With electric bicycles gaining popularity – and with their real potential to give drive-alone commuters a more realistic, better option than traditional bikes – people keep asking questions.
And why wouldn’t they be intrigued? E-bikes are practical, they’re cool, and they’re making our lives a lot easier.
For individuals, e-bikes can make long, hilly commutes viable without arriving at work drenched in sweat. For those of you who plan on buying one [Editor’s note: Electric Bike Review is an incredible website, with video reviews of just about every e-bike on the market], e-bikes increase the use of burgeoning bicycle networks that alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and make cities more enjoyable for all.
Urban areas have really jumped in on the trend. If you want to learn more about this green, clean, and fun method of transportation, just take a look at the common questions answered below.
How do I charge an electric bicycle?
You charge an e-bike pretty much the same way you charge a cell phone: you plug it into an outlet for several hours. This charger (along with the charging cord) is very easy for you to throw into a backpack or the basket of your bike. You can easily charge it at home, but if you’re an enthusiastic rider, you can find outlets all around now that electric vehicles keep gaining momentum in the market.
Most electric bicycles use lithium-ion batteries, which have quick charging proprieties. For instance, if you have a 400-watt battery pack, it will take nearly four hours for a complete recharge – from flat to 100 percent. You can always try some hacks to preserve the battery and increase the range.
Do I need a license to ride an e-bike?
E-bikes are the same as regular bicycles when it comes to speed and power, so you will not need a license except in the rare case that your bike exceeds the specifications of your country’s laws.
How fast can an electric bicycle go?
Most jurisdictions allow a maximum speed of 15 mph for e-bikes. Although some e-bikes can reach up to 50 miles per hour, the most common ones on the market will top out somewhere in the range of 20 mph, which is great for a pleasant ride. Obviously, you may go past that mark by pedaling the bike faster yourself. However, any assistance from the bike will cease the moment you hit the 15 mph limit.
How long does the battery last?
That depends on the type of battery you use. The average battery holds about five hours of use, but just like with cell phones, it’s impossible to predict how long every particular battery will stay charged.
Lithium-ion batteries, for instance, have a fairly long life expectancy – but that will also depend on the duration of use and the stress that you subject them to. There are also tips and tricks to increase the battery life of your bike.
Can I get shocked if I use an electric bicycle?
This is one of the most common concerns for many people considering to opt for an e-bike. But the answer is, not really. You probably have more chances of getting shocked by a blender than you have by using an electric bike.
How should I take care of my battery?
As long as you don’t leave your battery on the shelve you don’t need to go through extensive methods to take care of it. However, in the case of lithium-ion batteries, it’s recommended that you don’t wait until the battery is drained to charge it.
It’s best that you charge it when it’s nearly dead (around 10 percent) and unplug it when it’s at 95 percent. This will help keep your battery calibrated and in peak shape for a much longer time.
Do I still get exercise if I use an electric bike?
Of course you do! All you’ll have to do is set the electric assist at the level that gives you the most challenging workout. The idea of electric bikes is to get to your destination quickly without breaking a sweat; however, you can choose to take a leisurely bike ride to work your legs for a bit.
Is there something more that you want to know about electric bikes? Let us know in the comment section!
Photo of girl on an e-bike by Abigail Keenan/Stocksnap.