Hello and welcome. I'm Scott and this is the BikeRide.com
electric bike guide, where we're going to show you
how to find your perfect bike. Now, I don't know about you,
but personally, when I'm biking, I like going downhill
a little bit better than going up. Now, e-bikes
might just change that perspective, giving you a little bit of boost
or a lot depending on what you're riding. But if you're new to the E-bike game
or let's be honest, even if you're keeping up with the times,
the amount of new technology, terminology and genre busting builds
that are out on the market currently can make it borderline
overwhelming. Just look behind me at a few of the models
that are available, and you can see that
the market is literally endless right now, there's a lot of options for consumers when they're out there
searching for their next e-bike. Well, today, the team at Bike ride dot
com has got your back, It's the next best thing to stopping
by the studio and riding them yourself. So you don't want to miss this. Before we dive in, if you want to fast
track your search for the perfect ebike the team at BikeRide.com
has designed our best electric bike list based on thousands of expert
and user reviews. Bike Ride also offers
featured biking events in your area, repair guides and reviews
on all the newest bikes, e-bikes and gear. Let me show you how to use it
to find your perfect bike. You'll probably notice
that we use a special number the BikeRide score to rank bikes
and accelerate your search, saving you time and money
so you can get out and enjoy the ride. The bike ride score ranks
bikes, parts and accessories from 0 to 100 to indicate how much they are liked
by users and experts. to calculate the bike ride score. We gather all expert reviews and user
ratings that can be found online. We calculate the average of all reviews
and ratings from 0 to 100. We then adjust the score
based on the credibility and experience of each expert
and the number of user and expert ratings. Low quality or biased reviews and spam
ratings are filtered out. If you want to read more
about how we calculate and score bikes,
check out the full article online. This score is shown on our site and used to organize and form
the best e-bike lists, making it easy for you to search
and find your perfect bike. follow me to the BikeRide.com
website's best e-bike list. From here, let's refine the search. From the sidebar, you can find and refine almost any attribute to help you
in your search for the perfect bike. Simply check or uncheck boxes
to select options. You can choose from items
like the bike type, electric or non-electric price range
and so much more. Want to know the bikes with a top
speed of over 28 miles per hour? Or how about which bike has the largest
battery capacity? The BikeRide.com score is a powerful tool for finding your favorite bike
and seeing what's available today. It's essential that you can easily find
the information you need, so be sure to check out BikeRide.com as we work hard
to keep you up to date and out riding. Now let's get started by talking
about what an e-bike is. Electric bikes use an electric motor along with pedals and some of the gearing
of a traditional bicycle. This helps riders to travel longer
distances and up more hills than would otherwise be possible
with their own energy. Most bikes
use a system known as pedal assist. This means that rider input
is helped along by the motor. Electric bikes are great for anyone
looking to travel further
than they could on an unpowered bike. This makes e-bikes suitable
for seniors, cyclists and riders with compromised ability. Some e-bikes offer throttle only power, which means that riders can accelerate
without pedaling at all. The uses for an e-bike are as varied
as the uses for regular bicycles. So what can I use an e-bike for commuting? There are probably more electric bikes
designed for commuting than any other purpose. The benefits are multiple. you can use an e-bike
to replace a vehicle commute. By doing so,
you can avoid the cost of fuel, car maintenance,
registration, tolls and parking. You'll also reduce your carbon footprint and any emissions
you would otherwise contribute by driving. It can replace your public transit commute
so you won't have to pay for bus or train tickets. And you can avoid standing in crowds
and queues by switching to e-bikes. You'll never have to waste time around
at a bus station stop or a train station. Your electric bike lets
you commute much longer distances than you could
by pedal power alone. Not only this, you can arrive
at your destination without being exhausted
or drenched in sweat. For some riders,
it's all about ripping it up off road. There are dedicated, high powered mountain bikes
that are made just for this purpose. They'll help you make those exhausting
climbs that precede an awesome descent. E Gravel is the most recent off
road biking genre. E Gravel bikes give riders the option
to hit higher speeds and longer distances on flatter
dirt and gravel roads. Many casual cyclists are seeking
an extra boost on a weekend ride or a family outing. E-bikes have the potential
to even out the fitness level between energetic youngsters
and easygoing grandparents. They also offer a less
exhausting way to run errands or make short, sharp runs. Professionally, an e-bike can be an
important part of a job or small business. If this is you, you'll be looking
for a bike that's powerful, durable and sturdy enough
to haul your required cargo. Large battery capacities
feature on delivery and cargo bikes in order to handle big loads
and long days, for whatever reason,
you may have limited ability to cycle. This could be due to age, injury
or physical disability. E-bikes can be a great way
to supplement or rebuild strength
depending on your intended use. You'll have different requirements
concerning motor wattage, battery capacity, torque, build and configuration. Electric bikes are available in almost every style
that regular bikes are available in. Whether you're looking for something
to get you to work or you want a hardcore full suspension rig to help
you get to the top of that gnarly mountain trail, there's an e-bike available
to meet your needs. At this time,
the most popular types of e-bikes are commuters and urban bikes,
and many riders are looking for an e-bike that can get them to work over long
distances or without working up a sweat. So for an electric commuting bike,
you'll want all the features that you would see
in a pedal powered commuter, plus a moderately powered
motor and battery capacity. Unless you're commuting
exceptionally long distances, tough locks
and a removable battery are essential if you're going to be locking
your e-bike up in a public area. Folding
e-bikes are also popular as commuters. They suit a multi-model work commute
that also involves using a train, bus, car or ferry. For some riders, they can be used
in conjunction with travel to suit being transported by car
or stowed in a mobile home or a boat. A folder may suit you
if you live in an apartment. Because a good folding bike is small light
and often used for shorter distances. This means that you can get away
with a less powerful motor
and a battery of moderate capacity. These factors help to lower the overall
weight of an electric folding bike. Electric mountain bikes are available in both hardtail and full suspension
varieties. These are ideal for avoiding exhaustion
on all day rides by hauling riders
to the top of downhill runs. Some mountain bikers just like to ride
for longer distances without exhaustion. If you're a senior writer, less able
or recovering from an injury, these bikes can be ideal for keeping up
with friends or family members. You'll be looking for a high torque motor
to get you out of difficult situations
on less stable surfaces. Electric mountain bikes
can be thirsty for power, so you may want to have a higher capacity
battery. Alternatively, you can keep a second
fully charged battery on hand. If mountain bikes are now permitted
in most national parks, but in certain areas
they are still restricted. So make sure you check out
relevant laws in your local area. Hauling heavy tires through snow, mud or sand can get tiring and limit rides
to shorter distances. The extra boost from a pedal assist system can allow riders to carry
more and ride further. A powerful motor and high capacity
battery are really important here. But electric fat bikes
are not just a niche choice. Many first time
e-bike riders head straight for a badass do anything
monster truck look and floaty ride style. These offer, they can be provided
by these big balloon style tires. And there's many models to choose from in all price ranges,
but they do have some drawbacks. Electric road bikes. Electric road bikes allow riders to ride
for longer at faster speeds. They assist less able or older riders
to maintain pace with their riding group. Most electric road cyclists
prefer to pedal actively throughout a ride, and accordingly electric road bikes are configured
to rely on active pedal assist. Throttles are less common,
and most of these bikes are lightweight and are equipped with streamlined motors and batteries that are smaller
than those found on other electric bikes. Because e-road bikes are so lightweight,
the decrease in motor size and the battery capacity does not necessarily translate
to less power or battery range. Gravel A recent sector of e-bikes
has appeared with the emergence of. Gravel bikes. You'll be looking for all the usual gravel
bike features available in your price range, plus a few specific to the electric
bike world. Gravel is more of a performance sector. High speeds, long distances and efficiency
are all priorities. As such, you might look for lightweight
builds with high capacity batteries. Cargo for every household. E-Cargo bikes offer
an exciting alternative to the family car. Some families have even sold their second
or only vehicle after purchasing a versatile cargo e-bike. High quality specimens can be configured
to carry two children in conjunction with a load of groceries for anyone
employed in the delivery business. Electric bikes provide a cheap
means of transporting cargo, especially in urban areas. Running costs are low. Also, an electric bike can easily
weave its way through heavy traffic and won't need a parking spot
when it reaches its destination. Electric
cargo bikes are usually quite heavy in conjunction with the big loads
that they're expected to lug. The drain
on batteries can be considerable, so look for a high capacity battery
or a dual battery system. You'll also need a reasonably powerful
motor and a system
that expresses considerable torque. Retro. For some, a retro styled e-bike is the way to go. If this is the direction you're heading,
then performance and speed
probably aren't your top priorities. As such, you can get away with less torque
and a moderately powered motor. Even so, some of these frames are large
and heavy, so you'll need at least enough battery and enough
to reach the optimum cruising speed. In many countries, Pedal
assist e-bikes are the only e-bikes that can be ridden without a license
or registration in the United States. These are categorized as Class
one and Class three e-bikes. The motor kicks in when you begin pedaling
and on the best electric bikes. This feeling is very intuitive. It should allow you to maintain
a desired level of input and fitness according to the level of assistance
that you choose. Most e-bikes have 3 to 5 levels of pedal
assist available. They'll also give you the option of
disabling the motor with no pedal assist. Your e-bike acts like a regular
but very heavy pushbike. Here's a rundown of an average
three level pedal assist system. Level one or eco mode. This is the lowest mode
and is optimized for maximum range. some manufacturers will claim up to an in excess of 60 miles. The level of assist offered
here is usually 25% to 80% of the maximum available. It suits level terrain
and a decent amount of rider input. Level two or normal. At this level,
you're looking at 100% 250% assist in addition to the rider's pedal input. This level provides
more torque on take off from a standstill Level three or high at this level,
you can expect a maximum of 200% assistance
from your motor. It's great for steep climbs and headwinds,
but your range is greatly reduced at this level, so it's best reserved
for short bursts or when you're in need. Throttle only. This is fairly self-explanatory. Some e-bikes offer a throttle only option activated by a grip shift, lever
or button. Using this method,
you can activate a motor without pedaling. And these bikes generally come under the legal category of a class
two e-bike in the United States. Many of these also feature
multi-level pedal assist options. So keep in mind that working the throttle unassisted
will drain the battery fairly quickly. before you can make sense
of the e-bike options available to you. It's helpful to get a basic understanding
of e-bike terminology. So let's take a look at some terms. The first one is watt hours on your E-bike. Watt hours
is a measure of available energy. This is probably the most
important measurement to look at in your e-bike specs. It will be abbreviated as a w h
and is the most reliable measurement of your bike's capacity in
gas guzzling terminology. Think of it as the size of your fuel tank. In simple terms, the higher the number of watt hours, the more range
that is available to you. The amount of energy that your battery has
available is known as its capacity. Watt hours can be calculated
if you have access to the voltage and amp hour power figures for your bike's
battery capacity. It's a simple calculation. 24 volts at 20 amp hours
would equal 480 watt, 36 volts at ten amp hours
would equal 360 watt hours. So what does it mean? The term watt hours. Watts are a unit of power
Watt hours is a measurement of power used over a period of time
and represents a measure of energy in terms of what you need to know
regarding your e-bike purchase. A 250 watt hour
battery can deliver 250 watts for one hour by 500 watts for 30 minutes
or 125 watts for 2 hours. So how does that translate to your ride? If you're really working
the throttle at its limit, your battery will last
half the time that it would be if you were running the battery
at half of its capacity. Simply put, lay off the juice and contribute some pedal power
and your battery lasts longer. A bigger battery will take you further,
but can add considerable weight. But how far I hear you ask? This varies
according to a number of factors, And this can dramatically affect
energy consumption you can expect a burn rate of 17 watt hours per mile on average. It can be much more or much less,
depending on countless factors. But this is a realistic number
to start with. a 36 volt ten amp hour battery pack
with 360 watt hours of capacity would in theory provide approximately
22 miles of range from a 100% full charge. from this info, you can easily work out
that a battery would be suitable for you. If your commute is shorter than 22 miles
return, in reference to an e-bikes battery amp hours should always be listed
for the buyer of a new bike. amp hours is useful in calculating
watt hours hours will almost always be within the range of eight amp hours
to 28 hours. Voltage voltage
relates to the entire system on an e-bike. Voltage pushes the flow of energy
and generally adds to the speed. The higher the voltage,
the faster your e-bike can go. Usually new e-bike systems
sit between 24 volts and 48 bolts,
but there are also 52 volt options. Now that you get the basics. Let's take a look at some of the important
components that make up an e-bike. Starting with the batteries. The battery pack you see on e-bikes
looks like a singular unit. It usually takes the appearance
of a long black box Within this battery pack,
a number of smaller battery units are connected together in succession
and to form a pack. Once you've got the basic
technical factors sorted, you can understand your battery needs. The experts advise to seek out a battery that offers a slightly longer range
than what you'll usually need. Many first timers aim for a huge battery in an effort to cover the longest
possible ride. The problem here is that large batteries
add considerable weight. This extra weight slows you down
and requires more power to overcome. Creating a bit of a Catch 22 situation. In any event, a slightly more than
what's needed is a good yardstick. Some bikes come pre-configured
to accept a dual battery setup. This means that you can keep
your weight down and use a single battery on less demanding trips
while having the option to slot in a second battery on epic quests
and trips to the lumber yard. many bags also come with a lockable
battery. You'll be provided with a key that will allow you to lock your battery
pack to your bike's frame. Almost all modern battery
packs are removable, and this allows you to charge the battery
wherever a convenient outlet is located. Just as importantly, it allows you
to remove the pack to prevent theft. We've discussed
how technical factors relate to range, but what should you expect
when you're shopping around? If you're consulting a seller
about your needs, they should be able to give you
some advice based on a few factors. It's a good idea to either consult
an expert who can give you trusted advice or to use the information
available to assess the specifications listed for new e-bikes. The reason for this is that some vendors
and manufacturers may overstate. Range expectations. Using either of these methods,
an expert or yourself should assess your needs
based on their genre and style of writing, and the amount of pedaling
that you contribute versus the amount of pedal assist
that you require and your own weight. The average range of an e-bike
using moderate levels of assist is around 20 to 35 miles. Do you need more than this in a day? For most riders commuting needs,
this is ample for bigger cargo needs. You may need more power
and a bigger battery. Previously,
we mentioned how range is affected by a number of factors,
including wind, elevation, pedal effort and the combined
weight of you and your cargo. Your range is also influenced
by how you use your motor. A lot of stop starting and throttling
will tear through juice in rapid fashion, One of the factors that is mostly outside of the riders
control is outside temperature. Both extremes of weather
can lead to deficits in battery capacity. First in the short term, then eventually degrading the capacity
on a long term basis. Most batteries are expected to last
for 300 to 1000 charge cycles or for around 3 to 5 years. After this period, your battery will not last
as long as it did when it was box fresh. It's natural for a battery life
to reduce over time, and most major brands
give their batteries a two year warranty. So experts advise bikers to seek a battery that has at least a two year
warranty at a minimum. A battery should be charged
at least every three months, and it's a good idea to make every effort
to prolong your battery life as they can cost from a few hundred
to as much as 1500 dollars to replace. Let's take a look at charging. Manufacturers will often state
how long it takes to fully charge
the battery on an e-bike model. And this information can be invaluable
if you're someone who has a long commute. You might need to charge up
for a few hours at your destination, or you might not have this opportunity. Charging times vary
according to the capacity of your battery
and the amperage of your charger. Two amp and three amp chargers are common
stock options that are often sold with new e-bikes. If your e-bike comes
with a four amp charger, you're in luck. This is considered to be a fast charger. According to recent figures,
the average price of electricity in the United States
is 13.7 cents per kilowatt hour. There are 1000
watt hours in one kilowatt hour, so a 251 hour battery will cost less than $0.04
to fully charge. A fully juiced 500 watt hour
battery would cost you less than $0.07. Next, let's talk about your controller. This device is the brain of your e-bike,
and it's connected to your bike's battery motor
and if present your throttle. It controls the movement of power
from the battery to the motor by pulsing on and off very quickly. This function is known as pulse width
modulation or PWM It prevents excess stress
and overheating of your battery, as well as ensuring
that your motor doesn't overheat. What this means
is that you can't instantly slam the throttle from a dead stop
to full bore. The controller sets a limit for how many
amps are allowed to flow to the motor. This is known as the controllers
maximum amp rating. As we'll soon see this radically affects how much power is available to you. Many sellers
will advertise their e-bike models, according to the Motors wattage. Mostly you'll see 250 watt, 350. 500 and 750 watt e-bikes. At first, this may come across
as a straightforward way to determine the power of your desired e-bike. However,
wattage means very little on its own. It's important to take into account
your battery's voltage and the maximum current in amps
that your e-bikes controller can handle. An e-bike with a 36 volt battery and a 15
amp controller is capable of putting out 540 watts at peak power or 36 times 15 equals 540. This is the case even if it's advertised
as having a 250 watt motor. So you might be getting more power
than you originally expected. the intricacies of e-bike power
ratings can become very detailed. You can find resources online
to satisfying your deepest level of curiosity. But for now, let's go into some of
the other characteristics of Ebike motors. There are two main types of ebike motor. Each being positioned
differently on your new bike. And they both have benefits and drawbacks. Hub Motors are situated
within the hub of an e-bikes rear or front wheel on new e-bikes. Rear hub driven motors are most common. They're the most affordable option
available. Front driven
hub motors are becoming less popular and are usually found on
electric conversions of standard bicycles. Hub motors can be either geared or direct drive
geared. Hub motors use internal nylon gears
to reduce the motors output to optimal speed and efficiency. This makes them more complicated,
but lighter than direct drive systems. They offer more torque and are a bit
noisier than direct drive systems, Hub Motor Benefits. Hub motors are usually the cheaper option as a reliable, self-contained system. It requires minimal maintenance. If your chain breaks, you can ride home solely on the power of the electric hub. If your hub motor fails, you can
pedal home using your bike's drive train. The hub motor puts less stress on the bike's other gear and components. Some things to consider about hub systems. Hub driven systems
can overheat on long, steep climbs. They're generally heavier than mid drive options,
and tire changes can be more complicated
involving disconnecting motor wires. Direct drive motors
don't have any internal gears and geared hub motors have a single gear ratio
which can't be changed. Having a heavy hub motor on the rear
or front wheel can imbalance an e-bike and your spokes are more likely to break
due to the weight of the hub in the wheel. The width of a hub motor may also limit cassette gears to seven speeds. Entire width can be limited by the rim
that's attached to the hub motor. Hub motor cadence sensors can also result in jerky and awkward motor timing. Now let's look at Mid Drive motors. Mid Drive motors are situated
between the cranks on your e-bike, and these motors require a specific
kind of frame that accommodates a motor in place of a regular
bike's bottom bracket. So what
are the benefits of a mid drive motor? A central location leads
to even weight distribution on your bike. They're typically lighter and smaller
than a hub motor of comparable power. And direct pedaling input leads
to more range, especially across climbs. Tire changes are unaffected by hub
driven motors and a torque sensor accurately meters out
resistance according to your pedal power. Riders generally report a smoother ride. Quality
and the ability to tackle steeper hills for longer than a hub
motor of similar power. A few things to consider
that they are the more expensive option, and these motors depend on more rider
input through pedal power. Mid drivers generally
wear harder on the chain and cassette and they are more complex and require
more maintenance than hub motors and most brands don't offer
repair options outside of warranties. Now that you know
more about the motor types, how do you choose a motor hub
driven motors? Offer
maximum assistance for less pedal effort, and this generally suits senior riders
or those with a disability as well as anyone seeking
physical rehabilitation for an injury. They're also great for anyone who's a less
experienced or less frequent cyclist. If you're a new rider
or you're returning to cycling, a hub driven ebike may be for you. Mid-rise motors suit riders
who want a boost but who still want to stay fit. They're the preferred option
for more experienced cyclists and riders who know how to change gears
will be able to attain an efficient ride and extend the life of a mid drive e-bike. to simplify, Torque describes
the amount of power available to you at lower revolutions
in straightforward on road terms. The benefits are twofold
A motor with higher torque
will give you more power from a dead stop. It will also help you climb hills at a
faster speed for a longer period of time. Torque is measured in Newton meters
and you'll see it listed in an e-bike specs
using the abbreviation, and lighter bikes require less torque, so 40 to 50 Newton
meters should be plenty. While mountain and cargo bikes require
more talk to overcome heavier loads and troublesome terrain,
Mid Drive motors in low gear can climb steeper hills
for longer than a similarly powered hub. Motor brakes. There's nothing unique about ebike breaks, but with the consistently high
speeds and extra weight compared to a regular pushbike,
you'll be seeking ample stopping power. Almost all e-bikes use disc brakes. Mechanical disc
brakes are reliable and easily adjusted. Hydraulic brakes are more powerful, but they may require
professional adjustments and repair. Some cheaper e-bikes come fit with rim brakes, usually as vee brakes. You may also find drum
brakes on a rear wheel, sometimes used in combination
with a front wheel rim brake. So be wary of the increased
stopping distance and foresight
that those brakes will require. Looking at weight. Electric bikes are heavier
than their pedal powered counterparts. And that's just a fact. Maybe one day this won't be true,
but for now it's unavoidable. A motor battery
and cabling all add up to a decent heft. So eventually bikers
run into the unexpected situation where they run out of battery. And it's important to consider how heavy
an e-bike is to pedal when unpowered. Some e-bikes are relatively easy
to propel on flat ground without juice,
and others can be a real slog. There is another situation
where the weight of your bike can have heavy implications
if you live in an apartment or walk up. Carrying
some e-bikes can be almost impossible. Others aren't too much of a problem,
but it's important to look at. So here's a rough idea of e-bike
weight ranges for commuter bikes. City bikes and hybrid brakes. They commonly sit somewhere between 33lb
and 55lb, but can get as heavy as 100lb. Moped style
e-bikes can reach 120lb full suspension. E mountain bikes can be lighter
if they're more expensive models and can be as light as 37lb, which aids maneuverability
on technical trails and jumps. But full suspension
fat bikes can weigh up to 100lb. When we look at retro style e-bikes
that may have large sweeping frames that suit a casual riding style and isn't
radically affected by extra bulk, and they often weigh
between 55lb and 65lb. E road bikes are the lightest,
with an overall weight as low as 19lb. Most sit somewhere between 28lb and 31lb. And these trim figures are reflected
in the high price of these bikes. E-Cargo
bikes represent the heaviest options. Weighing in above 70lb. But these rigs may be capable of carrying
as much as 440lb in extra baggage. Now let's look at cost. And as it is
with most other kinds of bicycles, there are options available at all
price points. But here's a rough idea of what
to expect for your dollar. From 500 to $700, you can expect e-bikes
with a hub driven motor in a configuration that may be similar
to an e-bike conversion. You can source bikes at this price
from big box retailers and componentry and gearing will be similar
to the level of a low cost big box bike. Some folding e-bikes
come in at this price range, but most bikes in
this range are urban commuters or mountain bike style. Some of these will have mechanical disc
brakes and others are set up with rim brakes, which will be the brakes
or even drum brakes. Heavier
aluminum and steel frames can be expected and on low cost bikes,
front suspension is not unheard of, but at this price it's going to offer
limited benefits and durability. It's possible
that cheap suspension will only add complexity and weight
without any real benefits. 36 bolt systems are affordable
in this price range, and the price savings
you receive from online retailers are due to the fact
that many of these manufacturers don't have to pay
for a middleman or storefront. So your e-bike will be partially assembled
or packaged for transport. So keep that in mind
that any warranty that's offered may be contingent on having your e-bike
professionally assembled by a local bike mechanic
after you receive it. 700 to 1400 dollars
motors is at this price range are mostly hub driven and frames
are usually midrange aluminum componentry may be similar to that found on a 250 to $500 pedal powered bike. And most bikes in
this range are commuters and city bikes, 1400 to 2500 In this area, quality shoots up a notch. Known brand name mid drive systems enter the fray,
including Bosch and Shimano. Frames may be of a lighter, higher quality aluminum
construction and some handy extras
include racks, mudguards and lights that are integrated into the bike's
electrical system. Many of these bikes are still urban city
or commuter types, but some offer lower end and flat
bar road bikes and also become available. Most bikes in this price
range are commuter and city bikes for between 25 to 30 $500. Your dollar gets you a more powerful mid
drive motor and a higher capacity battery. Hydraulic brakes should be a standard with integrated lights and accessories
that can be expected. While name
brand components are definitely a given at a least,
the frames should be high quality aluminum for 3500 to 10000 and beyond. We have some of the most expensive
full suspension electric mountain bikes, high end commuter
bikes, performance e gravel bikes and drop bar
e road bikes and reliable cargo machines. Accessories. It pays to consider the inclusion of extras
and integrated accessories as part of the cost of your new e-bike. Some e-bikes
come fit with front and rear lights and the best systems
are connected to your e-bikes battery and can be operated
from a switch on the handlebar. Other e-bikes are equipped with fenders
and racks. e-bike classes and laws. In the United States, electric bike laws vary massively from state to state. It's best to check your local laws
before purchasing an electric bike. This is especially true
when you're ordering a bike online as it may be tuned to match the laws
of another state or country. E-bikes are not illegal and you needn't fear that you're
flouting the law by buying and owning one. in many areas. Electric bikes
are classed into three categories. All Classes are limited to a motor
size of 750 watts. Class
one Pedal assist bikes on these bikes. The electric drive of the bike
must be activated through pedaling sensors, measure pedal movement, pedal torque, and or the bicycle speed. In most parts of the United States, these bikes are limited
to a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Because of their limited power. They are permitted to be used
in the same areas as regular push bikes. Class two throttle activated. These bikes are able to be activated by
a throttle without any pedal assistance. Many of these bikes also have
a pedal assistance function and like class one bikes, they're generally limited
to a top speed of 20 miles per hour and are permitted to be ridden
in the same areas as regular push bikes. Class two bikes are less common outside of the US and China,
where they are more highly regulated. Class three High speed
pedal assisted bikes. These bikes are pedal assisted with a top
speed limit of 28 miles per hour. This speed must be achieved
with pedal assistance. Class three e-bikes are permitted on roads
and on road bike lanes, but are not allowed to be used on bike
trails and multi-use paths. Even though the higher speed of a Class
three bike may seem attractive, keep in mind that this speed limit
may limit your access to options
like paths and trails. In the last decade, cyclists have realized
that e-bikes are a great way to ride for longer distances
and at higher speeds. Electric bikes
allow many cyclists to make that long distance commute to work
while leaving their car in the garage. In times past, e-bikes
were sometimes seen as exclusive to a less able
or less motivated rider base. Some competitive cyclists
even look down on them. But that is no longer the case. They even have their own dedicated
professional racing events nowadays. And in recent years,
e-bikes have revealed themselves as one of the fastest growing transport
solutions and built up modern areas. Whatever your reason for choosing to go
electric. Shop around. Choose wisely and enjoy the ride. And that's your intro to E-bikes. Hopefully bring
you closer to the e-bike of your dreams. What is your dream bike? Let us know in the comments
what your favorite brand or category is. And likewise, if you can think
of a great e-bike tip that we missed. Throw it up for all to see. And if you're hungry for more, be sure to
check out BikeRide.com Your number one spot for in-depth bike reviews, community
and riding events in your area. Check out our best bike lists and quickly find your perfect ride
with the BikeRide score. That's all for now. As always I'm Scott with BikeRide.com
and I hope you enjoy the ride.
