give you more peace of mind.
9. E-bikes can save you money
While e-bikes may seem like a significant upfront investment, they can save you money in the long run. By using an e-bike for commuting, you will save on fuel, parking costs, and car maintenance.
Additionally, charging an e-bike is very expensive compared to refueling a car—it usually costs a few cents per charge.
10. Test ride before buying
Finally, it's always a good idea to test-ride a few different models before buying. E-bikes come in many shapes and sizes—whether it's a commuter bike, a folding model, or an off-road fat tire option. A test ride helps you get a feel for the bike's comfort, handling, and features, ensuring you choose the right one for your needs.
Your local bike shop will likely have several bike models available for you to test ride. Most direct-to-consumer bikes available online won't have many options for on-site testing, but you may have a friend with an e-bike (or two!) who can let you try them out.
E-bikes are a great way to improve your transportation, whether it's for commuting, exercising, or just enjoying the outdoors.
By knowing the basics and planning ahead, you'll be better able to choose the right e-bike for your lifestyle and enjoy all the benefits these various machines have to offer!
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