Electric Bicycles

Electric bicycles (E-Bikes) are equipped with electric motors that assist with pedaling, making it easier to ride and travel longer distances. They come in various sizes, styles, and weights to suit different needs and preferences. E-bikes offer benefits such as reduced effort on hills and longer rides, and they can be used for commuting, recreation, or other purposes.

Types of E-Bikes

Road

Road e-bikes are designed for riding on paved roadways. They have smooth, skinny tires and low handlebars. Typically they are lighter in weight and not suited for carrying cargo or riding on unpaved terrain.

Mountain

Mountain e-bikes are designed for riding off-road or on unpaved trails. They typically have shock-absorbing suspension in the front (hardtail), or in both the front and back (full-suspension), and larger, wider tires.

Hybrid

Combining the best of both road bikes and mountain bikes, hybrid e-bikes come with front suspension, upright handlebars, and medium-width tires. They are good for casual riding and short-distance commuting.

Cruiser

Cruiser bikes, or beach cruiser bikes, are designed for a casual and comfortable riding experience. They come with a larger seat and more upright handlebars, and they are ideal with commutes on paved surfaces.

Fat Tire

Fat tire bikes are similar to mountain bikes but come with a wider, knobby tire, which allows the bike to handle more difficult terrain and all-weather riding conditions.

Folding

Folding bikes are collapsible, which allow them to fold down into a smaller and more portable size, making them ideal for those who don’t have much storage space or for cyclists whose journey may include a bus or train.

Commuter

Also known as city or urban bikes, commuter e-bikes are designed for the daily trip to work. These bikes focus on comfort, utility, and style.

Three-wheeler

Three-wheelers, also known as tricycles or trikes, have added stability with the use of a third wheel. They are a great fit for all cargo bike needs. Typically designed with one front wheel and two rear wheels, there are also models designed with two wheels up front and one in the rear.

  • CA law requires a bike to have fully operable pedals and electric motors of less than 750 watts

  • Class 3 e-bikes are prohibited on Class 1 and 4 bikeways within or adjacent to a roadway, or unless local authority or the governing body of a public agency having jurisdiction over such path or trail permits such local operation

  • Helmets are required for children 17 years old and under for a Class 1 and 2 e-bike

  • Operator of a Class 3 electric bike:

    • Must be 16 years old or older

    • Must wear a bicycle safety helmet

    • Must not transport passengers

    • May ride an electric bicycle in a bicycle lane if authorized by a local authority or ordinance

  • Types of Bike paths

Electric Bike Batteries

A lithium-ion battery provides the energy for an e-bike system and is the single most expensive part of the bike. Many e-bike batteries have sophisticated battery management systems (software) that optimize battery life and performance. 

Charging can be done indoors in a normal wall outlet. A lithium-ion e-bike battery that is fully depleted will take 3.5 to 6 hours to recharge. Batteries that still have a partial charge when you start charging will take less. An e-bike battery can provide a minimum of 500 full charge cycles at which point the battery will hold about 80% of its original capacity. Some batteries can deliver up to 1200 charge cycles. If you usually use your e-bike in pedal-assist mode, combining both pedal power and electric power,you can expect to go 10,000-30,000 miles before replacing your battery.

Depending on the capacity of the battery, it will usually take 400-500 watt hours to charge the battery. Assuming a rate of $0.10/kWh. It will cost you about 5-8 cents for a charge that will last you 20-80+ miles. You should expect a battery to last between 3 and 5 years if it is well maintained.