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7 Best Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bikes (Off-Road Riding)

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A fat tire e-bike doesn’t just give you more grip on the road… it takes you to off-road places you never imagined such as rocky paths, beaches, snow-covered terrain, and tall mountains. Fat tire electric mountain bikes typically have fat tires over 3” (7.62 cm) wide to provide more surface contact for better stability and traction, thus making them an excellent option for mountain biking.

The best fat tire electric mountain bikes are the ones that are powerful enough to climb steep hills, equipped with a long-lasting battery, and have a good suspension. Mountain e-bikes with fat tires should also be comfortable enough to make your ride enjoyable.

No matter your price range, it’s important that the electric fat tire mountain bike (eMTB with fat tires) you choose has a better-than-average cost-to-value ratio with top-of-the-line parts and accessories for a safe, reliable, and durable riding experience.

Some considerations might be:

  • What kind of suspension do you need to meet your desired riding style
  • What accessories and safety features each model comes with
  • And how fat do you want your tires to be

In this article, you’ll discover seven of the best electric mountain bikes with fat tires for recreational and adventurous use for beginners and experienced riders. But first, I’ll tell you what you need to know before choosing and buying one, so keep reading.

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Factors To Consider Before the Purchase of a Fat Tire Electric Mountain Bike

Purchasing an electric bicycle already shows you are ready for some fun e-bike adventures. But, you will also need to think about what you hope to do with your e-bike. 

The following factors are all good things to consider ahead of time that will help you to narrow down your purchase choice, such as: 

  • Initial price and safety equipment costs
  • Electricity usage
  • Maintenance fees
  • The type of terrain you desire to travel on

Mountain E-Bike Logistics

Duration of Battery Power

This tells you how far you can ride using motor assistance. Unfortunately, you may not get accurate battery information for your e-bike.

Many things can affect the battery life, such as overall weight, the type of terrain, and pedaling input. However, if you look at the watt-hours (Wh) of your battery, the higher the number, the longer the battery lasts. 

Typically, a higher wattage also means a heavier battery that adds more weight to the e-bike.

Tire Size

Your tires are crucial for your electric mountain bike. They provide grip and cushioning that impact your ride by responding to the terrain you are on. Wider tires offer more traction, suitable for technical mountain bike trails and riding on inclines. 

Conversely, narrower tires will help you travel faster and do not handle rough terrain as well.

So keep in mind that buying an electric mountain bike with fat tires may not be what you want if you intend to speed down mountain hills, as the wider tires will cause some drag. Regular mountain bikes have tires closer to 2″ wide, instead of the 3″-5″ wide ones found on fat bikes.

Your Physical Size

Some e-bikes are better suited for taller individuals, as well as have weight limits. So, check out the specifications and sit on the e-bike before purchase if you can. If you can’t find the information you need online, contact customer service and inquire for more information.

Suspension

Consider the type of terrain you plan to ride on. Electric bicycles can come with an air fork front, hardtail, or full suspension. These types of e-bike suspensions give the rider different experiences:

  • Full suspensions are more comfortable, offering more safety and overall enjoyment as they respond to bouncing over rough terrain ideal for off-road cycling. This style tends to make the e-bike heavier and more costly.
  • Hardtail suspensions are suitable for recreational riding. This style generally requires less maintenance and is more lightweight and affordable. However, the ride may not be as comfortable. 
  • An air fork front suspension is when the spring rate can be changed by modifying the air pressure to set an exact spring rate, resulting in a “softer” suspension.

Serious mountain bikers will typically choose a full suspension e-bike if it’s affordable to them. However, a rigid fork suspension (hardtail suspension) will be suitable for many recreational riders of electric fat bikes.

Cost of the E-Bike and Electricity

There will be the cost initially spent for the e-bike, gear, and safety equipment and cost over time, including energy costs to charge your e-bike and repair costs. The most expensive e-bike may not fit your needs, and often you can find what you’d like at an affordable price while obtaining all of the other features you hope your e-bike has.

A breakdown of costs is offered to give you a general idea of what items may cost. Please note that you will need to look into actual costs further for your particular demographics.

Let’s take a look at an idea of what you might have to pay.

Initial Purchase and Electricity Cost

The initial purchase cost of a fat tire electric mountain bike can range from $600-$7500. This can vary depending on where you live, the brands of e-bikes, and the e-biking features you wish to have for mountain adventures. 

But here’s the good news: You don’t need to buy the most expensive mountain bikes since many lower-cost ones offer the necessary safety and reliability for an off-trail experience. Most fat tire e-bikes mentioned in this article range from $600-$2,800, but I show you one that costs over $7000.

Your electricity costs will vary depending on where you live, but in the U.S. it will average around $30 per year. Not a huge cost in comparison to gas for your car, but interesting to know.

Cost of Safety Equipment

Safety gear is essential and a safe and responsible way to ride, especially on the rough terrain and gravel found on rocky mountain paths. You can find gear designed explicitly for biking which will keep you comfortable and protect you. 

Quality helmets, in particular, reduce your odds of a head injury by at least 50%. The store you buy your e-bike from will likely have safety gear for you to purchase. 

However, due to variances in pricing, all suggested items in the list below are examples from Amazon.com for your reference specifically designed for use with mountain biking. Some of these items may add weight to your e-bike but consider what is essential for your comfort and safety for an enjoyable biking experience. 

  • Full face biking helmet: BELL Super 3R MIPS Adult Mountain Bike Helmet comes with the Multi-directional Impact Protection System, overbrow ventilation, and even an integrated camera mount.
  • Mountain biking jersey: Coconut Ropamo Mountain Bike Jersey Shirt – Long Sleeve. The moisture-wicking fabric of this shirt draws sweat away from the body to keep you dry and fresh. It can provide skin protection from falls and the sun’s UV rays.
  • Mountain bike shorts: EZRUN Men’s 3D Padded Mountain Bike Shorts. This padded pair of shorts come with an underwear lining, zippered side pockets, and key string. It is made of quick-dry and lightweight materials. Padded shorts or women’s cycling underwear will make your ride more comfortable.
  • Mountain biking gloves: NICEWIN Cycling Gloves Mountain Bike Gloves are padded, full-fingered, and anti-slip to keep a secure grip and hands protected.
  • Knee protection: Fox Racing Launch D30 Knee Guard. These knee covers slip on, are moisture-wicking, and padded to protect your knees from impact.
  • Elbow protection: Dakine Slayer Elbow Sleeve. These elbow protectors slip on, are breathable, and protect from falls and terrain as you pass by.
  • Mountain biking armor: POC VPD System Vest protects the chest and back from branches and glass and is ventilated and made with flexible material.
  • Sunglasses: KAPVOE Cycling Photochromic Sunglasses. The lenses in these sunglasses change in response to the intensity of ultraviolet rays and are lightweight and impact-resistant.
  • Biking shoes: Tommaso Montagna Mountain Bike Shoes are designed with velcro straps for quick lacing. They are ventilated and ergonomic with fiberglass-reinforced soles to provide optimal stiffness and maximize power transfer to ride longer using less energy.
  • Tire repair kit: Unique-E-Store Bicycle Set Tire Repair Toolkit comes with a waterproof saddlebag, pump with gauge, screwdriver, tire prying rod, and strong adhesion repair tape.
  • Bike multi-tool: PRO BIKE TOOL 17 in 1 Repair Multi-Tool fits in a saddlebag or pocket and helps perform trailside repairs.
  • Hydration backpack: TETON Sports Oasis Hydration Pack is lightweight and comfortable with a kink-free sip tube, and push-lock cushioned bite valve to drink handsfree without spilling while riding. It comes with a large main pocket to carry gear, clothes, and a snack. It also has an external bungee cord system for holding your helmet when you are not riding.
  • Emergency survival and first aid kits: CAMUSBR Emergency Survival Kit and First Aid Kit come with 21 multipurpose survival tools and a 32-piece first aid kit and fishing tools set for the emergency. It comes with straps on the back to allow you to attach it to other bags.

So, with an e-bike purchase and accessories, you can plan to spend about $1,400 – $7,800 upfront. Then after that initial cost, $30 annually on electricity plus any repair or maintenance work that needs to be done. Where you purchase your e-bike may offer warranties and maintenance options, so please inquire there.

Now that you’ve got an idea about what you want in an electric bike and the costs involved, you are ready to make excellent choices for your mountain adventures. 

All of these electric bicycles are described as being mountain bikes. However, keep in mind that while all of these are equipped to handle some off-roading, not all can comfortably handle heavy-duty, rough terrain mountain explorations. 

Red Quiet Kat Jeep Mountain E-Bike
Quiet Kat Jeep Mountain E-Bike

Best True Off-Roading Experience: Quiet Kat Jeep

This model was designed in partnership with Jeep bringing the user an off-road experience for terrains such as soft sand, snow, hard-packed trails, and rocky surfaces. When purchasing this e-bike, you have a choice of a 1000W or 750W motor, and a size for people under 5’6” (167.6 cm), 5’6”-6’ (167.6 cm to 182.8 cm), and over 6’ (182.8 cm). 

This electric bicycle features a 9-speed drivetrain with torque for climbing steep inclines with its full suspension frame and inverted suspension fork for traction and comfort.

The brake system utilizes four-piston hydraulic disc brakes for control and fat tires at 26” X 4.8”, offering one of the largest available in the fat tire category. Just like Jeep vehicles, the air in the tires can be adjusted for traction on different terrains. 

Additionally, this e-bike can handle loads up to 300 lbs (136.08 kg).

The battery is 14.5AH/48V, and the e-bike weighs 70 lbs (31.75 kg) overall. You can choose charcoal or matte red for the color.

Bottom line: This e-bike offers a truly off-roading experience for serious mountain bike riders.

Read more here about how fast the QuietKat Jeep can go!

Pros

  • Customizable: This electric fat tire mountain bike offers purchasers options for color, motor size, and compatibility with their height.
  • Offroading: It is designed with a full suspension and fatter tires for comfort and handling off-road terrains. Reviewers of this e-bike love its capability for this main reason.

Cons

  • Cost: This e-bike is more costly with all of the special off-roading supports and features. Plan to pay well over $7000.
  • Heavy: This e-bike weighs 70 lbs (31.75 kg), and the battery itself is 12 lbs (5.4 kg). This may be too heavy for some people to handle.

The Quiet Kat Jeep Bike can be viewed below:

Best Custom Suspension and Comfort: RadRover 6 Plus

Rad Power Bikes has designed this powerful fat tire bike to hit mountains, beaches, deserts, and dirt roads in comfort! The upgraded 750W motor and half-twist throttle ensure you have enough power to get up hills and over bumps.

The 48V/14Ah battery has a range of around 45 miles (72 km), give or take depending on your riding style and throttle usage. Plus, with 5 pedal assist levels (and a 12-magnet cadence sensor), you can easily make modifications to get more battery range.

With its new semi-integrated battery, it has a refined look in addition to great comfort due to the ergonomic frame giving you a smooth ride. Additionally, the custom suspension fork with preload adjustment and 60mm of travel can get you over a wide range of difficult terrain.

Some perks include:

  • Automatically activated integrated lights: headlight, tail light, and brake light give you greater visibility, day or night.
  • Custom cable covers for protection and easy maintenance access.
  • Enhanced but simplified LCD user interface giving real-time stats, trip time, and time of day.

Bottom line: Rad Power Bikes RadRover Plus offers a comfortable off-road ride for outdoor enthusiasts.

Pros

  • Advanced and Customized: This electric fat tire bike has been improved with its excellent ability to tackle hilly areas, greater stopping power with its high-performing hydraulic disc brakes, custom geared hub motor, and a semi-integrated but removable battery.
  • Comfort: It’s been redesigned with an ergonomic frame, smoother handling, and 4-inch wide tires.
  • Good for Many Sizes of Riders: Accommodates a wider range of rider heights than before and offers a step-thru model for the shortest riders.
  • Affordable: At $1999, it’s a reasonable price for a high value.

Cons

  • Heavy: This electric bike’s weight is over 73 lbs (33 kg), so it will be too heavy for some people to lift into a car for travel.

Check out the RadRover Plus Bike video here:

Load-Bearing: Quiet Kat Ranger   

This electric fat tire bicycle comes with a durable and well-balanced frame with the choice of a 750W or 1000W rear hub motor for tackling rough terrain. It offers a front suspension fork and is equipped with a rear rack system for carrying gear.  

It comes with a 12.8AH/48V battery that offers a range up to 48 miles (77.25 km) of travel in ideal conditions. It can carry a load of 325 lbs (147.42 kg) and is fitted with an adjustable coil suspension form and a 7-speed drivetrain.

This e-bike is available in three sizes, depending on your height. The tires are 26″ x 4.5″ for the medium and large e-bikes and 24″ x 4.0 for the small bike, which is fat enough for handling off-road terrain. 

Riders can choose from three colors for the frame: 

  • Sandstone
  • Veil Poseidon Dry Camo
  • Charcoal

Bottom Line: This e-bike is in the mid-range of cost and is constructed in such a way that it can handle off-roading reasonably well. Riders can choose from motor sizes, height sizes, and colors when purchasing.

Pros

  • Load capacity: This fat tire e-bike can handle up to 325 lbs (147.42 kg) with an added rear rack for carrying cargo and gear on an updated frame.
  • Affordable: This model is more affordable than some other fat tire mountain e-bikes.
  • Customizable: Riders can choose their motor size and height size, as well as the color of their e-bike.

Cons

  • Shifting: Reviews indicated that for some, the shifting needed to be adjusted. If you don’t know how to do that, you may need assistance.
  • Battery charging: You may need an adapter if you wish to charge the battery off of the e-bike.

Watch the video below to see a demo ride for the Quiet Kat Ranger:

Budget-Friendly: Velowave Electric Bike  

Amazon.com offers this mountain e-bike with a 48V/15aH removable battery and 7-speeds. This 26” (66.04 cm) fat-tire electric bicycle can go up to 28 mph (45.06 kph) and is designed for use on snow, at the beach, or riding on mountains with its anti-skidding fat tires.

When purchasing, you can choose a silver or black frame color and select the expert assembly option. Bike tires may also need to be pumped up with the proper pressure tire settings upon arrival at the rider’s home. 

Every e-bike sold has gone through road testing, so there may be some dust on the tires.

This e-bike features a multi-functional LCD screen, has a hydraulic brake system and shock absorber front fork, and a bright front light.  

Bottom Line: If you are a more experienced rider and want to go fast, this is the option for you since this has a very powerful motor.

Pros

  • Removable battery: You can take the battery off and charge it inside your office or home.
  • Budget-friendly: This e-bike is low cost and arrives quickly when purchased from Amazon.com.
  • Visibility: It has a front light for riding at night or in low-light conditions.

Cons

  • Height: This e-bike is not designed for smaller riders.
  • Basic front suspension
  • Assembly: Riders may need assistance to put this together and can order assembly for an extra cost when purchasing.

You can see the Velowave e-bike unpacked and assembled on YouTube:

Best Overall for Value and Cost: NMC Prague Electric Mountain Bike

This German-designed e-bike has a traditional compact and rigid aluminum frame with a bottle-mounted battery set-up for easy removal to charge inside your home if desired. The battery is 768 Wh for extended distance riding, supplied with 48V/12 Ah, for a maximum speed of 20 mph (32.18 kph) powered by a 250W motor. 

It comes with a rigid and robust handlebar with ergonomic grips and a saddle for comfortable riding and performance. The design offers a high-top tube for sturdiness and gives you the ability to effectively transfer your pedaling power from the electric bike to the road.

This e-MBT has an easily accessible panel and a built-in USB port for charging your phone. 

Consumers can purchase a black or white frame and choose a tire size of 26” (66.04-cm), 27.5” (69.85-cm), or 29” (73.66-cm).

Bottom Line: I’d recommend the NMC Prague Electric Mountain Bike if you’re looking for quality parts at an affordable rate. This e-bike is suitable for beginners and those looking for comfortable and general off-road riding experiences with various tire sizes for people of different heights.

Pros

  • Affordable: This off-road e-bike offers an affordable option paired with an outstanding quality of motor and brakes that are reliable, demonstrating an excellent cost-to-value ratio, as compared to other e-bikes in the same price range.
  • Beginner level: This reliable e-bike is excellent for beginners and suitable for experts.
  • Maximum Comfort and Durability: This e-bike is ergonomically designed to be comfortable and corrosion-resistant.
  • Tire sizes: The varying tire sizes make this an option for people of various heights.

Cons 

  • Accessories: This e-bike does not have as many accessories and added safety features.
  • Weight: This is a heavier model weighing approximately 55.11 lbs (25 kg). 
  • Suspension: This is a “hardtail” design, meaning there is only a front suspension fork and not a full suspension. Thus, it’s better suited for light mountain trail riding and commuting than intensive off-roading.
  • Tire Width: If you’re looking for a true electric fat bike, these tires don’t quite match up to the others.

Check out the NMC Prague Electric Mountain Bike in action on YouTube:

Upgradeable and Customizable: iGo Outland Mountain Bike– Oka

Canadian-designed iGo’s Outland-Oka’s cost remains under $3,000 and is well designed for mountain bicycling. It comes with a 750W rear hub motor (U.S) and a 672Wh, 48V/14Ah removable and integrated battery. This battery can also be upgraded. 

The powerful motor paired with the e-bike’s 57 lbs (25.85 kg) will not overtake the rider in tighter and more technical terrain and is equipped with a 4.72” (120 mm) air fork Suspension, a 9-speed drivetrain, and hydraulic disc brakes. 

Additionally, this e-bike pairs with an innovative iGO Drive Connect App for iOS and Android, where riders can customize their profiles and go into “off-road mode” to reach top speeds of 26 mph (41.84 kph where permitted).

Bottom Line: This e-bike was built for rougher terrain with a powerful motor and a customizable and compatible app.

Pros

  • Upgraded: It is lighter overall with a smaller frame and upgraded components.
  • Assembly: This e-bike comes 95% assembled.
  • Battery and motor: The battery and motor combination supports a solid range.
  • Customizable app: The iGO Connect App works with your e-bike for personalized statistics and mode operations.

Cons

  • Suspension: The air fork style on this design might struggle a bit for heavy trail riding.
  • Cost: This option is more expensive than some of the others mentioned here.

View the iGo Outland – Oka on YouTube:

Best Camouflage E-Bike: Surface604 Boar Hunter Electric Mountain Bike

This Canadian-designed e-bike has the outdoors in mind with its camouflage paint. It comes with a 500W rear hub motor and a 48Wh/14 Ah battery, or you can upgrade to a 48V/20 Ah, and travel up to 20 mph (32.18 kph). 

The company also offers an e-bike frame option for those who are slightly shorter than average. The drivetrain, torque sensor, pedal assistance, and hydraulic disc brakes make this e-bike well-prepared for rougher terrain.

The Boar lacks a suspension fork and is rigid instead for increased durability for heavy use and hard impacts. 

Bottom Line: This electric bicycle is great for mountain adventures and accommodates shorter and taller riders. It comes in a cool camouflage look.

Pros

  • Control: The sensitive pedal assistance system is more responsive.
  • Terrain: The 9-speed drivetrain is a well-adept and affordable setup for e-mountain biking.
  • Battery upgrade: You have the option to upgrade to a longer-lasting battery.
  • Height: There is a frame option for those shorter in stature.
  • Aesthetics: The frame is painted in a camouflage-like print with black spokes and hubs on the tires as well.

Cons

  • Cost: This e-bike model is more expensive than the others mentioned in this article.
  • Comfort: The rigid front fork is not as comfortable when riding.

Watch the Surface604 Boar Hunter Electric Mountain Bike video:

Key Takeaways

There are several excellent options for the best fat tire electric mountain bikes. The QuietKat Ranger is the best overall choice for ideal equipment at a mid-range price. 

Considering the terrain you want to travel on, durability, and motor strength will help you make the best decision for your e-biking adventures. And, don’t forget your safety gear! 

Can I Take My E-Bike on a Train? (6 Steps)

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Electric bikes are a growing technological trend for an environmentally friendlier option to travel. If you want to travel a bit further than just down the road, consider taking your e-bike on a train for sustainable and multimodal transportation opportunities.

More often than not, you can take your electric bike on a train. However, there are restrictions depending on the train and location. Follow these 6 steps to take your electric bike on a train:

  1. Call ahead to the train station.
  2. Plan out your route.
  3. Give yourself time to check in.
  4. Purchase your train ticket and pay any e-bike fees.
  5. Board the train.
  6. Disembark from the train.

So, let’s go through each of the six steps to taking electric bikes (including folding bikes) on a train in detail, either for travel or your daily commute. I’ll walk you through the process so that you can confidently bring your e-bike wherever you go and don’t end up getting stuck.

As a bonus, find out what to do when you reach your destination!

passenger-train-arriving-station-downtown

1. Call Ahead to the Train Station.

As part of planning your trip away from home, calling ahead to ensure you can bring your e-bike on a particular train is essential. 

You can check the train’s website to see if they accommodate electric bikes, but it is best to call because rules and regulations can often change, and the website may not be up-to-date. 

If e-bikes are permitted, you will be able to find out the logistics, which may include the following:

  • There may be fees to bring your e-bike onboard.
  • There could be restrictions or requirements, such as the need for a permit or a reservation. For example, some trains don’t allow regular bikes or e-bikes during rush hour or on days of the week. Many train stations have limits on how many bicycles are permitted onboard, and there is no guarantee that they can be accommodated on a return trip. Further, find out if they offer checked baggage service for your route and departure date.
  • Some trains may ask you to pack your electric bike inside a box or bag. If so, you will need to label it with your name and contact information. Amazon.com offers an Aophire Folding Bike Bag that holds 26-inch (66.04 mm) to 27.5-inch (69.85 mm) bicycles with the wheels and handlebar off. This heavy-duty bag promises strong shoulder straps and an accessory pocket for needed tools. It’s best to keep the e-bike battery with you in this circumstance.
  • You might also be asked to remove the front wheel. This might be a good option because your e-bike will hang on a rack by its back wheel, staying out of the way of others. Just make sure your electric motor and components are safe from other bikes.
  • There may be a particular loading area for people to board with their electric folding bikes on local trains. Otherwise, you may need to store your e-bike on the mounted bike racks, usually located on the front of the train. If you do this, be sure to remove the battery to keep it safe from extreme temperatures and theft.
  • You should be able to lift your e-bike independently on and off the train or bike racks by yourself, so if you’ll need to do this, make sure you can handle the weight of your e-bike. If the bike rack is on the front of the train, make sure you do not have anything on the bike that could block the driver’s view.
  • Some train companies offer video and written directions on how to get your e-bike on and off the train. Make sure you watch and read these before your trip to have a smooth journey.

One last thing, don’t forget to plan for any e-bike travel accessories you’ll need to take with you!

2. Plan Out Your Route

While e-bikes can give you freedom on the road, you should plan out your route as you depart from the train station ahead of time, especially when traveling with your e-bike to a new place. It would be best if you also took note of any train transfers since your e-bike will also need to move from train to train when you do.

It may be helpful to avoid traveling with an e-bike during rush hour, mainly if your e-bike stays with you, to avoid congestion in the area. And, as mentioned above, it might not even be allowed.

3. Give Yourself Time To Check In

You should allocate an extra five to ten minutes to maneuver your bike through turnstiles, on stairs, on elevators, and amongst foot traffic in the train station. 

Often, the accessible turnstile can accommodate wheelchairs and e-bikes, or the staff may allow you to enter through a special access gate. 

If you plan a more extended trip or go to a large train station, you may need to consider more time, perhaps up to an hour before departure. If you have to pack up your electric bike, you will need time to cover it, box it up, or take the wheels and handlebars off, which would require more time to prepare. 

Most, if not all, train stations do not permit people to ride any kind of electric bicycle in the area. So, be prepared to walk in with your bike.

RadMini E-Bike Folded Up
Folding up my Rad e-bike for travel.

4. Purchase Your Train Ticket and Pay Any E-Bike Fees

After paying for your train ticket, you may wish to inquire at the information desk about where you can load your e-bike on a specific train. 

You also may need to purchase a bike pass or an additional ticket for your electric bike. That’s because bikes take up space, and it’s essential to keep the train from getting too crowded. 

It may be able to stay with you in a designated area. However, in other cases, you’ll need to learn more about where to find a bike rack, bike storage area, or bike-accessible train car for the train you want to ride. 

5. Board the Train with Your E-Bike

If you can bring your e-bike onboard, both you and your bike should stand behind the boarding line while waiting for the train to come to a complete stop. Be considerate and let the other passengers without bikes load first. That way, you won’t block traffic or bump anyone with your e-bike.

Keep your e-bike away from doors and aisles to keep exits clear in the event of an emergency.

During the ride, you should hold your electric bike securely in place. Some bicyclists will use a bungee cord to secure their bike to the lower part of a seat. Just keep in mind that electric bikes are a bit bulkier and heavier than traditional bikes.

This Cartman Bungee Cord from Amazon.com comes with a variety of 28 different sizes and lengths to help you find the right bungee cord for your needs. It also includes a motorcycle net, which can help secure a helmet to the e-bike.

young-man-using-folding-bike-while-traveling-by-train
Taking Folding Bike on Train

6. Disembark From the Train

When the train arrives at your destination, let the other passengers go before you when you get off the train. If you don’t have your e-bike with you, follow the station’s directions to reclaim it.

Then, you can exit the train station with your electric bicycle by following the exit signs. You may need to haul your bike upstairs (even if it’s not a folding bicycle) or take it on an elevator ride, so be ready to navigate the station. 

If you are removing your e-bike from the bike rack on the front of the train, make sure the train driver knows you are there. Again, it would be best to lift it off the rack independently without help from a conductor. However, there are usually conductors and staff on-hand if you have any difficulties.

Rules for Taking Your E-Bike on an Amtrak Train

National train companies like Amtrak have their own set of rules, as often these are long-distance trains. Electric bicycles under 50 lbs are generally allowed on an Amtrak train. But ask ahead as to whether you will need to store them in checked baggage or if your train has a walk-on bicycle service.

Additional rules and considerations include:

  1. Electric bicycles specifically designed as folding bikes must not be larger than 34″ x 15″ x 48″ (860 x 380 x 1120 mm) and can be designated as carry-on luggage in a passenger car.
  2. Fat tire bikes are unlikely to fit in the onboard bike racks, as most only allow tires up to 2″.
  3. You’re required to remove all e-bike accessories, including panniers, basgs, and baskets, as these can be a safety hazard.
  4. Make sure to arrive at least 30 to 45 minutes before departure, and even earlier if you’re traveling during peak hours. This will also be advantageous to you when there may be limited luggage space!
  5. Gas-powered motorized bicycles are not allowed on any train.

Ride Around Your Destination (Here’s how to get help!)

The location where you arrive may have bike lanes for you to ride in safely, and you can also navigate the area with some helpful apps.

Consider downloading an app, such as Bike Citizens, available on the App Store or Google Play. This app can assist you in picking routes for leisurely, convenient, or fast routes, making bicycling routes safer. However, if you need an internet connection to use your app, download the map material before taking your trip.

Another helpful app might be Citymapper, which can help you plan your entire trip with estimated arrival times so that you can arrive and depart from the train station on time. This app can search all transit modes, including subway, ferry, bike, and bus, with step-by-step directions for your routes.

Citymapper is currently available in big U.S. cities such as New York City, Chicago, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, and more. This app is available on iOS and Android devices, and you can download it from the App Store or Google Play.

Be sure to check out these amazing paved bike trails if you’re traveling with your e-bike in the USA!

Conclusion

Taking your electric folding bicycle or larger-sized bikes on a train isn’t too challenging if you know how to navigate it. Always call ahead the first time you arrive at the station with your electric bike and ask station workers how to take it on the train with you. Be sure to specify that you have an electric bike, as rules may be different than for standard bicycles.

Be sure to plan ahead, too, since some trains may not accommodate bikes at all, or you may have to put your e-bike on luggage racks or in a storage area that you’re not comfortable with.

What is the Most Comfortable Electric Bike? (Get the List)

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What is the Most Comfortable Electric Bike

Riding a bike can be uncomfortable. Even to the point where you can’t get back on the bike for a few days because it hurts too much! And although the best electric bike makes it easier to ride a bicycle in general, sitting on an uncomfortable one for long periods won’t be as enjoyable.

Plus, on an e-bike, you’ll likely spend much more time riding because of its electric motor and pedal assistance (it’s not only easier than a regular bike, it’s more fun). So it’s even more important that you find a comfortable one!

The most comfortable electric bike generally has:

  • A plush wide seat
  • Upright handlebars
  • An ergonomic frame
  • A highly adjustable fit
  • A comfortable suspension
  • Wider than average tires
  • Added personal comfort features

It’s hard to pinpoint the number one most comfortable electric bike with so many varieties on the market.

For example, if you’re looking for one that rides well on rough terrain, then you might be looking for the most comfortable electric mountain bike or fat tire electric bike. Alternatively, if you’ll be riding on paved roads, you might want a comfortable e-bike that’s fast… or you might just want a comfort bike for leisurely riding.

What you’ll find in this article is a most comfortable e-bike list I’ve researched and put together of different types of e-bikes from different brands that rank high on comfort based on features, reviews, and customer ratings.

You’ll also discover ways to make any e-bike ride more comfortable!

What is the Most Comfortable Electric Bike

Are Electric Bikes Comfortable?

Just like regular bikes, some electric bikes are more comfortable than others. Typically, a cheaper e-bike will be less comfortable than a higher-quality one.

But, when it comes to comfort, what really matters are the features of the e-bike itself. Here’s a look at how these features can make you more comfortable when riding an electric bicycle.

Electric Bike Saddle

Believe it or not, there are different shapes and sizes of seats on electric bikes. Many brands build their e-bikes with a certain type of “saddle” based on the e-bike’s type or style.

On a road bike, many seats are narrow and firm due to positioning the rider for speed. Whereas, on an electric cruiser (also referred to as “comfort bike”), the seat is typically much wider.

However, brands sometimes use stylish seats (or whatever type of basic seat they want) based on looks and cost to them, rather than focusing on comfort.

As comfort goes, most would agree that having a comfortable seat is the most important feature contributing to a smooth ride. This is especially true on electric bikes since riders tend to spend more time on them than on traditional bikes since pedal assist and throttle reduce exhaustion, therefore helping a rider go further.

What to Look for in a Comfortable Bike Seat:

  • Extra-wide or “oversized”
  • Shock-absorbing
  • Thick and soft
  • Plush: Made with memory foam or gel padded
  • Waterproof (or at least water resistant)

Handlebars (and Sitting Position)

Having upright handlebars automatically puts you in an upright seating position, which is why most comfort e-bikes have them. Plus, unless your intent is to maximize top speed, you’ll be in a more natural position while riding, without having to lean forward as much.

Make sure to also consider handlebar reach and width as well as shape and size, in addition to height. Further, some e-bikes have ergonomic grips like the one below:

Black ergonomic Handlebar Grip
Ergonomic Handlebar Grip on RadPower Bikes (next to throttle)

Ergonomically Designed Bike Frame

Some e-bike companies list an ergonomic frame as one of their bike’s features. An ergonomic frame will place the rider’s center of gravity in the middle of the frame, reducing poor posture that leads to back and neck pain.

Front Suspension Fork

You’ll want a decent front suspension on your electric bike, especially if you intend to ride on dirt roads or mountain trails. Most e-bikes have only a front suspension (as opposed to a full suspension that may be found on electric mountain bikes).

For e-bikes that are built to ride well on flat terrain and on rough terrain, you’ll most likely have a hardtail or rigid fork. A rigid front fork is typically enough to satisfy most e-bike riders. However, even front forks can be designed differently, with some being able to manage bumps in the road more effectively. Both spring and hydraulic forks can offer decent cushioning in mid-range e-bikes. But getting an e-bike with a hydraulic fork will reduce the need for repairs and make it a lighter e-bike overall.

Adjustable Fit

Getting properly fitted to your e-bike is a helpful way to confirm that you’ll be comfortable riding it. Frame height is of top importance to your comfort on an e-bike; it’s essential to get the right fit to your own height and leg length. Even so, buying one with adjustable features will ensure that you are the most comfortable on your e-bike.

To get the best custom fit, once you are certain of the frame height, you primarily need to be able to adjust the seat and the handlebars in as many ways as possible.

The seat should not only raise and lower to a variety of heights that makes pedaling comfortable (and safe) for you, but it should move forward and backward as well as tilt up and down.

Wide Tires

The wider the tires, the more contact the tire may have with the ground. In turn, the tire will roll over bumps and provide a more comfortable ride in general. Air pressure will also affect how smooth your ride is, so following your e-bike manufacturer’s PSI tire recommendations is important, no matter the width of the tires.

Specifically choosing an electric bicycle with fat tires of 4.0 inches or more may also enhance your ride comfort. However, you’ll want to make sure that a fat tire electric bike is right for you first.

Extra Comfort Features and Accessories

Additional features that may make electric bikes comfortable include:

  • Ergonomic handlebar grips
  • Upgraded plush seat
  • USB connector for mobile phone
  • Rear rack and pannier bag to carry helpful belongings

The Top Most Comfortable Electric Bikes (The List)

Finding the one best e-bike in regards to comfort isn’t as easy as it sounds. As you’ve read above, there are a lot of considerations. And then it also depends on what other features are important to you and what kind of electric bike you want and need.

I’ve made a table of the most comfortable electric bikes and what type of e-bike each one is. If you’re looking for one that can handle rougher terrain as well as paved roads, consider a fat tire e-bike. However, that won’t be necessary if you’re not planning to go off-road. Instead, you can compare other features that are most important to you.

Best Comfort E-Bikes

Best Electric Bike Comfort ModelsType of
E-Bike
Seat
Type
Tire
Size
Comfort
Features
Front ForkPrice
Ride1UP Cafe Cruiser
Cargo CruiserPlush Saddle
Adjustable Angle
26″x3.0″Comfort-designed frame geometryHydraulic lockout 80mm suspension$1595
Ride1Up LMT’d Step-Thru
Commuter/
Cruiser
Plush Gel Adjustable Angle27.5″x2.4″Upright handlebars; Hydraulic disc brakes; ergonomic gripsAir suspension 80mm travel$1695+
Rad Power Bikes RadCity Step-ThruCommuter/
City Cruiser
Brand saddle w/ lifting handle27.5x 2.0″Ergonomic Frame; Hydraulic disc brakesSpring fork w/lockout and preload adjustment; 50 mm travel$1999
Magiccyle 52V Fat Tire CruiserOff-Road Cruiser/Fat Tire“Soft and Comfortable” per reviews26″x4.0″Fat tiresFactory front shock$1799
KBO Ranger Electric Cargo BikeExtended Cargo w/ Adaptable Rear RackFully adjustable saddle20″x3.0″Lower center of gravity; Ergonomic twist throttle;Standard fork$1699
SixThreeZero
EVRYjourney
500W
Comfort CruiserExtra wide saddle with soft foam26″x2.0″Comes in men’s and women’s size; Ergonomic frame; Upright position in seatStandard fork$2000
Rad Power Bikes RadWagonExtended Cargo +Upgraded plush with lifting handle22″x3.0″Telescoping seat post; adjustable handlebars for reach, height & angleRigid steel fork$1999
Rad Power Bikes RadRover Plus (Fat Tire)Fat Tire Step-ThruErgonomic seat with lifting handle26″x4.0″Ergonomic frame, ergonomic gripsRST spring fork w/ lockout and preload adjustment, 60 mm travel$1999
RadCity Electric Commuter Bike
RadCity Electric City Bike

How Can I Make My Electric Bike More Comfortable?

No matter what electric bike you choose to buy, there are ways to make it more comfortable. Comfort may be a personal preference as well. You might wish to remove lower back pain, neck stiffness, or saddle soreness. Or you might want to be able to ride longer and have more fun exercising.

Whatever the reason you’re looking for the most comfortable electric bike, you might wish to improve the comfort of your new or old e-bike.

To make an e-bike more comfortable, you can do the following things:

  • Adjust the handlebars to improve your reach and angle– Sitting upright is almost always more comfortable and leaning too far forward is likely to strain your back or neck. If your e-bike doesn’t adjust as completely as you’d like, take it into a professional bike shop for suggestions and modifications.
  • Find the right seat height– Adjust your saddle for height and ride a couple of miles. You should be able to full reach the pedals and your leg should be almost straight at the pedal’s lowest point. If you feel pain or discomfort in your knees, chances are your seat is too low. If you have trouble getting on or off your e-bike, chances are your seat is too high. Readjust the saddle height as needed until you get the right fit.
  • Adjust the seat front to back or tilt up or down– Again, finding the correct fit is by trial and error.
  • Wear comfortable bike shorts– Buy shorts with padding and wear either underneath loose clothing or by themselves.
  • Use other helpful bike accessories that’ll increase comfort– Cycling gloves, glasses, and high-quality helmets will help you feel your best while riding.
  • Decrease tire pressure– If you are hitting every little bump with a thud and feeling it on your saddle, it’s likely that the air pressure in your tires is too high. As you remove air from both the front and rear tire, they’ll be making greater contact with the ground. This will ensure that they roll smoothly over the ground.
  • Replace your bike saddle– You can purchase an oversized, plush bike seat for relatively little right on Amazon. Spending $30 to maximize comfort while riding is a small amount considering your electric bike investment.

What is the Most Comfortable Seat for an E-Bike?

Good news! If you are unable to purchase the most comfortable electric bike due to affordability, size limitations, or any reason, then you can still make your e-bike a little more comfortable than it is currently.

To get the most comfortable e-bike seat, you can replace your old one with a newer, wider seat, typically for less than $40. There are many options. Alternatively, you can add a plush seat cover (Amazon) to your current seat for around $20.

New saddles are really easy to find. Here are a few affordable bike seats to check out. You can find these ones on Amazon that fit comfort e-bikes and cruisers:

E-Bike SeatTypeCost
Roguoo Wide Bicycle Seat for Men & WomenMemory Foam$18
Bikeroo Bike Seat – Comfort Bicycle Saddle for Men and WomenMemory Foam$37
Bikally Comfortable Bike Seat, Universal FitHigh-Density Foam Padding$38
DAWAY Comfortable Men & Women Bike SeatSoft Memory Foam$32

What is the Most Comfortable Electric Bike Brand?

Many brands focus on one or two features to help them stand out. And with electric bikes, there are so many things to consider that even the best e-bike companies rarely spell out comfort as a top priority. But there are a few brands that have made the effort… and it has paid off.

Rad Power Bikes

As the largest e-bike brand in North America, Rad Power Bikes has been around for a while. They’ve constantly improved upon previous models and have focused on comfort during their last round of engineering in 2022. Many of their e-bikes now have ergonomic frames, better suspension, improved seat comfort, and/or greater adjustability.

The RadRover 6 Plus, for example, has been re-engineered for a better fit and increased comfort. It boasts an ergonomic frame, handlebar grips, and seat! Plus, it has fat tires for on and off-road comfort riding.

Ride1Up

Although a newer and smaller brand of electric bikes, Ride1Up has quickly figured out that riding comfort should be made a priority. They’ve redesigned models such as the 500 Series and 700 Series to be comfortable over longer distances, while their LMT’d step-thru model has made commuting feel as easy as cruising.

A great electric bike, the Cafe Cruiser acts just like it sounds, an all-in-one e-bike that doesn’t sacrifice comfort for functionality.

BONUS: The nice thing about the Ride1Up and Rad Power Bikes brands (read the article if you’d like a detailed comparison of these brands) is that they both have high-quality electric bikes for a reasonable price… all of their models fall between just over $1000 to under $2000.

Summary: Buying The Most Comfortable Electric Bike

As you can see in the list of electric bikes above, there’s a variety of models that have features geared towards your comfort. The list will likely have the perfect e-bike for you, once you decide which features are most important to you.

Make sure to consider getting an e-bike that fits your size and that has all of the bells and whistles you want. This may include an ergonomically designed frame, plush oversized seat, adjustable handlebars, and more.

Folding E-Bike vs. Electric Scooter: Which Is Better?

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RadMini Folding E-Bike in Hot
Don't leave your e-bike in a hot car!

Folding electric bikes and electric scooters are both popular ways of getting around. They can both help you get a lot further with significantly less effort. They are somewhat similar, but plenty of things set them apart. 

Folding e-bikes are collapsible bicycles with a motor to help make pedaling more manageable, especially over long distances and challenging terrains. Electric scooters work with a motor rather than relying on the rider to push it along. 

Both can be your personal electric vehicle, but which one is best for you?

Let’s break down all the differences between folding electric bicycles and e-scooters. I’ll walk you through the differences and help you determine which one might be better for you. So, hop on, and let’s get into it!

What Are the Differences Between Folding Electric Bikes and Electric Scooters?

Folding e-bikes and e-scooters are only becoming more desirable and common. Both of these battery-powered vehicles are ideal for zooming around town or getting places without powering up a car. However, if you can’t decide which one is right for you, then you’ll have to weigh out the differences and determine what you want in an electric two-wheeler. 

The main differences between folding e-bikes and electric scooters are speed, maneuverability, range, and terrain. They also differ in size, weight, and insurance costs, which can be determining factors for deciding which works best for you. 

Let’s discuss these differences in more detail. 

Folding E-Bikes Are Faster Than Electric Scooters

One of the main differences between folding e-bikes and e-scooters is their speed capability. Generally, even riding electric scooters faster can’t reach the speeds that electric bikes can. 

An electric scooter’s average speed is about 10 mph (16 km/h) when riding on flat, smooth terrain. That is a pretty decent speed, especially when traveling with people or cars nearby. However, because of their tiny wheels and small batteries, they can’t go as fast on hills and bumps, so they aren’t going to get you where you need to go very quickly. 

All kinds of e-bikes, including foldable ones, can reach higher speeds. The motor of many folding electric bikes will typically assist your pedaling until you reach about 20 mph (32 km/h). There are exceptions to this speed limit with electric bikes that are more expensive and have a more powerful motor, but you can expect an average e-bike to reach about 20 mph (32 km/h) before the electric motor cuts out. Beyond this point, you can pedal to go even faster, sometimes up to 28 mph (45 km/h).

Read my review of my husband’s and my RadMini folding e-bikes!

Black Rad Mini Electric Bike from Rad Power Bikes
Rad Power Bikes Class 2 folding e-bike!

The differences in speed between these electronic two-wheelers boil down to power and safety. 

Electric scooters are low to the ground and have small, hard wheels, which means they tend to pick up every bump on the road. So, higher speeds in an electric scooter may not be safe, depending on the design. We’ll get more into the safety of these machines later. 

The clear winner when it comes to overall speed is the e-bike. It can easily reach double the speed of an electric scooter. Though it may not always be necessary to go that fast, it is certainly nice to have the option, especially on open, smooth pavement. So, if speed is an essential factor, you may want to consider an e-bike. 

To learn more about e-bike motor speed regulations, you need to understand how e-bikes are classified.

YYD Robo Electric Scooter
My college kid loves his YYD Robo e-scooter from Amazon… it easily fits anywhere in his apartment and it’s ready to hop on and go!

Electric Scooters Are Easier to Maneuver Than E-Bikes

Another main difference between the electric scooter and a foldable e-bike is its maneuverability. 

A scooter is smaller than an e-bike, making it easier to move around in a crowded place, such as when riding on a college campus or in a big city. With an electric scooter, you can easily slide between cars or people depending on where you choose to ride. 

Folding e-bikes, just like traditional bikes, are bigger than the body of an electric scooter. 

So, it will be a little more challenging to fit in tight spaces. Also, since electric bikes are larger and faster, they are more difficult to maneuver in crowded areas. Busy city streets might not be the best place to take your electric bike if you want to ride comfortably and smoothly. 

When it comes to maneuverability, the electric scooter (like this one on Amazon) is a clear winner. The smaller body and less bulky design allow you to power your way through busy city streets effortlessly. 

E-Bikes Have a Longer Range Than Electric Scooters

The range of these electric vehicles is difficult to guess because there are so many variables regarding how far your e-bike or e-scooter can make it. 

The average distance will depend on how long the battery charge will last. So, the type of battery, wattage, and how you treat your electric scooter or bike will all make a difference in the range of these two-wheelers. 

The average electric scooter will go from 6 to 25 miles (9.7 to 40 kilometers) on one charge. That’s a wide range that may leave some potential buyers scratching their heads. So, let’s talk about why the battery range of your bike or scooter varies so wildly. 

Many things can affect how long an electric scooter battery lasts, like: 

  • Weight 
  • Type of battery 
  • Terrain 
  • Speed 

While the same things affect the range of a folding e-bike, electric bikes tend to have a longer range than e-scooters. Most e-bikes will take you anywhere from 20 to 100 miles (32 to 161 kilometers) depending on the same factors we talked about above. So, you get substantially more range from an electric bicycle compared to a scooter. 

Overall, a folding e-bike is better for long-distance traveling. In contrast, e-scooters won’t get you as far. So, whichever option you choose will highly depend on how far you want to take it. However, if range matters to you, then the clear winner is the electric bike, as its minimum range begins around where the scooter’s range ends. 

White Lectric XP Step-Thru Fat Tire E-Bike
Lectric XP Step-Thru E-Bike has 4″ wide fat tires with its foldable design… and a range of up to 45+ miles!
Folded E-Bike Lectric XP in White
Lectric XP E-Bike Folded Up

E-Bikes Perform Better on Rough Terrain

The type of terrain is often overlooked but essential to consider when addressing the folding electric bike vs folding scooter debate. 

So, it is critical to consider where you plan to ride your electric two-wheeler. 

Overall, folding e-bikes are going to be able to handle rougher terrain much better than scooters. The motor will help you get up challenging hills and almost all bike tires will manage a wider variety of terrain than a scooter’s tires.

Electric scooters will not give you that same terrain versatility that you see when you ride electric bikes. Off-roading with an electric scooter is not an option considering the small wheels and low, flat body. They aren’t able to handle rugged terrain like e-bikes. Instead, you will feel almost every bump in the road when riding over anything that isn’t smooth. You might even lose your balance or get thrown off your scooter, so safety is an issue.

If you want to take your two-wheeler off-road, then an electric scooter is not the one for you. 

In general, e-bikes have better stability and shock absorption, minimizing bumps. So, with an e-bike, you will feel bumps, but nothing like an electric scooter. 

Choosing a folding e-bike with fat tires or tires built for rough trails (such as on an electric mountain bike) is an excellent choice for off-roading or riding on bumpy roads and sidewalks. That doesn’t mean a folding electric bike won’t do well on paved roads too. Electric bikes may be able to do both, depending on the bike itself and the type of tires.

Also, scooters are not ideal for going up or down steep hills because of their small tires and low body. However, e-bikes can make steep hills more scalable since they’ll help you reach the top with their powerful batteries. 

Folding E-Bikes Are Heavier Than Electric Scooters

While both the electric scooter and the folding e-bike are easily portable, the weight can be a significant factor in what works for you. E-scooters tend to weigh less than folding e-bikes. 

Electric scooters start at about 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms), while mini folding electric bikes start at around 40 pounds (18 kilograms). The weight of full-size folding electric bikes, however, can be as much as 80 lbs (36 kg). 

Folding electric bikes are far more portable than their non-collapsible counterparts, but they can still be pretty hefty and hard to move. So, if you can’t easily lift a 70-pound weight and often take your e-bike places where you need to lift it, opting for a folding scooter or mini electric bike might be best. 

Woman with RadMini Step-Thru Folding E-Bike
I love my Rad Folding E-Bike… but you can get a lighter version now!

So, both give you good options for easy portability, but there’s a vast difference between these two vehicles.

If you plan to carry around your two-wheeler or take it on trains and downstairs, you may want to opt for a scooter. 

If weight makes a difference in which one you choose, most electric scooters tend to weigh significantly less than folding electric bikes. Not only are e-bikes bigger, but they also have a lot more power. So, the difference in weight makes up for things like battery life and speed. 

Costs To Insure a Folding E-Bike Versus an Electric Scooter

Insurance is essential to consider whenever you purchase a folding e-bike or electric scooter. 

Insurance is not required by law for either mode of transportation, but you should consider it. It is a good idea to consider insurance whenever you spend money on something you will use as much as these. 

Getting insurance isn’t a bad idea considering the investment of purchasing a folding e-bike or electric scooter. Covering your two-wheeler will ensure you don’t have to replace any parts in case of an accident. So, it is worth considering insurance for whichever one you choose. 

Let’s talk about the price differences. 

Electric Scooter Insurance

E-scooters are overall less expensive than folding e-bikes. So, the insurance rates are going to be cheaper as well. The average electric scooter costs $300 (like these ones on Amazon), depending on the quality you want. So, insurance may not seem like the most important thing. 

If you purchase a more expensive electric scooter or you can’t afford to replace yours if something happens, then insurance may be worth considering. The average insurance package, which tends to cover theft or damage of the scooter, will cost about $20 to $30 per year for an electric scooter, depending on the company you go through. 

Electric Bike Insurance

When it comes to electric bicycles, you may consider insurance more heavily. Most e-bikes tend to cost about $1,000 on average for good quality. The lower side may get as low as $600, but that’s about the lowest you can expect to pay for a good electric folding bike. So, that may make you want to consider insurance coverage as it may be tough to replace your bicycle. 

If you are looking for insurance coverage for an e-bike, you can usually find good plans for about $100 per year. An electric bike policy should cover damage and offer full coverage if someone steals your e-bike. 

Unfortunately, stolen e-bikes are common since they are expensive, and people often keep them outside. So, insurance is worth considering for an expensive purchase like an e-bike. 

Overall, insurance coverage for electric scooters is cheaper. However, you get a better deal with electric bicycle insurance because they are more expensive to replace or fix. While neither e-scooters nor e-bikes need to be insured by law, it’s still important to consider the price of replacement and repairs – and insurance would cover those costs for you. 

Are Folding E-Bikes Safer Than Electric Scooters?

Electric folding bikes are safer than electric scooters because they handle bumps better, and you are more visible to other people while on the road. While accidents on e-bikes still happen, electric scooters are a little less safe, especially when on the road. 

Safety is a valid concern for any mode of transportation. We’ve all fallen off of a bike once or twice. Scooters may seem safer because you are lower to the ground and can more easily stop your movement by just planting your leg, but there are other important factors to consider. 

We discussed folding e-bikes’ and scooters’ ability to handle rough terrain above, which is essential when considering safety. 

An electric bike is a lot more likely to handle a hole in the sidewalk or a pothole in the road without causing injury. That makes the folding e-bike safer for riding on rough terrain or poorly maintained roads. 

Electric folding bikes are also bigger, making you more visible when riding on the street. Drivers may have a more challenging time seeing you on a scooter than on an electric bicycle. So, it is safer to ride an e-bike when you are around cars and traffic. 

The folding e-bike proves to be more reliable when it comes to safety. So, if you’re looking for something reliable to ride on the road or maybe over some potholes, then the electric bike is the right choice for you. 

Are Folding E-Bikes or Electric Scooters Better?

Overall, folding electric bikes are a better choice than electric scooters for many reasons. Though it is more expensive and costs more to insure, a folding e-bike is safer and faster. It can handle rough terrain and longer distances than an electric scooter. 

Still, there are reasons you might rather have an e-scooter (Amazon). These include:

  • Cost: Electric scooters are far cheaper than electric bikes
  • Size: Scooters are much smaller and easier to manage than electric bikes (easy to take up flights of stairs or onto a bus or train)
  • Storage: They can be folded small enough to fit in just about any corner or even under your bed

And, if you just want a short joy ride around town or to get you to your college campus, a scooter might be a suitable option. However, for a more versatile electric vehicle that’ll allow you to go fast and far, you should buy a folding e-bike. 

Folding Electric Scooter in Corner
An e-scooter can fit easily into any corner.

If you want an electric bike, find out what you need to know about cheaper ones before you buy.

Conclusion

If you are looking for something cheap, lightweight, and maneuverable, the electric scooter may be the right choice for you. Electric scooters aren’t as versatile, safe, or long-lasting, but they are an excellent option if you want something small and convenient. 

However, the real winner is the folding electric bicycle. Folding electric bikes are more expensive and more complicated to maneuver, but they are safer, more versatile, and can go further at higher speeds. So, spend the extra money on a folding e-bike if you want safety, and speed, and plan to ride long distances.  

8 Best E-Bikes for Mountain Trails and Roads (Affordable)

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Best E-Bikes for Mountain Trails and Roads

In the history of humankind, one of the greatest inventions was the wheel. Thanks to technology, the wheel’s invention took many forms, from the steam engine to fuel-powered vehicles and now, electric mobility. Today, more cyclists and mountain bikers are taking riding to the next level with electric bicycles.

But if you want to ride rough bike paths or do some mountain biking, you’ll find it hard to find any reasonably priced electric mountain bikes from high-end brands. In fact, many of the best electric mountain bikes cost upwards of $6000, which is likely out of your price range, especially if you’re buying your first electric bicycle. So

Here are 8 of the best e-bikes for mountain trails and roads that are affordable (under $2000):

  1. Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike
  2. Kemanner 26-Inch Electric Mountain Bike
  3. Ecotric Seagull Electric Mountain Bicycle
  4. M2S R750 HT Integrated All Terrain
  5. NAKTO Discovery Electric Mountain Bikes
  6. ENGWE EP-2 Folding Electric Bike
  7. W Wallke X3 Pro Electric Bike
  8. Speedrid 26 Electric Bike

So, what are some of the cheaper mountain trail e-bikes options available in the market? This comprehensive guide provides details for the most affordable of the best electric mountain bikes that can be ridden on a mountain trail, dirt path, or on a rougher road. And, a few bikes on this list are even available directly from Amazon, unless otherwise noted.

Best E-Bikes for Mountain Trails and Roads

1. Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike

This budget-friendly model is a great hardtail option for riding on hills and trails with 24-speed gearing and 5-level pedal assistance for speeds up to 19.5 mph (31.38 kph). 

It is slightly cheaper than most e-mountain bikes and comes with high strength and lightweight forks, 27.5” (69.85-cm) tires, and front and mechanical disc brakes. This model is not intended for downhill racing or extreme sports, which is to be expected for an e-bike that’s this affordable.

The e-bike frame is made of aluminum, and the whole e-bike weighs about 55.11 lbs (25 kg) with a load capacity of 3,330 lbs (1,510.46 kg). It comes with a 36V 10.5 Ah lithium-ion battery that takes about 6 hours to charge on or off the frame. 

The motor is a high-speed 350W brushless motor, and it comes with an LCD Speed Display to indicate the motor power ratio, battery level, error indication, total mileage, and more.

Bottom Line: This e-bike has a slightly larger motor, lower speed capability, and a lower cost than many electric mountain bikes (e-MTB’s), as well as most electric bikes in general.

Pros

  • Water-resistant: This e-bike is water and corrosion resistant, protected against water sprays from any angle. 
  • Affordable: It is affordable yet made with quality parts making it a well-built option. 
  • Technology: The LCD screen offers helpful e-bike statistics. 

Cons

  • Battery: The battery needs a longer charging time.
  • Difficult to assemble: This e-bike comes 85% preassembled, and some users report needing assistance to put the rest of it together. You can pay a fee to have it done for you.
  • Uncomfortable: It can be uncomfortable to ride on technical or obstacle-laden trails since it is a hardtail style.

Ancheer Electric Mountain Bikes can be purchased on the Ancheer website.

ANCHEER Electric Mountain Bike
ANCHEER Electric Mountain Bike

2. Kemanner 26-Inch Electric Mountain Bike 

This electric mountain bicycle comes with 26” (66.04 cm) wheels with aluminum alloy double-walled rims providing greater durability and a faster ride on light trails with less drag. This e-bike can go up to 21.5 mph (34.6 kph) and has an aluminum frame that comes with a charger for the 36V/8Ah battery. 

It comes in black and offers pedal assist, a 250W motor, LED headlights and horn, and disc brakes for all-weather stopping. 

The 21-Speed gear increases power for going up hills, traveling further, and adapting to varying terrain. The strong full-suspension offers a comfortable ride for both beginners and experienced riders. 

This affordable mountain e-bike is foldable, making it compact for car or train transportation when you cannot ride and want to take your e-bike with you. 

Bottom Line: This e-bike is the lowest cost of all electric bikes in this article and comes with a full suspension for a smoother ride. It can be difficult and frustrating to assemble, and you may need to pay someone to help you put it together, thus negating the price differences. 

Pros

  • Portable: This e-bike is foldable and compact, making it easy to transport.
  • Weight: It is designed to be lighter in weight, making it easier to transport.
  • Suspension: It comes with a full suspension for comfort and a smoother ride.

Cons

  • Assembly: It comes semi-assembled, with no instruction manual.
  • Motor power: The motor is not as powerful as other options.
  • Performance: It does not perform well on highly technical trails with lots of roots and rocks. 

Check out the Kemanner 26” Electric Mountain Bike (available on Amazon.com). The review for this e-bike can be found on YouTube:

3. Ecotric Seagull Electric Mountain Bicycle

Ecotric offers one of the best electric mountain bikes that’s affordable by saying you can “fly like a bird” when riding. And so named this version the “Seagull.” 

Its motor is a brushless toothed rear hub at a powerful 1000W, and it can go 20 mph (32.18 kph). Still, according to the instruction manual, it is adjustable to go faster to a maximum of 26-28 mph (41.84-45.06 kph where permitted), the fastest of the options mentioned in this article. 

The removable lithium battery is 48V 13Ah, with a 20A reflecting guard plate, needing a 6-8 hour charge time. It has a hydraulic front fork suspension with a 26” (66.04 cm) tire and a hydraulic disc braking system with a correlating braking light and lighting that automatically comes on in the dark. 

This model also offers pedal assist and walk-assist and 7-speed gear. 

This e-bike’s frame is made of aluminum and is durable, agile, and elegant in design to capture the sense of a bird in flight with the bike’s unique straight sloping upper tube.

Bottom Line: If you are a more experienced rider and want to go fast, this is one of the best electric mountain bikes for you since this has a very powerful motor.

Pros

  • Powerful: The powerful motor can allow the rider to go faster speeds.
  • Visually Appealing: The e-bike’s design is unique and aesthetically pleasing.
  • Visibility: It has a red rear light for increased visibility.
  • Assembly: The reviews state that it is easy to assemble.

Cons

  • Height: This e-bike is not designed for shorter people.
  • Battery Capacity: This e-bike’s battery takes more time to charge because it’s hold more charge than some.

Check out the Ecotric Seagull Electric Mountain Bicycle!

Ecotric Seagull Electric Mountain Bicycle
Ecotric Seagull Electric Mountain Bicycle

4. M2S R750 HT Integrated All Terrain

M2S or Mountain To Sea is a company that specializes in the best electric mountain bikes in the hopes of inspiring you to embark on an adventure. This All-Terrain electric mountain bike is one of their newest models, as well as one of their mountain bikes that cost less than $3,000.

Some features that make this model noteworthy are the frame is made of aluminum, and the air suspension fork can be locked out, should you desire to go off the beaten path. It also works well with fat bike tires, making it great for riding in sand and snow. Fenders and a tiny back rack are also included in this bike, which is removable. Plus, the bike is water-resistant enough that you can simply hose it down to clean it.

In addition to the electric aid, the drivetrain has eight gears. The throttle is handled by your left hand on this pedal-assist, which has nine different speeds. As an alternative, you can also use the cadence sensor, which allows you to ride your bike not only at a preferred speed, but while using the preferred amount of effort to do so.

Beyond this, the battery is designed to be entirely integrated, yet still detachable. It has a range of 20 to 75 miles (32 to 120 km), and since the engine is in the back hub, there’s no need to stress about the front hub failing while you’re out on the trail.

You can check out the R750 HT on the M2S website.

5. NAKTO Discovery Electric Mountain Bike

This is a 350W fat tire electric bike with thick tires and a built-in battery. It can run for 20 miles (32 km) at a speed of 25 mph after only 4-6 hours of charging time. And with its pedal assist technology, you can go twice as far without the battery running out of power.

This e-bike is great for riders who don’t want a fast charge, as the charging period is only 4-6 hours. Still, this charging rate is faster than most other options. You can also convert from pedal help to electric mode easily, and it’s incredibly simple to assemble.

NAKTO 350W Electric Mountain Bike
NAKTO 350W Electric Mountain Bike

6. ENGWE EP-2 Folding Electric Bike

This is a foldable e-bike with fat tires in width similar to the NAKTO Discovery. The frame is made of a similar aluminum alloy, as is the rest of the product.

It should be noted, however, that this is designed for persons who are 5’10” to 6’5″ (177.8 to 195.58 cm) tall, and has an adjustable handlebar and seat to fit. It also has one of the most powerful motors on the list, with a maximum power output of 750W.

With a rider height of 5’10” to 6’5″ (177.8 to 195.58 cm) and a weight restriction of 330 lbs (149 kg), this e-bike has created a niche in the market for larger and heavier persons. Its motor and brakes are powerful enough to accommodate taller people and give sufficient stopping force even in steep terrain.

Black ENGWE 750W Folding Electric Bike Fat Tire Mountain
ENGWE 750W Folding Fat Tire Electric Bike for Mountain Trails

7. W Wallke X3 Pro Electric Bike

Another foldable e-bike in the market, it offers more comfort on uneven terrain thanks to its dual suspension. It has a wider rider height range than the ENGWE EP-2, although it still excludes the majority of female riders. It also has twin disc hydraulic brakes and can handle riders weighing 300 pounds (136 kg).

This e-bike is ideal for people weighing under 300 pounds (136 kg) who are taller. However, the bike performs substantially better when relying exclusively on the motor’s power, especially given the 40-mile (64 km) range. Finally, because it’s collapsible, it’s easier to store.

The electric bike has a maximum speed of 28 mph and a mileage range of 60 on pedal assist and 40 on throttle mode. The e-bike motor capacity is 750W.

W Wallke X3 Pro Electric Fat Tire Mountain
W Wallke X3 Pro Electric Fat Tire Mountain

8. Speedrid 26 Electric Bike

If you’re not interested in a fat tire bike, this is a wonderful option. It’s more suitable for those who like to pedal and is ideal for most average height persons given the 5’1″-6’3″ (154.94-190.5 cm) rider height range. However, the bike can be powered by a motor in specific circumstances. Of course, smaller tires mean a thinner bike frame, which means it’s easier to pedal due to the reduced weight.

This variant is recommended for users who want to pedal rather than rely on the e-bike’s motor. It also works for folks who want higher ground clearance because of the bigger circle of the wheels. Also, as previously said, it’s suitable for persons of medium height, both men and women.

The e-bike’s slim frame is one of its best features since it makes it easier to transport the bike. 

Speedrid 26 Electric Bike
Speedrid 26 Electric Bike

Looking for an electric mountain bike with fat tires? Check these out!

What Is an Electric Bike?

As the name suggests, an electric bike is powered by an electric charge. Compared to conventional bikes, e-bikes require less physical work to acquire the same speed, with most having a top motor speed of 15.5mph, 20 mph, or 28 mph, depending on its e-bike classification. Although it has electric assistance, you can go faster if you pedal harder.

Electric bikes provide convenience to users by being faster than conventional bikes and offering an easier ride. People of all ages can ride an electric bike without exerting as much force. And this is true for electric mountain bikes as well; you’ll be able to explore way more territory, even over rugged terrain, before getting tired!

Range of an Electric Bike

The distance you can travel with an e-bike is a factor of many variants. For starters, the size of your battery determines the amount of electric charge your e-bike can hold. A smaller battery means a reduced distance. 

Your electric bike’s range is also affected by the weight you carry. A loaded e-bike may cover a less range compared to a light one. 

You can increase the range of your e-bike by changing the amount of assistance from the motor. This means you may have to pedal more to cover more terrain. If you’re traveling a short distance, you can switch your motor to provide maximum assistance.

For more range, you can also carry an additional battery. An e-bike’s design makes it pretty easy to switch the batteries (however, you’ll want to check out this guide to make sure you replace it with an interchangeable battery). Depending on a battery’s capacity and brand, the cost ranges between $500 to over $900. The price range is for batteries with a capacity of 400wh to 700wh.

You can also boost your range by riding in eco mode. However, it’s essential to note that low tire pressure can cost you your range. Therefore, maintaining the right pressure in your e-bike’s tires is vital for improving your range and making your ride comfortable, being even more important for riding on mountain trails.

Components of Electric Bikes 

An e-bike has three fundamental components; the motor, the sensor, and the battery.

The Sensor

E-bikes generally have two kinds of sensors;

  • Speed Sensor. This sensor provides torque assistance after a few pedals
  • Torque Sensor. Superior to the speed sensor, a torque sensor kicks in with the slightest pedaling. The sensor picks the effort and increases power as you increase your speed.

The Motor

An e-bike can have three possible motors:

  • Rear hub motor. This type of motor can be found on mid-range e-bike models. This type of motor is more complex because of its interaction with gears and other bike parts. In addition, it’s placed at the rear to improve traction.
  • Front hub motor. This type of motor is located at the center of the front wheel. E-bikes with a front hub motor have a similar feel to driving a front-wheel-drive car. 
  • Its location at the front makes it quite responsive and nippy around corners.
  • Central Motor Drive (Mid-Drive). Mounted at the lower part of the e-bike’s frame, central motor drives multiply your effort, directing it to the gears and rear wheel. Although, as it’s located at the bottom, it seldomly affects your stability.

The Battery

Batteries can either be placed low on the frame or in the luggage rack. Batteries typically charge for five to six hours but don’t always need to be fully charged. For long-distance rides, it’s advisable to carry a spare battery. 

For more about how the best electric mountain bikes work, you can watch this video here:

What To Consider When Buying an E-Bike for Trails and Off-Road

Buying your first e-bike can be overpowering. Most riders may be enticed to begin with cheaper models with fewer features. This is fine as long as you find a reliable e-bike and expect your steep climbs to be a little slower, avoid overly technical terrain, and have a strong enough battery capacity.

In any case, on the off chance that you want to enhance your abilities and thrust your limits, you’ll need to invest in a more robust model, such as a high-end e-MTB with a carbon frame and full suspension.

Here are a few vital highlights to consider before choosing your off-road electric bike or mountain bike: 

Sturdiness and Strength

It can’t be understated that having the security of unwavering quality in an electric bike is ideal for apprentice riders. Ensuring you find a solid e-Bike will help shrug off any potential harm you may experience as a newbie venturing into such a challenging territory. 

The Suspension

Your e-bike’s suspension is also an important consideration. Depending on what you want to accomplish, there are tough and more severe trails as well as longer-distance trails where comfort is a priority. Therefore, it’s crucial to know how you’ll use your bike before you go out and buy one. Some of the pricier mountain e-bikes allow you to customize the suspension’s behavior.

Hardtail vs. Full-Suspension

When buying one of the best electric mountain bikes, one of the most important things you’ll want to consider is whether to get a hardtail (front suspension) or full-suspension bike. Hardtail e-MTBs and e-bikes in general, are more conservative models with front suspension only. They’re better suited for smoother terrains such as dirt roads and uneven paths, as opposed to hard, rocky trails.

Thus, if you plan to thrust your limits, you may be better off considering a full-suspension e-bike, as these are much more flexible when riding on harsh terrain and heavy-duty mountain trail switchbacks.

Your Budget

Electric bikes are quite costly, especially as you move into mountain bike territory. However, you can find one that suits your budget. Therefore, the ideal place to start when shopping for the best electric mountain bike or one that rides well on rough terrain, is to set a budget. Then, with your figure in mind, you can use it to filter out electric bikes based on cost and your budget range.

Your Needs

Do you need an electric bike for your daily commute or for weekend hikes? Based on your needs, it might be that you’d prefer one that rides smoothly on roads as well as can be taken off-road. E-bikes have different features suited for various functionalities. For instance, if you need one for riding up a hill, an e-bike with a high torque motor system or a mid-drive motor system is best. 

The Motor

Unlike other parts of the e-Bike, replacing a motor isn’t easy. A motor is your e-bike’s powering force. Motors are the driving force behind your e-bike’s torque. If you need more torque in your e-Bike, it’s best to consider a high-performing motor such as the Performance Line CX from Bosch.

To learn more, read this article on electric bike motors.

The Battery

As mentioned, the size of the battery determines the range of your e-bike. A bigger battery is ideal for long-distance since it will give you more range; however, it’s heavier and takes longer to charge. This suggests that you’ll need to focus on a lighter battery that has high volts and amp-hours if you’ll be riding it in the middle of a mountain trail for hours.

When choosing a battery, be sure to check whether the brand you prefer has a selection of both smaller and bigger batteries.

Your Height

If you’re tall, it’s important to ensure the electric bike can accommodate your height. The dropper post is the most crucial feature to consider when shopping around. More often than not, taller riders find out they can’t use certain brands because they don’t have a dropper post that’s long enough.

And if you’re smaller than average, you’ll want to make sure you buy an e-bike that allows you to sit and reach pedals comfortably but also stay in control. This is especially important if you’re riding bumpy mountain trails and roads with loose gravel and dirt.

Wheels 

The size of your wheel isn’t as crucial as you would think. If you’re tall, you’ll probably go for a larger frame, which comes with larger wheels. Rather than the wheel size, the type of e-bike tire you use determines how well your e-bike handles. Besides, most tires are available in a variety of wheel diameters.

The wheel’s structure is a different tale. Wheels constructed of aluminum, carbon, and even other metals are available.

The density of the materials differs significantly, but this is less of an issue on an electric bike or eMTB because the motor and battery are heavier. However, it’s advisable not to choose a more expensive carbon wheel for an eMTB. Carbon wheels are more delicate, and you must replace them when they break, although aluminum wheels can usually be repaired.

Weight

Check the electric mountain bike’s weight restriction. How much room do you have left for you and your belongings? This could be less than 220 pounds for some e-bikes (100 kg). However, it’s significantly greater for some, such as Giant, with a limit of 286 pounds (130 kg).

Another issue to consider is how you transport your bike. If you’re using a car, check whether your vehicle or bike rack can handle the weight of your e-bike.

Safety and Security

Make certain that you prioritize safety. The speeds on any electric bike can be much higher than on a regular bike. Therefore, a strong helmet and other protection, such as knee pads, are essential. The amount of protection you require will also be determined by how you use your e-bike.

Examine the Warranty

Whether it costs $1500 or $10000, buying an electric bike is a significant and considerable investment. However, you can relax knowing that your money is well spent with a warranty. Most electric bike companies with bikes selling for over $2000, for example, should provide a two-year warranty on hardware, motors, and batteries, with no restrictions for regular use.

Finding the best electric mountain bike may seem like an uphill task, but taking your time to find the suitable bike pays off in the long run. Having a checklist of your ideal features will help you narrow down to the right selection.

Electric Bike Maintenance Cost (Explained)

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Maintaining e-bike chain

Electric bikes offer many advantages, including environmental friendliness, high speed, and fewer parking challenges at a low upfront cost. However, apart from the comparatively low initial purchase price as compared to a car, most people would love to know whether the running costs of e-bikes are affordable.

Electric bike maintenance costs include battery charging, battery replacement, motor repair and replacement, controller maintenance, and mechanical costs. The maintenance costs vary greatly depending on location, mileage, the type of e-bike, and how you ride your bicycle. 

In general, average annual costs for basic maintenance from a professional bike shop are as follows:

  • Tune-up: $75-$200
  • Flat tire repair: $10-$20
  • New tire tube: $5-$9
  • Drivetrain adjustment: $20-$60
  • Brake pads and maintenance: $40-$80 per set

Additionally, there are several unforeseen costs of replacing or repairing major components such as the battery, motor, sensors, or controller.

Thus, in the rest of the article, I’ll explain in detail the different maintenance costs of e-bikes. And I’ll also give you some valuable tips for lowering these costs.

Maintaining e-bike chain

Breakdown of E-Bike Maintenance Costs

There’s no one set cost of maintaining electric bikes since everyone uses them differently… and each electric bicycle is different. However, there are particular upkeep and maintenance practices that every e-bike owner has to consider when calculating a regular maintenance budget. 

So, let’s take a close look at the regular maintenance and upkeep costs necessary for every electric bike owner: 

Battery Charging Costs

Battery charging costs vary greatly depending on the electricity cost per kWh (kilowatt hours) in your location and your e-bike’s power needs. 

If you know the individual values for your electric bike and power cost, you can use the formula:

  • (kWh) x (the decimal value of the  battery charging efficiency) x (the cost of your electricity per hour)

So, let’s look at an example using the average values for these figures. On average, an e-bike’s charging efficiency is at 95%, the average cost of electricity per kWh is 10.42 cents, and your e-bike battery rating is 1kWh. 

Also, assuming you would like to ride for one hour, the average charging cost will be 1kWh*0.95*10.42cents = $0.10. So, that means that it will cost you about 10 cents for every hour you charge the battery. The charging price will vary from the $0.10 average but usually not by much.  

Generally, the 1kWh power consumption can power electric bikes for about 62 miles (~100km). Therefore, we can also represent the cost as 10 cents per 62 miles or 100km. 

Discover the most important battery charging tips!

E-Bike Battery and Motor
The battery and motor are some of the most important mechanical components of electric bikes.

Battery Replacement Costs

Like all other batteries, your electric bike batteries will degrade over time and experience more significant voltage drops and less range on one charge.

The best electric bike companies use lithium-ion batteries during manufacture. Therefore, the number of charge cycles they can undergo before they need replacement is the same as that of lithium batteries. 

E-bike battery life is typically a minimum of 500 charge cycles. Still, most of the time, you can stretch the charging cycles to 1000 on a lithium battery before battery wear is so severe that it urgently needs replacement. How long it lasts is also dependent upon how often you charge your e-bike battery.

A new battery for electric bikes ranges from $500 to $900 for a 500 Wh battery pack, though smaller batteries will be cheaper. You will need to replace your battery every 2 to 4 years, depending on how much you use it and how many charge cycles it undergoes during the time. Make sure you swap it out with an interchangeable battery.

When it’s close to its end of life (EOL), you may want to get a new second battery and start taking it with you as a backup. That way, you won’t get stuck far from home without any charge

Find out how to rebuild your e-bike battery, insead of replacing it!

Motor Repair and Replacement Costs

Electric bike motors typically last a long time, being very durable and resilient. You probably won’t ever have to replace yours. However, things happen, and there might be an issue down the road. 

Therefore, if you suspect a motor issue, it’s advisable to troubleshoot the problem carefully before replacing it. Most of the time, the problem isn’t the motor but instead the gears, and you could replace them and leave the motor untouched.

The most common hub motor problem that e-bike owners have to solve is a loud, unpleasant, grinding noise. The usual causes include old and worn-out gears and brakes that need replacement. 

On rare occasions, bearing issues and loose bolts could be the causes of the noise. You could replace the old parts, tighten the bolts, or lubricate the bearings to solve the problem. 

Another common hub motor problem in electric bikes is their failure to spin, usually because of a connection problem in the controller. To solve this problem, you have to repair the connection issue. 

Some problems, however, will warrant a motor replacement. Replacing an electric bike motor will cost you $150 to $200. You can conduct a few minor repairs at home, but I recommend finding a professional to service it for you, even though service fees might drive up the cost.

Electric Bike Controller Maintenance Costs

The e-bike controller manages all the most significant features of the electric bicycle and controls the sensors, motor, and power connection. It ensures that the bike’s performance is seamless, regulating the voltage and current that will reach the motor depending on the user’s instructions and the sensor inputs. 

Sometimes, the controller may fail to work optimally and need repair or replacement. Some common dysfunctions in electric bike controllers include signal loss due to a poor connection, damage to the controller’s power supply system such as a short circuit, and intermittent functioning caused mainly by poor contact points.  

When replacing the controller, you will be required to consider the electric bike battery and the motor voltage (it must be the same). E-bike controllers vary in prices ranging from $50 to $100, but service fees might raise that price by around $50 to $100. 

Electric Bike Controller with LCD Display
A digital controller display will cost more to repair or replace

Mechanical Maintenance Costs

Tune-Up

It is always best for new electric bike owners to take their e-bikes to a professional mechanic for tuning before using them to ensure that everything is working correctly. You should also take your bike for routine maintenance after your first 500 miles (804 km).

However, tuning up is not a practice that is limited to new electric bicycles since it is advisable to take your electric bike for a tune-up once a year if you take regular weekend rides and twice a year if you ride it daily. 

A tune-up involves checking and making adjustments on the drivetrain, brakes, the bearing system, and available bolts.

Most tune-ups also involve cleaning the cables and checking the electrical connections to ensure that they work correctly. The prices range from $75 to $200, with most companies offering different introductory and complete offers.

Regular servicing will help prevent accidents and severe damage since a professional can note any problems early and correct them. 

Chains and Gears Replacement

Electric bikes’ chains and gears experience more wear because the electric motor and pedal assist can add extra wear and tear. The high speed of e-bikes and the great distances that most people ride using electric bikes also highly contribute to the wear.

You will need to regularly clean and lubricate the chain with dry or wet lube, depending on your riding conditions. Because I live in a dry climate with little rain, I use the Muc-Off dry lube from Amazon.

You may also need to replace the chain every 800 to 1000 miles (1,287 to 1,609 km). A bike chain can cost between $15 and $60. You also need to replace your cassettes after every 2796.17 miles (4,499 km).

If your electric bike chain needs replacement, the SHIMANO HG71 E-Bike Rated Chain is strongly recommended (from Amazon.com). A high-quality and durable chain like this is used on my Rad e-bike.

This is the chain on an e-bike that should be lubricated regularly
Typical electric bike chain

Spoke Replacement

You will need to replace your e-bike’s spokes after about every 1500 miles (2,414 km), especially if you are hard on your electric bike. 

Spokes are crucial for the functioning of e-bikes because they support their additional battery and motor weight. Individual electric bike spokes cost between $1 and $2, and the service fee ranges from $50 to $60.

Fixing Flat Tires and Brake Systems

A flat tire is a problem that most electric bike owners have solved. Fixing one can cost between $10 and $20 unless you need an inner tube. Still, the cost of a tube is usually between $5 and $9.

Electric bikes need more brake and tire replacements than traditional bicycles because they wear out faster. Brake pads last for around 1000 miles (1,609 km) before you need to replace them. 

So, repairing both of your bicycle’s brake systems will cost you between $80 and $150.

flat tire on e-bike

Follow our step by step guide to taking good care of your e-bike!

Valuable Tips To Lower Your Electric Bike’s Maintenance Costs

So, now that you know the cost of keeping up with electric bikes, you might be wondering how you can keep maintenance costs minimal. You can do several things to keep your bike running in peak condition for longer. 

Let’s look at some ways you can maintain your e-bike more efficiently: 

  • Charge your battery correctly. Since electric bike batteries are costly, you could reduce the maintenance costs by following the recommended best practices of use, such as not leaving the bike idle for long periods with the battery at 100%. I highly recommend charging until the battery is at 80% before using it and storing it at a charge less than 80%.
  • Clean and lube your chain at home. Learning how to properly clean your e-bike and lube the chain will go a long way in reducing maintenance costs. Cleaning and lubing will make the chain and sprocket more durable and enhance the bicycle’s performance and reliability. It is advisable to clean and lube after every 200 miles.
  • Replace cassettes yourself. You could also learn how to replace cassettes on YouTube. The tools cost $2, and the cassette costs around $25. On average, you may only need to work for 20 minutes to finish the cassette repairs, but it saves you a lot of money. Find out whether you need a new cassette or freewheel on your electric bike.
  • Get a hardened chain. I also recommend going for hardened chains when replacing your chain. Even though they cost more, they last longer and make the sprockets last longer because a damaged chain contributes immensely to the speed of the sprocket getting damaged. 
  • Use high-quality, durable tires. Getting puncture-proof bicycle tires will go a long way in helping you save a lot of money that you would have spent on replacing punctured tires. I recommend the Kenda brand tires (Amazon) as they’re generally highly rated for electric road bikes, hybrids, or city commuter electric bikes. It’s puncture-resistant, foldable, and manufactured using a high-quality nylon and rubber compound. 
  • Splurge on brakes. Don’t hesitate to spend a bit more on good brake pads and parts because e-bikes are very heavy and fast, and buying lower-end ones would mean very frequent replacements. Hydraulic disc brakes are a great option.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, we can break down the electric bicycle maintenance cost into different categories such as battery charging, controller maintenance, mechanical maintenance, motor repair and replacement, and battery replacement costs

However, the electrical maintenance cost is not the same for everyone and greatly depends on the mileage, location, usage method, and e-bike type of specific riders.

Since both the electric and mechanical maintenance cost of electric bicycles can be very high, it’s advisable to follow a few tips to decrease it, such as making minor repairs at home and keeping up with good maintenance practices.

GUIDE: How To Charge an E-Bike With a Solar Panel

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solar panel electric bike

Direct charging of e-bike batteries can be done with your own charger and electric source. But lithium batteries can be expensive, which is why some riders use solar chargers. And, unfortunately, you can’t just run out and buy solar bikes.

Charging an e-bike with solar energy can reduce environmental impact, is cheaper than electricity, and gives you the option of charging anywhere. But it’s not as easy as it sounds to just buy a solar charging station, connect it to your e-bike’s battery, and start riding. 

You need to know the proper way to set up a solar charging system for your electric bike to harness free solar energy without risking damage to your bike and other inconveniences.

Here’s how to charge an e-bike with a solar panel: 

  1. Determine how solar power will work with your e-bike
  2. Choose a solar panel
  3. Purchase the necessary wiring supplies
  4. Connect the electric bike to the solar charging system
  5. Place your solar panels in the sun to charge your e-bike 
  6. Take your e-bike for a test ride

The above directions are meant for people that have some experience with wiring and general electric bike maintenance. In the next sections, I’ll cover each step in greater detail, the key considerations to keep in mind when charging an e-bike with solar power, and much more. Let’s dive right in.

solar panel electric bike

1. Determine How a Solar Panel Will Work With Electric Bikes

Depending on the design of your e-bike, you may be able to travel and charge at the same time. Many electric bikes cannot be charged this way because the throttle or electric assist is usually disabled when the bike charger is plugged in. But some can, which is great because it gives you another charging option. 

Also, when using the rays of the sun, you won’t be able to charge your e-bike overnight.

Knowing whether you can charge as you ride an electric bicycle allows you to adjust your travel plans. It allows you to figure out beforehand how much power you need and whether it will be necessary to stop to recharge, what supplies you might need to take with you, and so on. 

To determine whether your e-bike can charge while riding, simply plug in its charging cord and check if the throttle or pedal assist still works. Your e-bike may also show a “charging” mode on the display. If the e-bike is charging only or the throttle and pedal assist doesn’t work when plugged in, you cannot ride and charge simultaneously. 

It’s okay if your electric bike can’t charge as you ride. It just means that you’ll need to stop riding to recharge the battery.

While you still have the bike charger in hand, you might as well get familiar with its cord pins. Look at the “face” of the plug. You will see the positive and negative power “pins” as well as a smaller “pin.” The smaller one is a data, or signal, pin that transmits data between most chargers and the battery for charging.

2. Choose a Solar Panel

You need to choose the ideal solar power design based on your budget and how you intend to charge (i.e., whether you plan on charging as you ride). There are three main styles to consider: 

  • Stationary Solar Panels: These are larger and more powerful panels that can be installed at home for use before and after e-cycling. They give you the option to charge with an additional electric bike backup battery while using the other one to ride around with. Keep in mind that stationary panels are costly, and back up batteries tend to be better suited for short and daily routes. 
  • Foldable, Portable Solar Chargers: These are great for adventures because you can use them to charge your e-bike battery on the go. However, they may not give you as much power or hold as much capacity for your overall needs. Inclimate weather could also affect your ability to fully charge your electric bikes on adventures away from home. Further, you need to consider whether you can easily carry the extra weight of several smaller panels or even larger panels while you ride.
  • Solar Panels on a Bike Rack: This is a heavier option that’s suitable for charging while riding if your e-bike allows it. The caveat is that off-roading may not be safe with this solar power style because it can affect your balance and stability. Also, these solar panels are priced high, probably due to the extra solar equipment. 

Various solar panel chargers have one thing in common: They’re designed with rugged materials to handle tough weather and trail conditions.

If I had to choose, I would go with the HQST 100 Watt Polycrystalline 12V Solar Panel (available on Amazon) because it offers a compact and high-efficiency design for other grid charging applications. The product description also tells of the operating volts and current, type of cable and connector, and the maximum battery voltage.

100 Watt Polycrystalline 12V Solar Panel
100 Watt Polycrystalline 12V Solar Panel on Amazon

3. Purchase the Necessary Wiring Supplies

Solar panels work by collecting energy and then transferring it via a system of wires into a battery bank. However, they cannot charge all on their own; they’re merely a part of charging your e-bike.

You need to pair your solar panel with a charger controller. Also known as a maximum power point tracker (MPPT) (available on Amazon), this crucial element of a solar chargers converts and optimizes the energy flow from the panel to the battery. If your solar panel didn’t come with a reliable MPPT, now would be a great time to purchase one.

You also need an MC4 adapter cable that works with the plug and connection points you have on your electrical bicycle. Most solar panels come with single-contact MC4 connectors. The “M” stands for Multi-Contact, and “4” represents the 4mm-diameter contact pin. Be sure to note the types of connectors your solar panel has before making any adapter and cord purchases. 

Amazon.com has a variety of adapter cables available such as the SolarEnz Branch Parallel Adapter. This solar charger cable can be used for a long extension to connect to various solar panels. It also offers reduced charging time, which comes in handy when charging on the go. 

Make sure that the sizes of any components you need are appropriate to the amount of current that will be flowing through your system. Electric bikes typically have lithium-ion batteries that come in various voltages, such as 48-volt, 36-volt, and 24-volt. The higher the battery voltage, the more power you have to go faster. 

Most e-bikes come with a 36 or 48-volt battery, and you should use that capacity to determine how many solar panels you need to fully charge the battery. Most e-bikers recommend having a charger with at least two panels that can output 200 watts or more. 

Here’s a comprehensive list of everything you need to connect the battery and the solar panel together:

  • 12-voltage battery 
  • 30-ampere solar charge controller 
  • 12-gauge wire and wire connectors 
  • Multi-Contact 4mm cables that will adapt to your solar input and output
  • Multi-Contact 4mm cables to extend (if you feel they are needed) 
  • Battery cables 
  • 15-ampere Multi-Contact 4mm inline fuse 
  • Heat shrink tubes for insulation 
  • Hand and eye protection
  • Screwdriver
  • Wire tools such as a crimper and stripper 
  • Heat gun

Note that the supplies listed here would work with the solar panel from Amazon.com mentioned above. 

4. Connect the E-Bike to the Solar Chargers

By “charging system”, I mean the battery, charge controller, and solar panel. When connecting your e-bike to these solar chargers, avoid connecting the solar panel to the battery because that can damage it. Instead, connect both the solar panel and battery directly to the charge controller and charge from there.

It is also recommended that you fuse the system for safety. The fuses should be placed between all positive points of the charging system.

While on the subject of safety, it’s worth noting that you need to wear hand and eye protection when connecting everything up. Also, make sure you follow the instructions that came with your charge controller manual, especially the part on the best order for connecting everything together.

Keep in mind the positive cable connects with the MC4 infuse line, positive extension cable, and adapter cable. The solar panels’ negative cable connects to the negative extension and adapter cables. Make sure that exposed wires do not touch. 

If you have installed the connection points properly, your charge indicator will indicate this by turning on or lighting up. If it is not working, refer to the instruction manuals. 

For more instructions on how to safely connect the battery, charge controller, and solar panel to your electric bike, check out Footprint Hero’s guide

Other Considerations

If the above process proves to be too complicated, consider an inverter with a power rating that can handle the energy needs of your electric bike’s charger. While an inverter is heavier and not as efficient as a solar panel, it’s easier to make. Follow the instruction and safety methods for properly connecting your solar panels, controller, and inverter to your e-bike. 

Depending upon the model and make of your e-bike, there may be a pre-made solar charger available. These compact systems typically provide all you need to connect your electric bike to solar panels. 

Check out some videos on YouTube on how to charge an e-bike with a solar panel as well: 

  • How to Charge an Electric Bike with Solar Panels :
  • Cheap and Easy Solar Panel Charger Setup for E-Bikes: 
  • Testing E-Bike 300 Solar Panels:

You also need to consider how you’ll transport your solar panel when riding. If you can charge and ride your e-bike at the same time, you can use a bike trailer. Keep in mind, though, that you must attach it securely so that it does not fall off and create a hazard to you or other people on the road. 

Tip: Try your electric bike solar set-up in a nearby parking lot or driveway that you can turn a lot in and go faster to see how it holds up. If you cannot charge while riding and yet don’t want to leave your gear at home, you can still bring it with you in a bike trailer or folded up in a backpack. 

5. Place Your Solar Panels in the Sun to Charge Your E-Bike

Now that everything is safely connected, place your solar panel at an angle directly in the sunlight. Consider using these RENOGY Adjustable Solar Panel Tilt Mount Brackets from Amazon.com for support. They are made from a lightweight aluminum alloy and are great for easy transportation and safe mounting on e-bikes. 

Placing solar panels at an angle is important because you want the maximum energy released from the sun. If you wish to have the perfect angle for maximum energy absorption, check out Footprint hero’s Best Solar Panel Angle by Zip Code calculator. This tool tells you optimum angles for year-round, summer, and winter sunshine in 800 highly populated zip codes in the United States. 

Charging times can vary depending on the style, model, and needs of your electric bike. The weather and geographic location can also affect charging. Higher wattage can be expected during the summer seasons and when the skies are clear.

6. Take Your E-Bike for a Test Ride

Now you can unplug everything and go for a ride to see if your e-bike has charged as it should. If it did, you’re well-poised to enjoy these benefits of e-bike use: 

  • Stronger Cardiovascular System: By balancing and maneuvering e-bikes (and additional solar panels), users can develop a strengthened core and get a cardio workout. This can help lower the risk of heart disease and other cardiovascular issues. 
  • Better Functioning Immune System: Riding in varying degrees of warm and cold weather can rev up your immune system, increasing white blood cell count as a front-line defense for fighting viruses. Sunshine also is an excellent source of Vitamin D, a nutrient essential for calcium absorption for strong bones and overall immune function. 
  • Decreased Risk of Type 2 Diabetes: Combined with a balanced diet, riding electric bikes offer exercise that promotes glucose consumption in the muscles to balance blood sugar levels. 
  • Improved Mental Health: Fresh air and exercise release mood-balancing hormones in the body and bring increased oxygen to the brain resulting in a better mood, productivity, creativity, and memory. This can help reduce the occurrence of depression, anxiety, and stress. 
  • Improved Sleep: Regular exercise, including consistent pedaling on e-bikes, has been found to help people fall asleep faster and for longer in balancing hormones that affect the sleep-wake cycle. 

Conclusion

There’s no question that riding an electric bike can reduce your carbon footprint. But using e-bike solar chargers takes an extra step to help reduce the use of electricity and don’t require the use of power outlets (allowing you to charge from anywhere). With some wiring techniques and small panels, you can fully charge your e-bike with the greater power of direct sunlight!

Alternatively, check out this article to find out how to charge your e-bike with a generator or how to use a car battery with an inverter.

How Far Can an E-Bike Go on One Charge? (With and Without Pedaling)

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E-Bike Rider Pedaling through forest

E-bikes have a lot of benefits, such as reducing your carbon footprint, saving you money on gas and parking, and getting you to work faster. But one thing that might trouble you is the worry over how far you can ride an electric bicycle before you lose the battery charge. After all, you don’t want to get stuck miles from home with a heavy e-bike!

In general, an e-bike can go between 15 to 100 miles (24 to 160 km) on one charge, depending upon the battery’s power and capacity as well as your riding style. When considering the range of your e-bike, you should think about how much you are pedaling versus using the throttle. You’ll get the longest range while pedaling, but you’ll get the minimum range if only using throttle.

In this article, I’ll discuss how pedaling and other factors affect the range of an e-bike. I’ll also show you the range difference between when you pedal and when you don’t, and I’ll tell you what to do to ensure that you get the most miles out of your electric bike, including taking care of your batteries. 

E-Bike Rider Pedaling through forest

How Far Can an E-Bike Go Without Pedaling On One Charge?

Typically, an e-bike can go between 15 to 22 miles (24 to 35 km) without pedaling on one battery charge. However, the more you pedal, the further you can go. So, you’ll have to pedal a bit if you want to make your battery last on a longer ride. 

Still, some e-bikes have a feature called throttle mode that allows you to maximize your battery life and ride without pedaling

In throttle mode, the motor in your e-bike is activated by a handlebar that can give you on-demand power. Throttle mode works similarly to a gas-powered scooter or motorbike. If you have a twist throttle, you simply use your wrist to twist it. However, you might also have a thumb throttle in which you push a lever with your thumb to give it a burst of speed.

The Advantages of a Throttle 

Compared to pedaling, which requires extra effort from the rider, the throttle gives you a speed boost on demand and a much-needed rest if your legs are getting tired. Electric bikes with a throttle can be helpful in certain situations such as: 

  • When you are stuck on a steep hill.
  • When you need to maneuver around obstacles.
  • When you need to move through or around cars at a comparable speed
  • When you want to catch up with your cycling companions.

The throttle provides relief if riders cannot pedal or are just looking for a quick break. However, keep in mind that this isn’t available on all e-bikes. So, check whether this feature is available on the brand and model you’re thinking of buying. Or consider adding a throttle to your electric bicycle.

pedaling an e-bike showing foot only

How Far Can an E-Bike Go With Pedaling on One Charge?

An e-bike can generally go between 22 to 50 miles (35 to 80 km) with pedaling on one charge. Riders can increase this range by considering when and where they ride their electric bicycle.

Factors, including rider weight, cold weather, terrain, and the steepness of the location, will affect how long a lithium-ion battery lasts. 

The truth is, you’ll always get more range out of your e-bike if you give it a hand (or foot). And, if you pedal consistently on a very flat, smooth path, you may get more than 50 miles (80 km) out of a typical battery

For example, Rad Power Bikes specifies that my RadMini e-bike (now RadExpand) can get over 45 miles on a single charge with its 48V 14Ah lithium-ion battery. I’ve tested this and found that I can actually get over 55 miles if I pedal consistently on a mostly flat surface without using the throttle often.

Blue and yellow Rad Power Bikes E-Bike Banner telling viewers to take a look at the Rad Mini E-Bike
Rad Power Electric bikes have long-range batteries.

How Pedaling Affects the Range of an E-Bike

It’s essential to understand how pedaling affects e-bike range to get the most out of your ride.

Pedaling makes e-bikes go further. The more you pedal, the more energy you generate and the farther the electric bike will go without recharging the battery. So, the range of an e-bike is directly related to how hard you’re willing to pedal. 

Still, electric bicycles have a facility that means maximum effort isn’t necessary for the upper end of the e-bike range. That means that you’ll always have an easier time pedaling as long as you still have some charge left. 

Pedal Assist Uses Pedaling For More Power

Pedal assist is a mechanism that uses cadence sensors to measure how hard you’re pedaling. 

As you pedal harder, the electric motor provides more power. Thus, you don’t need to work as hard to ride your e-bike as compared to a regular bike. Ultimately, the more you pedal, the faster you’ll go, the more energy you’ll generate, and the longer your battery will last. 

As a rule of thumb, if you’re riding your e-bike with pedal assist, it’ll go much further than riding only in throttle mode. Pedal assist allows your electric bike to go further and faster with less effort on your part. Pedal assist gives significantly better value for money when compared to non-pedal-assisted bicycles. 

Does Pedaling an E-Bike Charge the Battery?

Pedaling an e-bike typically does not charge the battery. However, some types of electric bike models use regenerative braking to charge. With this type of braking system, the power created by your pedaling will be regenerated and reused.

However, for most electric bicycles, you’ll have to plug in the battery regularly to charge it for the next ride.

Check out the RadCity E-Bike that allows for regenerative braking if this is important to you!

Factors That Affect the Range of an Electric Bike

Many factors other than pedaling can impact the range of your electric bike ride, so it’s important to understand how an e-bike battery works as well as a few other things before you set off on any long-distance rides. 

Battery Capacity 

The battery capacity refers to the size of the battery in your electric bike. The exact range of an electric bike depends on how large the battery is and how much power it can provide. Battery capacity is measured by Amp-hours (Ah) and is what affects how far you can ride your e-bike on a single charge.

Volts (V) on a battery relate to how fast your e-bike can go. Multiply Volts and Amp-hours and you’ll get the total energy output, otherwise known as Watt-hours.

Battery volts multiplied by Amp-hours results in Watt-hours
You can calculate Watt-hours by multiplying a battery’s Volts by Amp-hours

Essentially, the battery is the most critical part of an electric bike. An e-bike with a larger capacity battery, such as one having 500 watt-hours as compared to only 350 Watt-hours, lets you ride longer distances before needing to recharge it again.

An e-bike that goes up to 350 watt-hours should be enough for shorter trips around town or commuting in your city where charging stations may be difficult to find.

It’s important to note that most electric bikes have an LCD that shows the range of the e-bike’s battery in real-time. The LCD helps you know when to charge your battery again to avoid running out of charge when you are riding far from home.

It’s possible to get an electric bike with a bike computer that helps you calculate how much power your e-bike’s motor requires for each assist level.

If you’re going on a long ride and need to know how much energy your bike will use, it can be helpful to have an e-bike computer that tells you what assistance level your bike is using at any given time.

Riders concerned with the run time of their batteries can check out this table provided by E-Bike Kit:

Battery Energy (Watt-hours) Load (Watts) Run Time (Hours) 
5002502
5005001
50010000.5 

Terrain

When riding downhill or on flat terrain, your electric motor is helping you move forward instead of hindering you by taking energy. The e-bike’s motor lets you go faster, so you expend less energy to go a certain distance.

Therefore, if you’re riding downhill or on flat terrain and use a high assistance level, the battery will last longer than when hill climbing or on rougher terrain.

Weight Resistance 

The weight of the rider and the e-bike’s weight both contribute to how fast you can go and the overall battery life. The heavier you are, the harder you need to pedal or use your electric motor to keep at a consistent pace. This means that you’ll also reduce range more quickly if you choose not to pedal as hard on your own.

The weight difference between an e-bike and a regular bicycle also matters. An e-bike weighs more than a standard bicycle by at least 20lbs (9kg) or more, depending on its configuration, features, and battery size. Therefore, there’s a lot of weight resistance which will make it more difficult to get your e-bike moving, especially if you don’t use any electric pedal assist or throttle.

Gear Shifts

Electric bikes behave differently than regular bikes and will require adjustments to your riding style accordingly. 

One of those adjustments includes changing non-electric gears if your e-bike has them. It helps to shift gears at the appropriate time because lower gears will allow you to go further on less battery power. Also, high gear settings may not get you up hills or provide enough speed on certain types of terrain like gravel roads or dirt trails.

Here’s how to use the gears on e-bikes!

Weather Conditions

Using an electric bicycle in a tailwind will increase the range that it can achieve. The energy of the wind propels the electric bike without increased power from the motor or the rider which enables it to cover more distance.  

However, harsh weather, such as wind, rain, snow, and sleet, can work against the battery and how far you can go on a single charge.

Temperature also plays a vital role in e-bike range by reducing the amount of energy stored in your battery and limiting how far you can go. 

What e-bikes have the longest range? Find out here!

How To Improve the Range of Your E-Bike

Many riders struggle with the range of their electric bike. A poor riding range can be a severe problem for those who need their electric bicycle for long distances. 

There are several things that you can do to improve the range of your e-bike, and these include: 

Maintain the E-Bike Properly

The most crucial thing to do before you go out for a ride is to make sure that your e-bike is in good working order. The maintenance tasks include: 

  • Ensure that the electric bike is clean and well-lubricated. 
  • Keep the tires pumped up. 
  • Monitor the e-bike for broken parts or anything that has come loose.
  • Store the battery in a cool, dry place. 
  • Make sure that you keep up to date on all software updates to the e-bike. 

For some more tips on how to maintain your electric bicycle, check out this video from GCN Tech. 

Don’t Overuse the Throttle

Using the throttle quickly reduces an electric bike’s battery life. And though you can use the throttle exclusively (making it act more like a moped), you simply won’t get as far as only using pedal assist.

Plus, throttle often causes unnecessary acceleration. You can tell this by noticing how much battery life you have left on your e-bike when going up a steep hill or starting from a dead stop. If you use the pedal assist option, you’ll notice that there’s no need for more input and power to get up steep hills as soon as your legs start moving. 

Use Regenerative Brakes

Regenerative brakes are a great way to save some battery power when coming to a stop. You can use them in conjunction with the pedal power or throttle (depending on your e-bike).

Regenerative brakes create energy when you apply the brake. The brakes help charge your battery and save some of that valuable power for future use. 

The downside? It can cause a slight delay in stopping time because they work by slowing down or reversing the motor temporarily before engaging with traditional friction-based braking systems to bring you to a complete stop.

Keep a Spare Battery

Most high-end electric bikes come with a battery that you can remove and charge separately. Removable batteries are a great way to prolong your riding time and ensure you have enough power to finish your ride.

The best way to charge a spare battery is by using the main power outlet in your home or office. You might charge it overnight if you’re taking a long ride the next day.

Charging your battery regularly will ensure you get the most out of your e-bike (and not leave you stranded). Still, it’s always a good idea to invest in a second battery for longer rides. You can even purchase an extra battery charger to charge it before every ride.

Considerations for Carrying a Spare Battery for E-Bikes

The best way to carry your spare battery is by using a purpose-made battery bag. A bag will ensure that the battery is well protected, and you won’t have to worry about water or dirt getting into the terminals while you are riding.

Battery bags are necessary for spares since they provide perfect protection and keep the terminals safe. Apart from this, you’ll also be able to store different spare parts for your electric bike in just one place.

I suggest looking for a bag made from material that is easy to clean and has straps or a handle so you can carry it with you if needed.

If you are looking for a bag to carry your spare battery for your electric bicycle, as well as bike tools and other incidentals, here’s a highly recommended Bike Trunk Bag on Amazon. The waterproof material makes it ideal for transporting your battery while you’re on the move. 

Add a Second E-Bike Battery in Parallel

You can also add a second battery to your e-bike so that you don’t run out of charge on long rides. Discover here how to add a battery in parallel.

Use Portable Solar Charging Panels

Do you solar charge your home or pool? You can use the sun to charge your bike too!

You can add small, foldable solar panels directly to your e-bike if you’re willing to carry the extra weight. Read how to add a solar system to your bike, as well as find out about alternative solar charging options.

Rebuild an Old E-Bike Battery

If you’ve been riding your e-bike for a while, you may not be able to ride as far on a single battery charge as you used to. When you’re no longer able to charge your battery or it has been damaged, you can consider repairing or rebuilding it.

Learn how to rebuild an electric bike battery in one of my other articles.

Conclusion 

Pedal power is one of the most significant factors that affects how far an electric bike can go on a single charge. E-bike pedal assist and/or throttle can help you when you need a rest or when you need to get to your destination quickly. 

Other factors that affect an electric bicycle’s range on a single charge include: 

  • Battery Amp hrs
  • Rougher terrain 
  • Constant hills
  • The combined weight of the bike and the rider 
  • Correct gear shifting 
  • Windy, wet, or cold weather 

Riders who want to improve the range of their e-bike can do so by keeping up with basic maintenance and traveling with a spare battery. 

Riders should keep extra batteries in a cool, dry, waterproof place to avoid damage. 

Other Ideas to Help Keep Your Battery Charged:

E-Bike Versus Moped: The Real Difference

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E-Bike vs Moped Differences

Are you looking for a moped or an electric bike but aren’t sure where to start? With so many possibilities, it’s critical to take the time to choose which bike is the best fit for you. So what are the key differences between the two?

The main differences between an e-bike and a moped are their power sources, speeds, regulations, prices, and portability. An electric bike runs on battery power, typically falls under the rules for bicycles, as opposed to motor vehicles, and is slower than a moped.

This post will help you learn what you need to know about electric bicycles and mopeds to help you decide what is best for you.  

E-Bike vs Moped
E-Bike vs Moped: Which is Right for You?

The Differences Between E-Bikes and Mopeds

Mopeds are typically gas-powered vehicles with engine sizes of 50cc or lower and capable of attaining 30 miles per hour (48.3 km/h). However electric mopeds are also on the market.

On the other hand, an electric bike is like a traditional bicycle outfitted with a battery-powered motor.

Whether it’s a gas or electric moped that has pedals or not isn’t essential to our comparison. Rather, how we distinguish a moped from an electric bike is how fast it can go, the size of its engine, the laws regulating it, and its flexibility.

Different Power Sources

The most significant difference between an e-bike and a moped is the power source. An e-bike runs on a battery-powered engine and the pedaling of a rider. 

On the other hand, a moped gets its speed from a gas-powered engine.

How a Moped Works

A moped typically runs on a small gas-powered, two- or four-stroke engine. A moped’s engine is smaller than those in larger vehicles. Although a four-stroke engine is more powerful, they are most commonly used on larger mopeds (often called scooters).

A 4-stroke engine uses fuel more efficiently, but that efficiency comes at a cost – weight. A 4-stroke engine can weigh up to half more than a smaller engine. In addition, a 2-stroke engine produces more power than a 4-stroke engine of a similar size.  

Since moped engine size is limited to 50cc, the additional power of the smaller engine and the heavier weight makes a 2-stroke engine a reasonable option. In addition, a two-stroke engine is easier to work on, has fewer parts, and is cheaper to manufacture.

Electric mopeds need to be charged just like electric bikes.

In most cases, a moped will have a 2-stroke engine, while the faster scooter will run on a 4-cycle. 

How an E-Bike Works

The power in electric bikes comes from two sources—you and/or the battery and motor. You can decide how much speed you want to use through pedal assist and throttle, or manual pedaling power.

A full-powered e-bike with a throttle allows its engine to do most of the work (if you don’t want to pedal). Full-powered bikes tend to be the heaviest because of their large batteries and sturdier hubs. You have an option not to pedal, but then you’ll have a limited 10 to 20-mile (16 to 32.2 km) range (since you’re only using electric power).

A pedal assist only electric bike requires you to pedal to move forward, but you will have a broader average range of 30 to 90 miles (48.3 to 144.8 km).

If you just want a little help going up a hill or when your legs are tired, then a pedal assist e-bike is for you. You can still get plenty of exercise as well. The full-powered bike can work more like a moped, if you choose not to pedal, except you have a more limited range.  

The batteries are the most critical parts of the e-bike because they power the engine that helps you move forward. Lithium-ion batteries (like those used in laptops and cell phones but much bigger) are the most common option.  

They are more expensive than previous rechargeable battery technologies, but they provide more power than heavier, less-expensive batteries. The average e-bike battery will provide you with a range of 15–50 miles and a top speed of 20 – 28 miles per hour.  

Hub motor and battery add a lot of weight to an electric bike
Hub motor and battery on an electric bike

Learn more about how an electric bike works in this article!

Bottom Line on Power

When it comes to power, there is no clear winner. Do you want a dependable way to zip around town that requires little work (besides an occasional trip to the gas station)? If so, then a moped is for you.  

If you don’t mind getting a little exercise, an electric bike is the way to go. Electric batteries have a shorter range between charges, but you can always pedal your way to your destination if the battery runs out of juice.

Moped Speed vs Electric Bike Speed

Speed is another difference between the two, but it is not as much of a difference as it might seem at first glance. State laws regulate the maximum speed, and e-bikes or mopeds that can go faster will be classified differently.

Typically, mopeds can go faster than electric bikes. A moped’s engine is usually limited to 30 mph (48.3 km/h) on flat ground in most states. Larger 125cc Scooters can reach highway speeds, but most states license them as motorcycles.  

The electric motors on Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes have a max speed of 20 mph (32.2 km/h). Since most states classify these e-bikes as bicycles, very few regulations are associated with them. Many states place none of the licensing, registration, or insurance regulations that apply to cars and motorcycles on e-bikes.

The 20-mph maximum is without human assistance. Add your pedal power, and you can reach fast speeds on your e-bike equal to a moped.  

However, those higher speeds are difficult to sustain, especially over hills and longer distances.  

modern-urban-white-moped-white-background-3d-illustration
Moped scooters go much faster than electric bikes and don’t require pedaling!

Bottom Line on Speed

Mopeds come out ahead in this category. They are allowed to go faster and can do so for longer. A moped with a full gas tank can travel at maximum speed for 50 plus miles (80.5 km). Few bike riders can match that.

Regulations and Laws

Although both e-bikes and mopeds are good options for personal transportation, regulations vary between states. In general, moped regulations are more stringent. Many states regulate an electric bike as they would a normal bicycle and follow a three-tier classification system, but moped regulations are complicated and confusing.

The rules for riding a moped differ from state to state. In general, they are based on the size of your moped’s engine. If it’s 50cc or less, you may only need a regular learner’s permit or driver’s license.

If the gas engine capacity exceeds 50cc, you must get a motorcycle endorsement on your driver’s license in most states. You must also obtain a motorcycle permit and pass a road skills exam. If you pass the test, you will be able to ride a scooter, motorcycle, or moped legally.

The following table is an example of the differences in e-bike and moped regulations based on California’s Laws.

California’s Electric Bike LawsCalifornia’s Moped Laws
Electric bicycles are regulated in the same way regular bikes are.  Both electric and human-powered bicycles are subject to the same traffic laws.A driver needs an M2 or M1 driver’s license, and the user must register the moped and be at least 16. In addition, you may need liability insurance that includes bodily injury and property damage coverage.
California uses a 3-class system that many states have adopted:

Class 1: A bicycle equipped with a motor that assists the rider power only when the rider pedals.  The engine stops helping the rider when the electric bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 2: Bicycle with a throttle-activated engine that stops when the e-bike reaches 20 mph.
Class 3: An electric bike with a motor that only helps a rider when pedaling and stops when the e-bike reaches 28 mph.
California has the following definition for a moped:

Two or three-wheel mopeds have an electric or gas motor and automatic transmission.  A moped may also have pedals. The maximum speed is less than 30 miles per hour on level ground.
Only Class 3 riders & children are required to wear helmets, and cities can add restrictions on e-bikes’ use of local bicycle paths. All moped drivers and passengers must wear a helmet.

California only regulates speed, not engine size. Motorcycles, by definition, have engines of 150 cc or greater. Therefore, motor scooters that go faster than 30 mph are in a gray area between electric bikes and motorcycles. Just note that you’ll find motor restricted areas in all states and countries.

You can find more information regarding your state’s requirements at the Electric Bike Laws site. 

Bottom Line on Regulations

Without a doubt, mopeds are regulated more thoroughly than e-bikes. More likely than not, you will need a driver’s license of some sort and license tags for a moped. Only a handful of states (who categorize e-bikes as motor vehicles) require e-bike riders to have either.

The Moped Army has a Wiki that lists Moped Laws by state.

RadRunner Plus E-Bike model
RadRunner Plus with a back seat is styled like a moped but can be ridden on bike paths like an e-bike!

Price Differences

Surprisingly, the difference between e-bike and moped prices is not as significant as one might think. Electric bikes are more expensive than you might expect because of the electric motor and battery prices.

Although you can find a few e-bikes for under $1,000, you get what you pay for. Over half of e-bikes cost in the $1,000 to $3,000 range. Specialized electric bikes can cost upwards of $10,000.

The cost of an electric bike, like that of a standard bike, differs depending on the components’ quality. Adding a battery, controller, and electric motor increases the cost of an electric bike.

A new moped can cost as little as $1,000 for a low-quality model and as much as $11,000. As with electric bikes, the price varies with the vehicle’s size, engine, features, and, of course, build quality.

The 50cc mopeds are at the lower end of that range of those prices. Once engine size increases to scooters, costs rise dramatically. Expect to pay $1,000 to $2,000 for a decent moped.

Bottom Line on Cost

The bottom line on cost is that you can get either vehicle for under $1,000 but should expect to pay more to get a high-quality gas vehicle such as a gas-powered moped, but electric bikes tend to need more maintenance.

Folded Rad Mini e-bike
This RadExpand hybrid electric bike folds up for greater portability!

Portability

An e-bike is far more portable than a moped because of the significant weight difference and where the two are allowed and can travel.

An e-bike weighs more than a normal bicycle of a similar size.  Their typical weight ranges between 32-70 pounds (15-32 kg) because of the added weight of the electric motor and battery, with most e-bikes weighing well over 50 pounds (23 kg). However, they’re still far lighter than mopeds.

Although you can find lighter models, a moped’s average weight is 180 pounds (80 kg). Putting electric bikes on a car rack is manageable, but try doing that with a moped. You will need to buy a specialized bike rack and have a car that can handle the additional weight.

Also, a moped can’t travel everywhere an electric bike can (or park in bicycle parking spaces). Although neither can go on a highway, mopeds cannot ride on sidewalks. Some states allow you to ride a moped in bike lanes, but many states classify it as a motorized vehicle and don’t allow it in bike lanes.

Mopeds are also not allowed on bike trails, and for trail riding, you would want to use a dirt bike as mopeds can’t handle rough terrain.

One last note: You can buy electric bikes that fold, making them easy to take along with you on a bus or train, or in the back of your car.

Bottom Line on Portability

An e-bike is more portable, and because you can ride one in bike lanes, sidewalks, or road shoulders, you can circumnavigate busy streets. On the other hand, the rules that apply to a motorcycle generally apply to a moped.

modern-urban-red-moped-white-background-3d-illustration
Modern moped

Do Mopeds Still Have Pedals?

Some mopeds, even the newer electric mopeds, have pedals, although riders rarely use them to get where they’re going.  Often the pedals are a mechanical starting mechanism or a resting place for a driver’s feet.

A pedal moped is a two-wheeled moped with pedals. A rider can use the pedals to make the moped go faster, but the moped’s weight restricts how much additional speed the rider can muster.  

The pedals on these mopeds might be connected to the engine or be separate. Mopeds with pedals not connected to the engine are often classified as bicycles if the moped’s maximum speed meets the definitions in your state.

One last class to keep in mind is a motorized bike. These bicycles are like electric bikes, except they have a gas-powered motor.  However, they are neither mopeds nor scooters—they are bikes with a motor attached.

What Is the Difference Between an E-Bike, Moped, and Scooter?

Many people use the terms e-bike, moped, and scooter interchangeably, so how are they different?  Knowing this is helpful so that you understand any comparisons between them.

The name “moped” comes from the two words “motor” and “pedal.” Gas mopeds were once bikes powered by a motor and pedaled by a human in the past. However, nowadays, mopeds with pedals are less common. 

The difference between mopeds, scooters, and e-bikes is that mopeds and scooters are typically gas-powered, while electric bikes primarily use rechargeable batteries. In addition, mopeds have smaller motors than scooters. 

Some people stick to the older definition of moped. Anything that doesn’t have pedals is a scooter. According to these purists, it is not a moped if it doesn’t have pedals.

Of course, there are also electric scooters these days that are stood on and moved purely by an electric motor. These types of electric scooters are typically foldable and don’t have a seat.

The purists will often refer to their “scooter” as a Vespa since everyone knows what that means. However, the key differences are engine size and max speed from a legal perspective. Mopeds are typically distinguished by the size of their motor and their top speed. 

Thus, a “scooter” without pedal power is legally defined as a “moped” if its motor is small or slow enough to qualify as one. In many states, if the scooter’s engine is more powerful than 50cc, it is classified as a motorcycle, even if it is a step-through, instead of a step-over vehicle.

And, clearly, an electric bike doesn’t have a gas engine.

Which Is Better: An E-Bike or Moped?

Mopeds and electric bikes are both excellent choices for personal transportation and which one you choose depends on your lifestyle.

For example, if you value the riding experience, and flexibility and want some exercise from your power-assisted vehicle, an electric bicycle might be a better choice. It’s also a greener alternative since it doesn’t release toxins into the air.

However, if you want a high-performance riding experience, a fast commuter vehicle, and don’t mind busy streets or fuel costs, the best decision might be a gas-powered moped.

Can I Add a Second Battery to My E-Bike Safely? (In Parallel)

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Male looking over e-bike battery

Running a second battery in parallel can add additional speed and increase the ride duration of your e-bike, making it a tempting option for those looking to modify their current ride. However, the overall process of adding a second battery can be complex and leave you wondering if there is a way to do so safely. 

You can add a second battery to your e-bike safely in parallel. The process of adding a second battery to your e-bike in parallel can be complicated, and you should do it carefully using batteries of the same voltage. 

In the rest of this article, I will go over what happens if you connect batteries of different voltages and the pros and cons of adding a second battery. I’ll also offer a basic guide to connecting another battery on your e-bike in parallel and tell you some alternatives to installing a secondary battery. 

Adding a battery to an electric bike safely

What Happens When You Connect Two E-Bike Batteries of Different Voltages in Parallel?

When preparing to add a second battery to your e-bike, it’s essential to remember that a difference in voltage of your batteries does matter. 

When you connect two batteries of different voltages in parallel, they will attempt to level out the voltage between themselves, resulting in significant problems such as destroying the batteries or starting a fire if the voltage difference is too substantial. 

There are two ways that you can ensure that your batteries are of a similar voltage before attempting to connect them to your electric bike in parallel:

  • Test the voltage with a multimeter. Using a multimeter is a fantastic way to get an accurate reading on both e-bike batteries and remove any guessing about how much voltage each battery contains. You can purchase multimeters like this AstroAI Multimeter (available on Amazon) relatively cheaply. These devices are helpful for many other purposes, and they’ll help provide peace of mind when connecting two batteries.
  • Charge both batteries before hooking them up in parallel. Charging both batteries ensures that the voltages match and helps avoid mishaps like fires or battery explosions. 

If you wish to be overly cautious, you could follow both steps, but completing either step should significantly reduce your chances of disaster when hooking up your e-bike batteries in parallel. 

It is also important to remember that using batteries of the same voltage, make, and age is recommended for the best results when adding on a second battery. 

You might also try adding a blocking diode to help prevent one battery from ruining the other if they decide to surge. Still, again, the best way to ensure that your batteries stay in working order is to make sure that they are adequately charged and at a matching Voltage (V), Capacity (Ah), and total Watt Hours (Wh).

You might wish to learn more about interchangeable batteries before you connect two in parallel!

The Pros And Cons Of Installing A Second E-Bike Battery

Since adding a second battery can be complicated, knowing if the benefits outweigh the cons is essential.

The Cons of Installing A Second E-Bike Battery 

Let me first go over the cons of adding a second battery to your e-bike:

So, there are a few cons when it comes to installing two batteries in parallel on your e-bike, the biggest one being how hard it is to do so correctly. 

Still, don’t let that scare you if you genuinely have your heart set on adding another battery to your ride. 

The Pros of Installing A Second E-Bike Battery 

Next, I’ll take a look at the pros of adding a battery to your e-bike:

  • Adding a second battery can be cheaper than purchasing a new one. It’s no secret that the larger bike batteries hold more juice and can run for longer, but they do cost more. So, adding a second battery to your e-bike is preferable if you have a tight budget. 
  • A second battery can give you up to two times more range. With a second battery, you will be able to travel further and at faster speeds, which is a huge benefit if you are a long-distance rider or touring.

Ultimately it’s up to you to decide if the pros outweigh the cons. Cost is an essential factor in upgrading your e-bike, and it’s much cheaper to add a secondary battery than purchase a larger one or buy a new electric bike. Although you can look into buying a cheaper electric bike.

Installing Electric Bike Battery
Installing Electric Bike Battery

How To Install a Second Battery on Your E-Bike in Parallel

If you want to increase your e-bike’s power or the distance your electric bicycle can travel between battery charges, adding a second battery in parallel is a great option. Adding another power source is ideal if you aren’t looking to spend a lot of money purchasing a larger battery. 

E-bike batteries that have the same number of cells, voltage, and construction can be installed and run in parallel by using a parallel battery connector cable to connect the two batteries. 

However, depending on your electric bike and batteries, this can be be a challenge. Each battery can come with different connectors, and some are more difficult to find the right adapters for than others. 

What You Will Need To Install a Second Battery on Your E-Bike in Parallel

So, let’s dive into what you will need to install a second battery in parallel on your e-bike using a parallel battery connector cable. 

You will need:

Step-By-Step Guide To Install a Second Battery on Your E-Bike in Parallel

Next, we’ll be going over the steps to attach your batteries using a parallel battery connector cable:

  1. Check the voltage of your two batteries. Your battery voltage must be the same; otherwise, you risk losing both batteries and possibly injuring yourself. If you don’t have a multimeter, you should make sure that you have fully charged both batteries. 
  2. Acquire a parallel battery connector cable. This cable will allow you to quickly connect the two batteries to your electric bike. Depending on your batteries’ individual wires, you may need an adapter. 
  3. Connect both batteries to the parallel battery connector. After connecting the two batteries, you can plug the connector into the electric bike. Still, keep in mind that it may need an adapter to plug straight into your e-bike. 
  4. Mount your second battery on your e-bike. You will want to mount your second battery somewhere stable and out of the way.  
  5. Enjoy your new battery power on your electric bicycle! Now it’s time to take a ride and see how you like your newly powered e-bike. You should now be able to enjoy longer rides and faster speeds.

If you are looking for more guidance on adding a secondary battery in parallel to your electric bicycle safely, here’s a helpful video you should check out: 

Adding a secondary battery in parallel is complicated and should not be undertaken lightly. If done incorrectly, you can risk ruining your batteries, injuring yourself, or causing a fire or explosion. 

That said, adding a secondary battery to your e-bike is not impossible with the right tools and research, and many people find this method preferable to purchasing a giant new battery. 

Now that we have covered how to install a secondary battery for your electric bike in parallel, let’s talk a little about your other options.

Alternatives to Adding a Second Battery to Your E-Bike

For some, attempting to add a secondary battery to your electric bicycle might not be practical, and the idea might leave you feeling a little overwhelmed. 

Not to worry! Adding a second battery isn’t the only way to get more out of your e-bike. There are several other options you might want to consider.  

Try Carrying a Second Battery

Carrying around a second fully charged e-bike battery is one of the most highly recommended alternatives to mounting a second battery in parallel. 

So, what makes lugging around a second battery on your rides a good idea?

The Pros of Carrying Around a Second E-Bike Battery

Some of the pros of carrying a secondary battery include:

  • Setting up a second battery for use is easy. The simplicity of using a second battery makes this option so enticing. You simply need to purchase a second battery and make sure you have fully charged it before taking it out on rides. 
  • Carrying a second battery is an even cheaper option than adding a secondary battery to your e-bike. With this option, you won’t have to worry about purchasing additional cables or adapters and will only need the new battery and a good charger.
  • Batteries are easy to carry around. A second fully charged battery can easily be stored in a backpack or mounted somewhere to the electric bike for later use. 
  • You will always have a backup battery. If something goes wrong with your primary e-bike battery, you will always have a backup to get yourself home safely. 

As you can see, there are quite a few benefits to carrying around a second battery. This particular alternative is relatively easy, and many opt for carrying a secondary battery instead of installing two batteries in parallel onto their e-bike for just that reason. 

The Cons of Carrying Around a Second E-Bike Battery

You may be thinking that’s great and all, but what are the drawbacks?

Well, here are some of the cons for carrying around a second electric bike battery:

  • Longer charging times. With two batteries, you will experience double the charging time and may want to consider purchasing a second charger to speed this up.
  • You will have to remember to pack the battery with you on your rides. A second battery shouldn’t take up too much space, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t frustrating to have to tote around. 
  • Double the maintenance. You will have to take care of and maintain two batteries instead of one. 

In all honesty, carrying a second battery out on your rides isn’t a bad option for those who aren’t interested in the time, money, or safety considerations it takes to mount a second battery in parallel… or who don’t want to purchase a new e-bike. 

Purchase a Larger E-Bike Battery

The second alternative to adding a secondary battery to your electric bicycle is to purchase a newer, larger battery. A larger battery is technically superior to mounting two batteries on your e-bike in parallel, though not everyone has the budget for a new big battery. 

The Pros of Purchasing a Larger E-Bike Battery 

So let’s take a look at some of the reasons you might consider purchasing a large battery instead:

  • Replacing your smaller e-bike battery with a large one is pretty straightforward. Switching your small battery out for a larger one is simple and shouldn’t require a lot of adapting, depending on the battery you upgrade to. 
  • A larger battery is more powerful. The larger battery’s ability to hold more energy will give you a more extended range.
  • One battery charge time. You will only have to worry about charging one battery before heading out on a ride. 

The Cons of Purchasing a Larger E-Bike Battery 

These all sound pretty nice but let’s take a look at some of the drawbacks to having a bigger e-bike battery:

  • Larger batteries cost more. Purchasing a new bigger battery can be a bit pricey, and if you don’t wish to spend that kind of money on your e-bike, it can be a deal-breaker for you.
  • Placement for a big battery can be tricky. Placing a bigger battery on your electric bike can be tricky since you don’t want something big and clunky to bump into as you ride. Each battery model will be different, so be sure to find something that will fit your frame snugly. 

So there you go. Purchasing a larger battery bank is preferable if it’s within your budget, but it is certainly possible to achieve similar results by adding a second battery in parallel. 

Add Solar Panels

Consider adding a solar-powered system for charging your e-bike! Instead of worrying about the cons of adding an additional battery, use solar power. This will save you money on electricity and let you charge your bike just about anywhere you go!

Use a Generator

You can use a generator to power your e-bike. As long as your generator has enough watts to fully charge it, you just need to plug it into an outlet like a regular bike charger.

Use a Car Battery Inverter

Believe it or not, you can charge with a car battery as long as you have an inverter and 12V power outlet. But to stay safe, you should find out more about using a car battery as a bike charger first.

Purchase an E-Bike That Already Comes With a Large Battery

Last but not least, you might consider purchasing a new e-bike, provided it’s within your budget.

Many brands and models of e-bikes are readily available, and some of them may provide longer-ranged rides with more powerful batteries. 

But here are two highly recommended e-bikes with excellent battery life.

R22 Everest E-Bike with 300 Mile Range
R22 Everest E-Bike with 300 Mile Range; Starts at $18,000

R22 Everest

First, we have the R22 Everest. This bike is extremely high-priced but seems to have spared no expense regarding the quality and design. 

This electric bicycle is an excellent option for people who aren’t on a budget (starting price around $18,000).

Some of the specs of the R22 electric bike:

  • It has a 300 mile (482.8 km) travel range. The creators of the R22 Everest claim that this bike’s battery and motor are so powerful that it could make its way up Mt. Everest in a single charge.
  • It has a 3260Wh Removable Dual Battery. That means that if one battery goes out on your ride, you still have a second battery that turns on, so you will hardly ever run out of charge. 

The price is certainly something that won’t fit everyone’s budget, but if you are looking for an electric bike with a ton of power and battery life (no worry about what to do if your e-bike battery dies in the middle of a ride), this just might be the ride for you. 

Super Monarch

The Super Monarch is a pretty decent option for those whose budget is a little tighter (starting at $3500). The Monarch is an excellent option with a good range and a dual battery. 

So let’s take a look at what makes the Super Monarch so great:

  • It’s relatively budget-friendly. There are cheaper e-bikes on the market, but the Monarch seems to offer more than most at a great value.
  • Can travel over 80 Miles (128 km) with pedal assistance. This kind of distance makes it an excellent option for cross-country biking.
  • It has a twin battery, twin motor, and twin suspension design. Having a second battery to pull the weight if the other goes out offers a lot of peace of mind when out on a long ride. Just make sure you safely charge the batteries overnight before a long ride.

For the price, this bike is honestly a great option if you are considering purchasing a new e-bike rather than trying to add on a second battery in parallel. 

Conclusion 

The overall process for adding a second battery to your electric bike is complicated but certainly not impossible. You will need a few tools such as a parallel battery connector cable and two batteries of the same voltage of matching ages and make. 

So honestly, if you are considering upgrading your e-bike to have a secondary battery and feel confident in your ability to do so, you should go for it. Having an additional battery to count on should your first one fail is always a comfort and can help you get home safely in a pinch.