What Type of E-Bike is Right for You?

 

Last post we talked about types of alternative transportation, one of the most popular types of alternative transportation is an E-Bike or Electric Bicycle. E-Bikes come in different shapes, sizes, and power levels, so let this post be a beginner’s guide to E-Biking.

 

Class 1, 2, or 3?

Let's start out with the classes of E-Bikes, there are three classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. These classes have to do with the speeds achievable on the bikes and where you can legally ride them. Class 1 E-bikes have a locked top speed of 20 MPH. These are pedal assist bikes and have no throttle for on demand power. You should always check local regulations, but class 1 bikes are generally legal to ride anywhere a regular bicycle is allowed. Class 2 E-Bikes have a top speed of 20 MPH and have pedal assist as well as a throttle to engage the motor without pedaling. Class 3 E-bikes are similar to Class 2, but have a top speed of 28 MPH. Most bike paths allow Class 1 E-Bikes, some allow class 2, and not many allow class 3. Most states allow any class of E-bike to operate on roads under the same laws as regular bicycles, with no license, registration, or certification needed.

 

Common Types of E-Bikes

Now that you have an idea about what class you are looking for, let's take a look at some common types of E-Bikes for different use cases.

 

Tight on Space? Check out a folding E-Bike, these are very popular in large cities where storage space is tight, and most people do not have a garage. Photo Source: Lectric E-Bikes

 

The photo above is of the Lectric XP, one of the most popular folding bikes on the market, it can be operated as a class 2 or 3 E-Bike depending on settings. It has front and rear fenders, a removable battery good for a range of up to 45 miles, and 20”x4” fat tires that are good for bumps of city streets, gravel paths, or even sand on a beach. All of that for the price of $899 makes this bike a good bargain. Downsides of folding bikes like this one are the often heavy weights, odd feeling narrow handlebars, and smaller wheel diameter.

Have cargo or kids to haul? One of the advantages of having electric power on a bicycle is the ability to carry things you might have never been able to on a regular bike.

This mean machine is the RadPowerBikes Radwagon, a Cargo E-Bike. Cargo E-bikes are a compelling option of alternative transportation because they can do car-like tasks like picking up groceries or the kids from school. The Radwagon has a 350lb cargo capacity, a powerful 750 watt motor, and up to 50 miles of range.

 

Lastly we will take a look at a very regular E-Bike. Some E-bikes are designed to look like every other bike. These E-Bikes can be used for alternative transportation like commuting but are also good for plain recreation.

 

This is the Aventon Pace, a very normal looking bike with a good helping of electric power. The Pace is a Class 2 E-Bike that is unlockable to Class 3. It comes in 3 sizes good for riders 5’ tall to 6’4”. If you do not need a folding bike or need to carry any cargo, a plain E-Bikes like this is a great place to try out alternative transportation, or just to let electric power make you feel like Lance Armstrong.