An e-bike typically comes with standard bike tires but is already pricier than a regular bike. Yet now the bike shop suggests you pay an additional premium for special tires. But do e-bikes need special tires, and should you shell out the extra money?
E-bikes typically don’t need special tires, but you may prefer them. Compared to regular bikes, e-bikes put additional demands on tires, which manufacturers address in their tire designs. For instance, special e-bike tires use stronger casing, add extra sidewall inserts and more.
Since standard bicycle tires aren’t designed with the needs of an e-bike in mind, they may not perform as well or last as long as they should. After exploring how e-bikes are different, we can explain what these differences mean in tire selection. By the time you get to the end, you can confidently choose between standard or e-bike tires.
The battery, motor, and thicker frames require our own Electric Bikes to have 3-inch wide tires to support the weight!
Should I Use Special Tires on an Electric Bike?
You should use special tires on e-bikes because standard tires aren’t designed to withstand the demands of electric bikes. For instance, the extra motor and battery weight put a strain on standard tires which increases tread wear and makes them more susceptible to punctures.
Therefore, e-bikes need stronger and higher-quality tires to support the heavier load.
Electric Bike Tires Vs. Regular Bike Tires
Although electric bikes and ordinary bikes share many features, there are two significant differences between them: maximum speed and weight capacity. These factors affect how a tire performs on an e-bike as compared to the same tires on traditional bikes.
Depending on the classification of your e-bike, most electric motors cut off speed assistance at 20 mph (32 kph) (Class 1 and 2) or 28 mph (45 kph) (Class 3), although riders can get to even faster speeds with greater pedaling effort or if freewheeling downhill.
Due to these high speeds, e-bikes produce far more torque than a standard bicycle. This additional torque adds stress to an e-bike tire.
Riders frequently point out that e-bikes’ top speeds are over-hyped, as many experienced riders can ride as fast as an electric bike. While possibly true, e-bikes reach this speed carrying extra weight from the motor, battery, and thicker frame, which impacts the tire’s overall performance.
Since they can depend on motor power, e-bike riders often ride faster for longer than they would on a regular bike. Unfortunately, this also increases the wear and tear on the e-bike’s tires and reduces their puncture protection.
To address these demands, electric bicycle tires are designed differently. For example, sidewall casing will be constructed to handle the additional wear and tear. It’s often made of stronger, more expensive material and has a higher thread count per inch (TPI) for a thicker and more durable weave. In addition, there are often additional sidewall inserts and enhanced puncture-prevention layers.
When considering an e-bike’s tire, we focus on the tread because that’s what we see. However, the components hidden underneath the tread are just as important.
The two hidden components of a bike tire are its beads and carcass. No matter how electric bike tires are designed or what material is used in their construction, those hidden components play an essential role in their performance and durability.
The part of the tire where the lip meets the rim is known as the tire bead. It forms and maintains the seal between the tire and the wheel and helps the tire keep its shape.
A tire has two beads, one on either side, which is only visible on an unmounted tire. Each bead has a wider profile since the rubber strands inside are made of metal or fibers.
Steel is often used because it’s less expensive. Synthetic materials, like Kevlar, manufacture stronger beads, but that strength comes with higher prices. Steel is rigid and heavier, but flexible strands are easier to install and remove. They are also lighter.
The carcass is considered the most critical part of the tire. It’s a layered network of meshes that sit under the tread. Each mesh consists of tiny textile fiber strands often made from nylon. These fiber strands are woven together and play a significant role in determining tire strength.
Thread count measures the number of threads per inch (TPI) of the carcass. Tires with a high TPI count offer better handling, control, and performance. However, higher TPI means more material and more material means higher cost.
How Do I Know What Tires to Buy for My E-Bike?
Bicycle wheels come in various sizes, ranging from small 12-inch (30.48 cm) to huge 29-inch (73.66 cm) diameter tires. The wheel size has a significant impact on the performance of e-bikes.
However, your electric bike’s frame determines the tire size. For example, you cannot put 16-inch (40.64 cm) tires on a frame meant for 26-inch (66.04 cm) wheels.
The most critical factor is where and how you ride. In general, it’s best to choose tires that fit the e-bike’s frame and your riding style. Depending on the model, e-bikes may have fat or narrow tires. If you plan on cycling on rugged terrain frequently, fat tires are the way to go. Thin tires, however, are ideal for smooth roads or paved trails.
Commuter bikes are designed to ride on ordinary hard surfaces such as asphalt or concrete roads but typically have wider tires than traditional bikes designed for commuting.
These wide e-bike tires have a lower PSI requirement that helps them grip the road better. It also makes them easier to maneuver when having to swerve to avoid being hit by another vehicle.
Furthermore, their all-season tread patterns make them safer on wet roads.
Road bike tires are skinny. With less surface area to touch the road, the decreased friction allows for faster riding. Acceleration also requires less effort since the tires put less pressure on the ground.
Many riders choose road tires for speed and acceleration. However, these tires have an increased risk of slipping, especially on wet roads. If it frequently rains where you live, you might want to avoid road tires.
Mountain bike and BMX tires are specialized tires that have rough treads to give them the better traction needed for rough terrain. BMX racing tires are typically thinner than those used for freestyle BMX.
Commuters or recreational riders rarely need these special tires since they aren’t designed for getting from Point A to Point B or cruising.
One other decision you might be asked to make is between fat and thin tires. Fat tires have lower pressure and provide greater traction and protection against punctures. These enable an electric bike to perform well on a variety of terrains as well as in inclement weather.
Typically, wider tires are seen on e-mountain bikes, fat tire bikes, and hybrid e-bikes. However, the thickness of the tires has a direct, correlating impact with their weight, and this increased resistance ultimately affects the bike’s speed.
Thin tires are lighter than fat tires because they contain less material. Their higher pressure gives them lower rolling resistance and less traction, making them faster than fat tires. However, one advantage of fat tires is that they’re more durable than skinny tires. In general, thinner tires are best suited for smooth roads.
Good tire maintenance will help any regular or special e-bike tire last longer. The most important thing to do for your e-bike’s tires is keep them properly inflated. Most cyclists understand that tires shouldn’t be underinflated. Unfortunately, however, many overcompensate by overinflating tires.
Low vs High Tire Pressure
Lowering tire pressure improves cornering grip by increasing how much the tire touches the ground. However, a lower-pressure tire also flattens on the road’s surface. This increases rolling resistance and causes you to pedal harder. Fortunately, you can increase pedal assist on your e-bike so this isn’t as much of an issue.
On the other hand, an overinflated tire will seem bouncy, especially on a hard surface, because it bounces off the road’s imperfections. Pedaling a little harder on an e-bike may offset a bumpy, uncomfortable ride, but it’s still best to follow the manufacturer’s tire PSI (pounds of air per square inch) recommendations.
Another common mistake is adding the same PSI on both tires. We make this mistake because we assume our weight distribution is 50-50 front to back. However, bicyclists typically have 40 percent of their weight on the front and 60 percent in the back.
How to Determine Tire Pressure
There is no specific formula for correlating weight distribution and tire pressure, but you can use a ballpark calculation. For example, say you weigh 150 pounds (68 kg). A 40/60 distribution is 60 pounds (27 kg) on the front wheel and 90 pounds (41 kg) on the rear wheel.
A third less pressure on the front might be too much, but 15-20 percent less pressure on the front wheel is reasonable.
Tires lose a few PSI per week. You probably don’t need to check the pressure for every ride, but take out your gauge at least once a week and check the tire pressure. If you recently repaired a flat with carbon dioxide, you’ll almost certainly need to re-inflate it.
Carbon dioxide is very soluble in butyl rubber, and it quickly seeps straight through the tube wall. If you fix a flat with CO² early in a ride, check the tire again in one or two hours because you will most likely need to add pressure.
Electric bicycles do not require special tires, although standard tires will wear out faster. The additional and more expensive materials in better quality tires increase the e-bike price. But, if your e-bike comes with standard tires, there’s no need to exchange them.
However, when it comes time to replace them, consider shelling out a few extra dollars for better-performing and longer-lasting e-bike tires.
Electric bikes are a modern, affordable, and convenient mode of transportation, ideal for college students, especially on large college campuses or long commutes to school. However, choosing the right e-bike for you can be a daunting task due to the sheer quantity of affordable options. Luckily for you, I’ve managed to narrow down your options to the best of the bunch.
The best electric bikes for college students are generally affordable, reliable, and comfortable for long rides. They’ll also have a good battery range, and a powerful electric motor, and may even fold, making them easy to store while attending lectures and classes.
Here are the 6 best e-bikes for college students across a range of categories:
In this article, I’ll walk you through these top recommendations for e-bikes that’ll meet your needs as an on or off-campus college student and commuter.
I’ll also guide you through the most important aspects to consider when purchasing your first electric bicycle. By the end of this read, you’ll know exactly which e-bike is best suited to you and your journey to, from, and around campus.
Best Overall Electric Bike for College Students, Ride1Up Roadster
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly electric bike with everything you need as a college student, the Roadster from Ride1Up is the best affordable option for you. This electric bicycle offers riders a fast, comfortable, and convenient experience without breaking the bank.
This is a class 3 e-bike with a pedal-assist that achieves speeds up to 28 mph ( 45 kph). It doesn’t have a throttle as you must pedal to engage the electric motor. The Roadster is equipped with a 350 W battery that offers this lightweight bike a powerful boost.
Thus, it only weighs about 33 lbs (15 kg), making it one of the lighter bicycles on the list. Due to its lightweight aluminum frame and powerful 36V battery, this electric bike can travel between 20 and 30 miles on a single charge. Therefore, you can make your trip to college and around town without having to worry about the electric bike battery life running out.
Further, although it’s not a folding bike, it’s light enough to carry your bike upstairs.
The Roadster has a specially engineered frame with specific geometry and components that enhance comfort. As a result, it offers a smooth and seamless ride, especially on paved roads.
This electric bike also contains Samsung batteries and a compact LCD design. On top of this, this model offers a quiet motor and concealed battery, resulting in the appearance that you’re riding a regular bike since the motor and batteries are almost entirely silent (so you’re less likely to anger pedestrians and college faculty).
The Ride1Up Roadster is available in a variety of colors and two frame sizes. Therefore, you have some options to make your electric bike stand out and suit your style. The two frame size choices mean that people of all sizes can find an alternative that fits them, which isn’t even always true for traditional bikes.
The Jupiter Discovery X5 350W offers excellent value for its price, exceptional performance for a small 16″ wheel e-bike, and an easy ride across town and campus.
The Discovery is a folding electric bike. As a result, you can easily collapse this bike down to a compact and travel-friendly size. This e-bike even has magnets that hold it together when it’s folded. It’s also lightweight, making transportation and storage even more effortless.
Another excellent advantage of the Jupiter Discovery X5 is its durability. This urban e-bike is not going to break or wear down quickly due to its string components and magnesium alloy frame (which makes it much lighter than the best bikes with an aluminum or steel frame). This added durability means that it’ll last longer without needing frequent repairs or replacements.
The Discovery electric bike uses a 350W hub motor. The electric motor allows riders to travel with plenty of power to support them comfortably. And, it has a 30-mile range, which is more than enough for trips around campus or your local area.
Perhaps the most outstanding feature of this e-bike is its cost of around $900. The exact price of this electric bike can vary depending on where you buy it from and whether you decide to pay for extra customization and upgrades. Nevertheless, this is one of the cheapest e-bikes to make this list, despite being among the best overall performers.
Many of the best electric bikes make you choose between throttled powered motors and pedal assistance. However, with the Discovery you won’t have to make this choice. Instead, it’s equipped with a three-speed electric assist and a throttle on the handlebar. This allows riders to travel along without even having to pedal.
The BlueJay Sport is an e-bike that works just as well off-road as it does on the tarmac. As a result, it can be used by students who live in rural areas or enjoy adventurous off-road riding when out of class.
The BlueJay Sport is a powerful electric bike with 500W and five levels of pedal assists that allow riders to reach 28 mph. The motor in this bike is able to output 120m of torque, making it a strong and powerful drive, easy to climb uphill, even with riders on board.
It’s also capable of traveling 75 miles on a single charge with some upgrades to the removable battery and motor. At the same time, this electric bike also boasts a whole host of modern technology designed to maximize its performance.
You can also find an electronic display equipped with BlueTooth so you can connect your phone while you ride. It even has front and rear racks, and each is capable of holding a few items, so you have some extra storage space.
Although it’s not an electric mountain bike, you can do some light trail riding. The BlueJay Sport has an alloy frame that provides riders with a durable and steady support structure. As a result, this e-bike is ideal for heavier or taller riders. The robust frame also pays dividends when taking it off-road.
This electric bicycle comes in a variety of colors and designs. Customers can request customizations from the manufacturer when ordering. This allows you to choose a specific design so you can ride around in style with an e-bike that is unique to you and your taste.
While there are many outstanding benefits to the BlueJay Sport, it comes at a cost (literally). It is by far the most expensive of the electric bicycles included on this list, often making it too expensive for many college students. However, if you have some money to spare, buying a quality e-bike like this is a worthwhile investment.
The BlueJay Sport also comes with a 2-year warranty. So if something breaks or is not working as it should, you’ll have access to free repairs and replacements for the first two years after the initial purchase.
The best electric bike for college students who live off-campus and far away is the Electric Bike Company’s Model X. The Model X is an exceptional commuter bike with an astounding range of up to 160 miles with its personally designed batteries and options! Therefore it’s a fantastic choice for students having to take a long commute or those who ride every day to school but only want to charge their e-bike once a week.
The Model X has a 500W battery that produces a powerful but smooth ride. Its frame is long and heavy, which gives you all the structural support you’ll need. This electric bicycle also has excellent steering that allows for easy maneuvers, provided you have sufficient space. In tight spaces, this e-bike can be challenging to steer.
The Model X also has a 12Ah battery attached to the frame. Additionally, it has a dual battery system. This is the secret behind the Model X’s impressive long-range on a single charge.
One of the most attractive features of the Model X is the customization level that the manufacturer offers. The company allows customers to customize many features using an online customization tool. As a result, you can choose an e-bike with added motor power, GPS, upgraded tires, rear rack, and many more features.
The Model X is a class 3 e-bike with three pedal-assist speeds. If you wish to travel for the furthest distance possible on a single charge, it’s best to choose the lowest speed, speed 1. However, if you want to ride your e-bike faster, you can engage speeds 2 and 3 to help get you moving in no time.
The next bike that makes the list is the RadExpand Electric Folding Fat Bike from Rad Power Bikes (improved upon the RadMini). As the name suggests, this is a foldable e-bike that can be compacted down to fit on public transport or be stowed away when you’re in a lecture. Yet, this hybrid e-bike also has hefty tires that allow for a comfortable ride and extra grip on the road.
It comes equipped with adjustable saddles and handlebars. As a result, it’s suitable for riders ranging in height from 4 foot 10 inches to 5 foot 10 inches (147cm to 178cm). Therefore most college students will be able to comfortably fit this e-bike due to its adjustable features.
Additionally, this is a step-thru version like I have!
The 750W hub motor on this electric bicycle allows for a powerful ride. This is accompanied by a 48V lithium-ion battery that will enable bikers to travel up to 45 miles (72.4 km) on a single charge. On top of this, the Rad Power Bikes RadExpand can support a payload of 275lbs (124.7 kg), making it ideal for carrying everything you’ll need around town.
The RadExpand Electric Folding Fat Bike has 5 levels of pedal assistance along with a throttle, providing you with the option to cycle or not. This electric bike also has puncture-resistant tires, making it one of the more resilient entries on this list.
The puncture-resistant tires and 4.0″ fat tires allow for a comfortable ride. Additionally, the RadExpand has an excellent front fork suspension for added comfort on your ride. All of this culminates in a perfect all-around e-bike that can also fold away neatly when not in use (and it still supports a front or rear rack for your college books and equipment).
Pros
Foldable
Up to 45+ mile Range
Can Support 275 lbs
Adjustable for Different Heights
Puncture Resistant 4″ Wide Tires
Integrated Rear Rack
Cons
Weighs 62.5 lb (still on the heavy side but weighs over 5 lb less than its predecessor the RadMini)
Most Dependable E-Bike, Aventon Pace 350 Step-Through E-Bike
6. Most Dependable E-Bike for College Students: Aventon Pace 500
Owning an electric bike that is reliable and rarely breaks down or runs into problems is essential. There is no point in investing in a quality e-bike if it’s constantly kept off the road by tire punctures or electrical issues. Luckily, the Aventon Pace 500 can get you where you need to go.
The Aventon Pace 500 is a reliable and resilient e-bike. Even if it does run into some technical issues after you first buy it, the manufacturer offers a 1-year warranty. As a result, you are covered for any unexpected repairs or replacements for the first 12 months of riding.
This commuter bike comes with throttle power assist up to 20 miles per hour (32 kph), making it a class 2 e-bike. The Pace 350 also offers pedal assist with five levels of speed. Furthermore, you can attain a range of 25-40 miles (40.2-64.4 km), allowing for extended journeys. Riders also get the advantage of a wide saddle for added comfort when cycling.
It has a step-through frame that allows for easy access on and off of the e-bike. This electric vehicle also has an LCD system so you can keep track of your distance traveled, speed, and battery levels when out and about. You can even monitor how much charge is left, so you don’t run out of battery power on your journey.
The Aventon Pace 500 is also a popular e-bike amongst enthusiasts. This electric bicycle is stylish and very reasonably priced. On top of this, it’s available in two sizes, to fit most adults, and a range of colors and designs, so you can choose the aesthetic that suits your taste. This ensures that you get one that you’re comfortable being seen riding.
Not only is the Pace 500 durable and reliable, but it only weighs 49 lbs (22 kg), making it lighter than the RadExpand but heavier than the Roadster. Given its added durability and reliability, its weight is often worth it.
As a young adult, it’s quite likely that you are looking to purchase your first electric bicycle. Thus, it’s worth exploring the factors to consider before making a decision regarding which one is best suited to you. Knowing what to look for before making a substantial investment will help you make the best-informed decision.
Here are the most important factors to consider before choosing which e-bike is the best for you:
Classification of Electric Bikes
Local laws and regulations
Commute length
Budget
Comfort
Reliability
Performance
In the following sections, I’ll offer an in-depth look into the factors you’ll want to consider before choosing an e-bike if you’re a college student.
E-Bike Classification
The first thing you need to know about e-bikes is the fact that they are not all the same, and I’m not talking about quality or performance. E-bikes have 3 classifications in the USA but may have 4 classes depending on where you live. These classes indicate how your e-bike operates and give you information regarding its power limits.
Class 1 electric bicycles are pedal-assisted bikes that limit motor assistance to 20 mph (32 kph). Above this speed, the motor will stop producing power. However, in many class 1 e-bikes, you can exceed this speed by pedaling faster without the motor’s assistance. Class 1 e-bikes do not have throttles of any kind. In most states, no licenses are required for these types of electric bicycles.
Class 2 e-bikes are throttle-assisted up to 20 mph (32 kph). Therefore, as you can imagine, they have a throttle, typically in the grip on the handle like a traditional motorbike or moped. However, above 20 mph, the throttle will stop providing power. Class 2 e-bikes are legal without a license in most states.
Class 3 electric bikes are pedal-assisted electric bikes that can reach 28mph (45 kph). These e-bikes are becoming more prevalent; however, there are age and safety regulations due to their added speed.
Class-4 e-bikes are electric bikes that are motor-assisted to speeds above 28mph (45 kph). You can’t legally ride these bicycles unless equipped with license plates, indicators, and the required paperwork and registration. As a result, class 4 e-bikes are not included on this list since they are effectively electric motorbikes, not bicycles.
Local Laws and Regulations
In most US states, class 1 to 3 electric bikes are legal to ride without a specific license. Similarly, in most states, e-bikes do not need to be registered as vehicles. However, the rules and regulations may vary from state to state.
Some states require every class of electric vehicle to be registered. Others demand that riders obtain licenses for Class 3 e-bikes. However, most states don’t require any registration or license for a motor-assisted bike unless the speed exceeds 28 mph (45 kph).
Electric bikes typically fall into one of three categories when it comes to road rules and regulations. An e-bike is sometimes considered a bicycle; other times, it’s regarded as a motorcycle. Some states consider electric bikes a distinct type of vehicle from the two mentioned before. As a result, States take different actions regarding electric bikes, depending on how local governments classify them.
In most states, electric bike riders are required to wear helmets to ensure their safety and protect them from injury. However, this rule is also in place for regular cyclists in many locations.
Electric bikes have varying ranges. Some can only handle for 10 or 20 miles at a time, while others can last well over 100 miles on a single charge. In general, an extended range means a more expensive electric bike, as more batteries are required.
It would be best to choose an e-bike that suits your specific needs. It’s unnecessary for you to invest in a long-range electric bike if you live and travel primarily on campus. Whereas, if you live 20 miles away from college, you may need to invest in a commuter e-bike with some extra range.
Budget
Electric bikes may be one of the cheapest modes of transportation, but they are still far from affordable. However, the price of an electric bike can vary greatly from under $1000 to $4000 or more. While this article has focused primarily on e-bikes on the lower end of the price scale, the costs will still vary from one bicycle to another.
Comfort
A smooth ride is essential to some bike riders. At the same time, others are happy with any old saddle and suspension. Determining whether a comfy ride is critical to you is one of the first factors you’ll want to consider when making this decision. As expected, you’ll often have to pay a premium price for e-bikes offering the smoothest rides.
Some electric bicycles are designed specifically with comfort in mind. Innovative frame designs, specialized seats, and suspension systems all help e-bikes to provide a better riding experience.
Reliability
Only a few things are more annoying than your mode of transport breaking down in the middle of nowhere. As a result, it’s vital that you choose an electric bicycle that won’t break down for a long time. You’ll also need to consider the road conditions you are likely to encounter during your commute.
For instance, if you encounter off-road areas on your travels, you’ll need an e-bike that can work as well off the road as it does on it. Especially given the fact that off-road trails and pathways would likely damage a city-only e-bike.
Performance
By law, electric bikes in the US are usually limited to 28 miles per hour, but different e-bikes have varying amounts of power and acceleration. Therefore, if you’d like to have an exciting and adventurous time riding your electric bike, choose one that’s equipped with a more powerful electric motor and battery such as the 750 Watt RadExpand E-Bike with throttle from Rad Power Bikes.
If speed is not a high priority, you can choose a class 1 e-bike with a 250W-500W motor and no throttle, which is limited to electric-assist speeds of 20mph.
Key Takeaways
Choosing the best e-bike for a college student isn’t always as straightforward as it seems. Electric bike riders often have different needs and budgets. Therefore, it’s crucial to take the time to figure out which e-bike best suits you best. Remember to consider these crucial factors:
Budget
Range
Power
Class
However, from the list in this article, college students have some solid options. If you’re looking for a low-priced but powerful and lightweight ride to campus, the Ride1Up Roadster (the overall best e-bike for a college student) may be perfect for you at around a cost of just over $1000.
However, all these e-bikes have great performance all around, with impressive power, battery range, and comfort. Take a look again if you’re not sure which one to buy… you’ll definitely find something suitable to meet your needs.
Shimano Mechanical Disc Brakes are included on many of their models!
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are growing in popularity. As more e-bikes become available, you may be wondering how they work, specifically the brake system, which is usually disc brakes. All bikes need brakes, and there are different brakes available, but are disc brakes necessary on your e-bikes?
Disc brakes aren’t necessary on your e-bikes, but a disc braking system is generally the best kind to use. They come in a variety of sizes and materials, are easy to maintain, and can be mechanical or hydraulic. There are alternative brakes, like rim and drum brakes, but they aren’t as good as disc brakes for e-bikes.
This article explains what disc brakes are, why disc brakes are good for e-bikes, and what types of disc brakes there are. I also explain the alternative braking systems for electric bikes and show you some videos to help you learn more about e-bike braking systems.
A disc brake comprises a disc, a brake pad, and a piston. The disc rotates in sync with the wheels on the bike, and it’s how the brakes got their name. A pad is on each side of the disc, which is flush with the disc and the piston.
The piston presses the pads against the disc when the rider hits the brakes. When the pads are pressed against the disc, it creates friction, which causes the e-bike to slow down or stop, depending on the amount of pressure. Bigger disc brakes have more friction, so they stop faster and with less pressure on the brakes compared to smaller ones.
Disc brakes are common in many moving things like pedal assist e-bikes, traditional bikes, and cars.
However, when you use your e-bike or other vehicles often, the brake pads will start to wear out over time, especially if you brake hard or often. Make sure you check your brakes and change the pads when they start to wear out.
The highly-rated JGbike Shimano MT200 Hydraulic Disc Brake Set (available on Amazon) are great disc brakes that you can use for e-bikes and other bikes. They are 160mm (6.29 inches) in size and come with pads, so all you need to do is install them on your electric bike and you are ready to ride.
There are two types of disc brakes you may find on an electric bike; mechanical and hydraulic.
Mechanical Disc Brakes
Mechanical disc brakes use a cable connected to the brake and the braking button or lever on your electric bike. When you hit the button to make the bike stop, the brake cable connects with the brake pad and makes them clamp against the disc, therefore, stopping your e-bike. This mechanical disc brake system is similar to how regular bikes brake.
You can adjust mechanical disc brakes to be closer or further away from the disc, which changes how fast or how slow your e-bike brakes are. When the pads are closer to the disc, your e-bike brakes easier, and you don’t have to hit the brake lever as hard to stop it. When they are further from the disc, you must press the brake lever harder to stop the bike.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes
The second type of disc brakes, hydraulic brakes, uses oil to brake the e-bike. A tube of oil in the brake system goes from the lever to the disc brake. When you brake your e-bike, the oil creates pressure against the brake pads. The more you press the brake lever, the more pressure there is in the brake system, making you stop faster. This is especially important in wet or icy cold weather.
You can’t adjust hydraulic disc brakes easily like mechanical brakes. They adjust how far the pad is from the disc automatically. So, if you are having a hard time braking on your e-bike and have hydraulic disc brakes, you’ll need to have a bike mechanic adjust them.
Choosing Disc Brakes for Your E-Bike
Disc brakes are the most common on electric bicycles, and there are good reasons for that. They offer some of the biggest benefits, particularly, in terms of reaction times.
Bigger Disc Brakes Are Better
Most disc brakes work great for e-bikes, yet different sizes affect how the disc brakes work. Ideally, bigger is better, especially on the front wheel where most of the braking is done. The front brake isn’t used as much as the back one, but it’s the most important brake when you need to stop quickly, like when in a high traffic area and a sudden stop is crucial.
Larger disc brakes also make it easier to stop your e-bike. When you have a large disc brake, you don’t have to press down on the brake lever as much as you would when you have smaller disc brakes. Less pressure means you stop easier when needed, which is great for sudden stops and less wear on your brake system.
Materials Affect Cost and Quality
Furthermore, disc brakes come in different materials. Some options include aluminum, plastic, and steel. The different materials change how much your brakes cost, how long they last, and how well they work for intense biking and in different weather. For example, steel brakes are best for braking when in rain or other wet conditions and for sudden stops.
You’ll also want to consider brake pads. Several factors can affect them such as the frequency of riding, road and weather conditions, and quality of the disc brake components among other things. Thus you may need to replace them frequently if you’re hard on them. You should consider this when buying disc brakes.
Fortunately, it’s inexpensive to buy new pads and you should always choose the best brake pads for your situation.
Mechanical Disc Brakes vs Hydraulic Disc Brakes
Although disc brakes are recommended as the best brakes for e-bikes, how do you choose between mechanical brakes and hydraulic brakes?
In general, hydraulic disc brakes have superior braking performance if you ride your e-bike fast, as they have better stopping control and braking power. They also tend to feel smoother when braking. However, you might choose mechanical disc brakes because they are less expensive and easier to repair, especially if you are not a fast rider.
This YouTube video from Trail Features explains when you should choose mechanical disc brakes over hydraulic ones and vice versa:
This type of brake system is older than disc brake systems. There are two drums on each side of the wheel, and when the brake lever is hit, the drums press outward, creating friction and stopping the bike.
They stop much slower than disc brakes, and they need to be replaced when worn out, which costs more than tuning up disc brakes. These aren’t recommended for electric bikes.
Rim Brakes for E-Bikes
The second alternative type of e-bike brakes is rim brakes. When you brake a bike with rim brakes, the brakes stop the wheel on the rim of the e-bike tire instead of in the center like disc brakes. Brakes on the rims are not as sturdy as braking in the center.
Rim brakes don’t stop as fast as disc brakes, especially in rain or wet paths where the rim brake needs an extra second to stop. This is why they’re not typically recommended for heavy electric bikes. But there are some advantages to using rim brakes on an e-bike such as being lighter, less costly, and easier to repair and maintain.
This video on Youtube from GCN Tech explains how disc brakes compare to rim brakes:
Final Thoughts
It’s not necessary to have disc brakes on your electric bike, but you do need brakes, and disc brakes are the best ones to have. This is why most well-known e-bike brand manufacturers are building new electric bike models with disc brakes.
They’re easy to adjust, make braking easier, and perform better in wet weather, including rain and snow. Plus, they come in a variety of materials and sizes to suit any ride and rider. Although alternative brake options including rim brakes are available, they just aren’t as good as disc brakes when it comes to e-bikes.
So you need to replace the sprockets on your electric bicycle, but they seem so expensive, especially compared to freewheels. Do you need to buy the costly cassette sprockets, or can you put a freewheel on your e-bike?
You can freewheel on an electric bike, but only if the rear wheel is designed for a freewheel. In general, it’s possible to coast using either a freewheel or a freehub and cassette system. Freewheels are considered inferior and tend to be used on less expensive e-bikes.
In this article, I’ll break down what exactly a freewheel is for electric bikes and how this differs from a freehub. I’ll also consider fixed-gear and cassette systems and whether or not it’s a good idea to exchange them with freewheels.
Keep reading to learn more and determine if a freewheel on your e-bike is the right way to go.
Rear Hub Freewheel
What Is a Freewheel?
A freewheel is a sprocket cluster screwed onto a rear hub. When you pedal forward on an e-bike with a freewheel, you’ll travel forward. When you stop pedaling, the pedals stop, and you’ll coast. If you pedal backward with a freewheel, it has no effect.
A freewheel works by having the outer body turn freely in one direction only. A ratchet-type mechanism inside stops the freewheel from engaging in the other direction.
Known as a pawl, this spring-loaded part engages a pair of teeth as the cyclist pedals, and the wheel moves forward. When the e-cyclist stops pedaling on an e-bike (same as a traditional bike), the pawls extend, so the freewheel stops moving. This allows the rider to coast, and the pedals don’t continue spinning.
When an electric bicycle coasts, the pawls of the freewheel generate the familiar ticking sound.
Because most electric bikes, as well as standard bicycles, have a freewheel, they are easier to ride without exhausting yourself. This is why experienced cyclists and those riding primarily to get a workout may not wish to have a freewheel.
A freehub is a rear hub with a cassette ratchet mechanism built into its body. Only the sprockets of a freehub get replaced when they wear out, not the ratchet mechanism. Unfortunately, the cassette and freehub systems aren’t interchangeable, as new cassettes only work with the corresponding freehub.
Traditional rear hubs had standardized threads to which any freewheel could be screwed. As a result, a cyclist could put a freewheel from practically any brand on their hub. Then, if the sprockets wore out or the rider wanted a different gear ratio, they could remove the cluster and replace it.
Freehubs have several advantages that have made them the standard.
Strength. The axle bearings on a freehub system are spaced further apart, and this additional spacing makes the freehub system less likely to break.
More gears. The design of freehubs allows for larger hub bodies. Most freewheel systems have 5-7 speeds, while cassettes can go 10+ speeds.
Easier to replace. It’s challenging to remove sprockets from a freewheel on an e-bike since they tighten on the threads of the hub as you pedal. On the other hand, removing sprockets from a Freehub is easier.
Shimano trademarked the name Freehub when it began selling these hubs with a cassette of sprockets. Since then, freehub and cassette are often used interchangeably.
How Is a Cassette System Different From a Freewheel?
A cassette system is different from a freewheel because the ratchet mechanism that allows the rear wheel to spin freely is built into the hub body. Therefore, when the sprockets on a cassette freehub are worn out, the entire ratchet mechanism doesn’t need to be removed, only the sprockets.
This can lead to confusion because some people use the term cassette when they mean freehub. Both a freewheel and cassette/freehub have rear hubs.
So to unconfuse yourself- remember that both freehub and cassette refer to the same system for attached sprockets, or gears, to the rear wheel.
Fixed Gear Electric Bikes
The term fixed-gear for an electric bike can mean one of two things. The first is that the action of the pedals is directly related to the motion of the rear wheel. In other words, if you bike forward, the pedals are also turning.
Since the bike pedals turn as long as the back wheel spins, coasting is difficult. However, you can slow the rear wheel by applying reverse pressure to the pedals (or pedal backward).
But the second and more common use of fixed gear in electric bicycles is fixed speed. A fixie or single-speed refers to an e-bike that has only one gear (such as the Ride1Up Roadster v3).
Therefore, the e-bike’s speed is determined by how quickly you pedal and how much power your e-bike has. Also, because it has only one gear, a single-speed “fixie” is more reliable, lighter, and less expensive than geared e-bikes.
However, a fixie isn’t without its weakness. The lack of gears means riding up hills can be more difficult if the rear hub motor isn’t particularly powerful or if your battery capacity is low.
Most fixed-gear electric bikes still have a freewheel mechanism. However, the term fixed gear refers to the gears (or lack of them), and freewheel refers to the wheel.
But considering the focus of an e-bike is on “electric,” the terminology related to shifting gears is confusing. “Fixed gear” can add to the confusion.
Can the Cassette Be Exchanged With a Freewheel on an E-Bike?
The cassette can be exchanged with a freewheel on an e-bike, but it doesn’t make a lot of sense to do so. Not only will you need to get a new hub, but you’ll also need to replace the wheel. Furthermore, unless you do the lacing yourself, you won’t save much money.
It should be noted that freewheel hubs aren’t as durable as freehub cassettes. As a result, you’ll rarely see a freewheel on the highest-quality electric bike brands. By switching out to a freewheel setup, you are downgrading your e-bike.
More importantly, switching out a freehub with a freewheel isn’t as simple as replacing one with the other and adding a freewheel hub. The laces on the wheel will also need to be replaced.
Replacing a wheel isn’t impossible, but it can be complicated, especially the first time you try it.
To replace a wheel on an electric bike, you need to:
Disconnect the electric bike from the battery charge
Remove the wheel (and the hub motor on most e-bikes)
Put on new laces
Adjust the tension
True the e-bike wheel
Unless you have a lot of experience with electric bikes, you’ll want to have your bike shop repair and maintenance people do this.
Unfortunately, upgrading an e-bike freewheel to a cassette and freehub system will present you with similar problems. Ultimately, however, the system currently on your e-bike is most likely the one you’ll want to stick with.
Whether you can put a freewheel on your electric bicycle is determined mainly by what type of hub system you’re currently working with.
Freewheels are regarded as inferior and are typically found on lower-priced e-bike models. Still, they work satisfactorily for most e-bikes with rear hub motors. If your e-bike’s rear wheel already has a freewheel, then you can replace it with another one.
However, going from a cassette and freehub system to a freewheel is expensive and probably not worth it. The good news is that you can coast on your electric bike with either system.
Electric bikes are an excellent alternative for commuters or recreational bicyclists because they provide the user with a boost when needed, reducing the effort required to pedal up steep hills. However, transporting this kind of bike can be difficult without the proper equipment and accessories.
Typically, you’ll need a special car bike rack for electric bikes. E-bikes are on average twice as heavy than standard bikes, making them difficult to transport without the necessary equipment. Transporting an e-bike with a standard rack poses the risk of damaging your vehicle or bike.
The rest of this article will take a closer look at why you need to invest in car bike racks specifically designed for e-bikes and what kind of rack you can safely use. I’ll also go over some of the best e-bike racks available and how their design impacts ease of use.
Read on for more details and tips on transporting your electric bike safely.
Why Do Electric Bicycles Need Special Racks?
As with regular bicycles, transporting an electric bike generally involves securing it to a car rack with straps or, in some cases, hooks that come in the box when you purchase the e-bike. But while you can use an ordinary rack to transport conventional bikes, this isn’t the case when it comes to e-bikes.
Electric bicycles need a special hitch-mount bike rack because they’re typically heavier than regular bicycles. E-bikes weigh between 35 – 80 lbs (16 – 36 kg), whereas most standard bikes weigh around 18 – 25 lbs (8 – 11 kg). This added weight is due to the electric motor, battery, and thicker frame of an e-bike.
The increased weight means that traveling with an electric bike using a regular bike carrier can damage either your car or bike. Even if you can get away with using an ordinary rack without breaking the locks, there’s still a risk of damage due to impact or shaking while driving down bumpy roads.
If you want to transport your e-bike safely and securely, you need a rack designed specifically for the purpose. It’s crucial to find one that easily fits your car and locks onto the vehicle without a hassle. Not only does this keep an electric bike in place during transit, but it also means that thieves will have a hard time stealing the bike or rack from your car.
A hitch-mounted bicycle rack is ideal for transporting an electric bike. This type of rack is designed to work with different-sized bikes, including heavy ones with large battery packs. As a result, it’s possible to use this type of rack even if you ride a heavy-duty e-bike.
Besides, the best racks for electric bikes are the ones that attach firmly to your vehicle for utmost security. Compatible with most bicycles, including regular and electric mountain bikes, these types of carriers are easy to load and unload when you get to your destination. Still, such racks can be folded or disassembled so they don’t take up too much space in the back of your car.
However, if you have a folding e-bike and can fit it into your car once folded, you won’t need a separate bike rack.
Can You Transport an E-Bike on a Standard Bicycle Rack?
It may seem intuitive to strap an e-bike onto a regular bicycle carrier and head off on your journey. After all, this is what you would do with a non-electric bike. Unfortunately, though, there are some problems with this approach.
You shouldn’t transport an e-bike on a standard bicycle rack. Regular racks are typically weaker and may not handle the added weight of your electric bicycle well. Thus, the car rack may break under the weight or the e-bike may get damaged.
However, some regular hitch-mounted racks are sturdy enough to transport e-bikes, but be sure to check their load limit before using them.
As I mentioned, securing an electric bike onto a standard bicycle carrier increases the risk of damaging the vehicle or the bike itself. Therefore, it’s vital to use a rack designed to handle heavier bikes.
Factors To Consider When Choosing a Bike Rack for Your E-Bike
Before you decide which electric bike rack is right for you, it would help to evaluate the different options on the market. In that regard, there are several factors to consider, including the following:
What Type of Rack is Recommended for an E-Bike?
The first thing you need to do is determine what kind of rack will work best for your needs. According to Consumer Reports, the notable types of racks on the market include:
Roof-mounted racks: These transport regular bikes on top of your car and can be used to carry and move other bulky objects, such as skis and canoes. However, roof racks are complicated to install and remove and may hurt your car’s handling due to the raised center of gravity.
Additionally, it’s almost impossible to get a 60lb-80lb e-bike on the roof of any car without hurting yourself or damaging your car. Thus, roof racks are NOT RECOMMENDED for e-bikes.
Hitch-mounted racks: If you need a way of transporting your e-bike that doesn’t take up space inside your vehicle, then this type is just what you need. Like traditional trunk racks, these attach to the rear bumper to hold bicycles securely in place during transit. Installing them is a breeze, but you may have to buy a trailer hitch (if you don’t have one) and drill holes in your car’s chassis (which could void the warranty).
Hitch racks are typically RECOMMENDED for carrying electric bicycles, but you still need to choose the correct one (see my suggestions for the best e-bike car racks below).
Trunk-mounted racks: These are designed to work with sedans, hatchbacks, and SUVs. They attach to the rear door of your car and make it easy to transport your lightweight bike. However, they don’t work with all vehicles, and you may need to remove the rack (and thus your bike) before opening up the trunk.
Typically, trunk-mounted racks are not capable of holding the weight of heavy e-bikes (the maximum weight limit is generally around 35lbs). Therefore, like roof racks, they are NOT RECOMMENDED for electric bikes.
The next thing you’ll need to look at is whether the bike rack fits on your car. If it doesn’t, then it would be best to look for an alternative.
As a rule of thumb, you should always read the description carefully before making a purchase and compare the bike rack’s measurements with your vehicle’s specs.
Another thing to look for when choosing a car rack is whether it fits with the type of hitch receiver you have. If you plan to use a trailer hitch receiver, make sure that any rack you buy will fit over it properly. That way, the whole unit will sit flat against your bumper to prevent it from sagging.
Does the Rack Have a Locking Mechanism?
Another crucial thing to look for when shopping for a rack for e-bikes is how well it secures and protects your load.
Most racks come with locks and tie-downs to keep everything in place during transit. Also, it would help to consider whether it’s easy to attach locks or tie-downs by yourself.
Type of Bike Rack Material
A rack’s material is important because it determines how well the load will stay in place during transport. It also determines whether you can use your e-bike carrier to transport other objects and whether or not it can withstand harsh weather conditions and temperatures.
If you’ll be using your e-bike rack regularly, I recommend that you get one made out of sturdy materials such as steel and aluminum.
3 Best Car Bike Racks To Buy for Heavy E-Bikes
There are many bike racks on the market, so finding the right one to handle the weight of your special e-bike can be difficult. However, you don’t have to worry because I’ve done the hard work for you!
Below are four of the best electric bike racks available on Amazon.com today:
The Kuat Racks NV 2 Bike Rack is designed to carry two e-bikes with a weight capacity of up to 60lbs each. It’s also made of durable aluminum and is easy to install. without any tools. This rack can hold bikes with up to 48″ wheels, including fat tire electric bikes up to 4.8″ wide. It has integrated cable locks and comes in two hitch sizes (1.25″ and 2.0″).
The Hollywood Racks Sport Rider E-Bike Rack is a favorite among electric bike owners. It can fit almost any vehicle, including sedans, SUVs, and hatchbacks with a 2″ receiver hitch. But the best thing about it is that its maximum weight capacity is 80 lbs per electric bike! So it’s useful no matter how much your electric bike weighs.
Additionally, it has a locking bike frame (to deter thieves), uses a patented tightening system for easy installation, and can fold flat or tilt down for easy access loading.
Plus, it actually carries full-size fat tire bikes with tires up to 5″ wide!
A popular sports equipment brand, the Thule EasyFold is another great platform hitch rack frequently recommended by e-bike owners. It’s easy to install, made of sturdy materials, and can fit most sedans, hatchbacks, minivans, SUVs, and pickup trucks with 1.25″ and 2″ receiver hitches.
It securely carries two e-bikes with a weight capacity of up to 65lbs each. With tool-free installation, you can quickly attach it using the integrated loading ramp.
This bike rack also includes locks for the rack and the receiver, wheel straps, easy transport wheels (with carrying handle), a foot pedal that tilts the rack so you can easily get into the rear of your car. It fits tires up to 4.7″ wide (so it’ll fit most fat tire e-bikes).
How To Install a Hitch-Mounted Bike Rack for an Electric Bicycle
Now that you’ve chosen a rack for your electric bike, it’s time to install it. But how do you ensure you’ve mounted it safely and correctly?
Here’s how to safely install a hitch rack for an electric bike:
How to Install the Hitch Rack
First, make sure you have the appropriate size hitch attached to your car.
Then, to install the rack:
Slide the arm of the rack into the car’s hitch mount
Line up both holes in the mount and the receiver
Screw the bolt in (there should be a washer on both sides) and tighten it
Securely lock it by inserting the large pin into the bolt
Secure Your Electric Bike to the Rack
First, remove your battery from the bike and keep it in a safe, cool location.
Then follow these steps for putting your e-bike onto the rack:
Lift one tire onto the front of the rack and repeat with second tire
Step the rear wheel to the rear bike tire slot and repeat with the front tire
If you have another e-bike to attach, do the same (only you won’t have to step it back to the rear spot)
Slide the tall ratchet up and over the the tire and secure it per manufacturers recommendations
Adjust the tire baskets as needed so its directly below the tire (avoiding the spokes)
Secure the tire straps
Make sure everything is tight and the e-bike can’t wobble
And voila, your electric bike is ready for transport!
This video provides some tips and tricks on loading a heavy electric bicycle on a car rack:
Wrap Up
The bottom line is that your e-bike will need a special rack that can handle the added weight of your bike. If you’re looking for a bicycle rack with this capacity, check out the options above and choose the one that best suits your individual needs.
Also, remember the following tips for choosing an e-bike car rack:
Choose one that fits your vehicle.
Ensure it has a locking mechanism to deter potential e-bike thieves.
Opt for a hitch-mounted rack if at all possible. Otherwise, pay close attention to your e-bike’s and rack’s total weight and proceed with great caution.
Comparing Rad Power Bikes to determine which one is the fastest is a challenge. This is because they have many similarities among their components and features with just a few significant tweaks which might make one go faster than another.
In general, all Rad Power Bikes have a maximum motor-assisted speed of 20 mph but can go faster. Which Rad Bike is the fastest depends on multiple factors including the drivetrain, pedal assist levels, sensor, throttle, wheel size, and weight of the e-bike, in addition to the motor and battery power.
So what you probably really want to know is which Rad bike you can ride the fastest.
Because the answer to that question is not as simple as you might think, I’ll help you compare the models to find out which one is the fastest of them all.
You’ll discover the top speed of your favorite Rad Power bike model or perhaps decide which model is fast enough for you.
I’ll also explain the legal aspects of electric bike speed and a couple of speed hacks to make your Rad Power bike go even faster!
Check out the video… then get the details below!
What is the Fastest Rad Bike?
To determine which Rad Power Bike is the fastest, several features are compared in the table below.
When looking at the table, I’ve determined that the RadCity Plus may be the fastest of the Rad Power Bikes because of its taller wheels (27.5″), narrower tires (2.0″), and lower e-bike weight (65 lb), as compared to the other models.
When comparing models side-by-side, you can see that every Rad Power Bikes electric bike model has a twist throttle. You can use it to get you to the maximum motor speed of 20 mph on each e-bike, at which time the electric motor will stop producing power to assist.
Every Rad bike model also has a cadence sensor that measures how fast you’re pedaling (as opposed to a torque sensor that measures how hard you’re pedaling). It produces power at regular intervals based on your pedaling speed.
So, although the sensor and throttle (without pedaling) both contribute to an electric bike’s speed, they can’t distinguish the fastest one since all models have these same features.
Take a look at some of the Rad Power Bikes features that affect speed:
*These Rad Power Bikes also have a step-thru version (the weight of these models are slightly different)
Now that we’ve answered what the fastest Rad Power Bike is, it’s helpful to understand how fast we can make Rad Power Bikes go above the top electric-assist speed.
How Fast Can a Rad Power Bike Go?
Here are the other factors that affect the top speed at which you can ride a Rad Power Bikes e-bike. These include:
When you take these factors into consideration, you may be able to go faster on one Rad bike or another, despite how fast the actual e-bike is.
What is the Top Speed of Rad Power Bikes?
First, you should understand that, although every Rad Power e-bike can go up to 20 mph with the help of the electric motor using throttle or levels of pedal assist, you can go faster, typically up to 8 mph more.
In general, the top speed of Rad Power Bikes is as fast and as hard as you can pedal while using the highest level of electric pedal assist and throttle.
However, if you pedal harder, you will go faster. For example, if you weigh 125 lb you’ll go faster on your electric bike than a person weighing 210 lb when pedaling with the same force.
In addition, if your electric bike tires are fully inflated (to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI), there will be less tire contact with the ground. This will help you keep momentum and speed on paved roads.
And, naturally, you can go faster when weather such as wind, rain, or snow, doesn’t slow you down. Other road conditions that can affect e-bike speed are potholes, puddles, rough terrain, and construction.
How Fast Does the RadRunner Plus Go?
As one of the most popular Rad Power Bikes, the RadRunner Plus utility e-bike is built for speed and power. It goes up to 20 mph using both throttle and pedal assistance.
It can carry up to 300 pounds with its rear cargo rack or passenger seat!
You’ll be able to zip through town in no time! However, one thing to consider is that your overall speed will be slower if you’re packing it with heavy gear or a rider on the rear seat.
After the RadCity electric bike, which we deemed above as the fastest Rad bike, the RadRover (not the RadRover Plus) probably comes in as the fastest off-road e-bike thanks to its 26″ X 4″ wide fat tires.
Even though thinner tires will help you go faster on paved roads, wider tires will traverse rough terrain more easily, moving over bumps and debris faster and smoother.
Although The RadRover has the same top speed of 20 mph as other Rad Power brand bikes, it’ll move faster off-road. And, it might just beat out the Rad Rover Plus when it comes to speed due to its lower weight of 68 lb (vs 73 lb for the Plus model).
But you really can’t beat either fat tire e-bike for riding over rough terrain.
In fact, if this is where you’ll ride most of the time, as long as you keep your tire pressure on the lower end of the recommended range, you’ll be able to go faster on sand, dirt, or snow, than with any other Rad Power e-bike.
Although the RadMini has a top electric assist speed of 20 mph and a 750W motor, it may not go quite as fast as the RadRunner or RadRover due to its smaller but wider 20″ X 3″ tires.
But that’s not to say it isn’t plenty fast and a ton of fun. I rarely have the need to go as fast as the top speed on my RadMini folding electric bike (step-thru), but I still feel like I’m zipping along! Plus, I like being a little closer to the ground and still having the ability to ride over gravel and dirt, in addition to paved roads.
Although the RadKick belt-drive is a single-speed e-bike, it can still go as fast as 20 mph. However, it may require you to pedal a little harder and faster to get up to top speed with electric pedal assist.
You won’t need to shift gears since it’s a single-speed belt drive. No worries, though, as you can still use the throttle without pedaling to get going fast!
And note that this e-bike is the lightest of the Rad Power Bikes brand at only 48 lb.
Typically, a 750W electric bike can go 20 to 28 mph (45 kmh) on level ground. It can speed even faster if you’re going downhill and not applying the brakes.
The overall power and speed of electric bikes are guided by the power of the electric motor. So, naturally, the motor wattage sets the top speed limit.
Comparison Chart of How Fast a 750W E-Bike Can Go:
Motor Power (Watts)
Top Motor-Assisted Speed
250W
15.5 mph – 20 mph (32.19 km/h)
500W
20 mph (32.19 km/h)
750W
28 mph (32.19 km/h)
1000W
35 mph (56.32 km/h)
1500W
40 mph (64 km/h)
3000W
50 mph (81 km/h)
As you can see from the chart, 250W-750W e-bikes have similar top motor-assisted speeds. However, with pedaling or downhill riding, you can reach approximately 28 mph (45 km/h) on a 750W e-bike or approximately 25 mph (40.23 km/h) on a 500W e-bike (and even less on a 250W bike, some only reaching a maximum speed of 18-20 mph).
What’s important to understand is that the top motor-assisted speed can be achieved using only electric power (throttle or pedal assist), but once the electric power cuts out, you’ll have to pedal harder or faster to reach a higher speed.
And if you’re comparing a 750W to a 1000W e-bike or higher, know that any bike over 750W may be illegal to ride in many places. Find out about e-bike classification below.
E-Bike Classes Explained
Rad Power Bikes and other 750W e-bikes are required to limit their top electric speed due to a classification system that many countries and states have implemented to regulate the legal speed of electric bikes.
The Three-Tiered E-Bike Classification system basically uses 3 classes of e-bikes to limit the top electric assist speeds to 20 mph for Class 1 or Class 2 electric bicycles and 28 mph for Class 3 electric bikes.
This ensures that an e-biker rides safely around children on bikes, pedestrians, cars, and even people riding regular bikes, skateboards, scooters, etc.
Although not all locations have adopted the use of this classification system, e-bikes in the USA are legally required to be programmed according to the maximum speeds. Further, some classes of e-bikes still won’t be allowed in every location (especially Class 3 e-bikes that can go as fast as 28 mph).
All Rad Power Bikes brand models are classified as Class 2 because electric powered speed goes up to 20 mph with the use of all levels of pedal assist or throttle. Alternatively, all e-bikes from the Ride1Up brand are Class 3, which means the motor will assist you up to 28mph!
If the built-in speed of Rad Power Bikes doesn’t make for a fast enough bike for you, there are ways to overcome this.
These hacks can make your e-bike go faster, but be sure you want to make these modifications before doing so as they can have negative effects.
Rad Power Bike Speed Hacks
Many e-bike controllers can be modified to change the top speed of the bike. You can make a Rad bike go faster by:
Removing the speed limiter- You should probably have some electrical experience to do this. Generally, find the wire that limits the speed and remove the connector. Use a piece of black electrical tape to cover the second connector pin and put the wire connector back together. Finally, use a zip tie to hold the wire flat against your e-bike.
Re-programming the e-bike’s controller (LCD display)- This is less mechanical and easy to do for the novice. Simply turn on your Rad bike, press and hold both of the up and down arrows to get to the e-bike’s settings, and get to the speed limit display by pressing the “mode” button. Now you can increase the speed limit up to 25 mph (40 km/h) by pressing the up button. Lock in the top speed by hitting the “mode” button once more on the LCD display (learn more about an electric bike controller).
Cons to Making Your Rad Power Bikes E-Bike Go Faster
Even though you can make your Rad bike go faster with the above hacks, there are some cons you should be aware of:
This will likely void any warranty you have on your purchased Rad Power bike
Your Class 2 Rad Power Bike will no longer be defined as a Class 2 e-bike, thus limiting you to fewer acceptable riding locations
Even though Rad Power Bikes models have the same top motor-assisted speed, one can go faster than another.
There are several ways this can happen. Besides each Rad e-bike’s features, there are things you can do to make each one go faster.
So you’ve probably found the best and fastest e-bike for you from Rad Power Bikes. Will it be the RadCity, RadRunner utility e-bike, RadExpand folding bike, or RadRover fat tire e-bike? Or perhaps the RadKick offers the perfect smooth speed for you!
When it comes to electric bikes, the terms “classes” and “classification” get thrown around as if it all makes sense. And even the definition of e-bike classifications is getting foggier with the increased variations in types of e-bikes. Further, these classifications don’t even apply to regular bikes… so what does it all mean? And why does an e-bike class matter?
Electric bike classification defines where an e-bike is legally allowed to operate based on its top speed and modes of electric assistance, including pedal assist and throttle. Understanding classification is important because you need to know where you’ll be able to ride if you buy a Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bike.
Laws in your country, as well as local laws, will determine what e-bike classes can be ridden on public roads, bike paths, and mountain trails, as well as in National and State Parks.
Below, I’ll define each class of electric bikes, how each might matter to you, and why you would choose one over another.
What Are The Three Classes of E-Bikes? (Explained)
The three-tier classification system of electric bikes is used by the majority of states in the United States, as well as in many other countries. Generally, each state or country has similar definitions, but they may vary slightly.
The three classes of e-bikes, as defined by the U.S. National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), are:
Class 1: “A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.”
Essentially, a Class 1 is a low-speed e-bike with a motor that only provides pedal assist and cuts out at 20 mph. There is typically no throttle on a Class 1 e-bike.
Class 2: “A bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.”
Thus, Class 2 e-bikes are considered low-speed pedal assist e-bikes but are also throttle-assisted.
Class 3: “A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour and is equipped with a speedometer.”
As with a Class 1 electric bike, there is typically no throttle.
Generally, if any e-bike has higher speeds than 28 miles per hour (mph) or doesn’t fall under these definitions, they aren’t defined as low speed electric bikes.
U.S. states that offer a definition of electric bikes. Image courtesy of NCSL
Why Do E-Bike Classes Matter to You?
Now that you have an understanding of what the three-tier classification system is, what really matters is how it impacts you.
E-bike classification may matter to you if the laws in your area don’t define what an electric bike is or don’t allow you to ride one in places where other bicycles are able to ride.
Here’s what you need to know about e-bike classification before choosing and buying one:
What Are E-Bike Classification Laws?
A big question about e-bike classification is whether you must meet certain legal requirements in order to ride one.
Over 44 states in the U.S. have a definition of electric bicycles which determines what laws and rules you are expected to follow. Twenty-six or more states follow the three-tier e-bike classification system. Those that don’t yet define them typically view them as motor vehicles, thus expecting you to follow the same laws as mopeds or motorcycles.
As new laws are being signed every year, more and more states are adopting definitions of electric bikes and/or the three-tier class system.
States without any electric bicycle definitions, however, may still require licensing and registration. So, always check with your state laws as they may change.
E-Bike Registration and Licensing
Typically, if your e-bike falls within one of these three classes, as accepted by your state, then you won’t have to register your electric bike or get a license.
However, if you live in a state or location that doesn’t define electric bikes as similar to conventional bikes, then your electric bicycle may be considered a motor vehicle. It may require registration and a license. You’ll need to check with your state and the locations you wish to ride in to determine their legal requirements.
Insurance Requirements
If your e-bike requires registration and licensing, it’s possible that bike insurance is needed as well. Once again, just take a look at the laws in your area to be certain.
How upset would you be if you bought a Class 2 or 3 e-bike only to find out that your city won’t allow you to ride on the sidewalk or your state won’t let you ride on bike paths or in state parks?
Generally speaking, Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can ride anywhere in the USA that a regular bicycle has permission to, with some exceptions. However, a Class 3 electric bike is typically only allowed on public roads or bike lanes on the shoulder of the road.
Further, because of the higher speed capabilities, you can’t take a Class 3 e-bike on bike trails or shared, multi-use bike paths where pedestrians may be. This limits your riding to roads only (with other car traffic) in both National Parks and State Parks.
Thus if you’re planning on doing a lot of traveling with your e-bike, you may wish to avoid a Class 3. However, if you’re a city commuter who rides long distances to your college or work, then a Class 3 will get you where you need to go much faster.
But as I’ve mentioned before, each state and/or city can enforce its own laws and regulations. So, they can tell all e-bikes to stay off a path or limit their use to Class 1 only. So you might want to get a list of the laws in your area to make sure you buy an e-bike that complies with local laws.
PeopleforBikes.org works on creating clear rules for electric bikes in the USA.
What is the Difference Between Class 1 and Class 2 E-Bikes?
The difference between Class 1 and Class 2 is essential to know before you purchase an electric bike. It helps in knowing what type of e-bike to look for and whether you’ll be able to ride in your area.
In a Class 1 e-bike, riders must begin pedaling in order to activate the motor and subsequently get up to a speed of 20 mph.
In a Class 2 e-bike, riders can either begin pedaling or use the throttle to engage the motor. The throttle can be activated by a push of the thumb or a twist of the wrist, depending upon the type of throttle used.
For both classes, although the motor will no longer provide assistance when you reach 20 mph (whether it be by pedal assist or throttle), it’s still possible to get up to 28 mph by pedaling hard and/or going downhill.
Who Are Class 1 Electric Bikes Good For?
Class 1 e-bikes are perfect for casual riders who don’t need a speed burst from a throttle to get the e-bike moving or to climb hills. It’s best for bike path riders and relaxed city riders who want to go across town in the bike lanes to pick up some groceries or get to an appointment.
These are also great for parents to offer to their teens for rides to school… parents, you won’t have to worry about excess speed or about crazy throttle maneuvers.
Finally, a Class 1 will work well on mountain bike trails, as long as you’re on an eMTB (electric mountain bike).
Who Are Class 2 E-Bikes Good For?
Class 2 e-bikes are perfect for riders who need a throttle to help out when they get tired of pedaling. They’re especially good for people who have lots of hills to ride, get tired easily, go long distances, or who don’t like to exercise that much (prefer to use throttle over pedaling).
But, truthfully, they’re also good for riders who want a powerful e-bike that lets them get a burst of speed anytime they want it. The throttle can actually help get the e-bike started quickly when in a sticky situation or get you up that last mile of incline if you’re tired.
RadRover Plus Electric Fat Bike with throttle, Class 2
What is a Class 3 E-Bike?
What makes an electric bike a Class 3, and different from both Class 1 and 2, is that it can reach a top speed of 28 mph using pedal assist only (as opposed to only 20 mph). Typically, it doesn’t include a throttle.
Electric bike brands are mixing things up a bit and may add features, such as a throttle. There doesn’t seem to be a regulation against this specifically and manufacturers are finding ways to get around the regulations.
One way they’re doing this is by including a programmable “switch” that’ll reduce your top speed to 20 mph or 28 mph. Technically, they can then add a throttle to make it also a Class 2 e-bike.
However, the three-tiered classification system was designed with safety in mind, so I’d strongly consider whether you’re comfortable managing the faster e-bike speed as well as the throttle on a Class 3 bike.
Who Are Class 3 E-Bikes Best For?
Thanks to the higher maximum speed of the motor, Class 3 e-bikes are best for riders who want to get where they’re going fast. This has more speed than needed for leisurely riders. And it may be more powerful than is safe for teens and senior e-bike riders.
Truthfully, it’s too fast for me! For example, my average speed (according to my LCD controller display) on my Rad Power Bike is 13 mph. And the only time I get over 20mph (where the motor cuts out) is going downhill. And even then, a downhill speed of 24-25 mph is more than enough.
So now that you have an idea what class of electric bicycle is right for you, you’ll want to find the best e-bike in its class.
Many first-time e-bike riders will be looking for a Class 1 or 2, as a top speed of 20 mph is more than enough. So, making a decision on what e-bike to buy really has to do with whether you want a throttle or additional speed.
I’ve compiled this buying guide to show you some of the best e-bikes under each classification. So, you can go right to the chart for either a Class 1, 2, or 3, depending on what you’re looking for:
Best Class 1 E-Bike
The Best Class 1 electric bikes are modestly priced and have few limitations to their use. With the variety in electric bike brands and features, Class 1’s are getting harder to find amongst reasonably priced e-bikes.
However, here are 3 excellent options for those of you who want sleek and simple!
Class 2 electric throttle bikes are very popular and the number of them to be found in this category is seemingly endless.
But, I’ve narrowed it down to 5 of the best class 2 e-bikes. They’re from well-known brands such as Rad Power Bikes and newer brands alike. But they’re all throttle-assisted and in an affordable price range.
The number 1 reason to buy a Class 3 electric bicycle is the higher maximum speed of 28 miles per hour. If you want to go even faster than Class 1 or Class 2 bikes, then choosing from this list of the best e-bikes will get you there. And some even include a throttle!
One thing I love about the Ride1Up brand is that they specialize in Class 3 e-bikes… in fact, all of their e-bikes fit this classification.
Generally, Class 4 includes any bike with an electric motor that goes faster than 28 mph. So, it can’t really be classified as a low-speed electric bike.
Thus, it really is just a classic moped or motorcycle.
How is An Electric Bike Different from a Motorcycle or Moped?
An electric bike is built much the same as a regular bicycle and has a top motor-powered speed that keeps it in line with advanced cyclists (maximum speed of 20-28 mph). However, an electric or gas-powered motorcycle or moped has a much higher speed to help it move at the same speed as automobile traffic on roads and highways.
In most U.S. states, electric bikes are now classified as bicycles, whereas motorcycles and mopeds are generally classified as motor vehicles. Thus, unlike electric bikes, they’ll have to follow many of the same laws as automobiles. For starters… they must be registered, you must be licensed to drive one, and you’ll need insurance.
What Are E-Bike Classes and Why Do They Matter?
As you can tell, there’s a lot more to electric bikes than meets the eye.
Not only do you need to understand how e-bikes are classified, but you also need to decide whether Class 1 (Tenways), Class 2 (Rad Power Bikes), or Class 3 (Ride1Up) e-bikes are best for you. And, then you have to choose the right electric bike brand and model!
So, make sure that you’ve read this article in its entirety and know why three-tier e-bike classification matters to you!
An e-bike can go faster than a regular bike. But its speed really has to do with several different factors.
How fast an e-bike can go depends upon the:
Maximum speed that the controller is programmed for
E-bike’s classification and regulations
Your pedaling effort
Weight of the e-bike
Weight of the rider
Size of the tire
Tire inflation
Road conditions
Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes with 250W-750W motors can go up to a maximum speed of 20mph (32km h) before pedal assist cuts out, while Class 3 e-bikes with 250W-750W motors can reach a top speed of 28mph (45km h). However, unregulated or custom-built e-bikes can exceed 28mph (45km h) if programmed to do so.
Continue reading and I’ll tell you what you need to know about the speed of an e-bike (and what’s legal!) so that you can make a good purchase decision, without regrets.
And, if you really want to go even faster, you’ll discover a few hacks to make it happen!
1. What is the Maximum Speed of an Electric Bike?
E-bike manufacturers program a bike’s controller to cut off electric pedal assistance when it reaches a certain speed. Typically, the maximum motor-powered speed for regulated e-bikes is 20mph (32km h) or 28mph (45km h). However, you can go faster than this limit either by:
pedaling at an even faster rate or
riding downhill and gaining speed with the help of gravity
For example, you may pedal consistently until you hit 20mph (32km h), at which time the electric motor stops working and you’re no longer in pedal assist mode. But, if you continue to pedal even harder, or continue to pedal down a steep hill, you can possibly reach up to 28mph (45km h).
My husband, Marc, does this regularly on his RadMini electric bike (while I’ll reach 24-25mph before I put on the brakes).
Now if you’re riding a Class 3 electric bike that cuts the power at 28mph (45km h), then you may be able to ride up to 35mph (56km h) using these methods.
2. What Are the Classes of E-Bikes? (Laws Defined)
E-Bike Class
Pedal-assist: Motor only provides electric assist if a rider is pedaling
Maximum Power Output (Watts)
Maximum Speed (Motor Ceases Assist Once Reaching It)
Class 1:
Yes
750W
20 mph (32 km h)
Class 2:
No (uses a throttle)
750W
20 mph (32 km h)
Class 3:
Yes
750W
28 mph (45 km h)
For many years, electric bikes were thought of as mopeds or motor vehicles, primarily due to the fact that they had electric motors. This often limited where they could be ridden and there was a lot of confusion about what was legal and acceptable.
Since then, many countries and states in the US have rallied around classifying electric bikes, which has provided riders with answers to many questions surrounding the legality of e-bikes.
By understanding the classes, and knowing which class your e-bike falls under, you can abide by the laws and magnify the enjoyment you get from riding. Plus you’ll have a better understanding of how fast your class of electric bicycles can go.
The Three Classes of E-Bikes Defined
Many of the states in The United States (as well as in many other countries) uphold a three-tier classification system for electric bikes. This helps define what kind of e-bike you can ride in different locations and how fast you can go.
Class 1 e-bikes can be ridden pretty much anywhere a regular bike can. Class 2 e-bikes are also pretty widely accepted with some restrictions. Owning a Class 3 e-bike can limit where you ride, especially if you want to ride in National and State parks as well as other public lands.
Here are the three e-bike classes defined:
Class 1 Electric Bikes: Include pedal assist but no throttle, with a top assisted speed of 20 mph (32 km h)
Class 2 Electric Bikes: Include electric assist but also have throttles and a top speed of 20 mph (32 km h), no matter whether the electric power is by throttle or the rider pedaling with assistance
Class 3 Electric Bikes: Pedal-assist only with no throttle but have a higher maximum assisted speed of 28 miles per hour (45 km h)
E-bikes that fit into the three-tier classification system have motors between 250W and 750W and can’t exceed this legally.
3. How Fast Can I Go on Electric Bikes by Pedaling?
Most electric bicycles will help you go as fast as 15.5 mph to 28 mph (25km h-45km h) while pedaling consistently, even if you’re not working hard.
However, as previously mentioned, this will be partially determined by your e-bike’s classification. If it’s a Class 1 or 2, with a motor wattage of 500W-750W, then you can reach a speed of 20mph (32km h) while pedaling comfortably, without too much exertion.
If it’s a Class 3 electric bike, then you can go as fast as 28mph (45km h)while still riding casually.
How fast you reach the top speed by pedaling has to do with the level of pedal assist you use. If you stay on the lowest pedal assist level, then you’ll need to exert more effort to get up to 20mph (32km h)than if you were using level 5 assistance.
If you choose not to use electric power assist, then your e-bike can go as fast as you can pedal it… just as with a regular bicycle.
Further, since a person can produce 150W to 200W of power just by pedaling with their legs, it’s reasonable to assume that you’ll be able to go faster than the top speed for your electric bike.
Speed will also be affected by your cadence (pedaling rhythm). The more consistent your pedaling, the better your speed will be maintained.
4. How Fast Can Heavy E-Bikes Go?
The reality is that electric bicycles can weigh up to 40lbs-50lbs more than a traditional bike. The average-priced e-bike ($800-$2000) will weigh between 55lbs and 70lbs. So, without using motor assistance, you’ll have to pedal much harder on a heavy e-bike than on a regular bike to go the same speed.
And even when using motor power, the weight of the e-bike will be working against speed. The heavier it is, the harder the motor will have to work to get you up to max speed. However, you can still go as fast as the motor will allow by pedaling and using electric assistance.
And, just note that added bike equipment, like a rack with a pannier, will further slow down your e-bike.
5. How Does Body Weight Affect E-Bike Speed?
As on a regular bicycle, heavier e-bike riders have to pedal harder to go just as fast as someone who weighs significantly less. Extra energy will be needed for heavier riders to climb a hill or ride over rough terrain, as gravitational forces will weigh your bike down.
So, body weight clearly affects the speed of electric bikes. However, with additional effort, your e-bike should still be able to reach its top speed.
6. How Does E-Bike Tire Size Affect Speed?
Most electric bikes have wheels between 16 inches and 26 inches, although they can be as small as 12 inches and as big as 29 inches.
Typically, the larger the wheel diameter, the faster e-bikes can go overall. However, a tire with a smaller diameter will rotate more quickly, allowing you to increase your speed more rapidly.
Generally, a 26″ tire can go over bumps and holes more easily than a 20″ tire, thus increasing its overall speed. But a 20″ tire will pick up speed faster than a 26″ tire. Therefore, long-distance road bike riders typically have 26″ or larger wheels because they value consistent speed over short bursts of speed.
The RadMini’s Smaller 20″ tires will get you started faster but will be slower riding than an e-bike with 26″ tires
7. How Does E-Bike Tire Inflation Affect Speed?
Generally, when riding on a smooth road, the higher the tire pressure the faster electric bikes can go. When the terrain is bumpy or uneven, lower tire pressure will get you over those bumps more efficiently and thus more quickly.
Therefore, higher tire pressure won’t necessarily make e-bikes go faster. Instead, you need to choose the correct tire inflation depending on the terrain you’ll be riding on.
8. How Do Road Conditions Affect E-Bike Speed?
Even if your electric bike’s speed can reach a maximum of 28mph (45 km h), it’s going to have a much harder time doing so if road and weather conditions don’t allow it.
Rough roads, rain puddles, or damaged roads will slow down your ride, especially if you’re riding with safety in mind. Further, the wind will hinder you even while using pedal assist. All of these conditions will produce resistance and may keep you from reaching your e-bike’s top speed.
How Can I Make My E-Bike Go Faster? (3 Easy Hacks)
Now that you have an understanding of how fast Class 1, 2, or 3 e-bikes can go, you’re probably wondering how fast you could really go if you don’t limit yourself to these classifications.
You can go as fast as you want if you’re willing to re-program your e-bike’s controller, build your own e-bike, or get a bike with a 1000W motor or more. This may make your e-bike illegal to ride and will likely void any warranty that came with your purchase.
This may not be a big deal if you ride electric bikes on your own large piece of property or ride on private land. However, you won’t be able to ride it legally on many public lands, including National or State Parks, the Bureau of Land Management, and the National Forest Service, among others. Be sure to check the location for the laws and rules before you go.
But whether or not anyone cares about your faster e-bike has a lot to do with how responsibly you ride it and whether you upset someone.
Here are a few relatively easy hacks to make e-bikes go faster:
Trick the speed sensor- You may be able to do this by moving the sensor away from the wheel to where it won’t connect with the speed of your wheel. For example, you may be able to move it to the crank (but your speedometer may no longer work).
Reprogram the e-bike’s controller software- You may be able to simply turn off or adjust a setting, but this will depend upon the bike.
There are more complex ways to change the speed of e-bikes but you might need some help if you’re not a professional bike technician.
You may also want to search for your model of e-bike on YouTube to find out what others are doing to make their e-bikes go faster.
There are quite a few things that determine how fast an e-bike can go.
In general, the three-tier classification system spoken about in this article is a good guide to follow, as are the other seven things discussed that electric bike speed depends on.
Although you can make e-bikes go faster with some modifications, they probably won’t be legal, so make sure to decide where you want to ride before choosing how fast you want your e-bike to go!
The battery is often the most expensive part of your electric bike. So, naturally, you want to avoid repairing or replacing it too soon. To extend the life of your lithium-ion e-bike battery (which most e-bikes have), you should know how to properly charge it.
And probably one of your first questions is whether you should charge it after each ride.
Typically, you don’t need to charge an electric bike after every ride. However, if the battery charge falls below 40% then you should charge it to around 80%-85%. Or if you are planning a long-distance ride the next day, then you should charge it to a full 100% after your ride.
That’s a short answer to what seems to be a simple question. But there really is a lot more to consider when charging your e-bike battery if you want to extend its lifespan and avoid buying an expensive new one.
Read on to learn more about charging and maintaining your electric bike battery the right way before and after riding as well as how to preserve battery life and avoid having to buy a new battery pack.
How Often Should I Charge My E-Bike Battery?
Generally, you should charge your electric bike battery frequently. Most e-bike batteries are lithium-ion and need regular charging, even though you don’t have to charge them after every single ride.
If you’ve ever left a car sitting around for weeks without driving it, you know that it might not work again without jump-starting the battery. This is similar to an electric bicycle, even though it has a different type of battery. The idea is that you have to keep it active in order to preserve battery life.
When Should I Charge My E-Bike?
So you’re probably wondering exactly when you should charge it. You should charge your battery when:
it’s the night before a long-distance ride and you need to charge it to 100%
it’s been sitting idle for a few weeks but not longer than one month.
it’s either on or off the e-bike (both are fine as long as the battery is in a safe location)
Don’t assume that you’ll have enough charge to get you where you want to go without checking the battery level before each long ride. And never leave a nearly or completely drained battery sitting in storage (or without being used for several days).
If it will be sitting around for a while, it’s still a good idea to ride your bicycle a short distance occasionally. Or at least ride it enough to reduce the battery level to around 85% and so that it requires charging every now and then.
First, use the charger that came with the battery or e-bike only!
Charge your battery in a room that’s between 60º and 70º Fahrenheit (F) if possible. Definitely avoid charging in freezing temperatures (below 32º F) or an ambient temperature above 100º F.
Find a safe place to charge it, where it won’t be disturbed by kids, animals, or get anything spilled on it.
Turn off the battery (but you can charge it either on or off your electric bike).
Plug the charger into the battery and then into the wall making sure it’s fully inserted at both ends and you see an indicator light on the charger. This tells you that it is charging so there aren’t any surprises later.
Once it’s plugged in, avoid letting your electric bike battery overheat by making sure not to cover the battery or charger and keeping it away from wet and/or flammable surfaces.
Leave it charging until it reaches 80-90% (if you won’t be riding it soon), or until the light turns green on the charger (if you plan on riding it).
One more thing… never leave your charger plugged in permanently, only while it is providing the necessary charge.
Look for the battery indicator lights to tell you that it’s charging
How Long Should I Charge My E-Bike Battery (Each Time)
Generally, you should charge your e-bike battery for 3-6 hours, depending on if it’s fully drained or still has a partial charge. After 1.5-2 hours, it should be 80% full but will slow down its charging rate over the final 20%. You should not leave it charging for longer than 12 hours.
In other words, don’t leave your e-bike battery plugged in indefinitely.
Charge it just long enough to reach the desired amount of juice to take you as far as you want to go on your next ride. Just don’t let your e-bike sit for long periods with a fully drained battery or less than 30% charge.
Can I Overcharge My E-Bike Battery?
You might overcharge your e-bike battery by keeping it plugged in when it’s already fully charged. However, many newer, more advanced lithium-ion batteries prevent overcharging automatically by cutting off the charge once it’s at 100%.
Still, if your battery is damaged or old, it might fail to cut off the charge, which could be potentially hazardous. Further, this could reduce its lifespan and damage it further.
Unfortunately, once your electric bike battery is damaged, you may be able to repair it but will more likely have to buy a new one.
Can I Leave My E-Bike Battery On Charge Overnight?
If your e-bike is using the battery pack that came with it, then it’s typically safe to leave the battery plugged in overnight. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s charging recommendations. But do remove it from its charger in the morning.
Batteries do get hot, and you’ll most likely feel this when you remove them. So, follow the “How Should I Charge My Battery” instructions above, starting with using the correct charger!
How Long Does it Take to Charge a 48-volt battery?
A flat 48 Volt battery will most likely take 3.5 to 4 hours to charge fully if it’s in good condition. A 48V 15Ah battery will take slightly longer than a 36V 10Ah battery due to its larger capacity.
The Battery on the RadMini from Rad Power Bikes is directly under the seat and can be removed.
How Do I Make My E-Bike Battery Last Longer?
The truth is that all batteries eventually deteriorate to the point that they can no longer be used. But because they can cost hundreds of dollars, you’ll want to avoid replacing them as long as possible.
A lithium battery tends to last around 1000 charges, which is quite a bit longer than a lead-acid or nickel battery, which may last only 300 to 500 charges. Thankfully, most electric bikes now have lithium-ion batteries.
So how can you preserve and extend the life of lithium batteries? Proper maintenance and care will keep your battery healthy as well as how you ride your e-bike on a daily basis.
Here’s what you can do to make your battery last longer:
Store the battery pack (or e-bike with the battery attached) in a cool, dry location preferably between 60º F and 70º F, give or take 5º F-7º F
Just know that all batteries are not created equal. How long their lifespan is, as well as their range, will depend in part on the battery management system, the number of cells, its voltage (V), and the capacity or Amp-hours (Ah).
Generally speaking, the higher the Volts and Amp-hours, the stronger the battery. Thus, it’s important to know what these are before purchasing a new one or a new electric bike.
Can I Repair My E-Bike Battery?
Generally, an electric bike battery can be repaired or refurbished by a qualified battery technician. You’ll save money over buying a new one and the battery may work better and last longer than before.
Rebuilding a battery may require replacing battery cells. So you do need to make sure the person working on your battery is using high-quality hardware and has good workmanship.
Keep in mind, however, that if your battery is too old, damaged, or defective, it may not be able to be fitted with new parts.
How Should I Charge My Electric Bike Battery the First Time?
How to charge your e-bike for the first time right out of the box
You should always charge your battery to 100% the first time. Charging it fully will take it out of the “computer” sleep mode it was put into before shipping to the manufacturer’s warehouse or to your door.
Charging a lithium battery fully is a way of telling it to wake up and begin its work. Battery cells will then know to charge when needed but also to stop charging when full. It’ll also ensure that each battery cell has received the proper charge… and that will work to your advantage.
Further, by starting your first ride with a fully charged battery, you’ll be better able to assess its range, which will give you an idea of how much charge is needed for a particular length of ride.
Conclusion
Although there is no need to charge your e-bike after every ride, you may have a reason to do so if you’re riding every day.
Charging your e-bike after every ride isn’t generally recommended though. So, if you don’t ride it every day or very far on each ride, you should follow the guidance in this article to preserve your battery’s life for as long as possible.
If you’re tired of commuting to work or school with an expensive car or a slow regular bicycle that leaves you sweaty by the time you get to work, you’ve probably started thinking about an electric bike. But there’s a lot to learn about electric bikes in general and you might be wondering whether commuting by electric bikes is right for you in the first place.
There are many pros and cons of commuter electric bikes that will help you decide whether or not to ride one. Overall, there are numerous advantages of commuting on an electric bike as opposed to a non-motorized, regular bicycle.
Below, I’ve compiled the ultimate list of advantages and disadvantages of riding commuter electric bikes, why they’re perfect for commuting, how far you can go, and how to find the right type of e-bike.
What is a Commuter E-Bike?
Generally referred to as “commuter” or “city” electric bikes, they’re designed for efficient city travel on paved roads. They typically have an upright seating position and include bike racks to help you carry your projects, books, and lunches with you.
Many commuter e-bikes can also be used for recreational rides and may have wider tires than road e-bikes to allow riding on hard-packed dirt or gravel paths.
Typically, you’ll get a throttle to help keep you up to speed in car traffic and to provide a break from pedaling, especially if you have a long commute.
Commuter E-BikesPros and Cons
As you’ll see, there are more pros to commuter e-bikes than cons. Yet, each one listed may be of different importance or even irrelevant to you personally.
For example, sitting upright while riding may be important to your comfort, but perhaps you don’t mind riding in the rain because you have the proper clothing and gear.
Check out this list of commuter e-bikes pros and cons to determine which ones may be to your advantage:
PROS
CONS
Upright riding position
Having to ride in bad weather
Pedal assist
Much slower than a motorized vehicle
Get to work or school fast
Increased worry over theft
Cheaper to buy than a car
Costs more than a conventional bike
Cheaper to maintain than a car
Costs more to maintain than a normal bike
Ride long commutes
Worry over losing battery charge
Easy to park downtown
May not be allowed to bring it into your work or school
Easy to climb hills
May be too heavy to lift onto a bus or up a set of stairs.
Carries your stuff for you
Exercise is easier
Decreases sweat
Eco-friendly
Charge your mobile phone
Fun to ride
Pros of Electric Commuter Bikes
Upright Riding position
Sitting upright with high handlebars on your e-bike is more helpful when you are riding in traffic or through busy intersections. Not only is it important for safety to see potential dangers but most riders will agree that it’s more comfortable, especially for long rides such as commuting 10 miles or more to work.
Pedal assist
This is one of the biggest advantages of commuting on an electric bike. Not only does motorized pedal assist make it easier to ride in general, it can minimize exhaustion on long commutes.
Although many city e-bikes have multiple levels of pedal assistance, some only come with a single speed and max out at 15mph. So, it’s important to make this distinction when buying one.
Get to work or school fast
The average electric bike, whether it’s a commuter e-bike or not, stops providing motorized assistance at 20mph. However, continuing to pedal, especially downhill, can get your speed up to 28mph on most bikes.
The throttle, however, can also help boost your speed to get you moving quickly. Not all e-bikes come with a throttle (read about adding one here), but I personally recommend one, especially when you’ll be riding in traffic.
Cheaper to buy than a car
Generally speaking, you can get commuter electric bikes for thousands less than a car (unless you buy a $2000 clunker that you’ll have to spend lots of money to repair).
You’ll probably spend between $800 and $3000 on a commuter bike. If you ride long commutes every day, you’ll want to consider electric bikes that cost $1500-$2500, as this is the range where you can get good quality and the best value for your money.
Cheaper to maintain than a car
You can get routine maintenance once or twice a year on your electric bike for an average of $100, give or take depending on where you live. That may seem pricey when comparing it to giving your car a basic oil change. But when doesn’t your car need other work done such as a tire rotation and air filter?
Plus, the big one… gas! You can easily spend more on gas in a month than on maintaining your e-bike.
You can ride long commutes
Thanks to very efficient lithium-ion batteries, you can go 20 to 50 miles on most commuter e-bikes. This is a huge pro to commuters who would otherwise only be able to ride 5 miles without getting tired.
You won’t have to drive around the block four times to find a space that, just maybe, your car can fit in. Nor will you need to worry about parking fees!
Most buildings have bicycle parking right in front, so you won’t even have to walk far to get to where you’re going.
Easy to climb hills
One of the most stressul things about commuting to work on a standard bike just might be struggling to get up a hill, especially at the end of the day when you’re tired and just want to be home relaxing on your sofa.
With electric bikes, you won’t have to suffer through this. Just increase the pedal assist level so that you need to put in less pedaling effort or get a boost uphill with the throttle.
Carries your belongings
Bring along your books, bridefcase, lunch bag, files, projects and whatever you need on a rear rack. You won’t need to accomodate these items in a backpack that swings wildly as you turn the corner and makes you lose balance.
Exercise is easier
Yes, exercise CAN be easier on a comfortable commuter electric bike, if that’s what you desire. And, certainly, if you’re riding 10 miles to school every day, you’re getting exercise as long as you pedal. It doesn’t have to be difficult. Yet, you can always put in more effort when you have the energy.
Decreases sweat
You can easily ride 20 miles to the office on your electric commuter bike without working up a sweat. If you ride this far on a standard bicycle, your work clothes will most likely be sweaty by the time you get there! Or you’ll end up sitting right next to another student in college class not smelling too pretty.
Eco-friendly
As an added bonus to all of these other benefits of riding a commuter e-bike, you’ll know that you’re protecting the environment from harmful emissions that automobiles put into the environment.
You don’t need gas or other toxic substances to make it run! It charges with one simple plug just like your phone or laptop.
Charge your mobile phone
Speaking of phones, many electric bikes have an outlet that lets you charge your phone. If this is important to you, find out whether the electric bikes you’re interested in have this option and where its located on the bike.
Fun to ride
Because it’s so easy and fun to ride, there’s a good chance you’ll be out riding just for fun on the weekends or holidays. Find a nice path to ride on where you can test out the maximum speed of your commuter bicycle and let it rip!
Cons of Electric Commuter Bikes
Riding in bad weather
It’s no fun riding an electric bike in bad weather. But on an electric bike, you’ll be riding even faster. This means that you’ll get more rain, snow, wind, or sleet in your face and pummeling your body than on a regular bike.
Although an electric bike is much faster than a standard bicycle, a car, motorcycle, or bus is still much faster. If you don’t have the patience or desire to commute to work, even on an e-bike, then this could be a big con.
Increased worry over theft
Another disadvantage to any kind of electric bike is that it tends to be worth more than a non-motorized bike. So, not only is it more enticing for thieves, but it’s a bigger loss for you if your bike is stolen.
Costs more than a standard bike
So you’re likely to spend hundreds of dollars more to buy an e-bike than you would with a typical bike if not thousands more. But, this isn’t really a big disadvantage if you’re comparing the overall costs of owning an e-bike with that of driving a car.
Costs more to maintain than a normal bike
Yes, it will cost more to maintain an electric bike because it requires special maintenance and care for the electric motor, battery, and controller. But the good news here is that if you take proper care of these components, then they shouldn’t cause too much trouble.
Worry over losing the battery charge
There’s nothing worse than getting stranded halfway to your destination because your battery has lost its charge. Granted, if you were riding a standard bike, you wouldn’t have to deal with this… but you also wouldn’t have made it as far in the first place.
Further, you can prevent this by knowing your battery range and the number of miles you need to ride.
May not be allowed to bring it into work or school
Not every employer or teacher will be happy to have your commuter e-bike indoors. So, ask first and perhaps offer them a ride if they cooperate!
May be too heavy to lift onto a bus or up a flight of stairs
E-bikes are quite a bit heavier than traditional bikes due to the electric motor, battery, and heavy frame that supports the electric components. Check out this article if you’re concerned about weight.
E-bikes are excellent for commuting to work or school, no to mention that they’ll reduce your carbon footprint! There are many advantages of riding an electric bike instead of a standard bike or as an alternative to driving a car, with only a couple of potential disadvantages.
Advantages of Commuting on an E-Bike
An electric bike will save you time every day by getting you to work faster, avoiding traffic, and allowing you to park quickly. Plus, it can significantly reduce the amount of sweat, saving you time by not having to shower or change clothes, either at work or after you get home. So, you can wake up later and enjoy more time at home doing something you love.
Besides saving you time, your commute will be easier and less stressful. With pedal assist, multiple gear shifts, and/or using the throttle, you won’t have to worry about climbing hills or getting too tired. In fact, if you didn’t sleep well the night before or don’t feel your best, then you can complete your commute with almost no exertion (just make sure your lithium-ion battery is fully charged).
Overall, riding a commuter e-bike isn’t much different than a traditional bicycle. So, if you know how to ride a bike, you can ride an electric bike.
Further, riding an e-bike may actually be safer than riding a traditional bike. The ability to go faster can keep you with the flow of traffic in the city and give you a boost when you need to get out of a dangerous situation (such as while crossing the street with a car rapidly approaching).
Disadvantages of Commuting on an E-Bike
The primary problem with being an e-bike commuter is the value of the bike. Because it’s more expensive than a standard bike, and more desirable to thieves, protecting it is of primary importance.
Fortunately, there are two ways to keep it safe:
Multiple bike locks
Electric bike insurance
With a serious lock strategy, theft can be reduced significantly. By using more than one super tough lock, a thief will want to avoid stealing your e-bike… they’ll just look for another one that’s easily accessible.
And, if you’re still not convinced that locks will keep it safe, find out about GPS location trackers or buy electric bike insurance. Read my article on electric bike insurance before you assume your homeowner’s policy will cover it (it probably won’t).
A bike doesn’t have to be called a “commuter e-bike” to work well for commuting. It may also be called a city e-bike, folding e-bike, or cargo e-bike. Finally, commuter hybrid electric bikes may be a combination of any of these as well as have additional features of other types of electric bikes.
Basically, if it has a powerful mid-drive or rear wheel hub motor, long-range battery, and a cargo rack, then commuters can use it. But there may be one style that meets your needs better than another.
With a range of up to 45 miles and a smaller folding frame, it’s perfect for city commuters. Plus, with the ability to step through the frame, it’s easy to get on and off at a moment’s notice.
Electric Cargo Bike
A cargo e-bike typically has one or more storage options for transporting goods.
This Rad Power Bike is a favorite with a powerful 750W hub motor and multiple cargo options. It even turns into a hop-on passenger e-bike as well. I also love this one because it fits riders from 4’11” to 6’2″, so almost anyone can ride it!
With this e-bike, you’ll get the best of everything: A folding frame, capable 500W motor, low-step entry, 3″ wide tires, and up to a 45-mile range. Plus, it’s under $1000!
You can commute as far as your e-bike’s battery range will allow. Typically, most lithium-ion batteries have a range of 20-50 miles. A battery with a 20-mile range will let you ride 10 miles to work and 10 miles back home on a single charge.
However, you can ride further than your e-bike battery allows on a single charge by riding one way, recharging it, and then riding home. This is easy to do as long as you have a safe place to plug in your charger while you work (and as long as you don’t forget to bring the charger).
One other important consideration as to how far you can commute on your e-bike is your riding style. If you use only the lowest pedal assist level and pedal consistently, your battery will last much longer than if you ride on higher levels and/or use the throttle quite a bit.
So, just make sure you test out the type of riding you’ll do close to home so that you can determine whether you’ll make it work on a single charge.
Riding to work on a regular bike can be time-consuming and exhausting. But riding an electric bike can make it fast, easy, and even fun.
Even though there are many more commuter e-bike pros than cons, there are a few things you need to know to help you decide whether commuting on an electric bike will work for you.
