E-bike FAQ

What is an e-bike?

An e-bike, also known as an electric bicycle, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor
that can be used for propulsion. There are two categories of e-bikes: pedal assist and
throttle controlled.

Pedal assist : means the cyclist has to pedal to engage the electric motor.
A throttle-controlled e-bike: is operated like a motorcycle or scooter, just twist the bicycle’s hand grip to control the motor’s output. This type of e-bike has pedals that are independent of the throttle-controlled electric motor.

Conversion kits are also available for those who wish to transform a regular bicycle into an
e-bike.

What are the benefits if I commute by e-bike?

E-biking provides many rider benefits, including:

Have fun. It’s easier to climb a hill on an e-bike than on a regular bike. Because commuting by e-bike is not a strenuous workout, you will not need to shower when you arrive at work.
Reduce stress created from commute traffic.
Park conveniently near your work location.
Help ease parking congestion on the main site.
Save money on gas and vehicle maintenance if you drive less.

How fast can an e-bike go?

Whether pedal assist or throttle controlled, California law limits the speed that the motor
can propel the e-bike. Generally the speed limit is 20 to 28 miles per hour depending on
the bike.

How safe is an e-bike compared to a regular bike?

E-bikes can help you ride safely in traffic because they travel at speeds closer to surrounding traffic yet have a speed cutoff (up to 20 or 28 miles per hour). Because riding an e-bike is not as exerting as riding a regular bike, your attention can be focused on the traffic around you and the road ahead. Bike safety always starts with rider preparedness, and it is advised to seek out free urban biking safety classes such as those offered by Bike East Bay.

What should I consider when I buy an e-bike?

For commuting to the main Lab site, hill climbing is essential.

In general, mid-drive motors (available in both packaged e-bikes and retrofit kits) have an advantage in hill climbing because the motor is attached to the pedal crank,allowing the motor to utilize the multiple gear ratios that you use when pedaling, rather than having a fixed gear ratio of a hub-mounted motor (whether the hub motor is in the front or rear wheel, it has a fixed drive ratio to the wheel).
A large-capacity battery will be helpful for long rides and a lot of hill climbing. However, a bigger battery adds weight.
A good bike dealer will ask the right questions to help narrow down models that may work for you.
Before you buy, test ride to ensure the e-bike is a good fit. Ask a local bike shop if they will let you test ride to get a sense of the hill climbing performance.

Where can I lease or buy an e-bike?

The popularity of e-bikes is growing with more and more manufacturers making new models, and more local bike dealers selling and servicing them as well. LBNL has a partnership with Ridepanda for monthly e-bike leases at very attractive prices. LBNL staff are also eligible to participate in the UC e-bike purchase program, which offers e-bikes from four different providers at discounts of 15% to 60% off regular prices.

Local bike shops with e-bikes on display include:

What does an e-bike cost?

Ridepanda offers monthly leases on several e-bikes for around $100 per month. The UC e-bike purchase program offers a wide range of bikes, with costs ranging from several hundred dollars to closer to $2000. Buying an e-bike is an investment, and you get what you pay for. A good e-bike should last at least five to ten years with regular service.