1. 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.
A few manufacturers have designed models with both types of motors for the e-bike. Each type of e-bike can also be pedaled without the motor operating, though that is generally harder to do than a regular bicycle because of the added weight associated with the extra components. Conversion kits are also available for those who wish to transform a regular bicycle into an e-bike.
2. What are the benefits to the Lab if I commute by e-bike?
Lab employees who commute by e-bike (or a regular bike) can help ease parking congestion on the main site.
3. What are the benefits of an e-bike?
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. Biking to work in the fresh air is good for your health. Some feel that biking to work is not as stressful as driving in traffic. You will also save money on gas and vehicle maintenance if you drive less.
4. 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. There are some nuances in the law, but generally the speed limit is 20 to 28 miles per hour depending on the bike.
5. 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). An e-bike can easily assume a predictable car-like position and behavior in city traffic. 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.
6. What should I consider when I buy an e-bike?
An e-bike is an investment that you should expect to provide with many years of use. Consider the quality of the components and the bicycle itself, the service capability of the bike dealer, and the warranty. Consider your needs as well. Will you be mainly be climbing hills or riding long distances? For commuting to the main Lab site, it is important to choose an e-bike that is well suited to hill climbing. 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 at 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). For long rides and a lot of hill climbing, a large capacity battery will be helpful, but a bigger battery also adds weight, so your riding experience might be better with a lighter battery if it is sufficient for your needs. A good bike dealer will ask the right questions to help narrow down models that may work for you. And before you buy, test ride to make sure the e-bike is a good fit. Ask a local bike shop if they will let you test ride up to the Lab gate to get a sense of the hill climbing performance.
7. Where can I 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. If at all possible, buy from a local dealer. As an investment, an e-bike needs regular maintenance. Your patronage of a local bike dealer will ensure that a local e-bike expert is there when you need them.
Local bike shops with e-bikes on display include:
8. What does an e-bike cost?
Do-it-yourself conversion kits start at several hundred dollars. If you’d rather buy an e-bike that’s ready to go, manufactured e-bikes start at roughly the same cost. 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. A quality pedal assist e-bike will likely cost at least $2,000, and a quality throttle-controlled e-bike will likely cost at least $1,500 when not on sale. More expensive e-bikes can cost $7,000 or more.
9. Where can I find more information on e-bikes?
Besides visiting and test-riding e-bikes at a local bike dealer, you may want to do some independent research on the sites listed below. Or enter “e-bike” in your favorite search engine for more information.
