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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Cons of Installing A Second E-Bike Battery 

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

• Adding a second battery in parallel can be a bit complicated. Some people like to purchase pre-made parallel battery connector cables, while others prefer creating their connectors. The purchasable connectors appear to be the more straightforward method of the two, though some feel more comfortable making the connectors themselves.
• You can fry your batteries or even start a fire if done incorrectly. As we went over earlier, if your batterys’ voltages don’t match, if they aren’t the same make, or if they don’t have the same cell count, your batteries are at higher risk of breaking or worse.
• Installing a secondary battery is a lot of work when a bigger battery can accomplish more. A larger battery can hold more energy and is preferable over using two batteries in parallel if you can afford the upgrade.
• Charging two batteries can take a long time. Having two batteries means having double the charge times. A good fix for these wait times would be to purchase a second charger and charge both batteries at once. 
• A second battery will add more weight to your e-bicycle. Depending on your specific electric bike and the batteries you have chosen, the added weight may be minor.
• You will have two batteries to maintain. Having two batteries on your e-bike means double the work since you will have to maintain them both. 

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

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

The Pros of Installing A Second E-Bike Battery 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

You will need:

• A multimeter (Amazon)
• Two e-bike batteries with a similar make and the same voltage (check here if you want to rebuild an e-bike battery)
• A parallel battery connector cable

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alternatives to Adding a Second Battery to Your E-Bike

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

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

Try Carrying a Second Battery

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

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

The Pros of Carrying Around a Second E-Bike Battery

Some of the pros of carrying a secondary battery include:

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

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

The Cons of Carrying Around a Second E-Bike Battery

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

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

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

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

Purchase a Larger E-Bike Battery

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

The Pros of Purchasing a Larger E-Bike Battery 

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

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

The Cons of Purchasing a Larger E-Bike Battery 

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

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

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

Add Solar Panels

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

Use a Generator

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

Use a Car Battery Inverter

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

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

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

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

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

R22 Everest

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

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

Some of the specs of the R22 electric bike:

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

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

Super Monarch

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

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

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

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

Conclusion 

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

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

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: 

1. The best overall e-bike is the Ride1Up Roadster
2. The best value is the Jupiter Discovery X5
3. The best off and on-road electric bike is the BlueJay Sport
4. The best electric bike for long-distance travel is the Electric Bike Company Model X 
5. The best foldable electric bike is the RadExpand Electric Folding Fat Bike 
6. The most reliable electric bike is the Aventon Pace 500

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. 

1. Best E-Bike for Students Overall: 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.

Pros 

• Best Value for Money 
• Intelligent Design
• Comfortable Ride 
• Lightweight 
• 20-30 mile Range 
• Samsung battery cells 
• 350W, 36V 
• LCD Display 

Cons 

• Hard to Get Moving 
• Rim Brakes Pose Safety Risks 
• Battery Can’t be Removed for Charging 

2. Best Value E-Bike: Jupiter Discovery X5 

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. 

Another crucial advantage of the Jupiter Discover electric bike is its adjustability for comfort. Seats and handlebars can be adjusted and lowered to suit each rider’s needs. As a result, almost anybody who can ride a bike can ride an electric bicycle. 

The Jupiter Discovery X5 is available in a wide range of colors and designs. As a result, you can choose a design that matches your tastes.

Pros 

• Durable 
• Folding bike 
• Efficient 
• Highly Affordable
• 3 Level Motor Assistance with Throttle
• Adjustable Features 
• Variety of Finishes and Colors  

Cons 

• Smaller Wheel Sizes Make Poor-quality Roads Harder to Ride 
• Less Power 
• Less Range than Other E-Bikes 

3. Best All-Terrain Electric Bike: BlueJay Sport 

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. 

Pros 

• Up to 75 Mile Range 
• Excellent on All Terrain 
• Powerful Motor 
• 500W Motor 
• 2 Year Warranty 
• 5 Pedal Assist Levels 
• Strong and Durable Frame 

Cons 

• Expensive 
• Repairs can be Expensive 

4. Best for Longer Campus Commutes: Electric Bike Company Model X 

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.

Pros 

• Up to 160-mile Range 
• 500W Battery 
• Customizable Features and Upgrade Options 
• 3-speed Pedal Assist 
• Comfortable Ride 
• Alarm System Included 
• Hydraulic Disc Brakes 

Cons 

• Poor Handling in Tight Spaces 
• A Little Expensive in Comparison to Other Options 
• Sensitive Alarm May Go Off Unnecessarily 

5. Best Folding E-Bike: RadExpand Electric Folding Fat Bike 

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)

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.

Pros 

• Durable 
• 1 Year Warranty 
• Up to 40 miles Range 
• LCD Display
• Great Value for Price
• Fast Charging 3 to 4 Hours 

Cons 

• Lower Motor Power (350W) 

Factors to Consider When Buying Your First E-Bike

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. 

Find out here if you need a special helmet for electric bicycles!

College Commute Length

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. 

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. 

What Are Disc Brakes?

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.

Types of Disc Brakes for E-Bikes

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:

Alternatives to Disc Brakes for E-Bikes

Disc brakes are the most common for electric bikes that weigh much more than regular bikes, but you might come across other kinds. Two other types of e-bike brakes are drum brakes and rim brakes. 

Drum Brakes for E-Bikes

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.

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!

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.

Take a look at the RadCity Plus!

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:

Rad Power Bikes: Speed Guide	Max Electric Motor Speed	Battery Capacity	Drivetrain/ Derailleur	Pedal Assist	Sensor	Throttle	Wheel Size	Weight of E-Bike
RadRunner	750W Hub Motor	48V,14 Ah (672 Wh)	Single-speed	4 levels	Cadence	Twist Grip	20″ x 3.3″	65 lb
RadRunner Plus	750W Hub Motor	48V,14 Ah (672 Wh)	7-speed	5 levels	Cadence	Twist Grip	20″ x 3.3″	74 lb (33 kg)
RadRover Plus*	750W Hub Motor	48V,14 Ah (672 Wh)	7-speed	5 levels	Cadence	Twist Grip	26″ x 4″	73 lb
RadCity Plus*	750W Hub	48V,14 Ah (672 Wh)	7-speed	5 levels	Cadence	Twist Grip	27.5″ x 2.0″	65 lb
RadWagon	750W Hub	48V,14 Ah (672 Wh)	7-speed	5 levels	Cadence	Twist Grip	22″ x 3″	77 lb

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:

• how hard you pedal
  
• your own weight
  
• electric bike tire inflation
  
• weather and road conditions
  

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.

Check out the Rad Runner Plus!

How Fast Does the RadRover Plus Go? (vs RadRover)

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.

Check out the Rad Rover Plus!

How Fast Does the RadExpand Go?

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.

Check out the RadExpand Folding E-Bike!

How Fast Does the RadKick Go?

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.

Check out the RadKick Belt-Drive Electric Bike!

How Fast Can a 750 Watt E-Bike Go?

All but one of the Rad Power Bikes electric bikes, the RadKick (with a 500W motor), have a 750W motor.

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!

Want to learn more about how fast an e-bike can go (and how to make it faster)?

Can You Make a Rad Power Bike Go Faster?

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:

1. This will likely void any warranty you have on your purchased Rad Power bike
   
2. 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
   
3. You may be riding your electric bicycle illegally if you are on public roads and property
   
4. Your motor and battery will experience an increase in load, thus decreasing battery capacity per ride as well as motor and battery life.

Thinking about buying the RadExpand folding e-bike? See how I have liked my own RadMini (now, the new RadExpand)!

Conclusion: What is the Fastest Rad Power Bike?

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!