Are you ready to take the plunge into the world of electric bicycles? Whether you are interested because you’d like pedaling assist on the hills, you want a better work commute, or you’re just fascinated by new tech, e-bikes increase in popularity and power. There are a wide variety of electric bikes available. With careful research, you’re bound to find the one that meets your needs.
Yeah, But Are They Faster?
The answer to this question is, “not really.” The average ebike is limited to 20 miles per hour when running under motor power alone. If you pedal with that, you’ll go faster, and of course, going downhill adds speed, too. But for this machine to be classified as a bicycle, federal regulations limit the top speed of the motor.
Be aware that drag becomes a significant player if you go above 15 mph. This drag will wear on your e-bike’s battery life and cut into the distance you can travel with a battery charge. It’s best if you think of electric bikes as a pedal-assist to make traveling more comfortable, not as a way to travel significantly faster.
So What Ebike Should I Get?
Your choice of ebike depends upon what you want to use it for. Are you commuting to work through heavy traffic? Mountain biking? Biking on the beach or in the snow? There are ebikes built for all these uses and more. Some riders may prefer women’s electric bicycles, which tend to be lighter in weight and often come in fun colors. They are usually accessorized as well, with items like baskets and carrying racks.
Even that most new bastion of biking, the road bike, has begun to embrace electric bicycles. You’ll find features such as:
- Carbon fiber belt drives instead of chains
- Hydraulic brakes
- Integrated cabling
- Light carbon frames
- Different assist levels, such as Eco, Tour, Sport, and Turbo
What if I Want a Nice Ride in the Country?
This is perhaps where ebikes truly excel, on pleasure rides down country roads or park pathways. Cruiser bikes are the popular choice for pleasure riding, and the electric revolution has made a strong impact in this category. While these bikes have always been more comfortable than their road-loving cousins, adding a motor has made them even better. Check out these features:
- Step-through style frames
- Matching fenders to prevent splashback
- Bluetooth integration for smartphones
- Fat tires for a comfy ride
- Front suspension forks
There are other options for heading down the leafy lanes. If you’ve ever wanted to try a tandem bike, grab your partner and hop on an electric one. The motor’s pedal assist makes electric tandem biking much smoother and more comfortable than the old fashioned way. You can even ride a strike. Tricycles are not just for children anymore. Learn about the best electric tricycles for adults, and you’ll have a whole new way to travel.
Now What?
Now you can make room for an ebike in your life. You’ll never look at cycling the same way again. Taxis at airports typically charge additional fees for fuel, for example. One payment must be made for booking airport transfers. All other fees associated with the fare are the responsibility of the airport transfer dealer.