Experts estimate that between 2020 and 2023, about 130 million units of electric bikes will be sold worldwide. The market size of e-bikes in 2019 was about 15.42 billion, which is growing at a rate of 7.49%. One of the reasons for the popularity of these bikes is that a rider can use an electric bike just like a normal bike.
An electric bike has many advantages over ordinary bikes. Using these bikes, a rider can reach his destination at a faster speed with less effort. There are different electric bikes are available in the market suitable for riding in different weather and road conditions. So these e-bikes with modern features are suitable for almost all types of riders.
In this article, I will discuss in detail about different aspects of electric bikes. Hopefully, this writing will enrich your e-bike-related further concept.
What Is An Electric Bike?
An electric bike (E-bike) is a bike equipped with batteries and electric motors that facilitate the rider while paddling.
There are usually two ways electric bikes work.
- Some electric bikes will only assist you pedal, which means you must pedal.
- Other bikes have a throttle added, where you can ride the bikes without pedaling.
Like traditional bikes, electric bikes are also available in the market in different categories.
Notable among them are-
- hybrid electric bikes, mountain electric bikes, gravel electric bikes, folding electric bikes, etc.
But before using e-bikes, you need to know the local law regarding e-bikes. Although e-bikes are allowed in almost all countries of the world, there may be some restrictions according to their class.
Difference Between Electric Bike And Normal Bike
Sometimes, there is a significant difference between an electric bike and a normal bike. Below, I present these through a chart.
| Parameter | Electric Bike | Normal Bike |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | An electric bike has a motor, battery pack, and some modes include a display screen.
The rider gets benefits when pedaling. Because the battery powers the motor, which helps the bike to move forward. |
On normal bikes, the rider has to rely entirely on the pedals, with no other advantage. |
| Rules & Regulations | You may have to follow some rules to ride electric bikes. Notable among these are wearing a helmet, age, or in some cases a license, etc. | You need to follow fewer rules and regulations to ride a normal bike. |
| Cycling Experience | E-bike riding is a fun experience. But you need to work less. | Riding a normal bike is fun, but required hard work. |
| Speed | You can ride an electric bike very fast. In most states, you can ride up to 20mph. | Low speed compared to electric bikes. |
| Maintenance | Although system faults on e-bikes are rare, maintenance or repair can cost a lot of money. | Maintenance and repair costs are much lower. |
Can You Use An Electric Bike Like A Normal Bike?
Yes, you can use an electric bike as a normal bike. An electric bike becomes a normal bike when you disconnect its motor power.
In that regard, the difference between normal bikes and electric bikes is little. You can ride an e-bike on the roads where ordinary bikes are allowed. There are also some other reasons electric bikes can be an alternative to a normal bike.
Electric Bikes Are Street Legal
We are often confused about whether electric bikes are street legal? Because there are different laws considering personal vehicles and transport. There is no law in the United States that prohibits e-bikes on the street. This means e-bikes are street legal in the United States and you can ride these bikes on any street like a normal bike.
You May Like: Does Electric Bikes Need License?
Even Electric Dirt Bikes Are Street Legal
Riding an electric dirt bike is definitely an exciting experience. If you have a bike like this, you will want to ride it on the street. The good news for you is that Dart e-bikes are street legal and you can ride these bikes on different streets with no problem. Anyway, you need to verify local e-bike laws, as you may need some modifications to ride in some states.
Some Advantages Over A Normal Bike
Electric bikes include a lot of modern technology attached to them. Therefore, these are so much more convenient and you will want to use e-bikes instead of a regular bike. Below I am describing some benefits.
- These are fun, making it more fun to wander around in the open nature in the morning or afternoon.
- E-bikes are faster than ordinary bikes, saving you time.
- You don’t need to work hard while riding.
- An electric bike can make cycling quite easy, like climbing a hill.
- Being able to move at the same speed can reduce traffic congestion.
- You will be able to keep up with the traffic.
- You don’t have to sweat to ride e-bikes, where sweating is a common problem while riding a regular bike.
- E-bikes are more convenient for those who suffer from problems with different joints.
● Required No License
In most countries, you do not need a license to ride electric bikes and you can ride them at a maximum speed of 20 kilometers per hour. Although the motor power of e-bikes is below 750 watts,
- if more than that, the matter may be different.
The acceptance of e-bikes is increasing because of the absence of any legal restrictions. Rather, these bikes come with various benefits. So many riders have started using electric bikes instead of their regular bikes as they can use these bikes almost like normal bikes.
Where Are Allowed Electric Bikes?
You can ride your e-bike on almost all the roads where people can ride an ordinary bike. Although the rules vary from state to state, in most cases, the rules are the same.
But it is best if you can check your state’s bike laws. You can usually ride electric bikes in bicycle and pedestrian reserved areas, shared access lanes, etc. in the United States. Besides:
1. Allowed On Bike Paths
Generally, you can ride your electric bike on all bike paths with no hassle. This may be different in some places where the authority considers e-bikes as motorcycles and requires a license. On the whole, there is no legal hassle to riding e-bikes in the bike lane.
2. Can Use An Electric Bike On The Road
You can ride your electric bike on roads, bridle paths, and cycle lanes. But keep in mind that ordinary bikes may ride there. When riding on the road, you must obey all traffic laws and highway codes.
3. Allowed On Rail Trails
Depending on the state, there may be different rules for rail trails. But you can ride your electric bike on most of the rail trails. Keep in mind that there are also some places where you have to pay a fine if you encounter the police while riding an e-bike on the rail trails. So it is the best policy to know the local law first.
Places You Can’t Ride E-Bikes
You can ride electric bikes only on pavements where mixed bicycles and pedestrians are allowed.
- But on most pavements, you can’t ride electric bikes. It is not possible to ride e-bikes on designated provincial controlled-access highways or in places where cycling is prohibited by municipal law.
- Also, you can’t ride them in countries that don’t approve of electric bikes, even though there are very few of them.
Can You Ride An Electric Bike In The Rain?
If you are an avid cyclist, you do not want to miss out on the joy of cycling in the rain. However, you will be happy to know that you can ride your e-bike even in the rain. Most manufacturers seal intelligently the battery packs, motors, displays, etc. of standard electric bikes. Therefore, these e-bikes are protected from rain or water splashes.
Your bike can get wet in the rain, usually no problem. To prepare for riding in the rain, you can apply dielectric grease to electrical contact points. These greases will prevent wear and tear on your bike.
- Keep in mind that most electric bikes are water-resistant, but not waterproof. So even if you ride your e-bike in the rain, make sure that you do not submerge its electric components in water. It is best for you to avoid deep puddles, streams, or floodplains.
Most electric bikes are safe in the rain. Check your user manual to make sure the company rates the bike for riding in the rain. Because rain may not be safe for e-bikes of all models. You can ride most standard electric bikes safely in the rain.
However, avoid riding your electric bike in heavy rain without the urgent need to use it for a long time. Always keep your bike’s electrical contact points and battery base dry. If you ride in the rain, don’t forget to wipe the electric bike with a clean cloth at the end of the ride.
Can You Use An Electric Bike Manually?
Of course, you can use an electric bike manually. Even in some situations, you will need to ride your e-bike manually. Below I am mentioning 5 such situations.
- Exercise: We all know that cycling is an ideal exercise. If you intend to exercise, then you must ride your electric bike manually.
- For A Long-Ride: If you want to go on a long ride, you need to be prepared to ride your e-bike manually. Even after full charge, you can ride your bike for a maximum of 40 to 70 kilometers.
- Low Battery: If you notice that you forgot to charge the bike’s battery, then you have no choice but to use the paddle.
- Gravity-Assisted Driving Park: If you need to ride on a slope, or when descending from a heel, you do not want to use the motor power of the bike. Manual riding in this situation will guarantee you more control.
- Travel: If you want to travel somewhere by plane and keep your electric bike with you, you must keep the battery of the bike open. This is because most airlines will not allow bike batteries for safety reasons.
Can You Ride An Electric Bike Without Pedaling?
Yes, you can ride some models of electric bikes without paddling. Because the motor power of these bikes propels the bike forward. All you have to do is twist the bike’s throttle.
- But remember- this type of bike is not allowed everywhere. You will not get permission to ride these e-bikes, especially in many US states.
Do Electric Bikes Charge When You Pedal?
Although not in all models, some electric bikes charge when you pedal. But the issue can be quite frustrating as the return is only 10%. That means you have to pedal the bike for 10 km in order to charge 1 km. So it is convenient to plug in the wall to charge the batteries of electric bikes.
Electric Bike Size According To Your Height
It is very important to choose the size of the bike according to the height. A bike of the right size is convenient to ride or control. Below I present a chart of the frame size of the bike according to the height of the rider.
| E-Bike Frame Size | Male Rider Height | Female Rider Height |
|---|---|---|
| 13″ – 14″ | 4’10” – 5’2″ | 4’10” – 5’2″ |
| 15″ – 16″ | 5’2″ – 5’6″ | 5’2″ – 5’6″ |
| 17″ – 18″ | 5’6″ – 5′ 10″ | 5’6″ – 5′ 10″ |
| 19″ – 20″ | 5’10” – 6’1″ | 5’10” – 6’1″ |
| 21″ – 22″ | 6’1″ – 6’4″ | – |
| 23″ – 24″ | 6’4″ – 6’6″ | – |
Who Makes The Best and Affordable Electric Bikes?
Most people believe Trek makes the best electric bikes. The manufacturing design of their electric bikes is elegant, beautiful, and efficient.
Trek was founded in 1986, the company headquarter is in Waterloo, Wisconsin, USA. The e-bikes of this company may not be an alternative to the best e-bikes at affordable prices. Many people think that the electric bikes made by Trek are more expensive.
In addition to Trek, there are many other electric bike manufacturers in the USA. Notable manufacturers are Currie Technologies, Evelo, Vintage Electric, FIFIELD e-bikes, Superpedestrian, Wave Electric Bike, Gi Fly bike, etc.
You would be surprised to know that about 250 brands of e-bikes are sold in the United States.
How Do You Choose An Electric Bike?
An electric bike can make your journey much easier. There are several things to look for when selecting the right e-bike. Below I am describing these.
👉 Type of e-Bike
There are several types of electric bikes, such as e-hybrid bikes, e-mountain bikes, e-dirt bikes, e-folding bikes, etc. And, different bikes are suitable for different road conditions. So select the type of bike according to the type of road you usually ride.
👉 Size of the Bike
The size of the electric bike has to be selected based on the height of the rider. These bikes are available in different sizes of frame sizes. I have presented a chart of suitable bike sizes according to the height of the rider above. It can help you choose the right size for yourself.
👉 Motor Power
Depending on the model of the e-bike, its motor power may also vary. Most of the manufacturers use 250 to 500-watt motors on most electric bikes. Even some models of e-bikes also come with a 750-watt motor.
If the motor of the bike has more power, it can run faster. However, different states introduce specific laws regarding the motor capabilities of e-bikes. So before buying a bike, find out if you can use a high-powered motorized e-bike.
👉 Battery Capacity
Everyone expects their electric bikes to travel a long way with a single charge. For this, the battery capacity needs to be good. A good quality battery set can last up to 60 kilometers on a single full charge.
However, if you want to use e-bikes only for short trips, even if the battery capacity is a little less, it will not be a problem.
👉 Frame
Electric bike manufacturers make electric bikes of aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel. Although most companies use aluminum, you can notice other materials.
Notable issues here are weight and durability. Because a lightweight, sturdy frame will give you a better riding experience.
👉 Built-In Security
Manufacturers add a variety of safety features to their e-bikes. Notable among these are rear wheel lock, battery lock, etc. Although you can buy these separately, it is better to have them in stock.
👉 Modern & Advanced Features
Today’s bikes are equipped with many modern technologies that help a rider in many ways. Often these bikes include technology like smartphone integration. There are also some more modern features that are quite helpful.
👉 Warranty
The warranty of an electric bike makes your investment more secure. The Good thing about it is that almost all e-bikes have different warranties. Be sure to check the warranty of the model of your choice before buying.
Who Sells Electric Bikes?
Outlets for electric bikes are almost everywhere because of the growing demand. You can buy electric bikes from retailers in your area. But online services can be a much easier way to buy e-bikes. Various manufacturers sell their electric bikes online. There are also many trusted online marketplaces from which you can buy an electric bike.
Are Electric Bikes Worth It?
Yes, electric bikes are worth it for many people. These bikes are very useful for those who have to travel short distances regularly or prefer to go for a ride near home. There are many people who have problems with their feet, and pedaling is a problem for them. An e-bike can be beneficial for these types of people.
The Final Words
Electric bikes are not just for the young and fit. Even the elderly can ride an electric bike confidently. They can get a great workout and use it to explore the neighborhood. Many electric bikes also include outstanding safety features. Among them, notable are horns, lights, etc.
Yes, the advanced features with fine technology make e-bikes popular, effective, and ideal for night riding as well as almost every type of cycling and road/path or track/trail.
If you have an old normal bike, you can replace it with an e-bike. Because you can use an electric bike as a normal bike wherever you want. Rather, an e-bike will make your daily commute easier.
