Frequently Asked Questions About E-bikes
If you’re new to the world of e-bikes, you’re not alone. There are many people who still don’t know much about them, although their popularity has been growing steadily. For those that may be out of touch with the biking community, it might come as a surprise to you that all categories of bikes have been decreasing in sales except for the sales of electric bikes. In fact, a recent report showed mountain bikes and road bikes were down 14.4 percent and 21.9 percent, respectively, in the first two months of 2019, while the sales of electric bikes were up 24.7 percent!
So what do these numbers mean? The key takeaway is that you’re going to start seeing many more electric bikes on the road. In today’s post, the team at Leeds E-bike wants to discuss some of the basic questions and misconceptions about e-bikes. Keep reading to learn more.
What Exactly Is an E-bike? How is it different from an electric moped or scooter?
E-bike is short for electric bike. Unlike a moped or scooter where you don’t pedal at all, e-bikes are just like a standard pedal bike but with a battery-powered motor to add a boost to your pedaling. Think of it like being able to propel yourself and go twice as fast with every push of the pedal.
Why do people like e-bikes?
People like e-bikes for many reasons. They allow you to travel to your destination in less time. They’re a great option for commuting to your job. You can still get a good workout on them, but they give you some extra help if you need it. They offer a smoother, low-impact ride for older adults and the electric-assist is great for getting up hills and getting a bit of a break. And the list goes on.
Most likely the biggest reason people like e-bikes is that they’re so much fun! Doesn’t the thrill of coasting down a big hill, with wind rushing through your hair, put a big smile on your face? Imagine that rush during the entire duration of your ride! People love that they can go at a faster speed without having to sweat to do it.
Can you get any exercise from riding an E-bike?
Electric bikes are absolutely a good form of exercise! Remember that you are still pedaling most of the time, you just have the option to not pedal if you so choose. Many people find that they actually get more exercise after getting an e-bike because they love riding them so much! There is also less recovery time compared to standard pedal bikes. In other words, you won’t be so worn out that you have to take the day off — you’ll be ready to get out and ride again!
How much do I have to pedal?
You really only have to pedal as much as you want to. With that being said, the intention is that you will still pedal most of the time, but it will be easier to do when you use the assistance of the motor. You could certainly take breaks from pedaling during your ride and let the bike do all of the work, but relying on the battery for extended periods of time will use the battery up more quickly.
How fast can they go?
The answer to this question depends on several factors such as the size of motor and weight of the rider. On average, you can expect most e-bikes to be able to travel at 15-20 miles per hour without the rider pedaling. Of course, this speed will go up as the rider adds pedal power.
Keep in mind there are regulations that limit the speed that an e-bike can go without being subjected to licensing and other laws. If you want to learn more about current laws in your state, peopleforbikes.org is a good resource.
Who can ride an e-bike?
E-bikes are great for just about everyone that enjoys being outside. Even if you don’t consider yourself a big fan of riding a bike, once you experience the thrill of riding an electric bike, you just might change your mind.
E-bikes are good for athletes and non-athletes alike, as well as older adults or people recovering from injury who may be looking for a low-impact form of exercise. The only people who might not be able to ride an e-bike are those under a certain age, depending on the state you live in. Current regulations vary widely with some states having no age restriction to others requiring a rider to be at least 16 years old. The best thing to do is to check the current regulation for the state you live in.
How long do the batteries last?
There are many different kinds of batteries and many factors that affect battery life. At Leeds, we offer several different battery options, and our batteries can last anywhere from 4 miles to 50 miles depending on which one you choose. Keep in mind you’ll be able to go much farther than that as long as you’re doing at least some pedaling.
What happens if the battery runs out?
Unlike a car that runs out of gas, you won’t be stranded if your battery runs out mid-ride. Remember that it’s just meant to assist you, but you always have the option to do all of the pedaling yourself. In the event that your battery dies before you get home, you’ll just have to pedal all the way back.
How do I find out more?
If you have additional questions or you’re ready to get an e-bike of your own, contact the bicycling experts at Leeds E-bike. We offer multiple types of e-bike kits that make it easy to convert your current pedal bike to electric at a fraction of the cost of a brand new one. However, if you’d rather purchase a new e-bike that is ready to ride as soon as it arrives, we have those too! Check out our website to learn more.
