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Can I Ride an Electric Bike if I Can’t Ride a Regular Bike?

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0
Woman riding a regular bike

If you’ve never learned how to ride a bike, then you’re definitely missing out, especially now that electric bikes are everywhere! Electric bikes make riding even more enjoyable than a regular bike. But, don’t worry, I can help you get in on the fun!

There are three ways you can ride an electric bike even if you have never ridden a regular bicycle before:

  1. Learn how to ride a regular bicycle before getting on an electric bike
  2. Start learning how to ride an electric bike without using the motor (or pedal assist)
  3. Ride an electric tricycle that has three wheels so you don’t have to worry about balancing

Riding even a regular bike has a learning curve and takes practice. If you’ve never ridden a bike, or haven’t ridden in a long time when you decide to get on an electric bike, it can be a bit of a challenge.

Although I knew how to ride a bike when I got my electric bike, I hadn’t ridden much for most of my adult years. So, while it took a few weeks to get comfortable balancing on my e-bike, it was several months until I got entirely comfortable braking, using gears, and making turns.

But it was 100% worth taking the time to learn how! My husband and I wouldn’t trade our e-bikes for any other type of outdoor activity!

Even if you’ve never been on a traditional bike before, you’ll have so much fun on an electric bike that you’ll kick yourself for not learning how to ride a bike sooner!

So, if you’re considering riding electric bikes, but you’ve never been on a regular bike, I can help you discover what you need to know (yes, even if you’re an adult who’s never ridden a bike)!

Follow along so that you’ll be prepared to choose the best way to learn how to ride an e-bike.

Woman riding a regular bike

How to Ride a Bike (regular or electric?)

The instructions I’m going to give you to learn how to ride a bike for the first time can be followed for both normal bikes and electric bikes.

However, I strongly suggest that you learn how to ride a regular bicycle before getting on an electric bike. This is the safest and easiest method of preparing yourself to ride e-bikes.

How to Prepare for Your First Bike Riding Lesson

  • Make sure your bike or e-bike fits you well

    The first thing you should do in getting ready to learn how to ride a bike is to practice on one that fits you well. If you’re not getting fitted at a bike shop, then here’s what you should do:

    Test the seat height–

    When you’re sitting on the seat, your feet should barely reach the ground (with just the top pads of your feet touching). Also, when your foot is on the lowest point of the pedal rotation, your knee should only have a slight bend to it (so you don’t end up hurting your knees).

    However, riding an e-bike is a little different because its heavy. Therefore, for e-bikes, I suggest you keep your seat low enough to be able to put your feet almost flat on the ground, just while you learn to ride. Afterwards, you can move your seat up when you feel in control (otherwise, riding may hurt your knees).

    Check the reach–

    You don’t want to extend your arms and torso further than 45 degrees to the handlebars. In fact, it’s best if you can sit as upright as possible when learning to ride a bike for the first time.
  • Wear appropriate clothing

    You don’t need to wear anything fancy or get a cycling wardrobe yet. Rather, you just want to make sure your pant legs aren’t in the way of pedaling and your sleeves don’t interfere with gripping the handlebars.
  • Pick a safe, flat location for your first outing

    Choose a relatively flat location with just a very gentle slope. This way, you’ll be able to get on the bike and have it start rolling slowly without figuring out how to pedal immediately.

    Riding electric bikes for the first time may require less of a slope since its weight will help it roll foward on its own.
  • Get a bike buddy

    Choose a friend or family member who is confident in they’re ability to hold the back of the bike seat… and who will cheer you on!

    One who knows how to ride e-bikes would be a bonus!

3 Easy Steps to Learn How to Ride Your Bike or E-Bike

Now you’re ready to learn to ride a bike! Follow these steps and repeat each until you feel comfortable moving on to the next one.

  1. Step One: Getting seated and “walking the bike”

    Get on the bike and put your weight in the back of the saddle. Then while still on the bike, walk along with it to test your center of gravity. Practice using your hands to gently pull on the brakes so you can get a feel for stopping the bike from moving forward.

    Once again, if you’re learning to ride on an e-bike (because e-bikes are generally heavier) be prepared to put a good deal of pressure on the hand brakes, because it won’t stop quite as fast.

    Sit up and keep your eyes ahead of you, not down at the bike or your feet. Have a goal in mind… to reach a certain object, such as a light pole for the end of the block. This is where you can focus your eyes while you begin.
  2. Step Two: Balance with help from your buddy

    Now it’s time for your bike buddy to help. Ask them to lightly grab the back of the bike’s seat as you move forward. This will increase your feeling of security but they shouldn’t try to balance the bike for you.

    Start walking your bike again with your feet but this time picking up each foot as you go. Continue on in this fashion until you feel comfortable picking up both feet slightly off the ground and rolling forward. Now you’ll really feel balance come into play.

    And, on an e-bike, the weight distribution can be a little harder to manage because of the bigger frame and extra weight, so give it some time.

    Your bike buddy can be asked to stop holding onto the back of the seat as soon as you’re ready (but don’t let them leave).

    Practice scooting forward on your bike by yourself over and over until you’re comfortable with moving on to the last step.
  3. Step Three: Begin pedaling

    When you’re ready, put one foot on a pedal.

    You can do this by rotating the pedal for the foot you want to start with to the top (around the 2 o’clock position).

    Keep one foot on the ground until the bike is moving. Push down the foot on the pedal while looking ahead. Once your foot on the pedal has been pushed down and the bike is moving, put your other foot on the other pedal.

    Need that bike buddy again? Ask them to hold gently onto the back of the seat once again as you continue moving forward. But don’t let them take over your balancing… just have them move along with you.

    Keep in mind that it’s harder to balance when the bike is moving slowly. So when you’re ready, ask your friend to give the bike a little push. Keep your hands on the brakes so you can use them anytime you need to and put your foot down when you tip to one side.

    It might take a little bit longer to feel confident pedaling an e-bike, even without the motor, but you’ll get it!

That’s it! Keep practicing until you can start and stop effortlessly! Then, if you haven’t been learning how to ride an e-bike, now you’re officially ready to learn how.

It’ll be helpful to watch this video before riding a bike for the first time:

How to Ride an Electric Bike for the First Time (Safety Considerations)

Riding an electric bike for the first time could be dangerous if you’re a beginner unless you take a cautious approach. This is especially true if you’re never ridden a bike at all before.

If you’re super adventurous and decide you’d rather just get on an electric bike, rather than learning to ride on a regular bike first, then here’s the good news…

You can basically follow the three steps above but with some major caveats to learning on e-bikes.

Is it Safe to Use the Electric Motor?

Generally, I’d advise against using the e-bike’s motor when learning how to ride a bike the first time. Even a low-wattage bike (250W) is powerful enough to move you forward quickly, whether or not you’re prepared.

Having ridden a bike previously, I quickly discovered this power when I almost ran into my daughter’s car… and there have been numerous times I had a hard time stopping quickly enough (yep, hopped over a curb once too).

Safety should be a major consideration when riding any bike for the first time. However, electric bikes add a couple of levels of concern, and even danger, if you’ve never learned how to ride a standard bicycle.

How Does Riding a Heavy Electric Bike Affect Balance? (and other safety concerns)

Electric bikes tend to be 20-50 pounds heavier than traditional bicycles. So when you’re learning to ride on an e-bike, maintaining good balance will be harder.

Further, starting to move forward is also much harder on electric bikes because of the heavier weight (as compared to a regular bike). You’ll definitely want to have a slight decline when you’re ready to scoot along on your own, as well as when you are ready to start pedaling on your own.

Of course, you can opt to use the motor on its lowest level. But this will be dangerous if you don’t have a good grasp of your balance and how to start and stop first. If you decide to learn to ride on an e-bike, just make sure there is no one else around (and no cars, poles, or other hazards in your way).

Oh yes, and your bike buddy may have a harder time holding the e-bike upright but not balancing it for you.

What Types of E-Bikes Are Best for Beginners?

As a total beginner to biking, it can be confusing to decide which kind of electric bike is best for you. Electric road bikes, commuter e-bikes, and hybrids are all potential options. However, I’d avoid an electric mountain bike for now!

Here are some articles to review that’ll help you choose the best e-bike for you:

How to Ride an Electric Trike (Start today)

The easiest, and fastest, way to ride an electric bike is to get on an e-trike! This is essentially a tricycle (like a child’s) but it’s much larger and has an electric motor.

An electric tricycle has three wheels which remove the need to balance as well as most of the fear and anxiety that come with learning to ride any kind of bicycle.

Although you won’t need to worry about keeping your balance in the same way you would with a two-wheel bike, which is one reason e-trikes are perfect for overweight and obese riders.

However, you’ll still need a good understanding of how the brakes, motor, pedal assist, and gears work in order to stay safe.

Three wheel electric trike is a good option for an electric bike if you can't ride a regular bike
Pedego Electric Trike with three wheels

Words of Caution When Learning to Ride an E-Trike:

An electric trike can still be hard to stop when you’re first learning to ride. Again this is due to the extra weight… you’re now talking about three heavy wheels instead of just two. And a very thick frame to match the size and weight of the motor and e-bike battery.

So, practice starting and stopping on the lowest gear level (typically pedal assist level one) when no one (and no safety hazards) are in your way.

E-trikes also take up more space on the road, path, or sidewalk, so make sure you have plenty of room to learn to ride it.

Finally, electric trikes turn much wider than any other kind of e-bikes. So though you don’t have to worry about balancing while riding in general, you do need to be careful to avoid tipping it over.

If you decide to ride an electric trike, I recommend reading this article all about e-trikes:

How to Ride an Electric Trike

Conclusion

If you can’t ride a regular bike yet, then riding an electric bike for the first time probably isn’t a good idea. There are safety concerns such as the weight of an electric bike and the ability to balance, start, and stop it, especially when using motor assistance.

As I’ve suggested and discussed above, it’s best to learn how to ride a normal bike before getting on an electric bike. It really won’t take too long to learn and you’ll be e-bike ready in no time! And when you do ride an e-bike for the first time, make sure to do so on its lowest setting.

Or just forget about learning to balance on an e-bike at all. Instead, consider riding an electric trike (but make sure to read my words of caution first).

Do Electric Bikes Have GPS? (Location and Theft Tracker)

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0

Bike theft is a serious problem. And a stolen e-bike is hard to replace given the high costs of owning one in the first place.

So, it would be a huge benefit to have a GPS tracking device on your e-bike so that you can find it if it’s stolen and thwart those bike thieves!

Unfortunately, most electric bikes don’t have a built-in GPS tracker. A few brands are starting to include them, such as VanMoof and Stromer. However, you can add a GPS computer to your e-bike that will work as a location tracker and/or theft deterrent as well as provide other benefits.

Continue reading to find out which electric bikes already have a built-in GPS system and how you can add a GPS tracker to your own e-bike. I’ll show you the best GPS computers and help you understand some of the really cool features that you can opt to buy.

Here are some of the best GPS devices you can add to your e-bike (links to Amazon where I’ll get a commission)… I’ll go over them in full detail below!

GPS DevicePrice to BuyMonthly Subscription
Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker$159Free for 2 years
Galeo – GPS Bike Tracker, 4G LTE$250Optional data plan
Tracki 2021 Model Mini Real-time GPS Tracker$14.99$20/month
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker$30$15/month
Sherlock GPS Bike Tracker$160Free for 2 years
Electric Bike GPS Tracker Models

How an E-Bike GPS Tracker Works

A GPS tracker for your electric bike works similarly to any other type of Bluetooth device. It sends out a signal that can be tracked using a dedicated app installed on your smartphone. If your e-bike is stolen, you can pinpoint where it is and advise the local authorities to help in recovery.

Once you decide where the GPS system should be installed on your e-bike, preferably in a hidden location such as inside the handlebars or underneath the bike seat, you’ll need to make sure it’s fully charged. Charging the tracker’s battery shouldn’t take more than a couple of hours. Then you can Bluetooth pair it with your mobile phone and the app.

Depending on the GPS tracker, you’ll be able to control and locate your electric bike with an app on your smartphone. So, if it’s stolen (or you forget where you parked it!) you can simply look up its location using the app.

The GPS you choose might also use a SIM card or subscription for tracking.

Additionally, your GPS tracking device may also offer alerts if your e-bike is tampered with and/or set off an alarm on the bike itself to scare away would-be bike thieves. You just need to have your emergency contact handy and your serial number recorded.

Best GPS Tracker for E-Bikes

Finding the best GPS tracker for an e-bike isn’t much different than finding one for a regular bike. You simply want to be able to trace your stolen bike to its current location.

The biggest difference is that you’re looking to protect a more expensive electric bike as compared to a regular, non-electric bike. So you want to make sure the GPS tracker you choose is one of the best for actually tracking your electric bicycle to the correct location.

Invoxia Cellular GPS Tracker, Amazon

Priced at $159, this is a solid, well-rated GPS tracker for a bicycle. It’s small enough to stay hidden somewhere on your e-bike (under the seat perhaps), which is a huge bonus.

The Invoxia will alert you to every movement of your electric bike, even if it just tilts over a bit (however, this could get annoying if your bike is just slipping or someone accidentally bumps it). You’ll get a notification on your smartphone so you never have to worry about what’s happening to your e-bike while you’re at lunch, in the doctor’s office, or at work.

This tracker uses the 4G/5G network, has an above-average battery life (up to 4 months vs just 1-3 weeks), and you can even set custom alerts for notification of your e-bike leaving various locations (like outside your college class or work).

Although you’ll get 2 years of free tracking service, you will be expected to pay about $40 per year thereafter. This is actually a pretty good deal as many tracking subscriptions charge $10-$20 per month! And there are no setup or activation fees.

Galeo – GPS Bike Tracker, 4G LTE, Amazon

Galeo's Small GPS with alarm can fit on an electric bike and be tracked with a cell phone
Galeo – GPS Bike Tracker, 4G LTE

This GPS tracker is designed for bikes, so it’s small and unnoticeable and it gives you an alert on your smartphone the second it senses vibration or your e-bike’s motion.

Plus, you can actually activate the on-bike alarm from your app to scare off thieves and vandals. And if you aren’t able to hide the tracking device, that’s okay too. It comes with “tamper-resistant bolts” to make it difficult and time-consuming for a thief to remove.

Although it’s a little pricier than some ($250), it may be worth paying the price to protect your electric bike from theft. After all, it’d be quite a bit more expensive to replace a stolen e-bike.

Tracki 2021 Model Mini Real-time GPS Tracker, Amazon

Tracki Mini Realtime GPS Tracker is slightly bigger than a quarter
Tracki 2021 Model Mini Real-time GPS Tracker

I picked this out as one of the best GPS trackers because it’s so darn small (1.75×1.5×0.55in) and light. So, it’s really easy to carry or hide on your electric bike. Plus, it’s so easy to use for tracking other things as well (like your dog, baby stroller, etc.) that you can just move it back and forth where you need it.

How about taking your dog riding with you, so you don’t need to worry about tracking it?

Realtime tracking is also available. Just note that the battery will only last 2-3 days if using this feature. Otherwise, it should last you 30 days or more.

For $14.99, you’d think it’s hard to beat. However, keep in mind that there’s a required $20 monthly fee for service!

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker, Amazon

LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker
LandAirSea 54 GPS Tracker

This small, lightweight GPS computer is easy to set up discreetly, even though it’s technically made to be a car GPS tracker. Fit it under the seat on your electric bike or hidden under a bike rack or another area. It attaches using a secure, high-strength magnet.

It also offers real-time tracking and boundary alerts (with web-based software) to help you keep track of your valuable e-bike. And it already includes a SIM card, so you don’t need anything else.

You can set the battery to “low power” mode and it’ll last up to 6 months (otherwise, it’ll stay powered for 1-2 weeks while giving real-time updates. This can come in handy if you’re living with roommates you don’t know very well!

Sherlock GPS Bike Tracker

Sherlock Hidden Bike GPS Tracker made just for bicycles

This is one of the best trackers that’s designed to be “invisible”, just for a bike. It’s an antitheft device that hides inside your handlebars, so it’s virtually undetectable. You’ll be able to track your e-bike from a mobile app with GPS localization.

The Sherlock is lightweight, made to fit any handlebar design, and offered with 2 free years of internet connection in Europe and the USA.

In theft mode, it uses a unique code to share your electric bike’s position with the local authorities. Plus, if the bike is disturbed, you’ll get a mobile phone alert immediately that you can share with the local police.

One downside, however, is that the battery only lasts for “up to 7 days” for typical usage, which is pretty short when compared to the other GPS trackers listed.

And, you’ll have to locate a dealer in the US or Europe in order to purchase one (no one-click online purchase here).

Which Electric Bikes Come with a GPS System?

If you want to purchase an electric bike that already comes with anti-theft protection, you’ll be limited in your choices and you’ll pay for it with an increased overall cost.

That being said, there are a couple of brands that include such amazing technology… but only one of them is on the lower price tier.

Stromer ST

The Stromer ST (models 2 and up only) has a high-tech built-in GPS tracker paired with an app (Omni) to control it. This means that, if it’s stolen, you can get the location of the e-bike fast just by looking it up on the app with your phone. And customer service is there to help as well.

Additional features give you access to automatic locking and unlocking of your bike (using Bluetooth technology), and bike performance tuning, system status, service records, and more.

The lowest-priced e-bike model with GPS included starts at around $5700. If this is more than you’re willing to pay then, thankfully, VanMoof has a much lower cost option.

VanMoof S3 and X3

The S3 and X3 from Vanmoof have a built-in gps theft defense system that detects tampering and has remote lockdown capability, in addition to location tracking. The GPS tracker is hidden and will actually sound an alarm if someone’s messing with it (just like your car alarm).

Like the Stromer GPS, you can unlock your e-bike and configure information right from the VanMoof app.

These models are surprisingly low-priced for including GPS tracking technology… both start at $2298.

Check out all of the best electric bike brands for the money

What Is the Most Helpful GPS Device for an Electric Bike? (Multiple features)

Truly, a GPS for your electric bike can do so much more than just be a theft tracker. If you’re super active on your e-bike, whether it’s exploring new paths and trails for fun or physically challenging yourself for fitness, the best GPS might just be one with all of the features you can get your hands on.

Buying a GPS device that includes an alarm, theft tracker, location finder (access to Google maps), and fitness tracker might just be worth the additional cost.

The downside is that you won’t be able to hide a large computer display.

Trek Bikes sells quite a collection of Garmin GPS computers for your bike. And you can compare features and prices with Trek and through Amazon.

You’ll likely pay $200-$300 more than for a GPS that just tracks your e-bike’s location, but you’ll likely add several really cool features such as:

  • Training insights and workout statistics (such as eMTB jump countand distance)
  • Health notifications (such as you should eat or get hydrated)
  • Preloaded maps and navigation
  • Group messaging and tracking
  • Incident detection (automatically notifies emergency contacts of your location)
  • Anti-Theft Bike Alarm
  • Rearview radar with lights (visibility for you and for others to see you)

If you decide you need a GPS computer like this, just compare the features so you make sure to get everything that’s important to you!

How Do I keep My E-Bike From Being Stolen? (GPS Tracker, Alarms, and Bike Locks)

The truth about GPS trackers is that they really don’t prevent theft. They simply help you recover your e-bike and have a little peace of mind knowing where it is.

However, you should still learn how to prevent thieves from stealing your e-bike, then you’ll be pretty well covered no matter what happens.

Follow these tips (& products from Amazon) to help you protect your electric bike from theft

Learn everything you need to know about preventing e-bike theft!

Using an E-Bike GPS Tracker (to Prevent Theft)

At a minimum, you want to protect your valuable electric bike from theft, which is why many people use a GPS tracker.

Although a GPS computer for e-bikes can sometimes perform many functions, you should decide which features you will actually use. The cost of the GPS device will go up as features and technology increase.

If you’re simply worried about your electric bike getting stolen, then you should look for a basic tracking device that follows your bike wherever it goes (even if you aren’t with it). You’ll most likely have to buy one that attaches to your electric bike… someday, all e-bikes will probably come with a GPS. But until then, it’s kind of nice to be able to choose the one that has the features you want.

Top 10 Casual Padded Bike Shorts for Women E-Bike Riders (Affordable)

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0

When you think of padded bike shorts, the image of racing cyclists (fully decked-out in tight neon shirts and shorts) comes to mind, right? But why shouldn’t you have the comfort and ability to move freely while riding your bike, even if you’re a casual e-bike rider?

And the truth is, even if you’re riding an electric bike for recreation, you’ll likely be riding frequently and/or long distances because it’s so easy and fun to do. But if you’re putting in long hours and distances on your bike rides (or just want to be comfortable and cool for your daily ride), then finding the right padded bike shorts is essential.

So, I’ve researched and compiled a list of the ten best casual and affordable bike shorts for women e-bikers. Typically, professional cycling shorts cost $100-$200. But there are plenty of comfortable cycling shorts to choose from that are well under $100 (although bib shorts are hard to find under $100).

Women’s Bike ShortsType of Bike ShortPrice
BALEAF Women’s Bike Shorts 4D Padded CyclingRegular, 8″ inseamFrom $27
Beroy Womens Bike Shorts with 3D GelRegularFrom $20
Louis Garneau Women’s Gel Cycling ShortsRegular$40
Bontrager Circuit Women’s Cycling Bib ShortBib Shorts$99
100% Airmatic Women’s Mountain ShortMountain Bike Shorts$89
BALEAF Women’s 5 Bike Shorts PaddedRegular, Short 5″From $20
THRLEGBIRD Women’s Cycling Underwear 3D PaddedCycling Underwear Briefs, 2-pack$33
Louis Garneau Women’s Cycling CaprisCapri Length$40
NOOYME Women’s Bike ShortsRegularFrom $23
CATENA Women’s Bike Shorts 3D Padded Shorts with SkirtRegular with Skirt Over the Short$31
Several links lead to Amazon & other retailers where I may receive a commission

Take a look at my list of ten women’s padded bike shorts to find the perfect casual ones for you, without spending a ridiculous amount of money or buying cheaply made ones only to find out that they chafe your legs or dig into your waist.

Learn more about each of them below. Read to the end of the article to find out more about what you need in a bike short as a woman!

Here’s the top 10 list of affordable ladies’ bike shorts.

1. BALEAF Women’s Bike Shorts 4D Padded With Pockets

BALEAF Women's Bike Shorts 4D Padded With Pockets and 8 inch inseam
BALEAF Women’s Bike Shorts 4D Padded With Pockets, Amazon.com

These bike shorts have a lot to love thanks to the two pockets that fit your mobile phone, e-bike keys, or credit cards, and the super stretchy material that’s not only moisture-wicking but has great compression.

They’re plenty long to cover your thighs, have 2-inch wide-leg grips (to keep you comfortable and make them stay in place), and have a UPF of 50+ to protect you from the burning sun.

And, thankfully the 4D gel padding is made just for women riders. So, it protects a lady’s front and rear from bruising.

When out for a long ride on your electric bike, these cycling shorts have all of the features you need (including reflective logos)! So, this is why they’re first on my list!

Buy These: BALEAF Women’s Bike Shorts 4D Padded With Pockets from Amazon.com, from $27

2. Beroy Womens Bike Shorts with 3D Gel

All black Beroy Cycling Shorts for Women
Beroy Womens Bike Shorts with 3D Gel Padded

These are probably the most casual padded bike shorts for women and are much needed when starting out riding electric bikes. Although they’re pretty basic, they’ve earned a “#1 Best Seller” ribbon on Amazon. Based on buyer reviews, there are several reasons for this:

  1. Long-distance riding (or simply spending hours on your electric bike) is much more comfortable
  2. Padding is enough but not too much
  3. They stay put on your thighs and don’t ride up
  4. They come in more colors and prints than you can count
  5. They’re super affordable: You just can’t get a more functional bike short for the price!

Note that the manufacturer suggests buying a bigger size than usual.

Buy These: Beroy Womens Bike Shorts with 3D Gel from Amazon.com, from $20

3. Louis Garneau Women’s Cycling Shorts with Gel Pad

Womens Bike shorts perfect for long electric bike rides
Louis Garneau Women’s Gel Cycling Shorts from Dick’s Sporting Goods, $40

These gel padded cycling shorts have enough cushion to make your e-bike ride comfortable (but not make you feel like it’s bunching up).

In addition to increasing your visibility with reflective logos (for safety) on sleek-looking black shorts, you can easily wear these under other leggings, pants, or loose shorts.

But not only are they flexible as to how you wear them, they even have a UPF/SPF rating of 50+, which gives your legs more protection from the sun.

Buyers state that these are “super comfy”, “fit great”, and that they “felt comfortable the whole time” on their “first long-distance ride”.

Buy These: Louis Garneau Women’s Gel Cycling Shorts, Dicks’s Sporting Goods, $40

4. Bontrager Circuit Women’s Cycling Bib Short

Bontrager Circuit Women's Cycling Bib Short good for long-distance bike rides.
Bontrager Circuit Women’s Cycling Bib Short, from TrekBikes.com

Ultra casual and comfortable, this functional black bib short is perfect for long rides. The long straps that go over your shoulders hold the shorts in place and keep the shorts from digging into your stomach.

There’s also a “comfortable 4-way stretch chamois” and most importantly, has straps that elongate and stretch, thus making it easy to use the bathroom! This is a huge plus since worrying about bathroom breaks while in bib shorts is no fun!

This might be the number one reason why many women prefer bibs.

What else is cool about this bib short? Two important things:

1. It actually comes in an Extra-Small size for a smaller woman and goes all the way up to an XX-Large, so it’ll fit just about anyone.

2. Because it’s made from Bontrager, it has a 1-year warranty! So you can be sure it’s of great quality and will last.

Buy These: Bontrager Circuit Women’s Cycling Bib Shorts, Trekbikes.com, $99

Looking for the best women’s e-bike? Find it on this list!

5. 100% Airmatic Women’s Mountain Short

Airmatic Women's Mountain Short for regular or electric mountain bike riding
Airmatic Women’s Mountain Short, TrekBikes.com

The 100% Airmatic Women’s Mountain Short found at TrekBikes.com is perfect for regular or electric mountain bike (eMTB) riding thanks to its tougher material that stretches with every movement.

Typically, bike shorts made for mountain bike riding have a looser fit to help you over bumps and around tight corners. And these shorts have 15% Spandex and 85% Nylon to help that happen.

Whereas a traditional inseam in shorts made for cycling is around 8inches, these shorts have inseams over 13 inches for a more relaxed fit.

However, these bike shorts don’t have a chamois (that is, they aren’t padded shorts).

I wanted to include these as an example of mountain biking shorts, which generally don’t have any padding. This is since mountain bikes and electric mountain bikes tend to have full suspensions which already protect you from hard bumps. Plus, it’s easier to maneuver around corners and twists and turns without all that padding interfering!

Buy These: 100% Airmatic Women’s Mountain Short, Trekbikes.com, $89

6. BALEAF Women’s 5″ Bike Shorts Padded

Black BALEAF Women's 5" Bike Shorts Padded
BALEAF Women’s 5 Bike Shorts Padded, Amazon.com

With high customer ratings, these “short” cycle shorts are best for the woman who doesn’t want too much material in the way! With only 5 inch inseams, they leave a lot of legs exposed to the elements.

With anti-slip leg grips, however, they should stay in place. Further, the wide waistband is designed for more comfort and is less restrictive.

Even though it has 3D gel pads, these cycling shorts are easy to put under regular shorts or can be used as a liner for other pants. Because of their casual nature, comfort, and affordability, it might be worth buying multiple pairs for a quick throw-on!

Buy These: BALEAF Women’s 5 Bike Shorts Padded, Amazon.com, from $20

7. THRLEGBIRD Women’s Cycling Underwear 3D Padded Bike Shorts

THRLEGBIRD Women's Cycling Underwear 3D Padded Bike Short Briefs
THRLEGBIRD Women’s Cycling Underwear 3D Padded Bike Short Briefs, from Amazon.com

Forget traditional bike shorts! Let’s talk bike briefs! This is pretty revolutionary for ladies who want to keep it comfortable and unrevealing.

Women who are casual e-bike riders will love going out for a recreational ride in these. Plus, these bike short briefs can be worn under regular shorts or any other pants.

The high waist and “flat” pads protect where they need to so you can comfortably complete your ride without saddle sores! And for added padding, you could even wear these bike briefs under other bike shorts.

Many previous buyers (and the manufacturer) suggest buying one size up for greater comfort. This product received a 4 1/2 stars rating from hundreds of buyers.

Buy These: THRLEGBIRD Women’s Cycling Underwear 3D Padded, Amazon.com, from $20

8. Louis Garneau Women’s Cycling Capris

All black cycling capris for women
Louis Garneau Women’s Cycling Capris, Dick’s Sporting Goods

The absolute best thing about the bike capris is that they cover way more of your legs than any short would. So they’re perfect for cooler weather, protecting your skin from the sun, or for just hiding legs that don’t want to be seen.

And, yes, they even have a UPF/SPF rating of 50+.

They also have “HugFit” waistbands that are “extremely comfortable” and strong bands that fall around the shin to keep them in place. Plus, they’re complete with a proprietary “Coolmax Silver Chamois that wicks moisture effectively.

But they’re still casual and affordable at around $40, even though they use way more material than shorts do!

Buy These: Louis Garneau Women’s Cycling Capris, Dick’s Sporting Goods, $40

9. NOOYME Women’s Bike Shorts for Cycling with 3D Pads

Black bike shorts with fuchsia pink stripe for women
NOOYME Women’s Bike Short on Amazon.com

Not only are these cycling shorts super affordable, but they also have a 4.5 out of 5 start rating from over 6,000 purchasers.

Even though these shorts don’t have fancy pockets, they fit well on the majority of reviewers of all different shapes and sizes, just like e-bike riders.

You might want to consider getting a few different pairs if you get on your electric bike frequently or take a spin class at the gym more than once a week. Thankfully, they’re inexpensive enough to add different colors to your bicycle wardrobe.

Bike Short Details:

  • 80% Polyamide & 20% Spandex shorts
  • Flatlock seams
  • Padded chamois, multi-layer with breathable 3D structure
  • Non-slip silicone leg grippers
  • Reflective strip on the back
  • Comes in 24 colors/styles and six sizes Small to 3X-Large

Buy These: NOOYME Women’s Bike Shorts, Amazon.com, from $23

10. CATENA Women’s Bike Shorts 3D Padded Cycling Skirt with Shorts

Woman wearing CATENA Women's Bike Shorts 3D Padded Cycling Skirt with Shorts
CATENA Women’s Bike Shorts 3D Padded Cycling Skirt with Short, Amazon.com

How about this unique and fun bike short design? It looks like you’re wearing a skirt, but there’s a nicely padded bike short underneath!

The skirt is light and airy so it shouldn’t add any heat. Plus, there’s a pocket on the inside short for your phone. This bike short and skirt set have all of the features as Catena’s other regular bike shorts. They use the same stretchy but silky nylon fabric, absorb sweat and have a 3D foam pad with smooth stitching.

So, this is a great option for women e-bike riders who like skirts but want the comfort of a regular bike short.

Buy These: CATENA Women’s Bike Shorts 3D Padded Cycling Skirt with Short, Amazon.com, $31

What Are the Best Women’s Padded Bike Shorts (for casual riders)?

The best padded bike shorts for women riding an e-bike recreationally have these features:

  • Padding (a “chamois”) that is designed specifically for women, covering the front and the rear
  • Pads that aren’t so bulky that they feel like you’re wearing a diaper but not too thin that they don’t protect from bruises
  • Stretchy material, like Spandex, for flexiblity and comfort
  • Moisture-wicking material to keep you dry
  • A wide waistband that dips slightly in the front so it doesn’t dig into your waist while seated
  • Comfortable silicone grips (not too tight or too loose) around the leg to keep your bike shorts from riding up and bunching
  • They fit your body shape like a glove!
  • They’re machine wash, of course
  • They feel good under other regular shorts or pants (optional)

Finding the perfect bike short for you will make the difference between your love of or dislike of cycling shorts. In order to do this, you’ll probably need to try on at least a few pairs of shorts with different leg lengths and varying women’s padding.

But there’s also one more important question to ask yourself before you spend a lot of money.

Do Padded Bike Shorts Really Help (especially for women)?

Now that you’ve had a chance to take a look at the top 10 bike shorts for women, you’re probably wondering how much they actually help.

You can try riding without padded shorts but you’ll most likely find that the bike’s saddle puts too much pressure on your front and leaves your “sit bones” sore in the back after a long ride.

But you should consider how big your need really is for padding in your shorts before you buy 10 pairs!

How Much Bike Shorts Padding Do I Need?

Your need for padded bike shorts, and whether you need thicker padding, is really dependent on several things:

For example, if you’re a 70-year-old senior who takes shorter rides on an upright electric trike once a week to get some fresh air and exercise (but you’re not particularly fit), then a long ride might be 5 miles. Casual padded bike shorts will help because you don’t ride frequently enough to get used to the saddle and you’ll be putting more weight on your rear end by sitting upright.

However, if you’re a 45-year-old reasonably fit rider on an electric road bike (which tend to have narrower seats than hybrid e-bikes), and you ride 20-40 miles in a day, then you’ll want bike shorts with good padding in the front because you’ll be riding a long time with pressure in that area.

And, if you’re 35 and ride an eMTB (electric mountain bike), you might not need or want padded shorts at all . It may just get in the way. Further, your mountain bike may already have full suspension which will keep you comfortable over bumps.

Conclusion

I’m hopeful that this list of padded bike shorts for women helped you find what you need as a casual e-bike rider.

You don’t need to spend a lot of money on bike shorts. Finding comfortable padded shorts that are affordable is easy to do. The hard part is finding the women’s bike shorts that are a perfect fit for you!

Where is the Controller Located on an E-Bike? (with Video)

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0

Like any helpful technology, parts wear out frequently and need to be replaced. This is no different with an electric bike. So if you need to add a new controller to your electric bike, or are doing a complete e-bike conversion, then you’ll want to find out where a new controller should be located.

The best place for a controller on your electric bike will be where it’s protected from water and weather, doesn’t get too hot, and stays out of the way of pedaling or getting seated on your e-bike.

Read below to find out where your electric bike controller is located and what you need to know about how a controller works before choosing one and installing it.

What Does an Electric Bike Controller Do?

The electric bike controller acts as the brain of a pedal-assisted bike. It coordinates all of the electronic activities of the bike.

So it’s helpful to understand its importance when it comes to how your electric bike works.

How Does the Controller Work?

Generally speaking, the controller takes information from the battery, motor, throttle, and pedal assist system and then returns the correct signal to your system of electronic parts.

For example, if you throttle your e-bike, the controller will collect information from that action and tell the motor how much power to give. Thus, your electric bike moves forward when you twist the throttle.

Here’s what a controller typically looks like. You can see all of the different wires that will attach to various features of a motorized bike.

Shows the wire ouputs for an e-bike controller
E-Bike Controller Diagram and typical wire connectors

Controller display

The controller is also connected to the display that shows you the battery level, speed, and level of pedal assistance.

If the controller works correctly, you can simply view the controller display to see the results of your riding output. That’ll help you know when to charge the battery, whether you can shifting your gears for assistance, and how fast you’re going.

Where does the controller go on an E-Bike?

In many newer electric bikes, the controller is located on the frame near the battery.

However, if you’re doing an electric bike conversion, the controller can go in a few different places. However, the controller display is typically located in the middle of the handlebars for easy viewing.

Places to install a new controller

Battery bag

Buy a bag to cover your battery and include the controller inside the bag. Uses a piece of foam in between both to keep the controller from overheating because of the battery.

Sitting on top of the battery

I’d suggest still using a foam separator even if it’s not in a battery bag.

In a controller box

This keeps wires safely contained and looks nicer than the silver metal controller. You can mount the box directly to the frame. Attach it either below the seat on the seat post or on the lower part of the frame in front of or behind the battery.

Mount directly to the frame

If you don’t feel the need to use a controller box, then you can mount it directly onto the frame, in the same locations as mentioned above. Basically, you can install the controller anywhere on the frame that stays out of the way while you’re riding.

Watch the video to see where and how to connect the controller:

How to Choose an E-Bike Controller (tips to follow):

The first thing you need to know before purchasing a controller is what type you want, a Sine wave or a Square wave.

A sine wave controller will be quieter, smoother, and have greater motor efficiency.

A square wave controller will work with multiple motors, use power voltage more efficiently, and be better at braking and accelerating suddenly.

Although a square wave controller will be noisier, it will also be less expensive than a sine wave controller.

Here are some other important tips to keep in mind when choosing one.

For an electric bike conversion:

  1. First, get a controller with a voltage that matches your bike’s battery and motor (24V, 36V, or 48V are typical).
  2. Buy a battery and controller that match amps and volts at the same time, so you don’t get stuck in the middle of your conversion.
  3. Make sure the controller you choose is compatible with your motor’s wattage.
  4. Your battery maximum output current needs to be higher than than the controller (typically 18A, 25A, or 35A).
  5. Find out whether your motor has hall sensors. If so, then your controller will need to manage hall sensors, typically either by being hall sensor or dual mode compatible.

Replacing a controller on an older e-bike

  1. Get a new controller that matches the voltage of the controller that was installed on your elecric bike by the manufacturers.
  2. Compare the price and quality of replacing the controller with the same brand… you’ll be assured it meets the right specifications.
  3. Get one with an LCD display… it’s worth the extra cost to be able to clearly see the battery level and find out how fast you’re riding, especially if you intend to use it for exercise and fitness.

Best Electric Bike Controllers to Buy (and their cost!)

If you need to purchase a new controller, take a look at the one’s other electric biker’s like:

Best Electric Bike Controllers on Amazon
NBPower Sine Wave Brushless DC Motor Controller
**** 1/2
$289

Dilwe Brushless Controller + LCD Display, Rainproof
****
$63

Wonvon Motor Brushless Controller + LCD Display, Waterproof
****
$57

EBIKELING 500W 1200W 1500W Waterproof
****
$58

Cozyel 48V/72V 2000W Brushless Motor Speed Controller
****
$70

Alomejor 12V 500W Motor Controller
**** 1/2
$22
Amazon paid links

How to Connect an Electric Bike Controller

In general, you should follow the diagram provided with the controller. However, the wire types, colors, and numbers may be different than currently included on your electric bike, especially if you have an advanced controller with a display.

If you’re replacing a controller, your electric bike will dictate how many wires are needed based on the features of your bike. For example, if you have additional features such as a LED headlight (this one from Amazon) or Reverse function, then you’ll need more wires in order to connect them.

Location of controller

To determine the best location to attach your controller to your electric bike, test a variety of spots that could work (as listed previously in this article). Make sure you can get on and off your e-bike and pedal freely without hitting the controller.

You can test each placement by putting the controller in a test spot and wrapping it with a tie or piece of velcro.

You can easily make sure the controller is waterproof by enclosing it in a controller box. Then just mount the box onto the bike’s frame.

Advanced controllers with display

Often, there are more wires found in controllers that come with quality LCD displays.

And, if you buy a controller with an LCD display, you can put the display on the handlebars, right in the middle where you can easily see your speed and battery power remaining.

Again, keep in mind that you may have extra wires that won’t attach to anything if you don’t have as many electronic features on your e-bike or with your conversion kit.

Electric Bike Controller with LCD Display
Advanced Controller LCD Display

Using a Conversion Kit

Certainly, if you’re considering an electric bike conversion, you can just buy an entire kit. Then you’ll know that your controller will match your motor perfectly.

Conversion kit options

You can get a complete conversion kit but you’ll want to make sure you know what you want (and that you can do it yourself)!

Make sure you do your research on the different types of conversion kits and know what’s involved first.

Find out everything you need to know about conversion kits in the E-Bike Conversion Guide I’ve compiled for you!

Conversion kit that includes the controller, motor, and throttle
Electric Brushless DC Motor Complete Kit with controller (on Amazon)

There are two main types of conversion kits:

  1. Standard: Mid-Drive motor kits and Concealed conversion kits

    These attach low and centered on your frame which will give you a balanced ride and smooth ride. And, if it’s a concealed kit, you’ll hardly notice it’s there, which makes your electric bike look pretty sleek.

    You may wish to choose this type of electric bike kit if you’re a semi-professional rider or place high value in the quality of each bike ride.
  2. All-in-One Electric Wheel Kit

    These are popular, easy-to-install kits that simply replace the bike’s wheel with one that contains a hub motor and electric gears.

    This is likely the type of conversion kit you’ll want to install if you’re a recreational or beginning rider.

New to e-biking? You might like to read this before you start an electric bike conversion!

Is It Safe to Hang an Electric Bike for Storage?

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0
Is it safe to hang an electric bike?

Hanging an electric bike is dangerous due to the risk of it falling on someone or the bike itself getting damaged. And there’s no doubt that storing an e-bike can be more of a problem than for a regular bike because of its delicate electric parts.

However, if secured correctly, you can hang an electric bike safely, either on a wall or from the ceiling. But because an e-bike is heavier, bulkier, and more likely to cause harm or get damaged if it falls than a traditional bike, hanging one can present some unique challenges.

In this article, I’ll explain the reasons you might hang your e-bike as well as where and how to do it.

Plus, I’ll show you the heavy-duty equipment you need to make sure it’s secure, so it doesn’t damage your electric bike or harm you or a family member.

Reasons Why You Should Consider Hanging Your Electric Bike

There are a number of reasons that you should think about hanging your electric bike. The first and foremost reason might be to avoid theft.

Below are three good reasons why you should hang your electric bike:

1. Save space in your garage, shed, or inside your home

You may not have room to store your electric bike inside your home. Further, your garage might already be stacked with items that don’t fit inside!

And, if you live in an apartment or condominium, it’s even harder to find a place to safely store your electric bike. Further, you probably don’t have any yard space for a bike shed (Amazon link).

One great way to solve this problem is by hanging your electric bike.

2. Keep your electric bike out of the way

Additionally, your e-bike will be out of your way if you hang it. You won’t have to worry about causing bruises by running into it. Nor will you have to worry about knocking it over and causing damage to your bike, furniture, walls, or items (such as other bikes) stored in your garage.

3. E-Bike theft prevention

With your electric bike hanging up, it won’t be easy for thieves to grab and carry off, especially if it’s hanging from the ceiling.

Plus, you have the added security of keeping it indoors… so you’ve really got two layers of protection.

Check out these 10 tips for preventing electric bike theft

Is it safe to hang an electric bike?

Hanging a Regular Bike vs an Electric One (how they’re different)

There are key differences between hanging a regular bike and an electric bike.

Weight of electric bike

The extra weight of an electric bike alone can make it more dangerous to hang up than a traditional one. Not to mention that it’s bulkier, likely has wider tires, and has sensitive electric components that require special care.

Electric bikes can easily weigh up to 70lbs or more. Not only are their frames thicker, in order to support the electric motor and battery, but the popularity of fat tires also makes e-bikes even heavier and requires more space.

However, if you’re willing to pay a bit more for a high-quality road bike, like the Trek Domane +, you can find e-bikes that weigh under 40lbs (the Trek Domain weighs 38lbs).

Bright purple Trek e-bike that you can easily hang thanks to its lower weight than other electric bikes
Trek Domane + Road E-Bike weighs only 38lbs and is easy to hang in your garage or on a wall.

E-bike tire size

E-Bikes have a wide variety of tire sizes. This is why it’s not always an option to use a traditional garage floor bike rack… because the tires may not fit in between the slots!

In fact, most e-bikes have wider tires than traditional bikes to support the heavy bike frame. And, if they’re fat tires, then they’re likely to be 2.75″- 4.0″ wide or more.

My own RadMini Step-Thru e-bike has fat tires that are 3.3″, which is a pretty average size for a hybrid fat tire bike.

So, the point is, whereas you might need a bike hoist or hooks that hold up to 40lbs for most traditional bikes, you’ll instead need one that holds an electric bike up to 80lbs!

Further, whereas typical bike hooks will allow you to hang a bike with average-sized wheels, you’ll need to find one that will accommodate your electric bike’s generally wider tires. And if you have fat tires at 3″-4″ wide, your mounting method may need to be reconsidered.

Woman riding step-thru e-bike model

Find out more about my Radmini fat tire electric bike

Should You Hang Your Electric Bike on the Wall?

Typically, if you’re considering hanging your e-bike on the wall, you’ll have to choose between vertical or horizontal.

Vertical mounts save wall space, while horizontal mounting saves the most space in the room you’re hanging it in. If you have a lot of open wall space in your garage, you can easily store your electric bike on it.

Choosing between the two, vertical or horizontal, and the best hanging bike mount isn’t that difficult once you consider the weight they hold.

Check out these wall rack options from Amazon:

Vertical Bike MountHorizontal Bike MountWeight CapacityPrice
Steadyrack Bike Rack77lbs$89
PRO BIKE TOOL Swivel Bike Wall Hanger66lbs$39
Sportneer Bike Wall Mount, Horizontal Metal Adjustable Bicycle Rack55lbs$29
BriskMore Bike Wall Mount- Adjustable Horizontal80lbs$42
Weight Capacity may be dependent on hanging rack on studs or beams.

*This article contains paid links to Amazon.

How to hang electric bike onto Steadyrack
Photo courtesy of Steadyrack Bike Racks, Amazon

Benefits of hanging your e-bike on the wall

  • Your e-bike will be easier to lift than if hanging from the ceiling (assuming you don’t put the bike hooks or bike rack too far up the wall)
  • You might find a spot inside your home for storage, such as behind a door
  • It’ll be more accessible and easier to take out and ride than if you hang your e-bike from the ceiling

Cons of hanging your electric bike on a wall

  • Your electric bike is more likely to get bumped from a car or other garage equipment (or slammed between the door and wall if hanging inside)
  • E-Bikes are still much more difficult to lift due to weight and size
  • A typical bike rack might not hold your e-bike due to tire size or weight
Sportneer Bike Wall Mount, Horizontal Metal Adjustable Bicycle Rack
Can you hang your electric bike with this Sportneer horizontal bike rack from Amazon? Only if it’s under 55lbs!

Can You Hang Your Electric Bike from the Ceiling?

You’ve likely seen many bikes hanging from ceilings. Traditionally, however, they’re regular bikes that don’t weigh more than 30lbs. But is it safe to hang an electric bike from the ceiling?

Thankfully, there are ways to make sure your e-bike and its equipment stay safe, as well as ways to make sure no one gets hurt by a falling electric bike.

And, since hanging your e-bike from the ceiling might seem like the best option if you lack space to store it in, then it’ll help to understand the pros and cons.

Here are some choices from Amazon:

Ceiling Pulley or LiftWeight CapacityPrice
RAD Cycle Products Rail Mount Bike Lift75lbs$36
Kayak Hoist System125lbs$45
Bike Lane Products Bicycle Hoist Quality Garage Storage Bike Lift100lbs$16
Bike Lift Hoist for Garage Storage – Heavy Duty100lbs$19
Consider adding a 2×4 board to your ceiling for maximum safety.

The RAD Cycle Products Rail Mount Bike Lift is a good example of a hoist and pulley system that’ll hold up to 75lbs:

RAD Cycle Products Rail Mount Bike Lift holds up to 75lbs
RAD Cycle Products Rail Mount Bike Lift holds up to 75lbs

Benefits of hanging your e-bike from the ceiling

  • Your e-bike will be completely out of the way of your car, lawnmowers, other large equipment stored in the garage, and people
  • Using a pulley system will make it fairly easy to get your electric bike up to the ceiling
  • Ceiling bike racks allow for a wider range of tires sizes, so they’re perfect for hanging fat tire e-bikes
  • It’ll be quite difficult for your e-bike to get stolen

Cons of hanging your electric bike on a ceiling

  • You’ll need a super strong, safe bike rack system to hold your electric bike overhead
  • Your e-bike will be difficult to hoist or lift (if not using a pulley) due to weight and size
  • A typical bike rack might not have a load capacity high enough to hold a heavy electric bike

Read this to find all of the best ways to store your e-bike

How to Hang Electric Bikes for Storage Safely

Once you’ve decided whether to hang your bike from the ceiling or on a wall (and which way… horizontal or vertical), finding out how to do it safely is your next step.

And this is primarily dependent upon the type of bike rack or pulley system you choose and the weight of your electric bike.

It may not be safe to hang your e-bike this way if it weighs too much for you to handle. Make sure to protect your back and shoulders, as well as the rest of your body from harm. I know that my 5’2″ body definitely couldn’t lift my 68lb Radmini e-bike up a wall by myself. But it helps to have a partner!

How to hang your e-bike on a wall mount (safe and secure)

Some wall mounts are more secure than others, especially when it comes to an e-bike weighing 50lbs or more. At least installing a wall bike rack or hook is relatively easy.

You’ll want to find the wall studs using a stud finder. Then hang the bike rack according to the directions that come with the wall mount.

I love the Steadyrack Bike Rack System because it accommodates multiple tire sizes and holds a bike up to 77lbs. The Fat Tire rack holds tires having a width of 2.8″ to 5″!

Steadyrack Bike Rack from Amazon

Steadyrack Bike Rack for Hanging on Wall
Steadyrack Vertical Wall Bike Rack

Just confirm your e-bike weight and load capacity of the bike rack. Then choose the right size vertical tire rack when you purchase!

How to hang your e-bike from the ceiling

Because of the heaviness of most e-bikes, I’d recommend using a pulley lift or hoist so that you won’t have any problem hanging the bike due to its weight.

First, you need to find out what load capacity is needed for your e-bike. Check the manufacturer if you’re not sure of the bike’s weight.

Then make sure your electric bike weighs less than the ceiling bike rack weight load allows for.

Next, consider adding a 2X4 to your garage ceiling so that you can ensure the pulley lift will be secure once installed. Attach the pulley according to the instructions that come with it.

You might even choose a pulley system that holds large items (like this one from Amazon) if your electric bike weighs a lot. This kayak hoist actually holds up to 125 pounds of weight, so you can be sure it’ll keep your electric bike safe and secure.

pulley system to hang bikes on
Kayak Hoist System, Amazon

Safety Tips for Hanging your Electric bike

  • Don’t hang it upside down unless the manufacture recommends it: You may damage its electric parts
  • For safety: Add a 2×4 board to your garage ceiling before installing a bike rack
  • Find a wall stud to attach your wall rack safely to
  • Buy and install a bike rack that has a load capacity higher than your e-bike to make sure it’ll stay hanging safe and sound
  • Know how much weight you can safely lift before deciding how to hang your electric bike
  • Don’t ever hang your electric bike by the spokes, even if its suggested (an e-bike is too heavy and will damage the spokes)
  • Remove the battery from your e-bike to decrease its weight load and to keep the battery in a safer location.

Just follow these safety tips and choose a bike rack system that can hold more than your bike’s weight. You’ll love getting your electric bike out of the way and feel good about keeping it stored safely!

Can a Child Ride an Electric Bike? (USA Minimum Age)

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0
Children Riding Electric Bikes on a dirt road in the country

The use of electric bikes for children is a much-debated topic. Add this to the already existing concern over allowing faster-moving electric bikes on the roads and bike paths and there are a lot of questions that need to be answered.

The first question you need to ask is whether it’s even legal to let your child ride an electric bike!

In many U.S. states, there is a minimum age requirement for which a child can legally ride an electric bike, typically 14-16 years old. However, some states don’t have an age requirement yet have other laws impacting when a child can ride an e-bike.

These discrepancies can happen because individual states in the USA are allowed to make their own laws and traffic rules about riding an electric bike.

I’ve researched and put together a chart showing you the minimum ages to ride an electric bike in each of the U.S. states. Keep in mind that states may re-write laws and add or take away regulations frequently.

Thus, it’s always a good idea to confirm the age a child is allowed to ride an electric bike and the conditions under which they are allowed to do so with each state.

Once you’re certain your child is old enough for an e-bike where you live, it’s time to consider other important questions surrounding children riding electric bikes. For instance, can a child ride one safely? And should they even ride an e-bike?

Continue reading and I’ll help you decide whether you should allow your kids to ride e-bikes… and at what age.

Children Riding Electric Bikes on a dirt road in the country

What Age Do You Have to Be to Ride an Electric Bike?

There’s a lot of confusion over the laws surrounding electric bikes in general. And this holds true when determining the age at which a child can ride an e-bike.

The age you need to be to ride an electric bike is typically determined by the laws of each U.S. state and the e-bike three-tiered classification system. Some states only have a minimum age requirement if a child will be riding a Class 3 electric bike with a pedal assist maximum speed of 28 mph.

Unfortunately, some states just haven’t reviewed bicycle laws recently and thus haven’t kept up with the types of e-bikes and helpful classifications. So, that leaves you guessing and wondering whether it’s okay for your 10-year-old or 17-year-old to ride an e-bike legally.

However, even if you think it’ll be alright for your child to ride an e-bike, you should follow the laws set by each state.

What States Have a Minimum Age Requirement for Electric Bikes?

U.S. StatesMinimum Age
Requirement		May Require a License
(contact each state)
Alabama, Alaska, Michigan, New Hampshire,
North Dakota, Tennesee		14Alabama, Alaska, North Dakota
Hawaii, Indiana, Minnesota, New Jersey15Hawaii, Indiana, New Jersey
Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Illinois, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Washington DC, West Virginia, Vermont16Idaho, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, West Virginia
*See all other states without minimum
age requirements under below
(some have additional restrictions)
Additional age & license restrictions may apply (e.g., a higher required age for Class 3 e-bikes)

Unfortunately, the truth is that there are still some states that classify electric bikes as mopeds, motor vehicles, or even motorcycles. These states may require a license to ride one and/or have other special considerations.

Want to know whether you or your child need a license to ride an e-bike? Check here.

What States Don’t Allow a Child to Ride an Electric Bike?

Some states have little regulation at all, having no age limits for riding an e-bike. However, they may have other very specific laws regarding electric bikes and should be contacted directly if the age requirements are unclear.

Here are the states that have no minimum age requirement for legally riding a pedal assist electric bike, subject to change as laws are added and modified (although some states specify a minimum age limit for Class 3 e-bikes as defined by the three-tiered classification system):

  • Arizona
  • Colorado*
  • Delaware
  • Georgia (except in the case of a Class 3 e-bike, in which case you musy be at least 15)
  • Iowa*
  • Kansas
  • Louisiana (check to see what age kids can ride e-bikes)
  • Maine*
  • Maryland*
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri (however, it’s illegal for anyone, regardless of age, to ride a motorized bike without a driver’s license on roads or highways that are public)
  • Nebraska
  • Nevada
  • New Mexico
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota*
  • Texas (except in the case of a Class 3 electric bike, in which case the minimum age requirement is 15)
  • Utah* (except… 1. a Class 3 e-bike, for which you must be age 16 or above; and 2. under age 14 in public areas unless supervised directly by parent or guardian)
  • Virginia (but must be under adult supervision until the age of 14)
  • West Virginia* (check to see if your child can ride e-bikes… new traffic laws are in process and there is currently a minimum age of 16 years for a Class 3)
  • Wisconsin*
  • Wyoming

* No age requirements except for Class 3 e-bikes, in which case you must be 16

Discover where it’s legal to ride electric bikes with your child!

Even if where you live hasn’t yet set electric bike riding requirements, or hasn’t updated and is still classifying them as motorcycles or requiring a license to ride, you’ll want to determine for yourself at what age you feel comfortable letting your kids ride electric bikes.

Electric Bike Hub Motor on Rear Wheel
The motor power on an electric bike helps a child pedal more easily.

Are Electric Bikes Good For Kids?

Electric bicycles can be an excellent way for a child to get their daily dose of exercise while also being able to get to school or a friend’s house independently.

The greatest thing about riding an e-bike is that they won’t have to worry about whether or not they’ll have enough energy to make it back home. That’s because electric bikes have a motor to assist them while pedaling. So they won’t need to pedal hard to get up a hill or go over a long bike path.

Another benefit is that they can use a bike rack to carry their backpack, projects, or school supplies… and this extra weight they’re carrying won’t make it harder to ride. They can just increase the pedal assistance on their e-bike and zoom home in no time.

As a result, your kid won’t even realize that you’ve found a great way to increase their cardiovascular exercise, improve their mental health, and keep them from sitting in front of the tv, computer, or phone! Plus, you’ll save gas and car maintenance expenses.

Best of all, electric bikes allow your kids to keep up with you (and their older siblings) while riding! If your child is using the pedal assist on an ebike, you’ll spend less time stopping and waiting… or moving very slowly.

Thus, electric biking may have greater benefits than riding a traditional bike for young riders.

How Old Should My Child Be to Ride an Electric Bike?

But the most important question about kids riding e-bikes is whether they should ride one, not whether they can. Since e-bikes and e-mountain bikes are faster, heavier, and more expensive than regular bikes, there is a lot to consider.

Generally, it’s a bad idea to allow small children to ride bikes with a powerful motor. And there aren’t many kids e-bikes being manufactured, so you may end up choosing from ones built for adults.

Therefore, your child should be old enough to:

  • understand and follow traffic rules in the state they live in
  • have good common sense
  • and have a specific need to ride an e-bike (such as commuting to school), if they will be unsupervised

The majority of states agree that this is around the age of 16, although some agree it’s only 14 or 15.

As a parent, if you have concerns that they’ll ride recklessly, not follow traffic laws, refuse to wear a helmet, or not listen to your guidance, then you should carefully consider whether they should ride an electric bike.

Can My Kid Ride a Class 3 Electric Bike?

Many states have laws requiring that the minimum age for riding a Class 3 e-bike is 16 years old, even if they haven’t set age limits for riding one.

Thus, your kid should only ride a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike (with a pedal assist maximum speed of 20 mph), if allowed by law in your state. I also recommend limiting the motor wattage to 250W.

This is for your child’s safety and the safety of others, as a Class 3 e-bike has a speed limit of 28 mph when assisted by the electric motor. Even as an adult, you might avoid Class 3 e-bikes because they might seem unnecessarily fast.

Electric Bike Safety for Kids

As parents, safety is typically a top priority. So, you want to find out if our child can ride an electric bike safely, even if they meet the age requirement? And further, should you let them?

Bright blue bike safety helmet
Getting a brightly colored bike safety helmet will make your child visible and stylish (Amazon)

Bikes are a great way for kids to get exercise and explore their surroundings. But parents are typically concerned more about safety than anything. Of course, you’ll tell your child that they must wear a helmet.

However, if you’re reading this article, you’re probably a parent who is hesitant to buy your children electric bikes because they move faster (and are heavier) than traditional bikes.

But electric bikes are just as safe as normal bikes for your child as long as they wear protective headgear and knee pads, and follow traffic rules. Of course, you’ll want to take more precautions with a child who’s 10 years of age than one who’s 17 years old.

There are easy safety rules to follow and teach your son or daughter before allowing them to ride their e-bike independently.

Ways to keep your child safe on an electric bike

  • First, if your child is under 16, don’t let them ride an e-bike with a motor that has more than 250 Watts. There’s just no need to give them extra power when this is probably their first electric bike.

    They’ll be absolutely thrilled to feel the bike take off with just a little pedaling (thanks to the motor power providing pedal assist) and easily ride where they want to go!

    Surely, a 250 Watt bike is likely sufficient for most kids age 16 or 17 as well.
  • Make sure your child’s electric bike is well-maintained and do a pre-ride safety check before each ride.
  • Wear an electric bike helmet : As a parent you should be a good role model and wear your own helmet. This will help your child get comfortable with it quickly and see it as a “must do” when riding their electric bike. Get a safe but stylish helmet (Amazon) that your kid is excited to wear!
  • Encourage them to ride on the sidewalk whenever possible.
  • But also teach them to how to reduce motor power. They should slow down and be more cautious when approaching pedestrians or other bikes and electric scooters.
  • Teach your child how to use a bike bell (get one on Amazon) and when to use it. Show them how close they need to be to get someone’s attention without scaring them (this is a little hard to determine but depends on how loud your bell is)!
  • Role model being polite to pedestrians by saying “excuse me” and “thank you”. This, in turn, will help reduce pedestrian irritation roward your child bike rider.
  • Remind your children that they’re likely going faster than traditional bikes… and consider how electric bikes are different when teaching your child basic bicycle safety tips (see below).

Check out the following article to help your child ride an e-bike safely:

11 other important electric bike safety tips your child (and you!) need to know!

Summary: Can Your Child Ride an Electric Bike?

I hope I’ve answered your questions about whether your child can ride a bike with an electric motor legally and safely. Make sure to follow the minimum age requirement in your state…. they’re not for guidance, they’re the law.

Further, decide whether or not an electric bike makes sense for your kid in the first place!

Will they always wear helmets? Can they be responsible with the motor speed? Will they follow all laws and regulations?

But, as long as it’s legal in your state and your child learns how to stay safe, then there’s no doubt that they’ll have a ton of fun, get great exercise, and appreciate the independence that comes with riding an electric bike!

Find out more about what your kid can do with an e-bike!

Can I Charge My E-Bike Battery Overnight? (And is it safe?)

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0
Black electric bike with battery in the middle under the seat.

Electric bike batteries are expensive to replace. In fact, they’re likely to be the most expensive part of your e-bike. So, naturally, you’ll want to make sure that you’re taking good care of your battery and that you’re safely maintaining it.

One of the things you may be wondering is whether it’s okay to charge your battery for a long period of time, such as overnight, and whether it’s safe to do so.

In general, you can charge your e-bike battery overnight and it’s safe to do so. However, there are several ways to properly maintain your battery so that you minimize risks.

Continue reading to find out what could be a problem with charging overnight and what you should never do with your e-bike battery.

Is it Bad to Charge Your E-Bike Battery Overnight?

It’s not bad to charge the battery overnight as long as you take good care of the battery and its charger.

Most newer electric bike batteries are designed to manage many hours of electric charging. They are so advanced, in fact, that they actually allow the battery to charge fully but know when to cut off the electric current. These smart batteries prevent overcharging automatically.

So there’s no reason that charging it overnight would be immediately harmful.

However, if the battery is not charged correctly or has been previously damaged, then overnight charging (or any lengthy charging) could be a bad thing.

Considering that the battery is the most expensive, and important, component of your electric bike, preventing battery damage should be at the top of your list anyway. So, I’ve listed a few things you should not do with your battery overnight.

Black electric bike with battery in the middle under the seat.

Do’s and don’ts for overnight battery charging:

  • Do use the correct charger (generally, the one that comes with your electric bike or battery purchase)

    Don’t assume a charger fits your battery just because it looks like the same size. The right charger will have exactly the same voltage and amps (Watt-hours/wh) that your battery requires. For example, a 36-volt battery with 2 amps shouldn’t be attached to a charging station meant for 48-volt batteries with 5 amps.

    Hint: If you share a household with another electric bike user, make sure to label your chargers like my husband and I do!

    You may be able to charge it with a car battery and power inverter, generator, or even solar panels, but make sure you know how to do it correctly.
  • Do place your charger on a hard, non-flammable surface overnight

    So, if by some slim chance it causes a spark, it won’t have anything to catch on fire. In other words, don’t leave it on the carpet or furniture.
  • Do charge your electric bike battery in a room with a temperature around 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit when charging it overnight (or for several hours unattended)

    This is a charging tip you should follow whenever possible, as it’ll improve your battery life. Further, extreme heat or cold for several hours at a time could damage it.
  • Don’t leave your battery plugged into power overnight too often

    This could reduce the long-term life of your e-bike battery. In fact, most electric bike manufactures will recommend keeping your battery charged at around 80-90% for longer life. Thus, there’s no need to make sure your e-bike is fully charged every night.

Read here for 15 important battery charging tips for e-bikes.

Is It Safe to Leave a Battery Charger On Overnight?

A bigger concern about whether you can charge your e-bike battery overnight is your and your family’s safety.

You may have heard about lithium-ion batteries causing dangerous fires. And it certainly has happened… this is why you aren’t allowed to bring lithium-ion batteries onto an airplane (find out more about this in our electric bike travel guide).

Although there is little concern about fire with newer batteries, there are things you can do to keep your battery and your family safe.

E-Bike Battery Charger
A current charger that shows when an e-bike battery is being charged

What is safe for your e-bike battery

  1. It’s okay to keep your battery at a lower charge if you aren’t riding it regularly or it’s in storage.

    Keeping it between 40% and 70% is fine. So, you don’t need to keep it fully charged to keep it in good shape, but you also shouldn’t let it discharge completely.

    In other words, do not keep your battery plugged in night after night when you won’t be riding it.
  2. However, if you ride frequently, you can keep your battery safely charged at 80%-90%.

    There’s no need to keep the battery fully charged at 100%. So, you don’t really need to charge it overnight most times.

    In fact, keeping it at 80%-90% will help you get the longest life possible. This could mean not having to replace your electric bike battery until it’s 5 or 6 years old, as opposed to only 3 or 4.
  3. But, it’s also okay to fully charge your battery right before a long ride.

    This is why you have an electric bike in the first place, right? … to ride it longer and farther! Your bike ride will be seriously disrupted if your battery dies while you’re riding it. So, go ahead and give it a 100% charge overnight.

Find out how to safely store your electric bike & battery

How to prevent damage to your electric bike battery

There are several things you should never do with your electric bike battery. Doing these things could harm your battery, the charger, or yourself:

  1. Remove the battery from your electric bike once in a while during charging.

    If you don’t, it’s possible that corrosion, dirt, or other gunk has built up between the connections to the bike and battery unknowingly. This may disrupt the battery connection and leave you without an e-bike to ride.
  2. Avoid extreme temperature changes.

    Below freezing temperatures or those above 110 degrees Fahrenheit will most certainly degrade your battery over time.

    Although you can’t always avoid temperature changes while riding, you should only leave your battery on its charger in mild conditions (60-70 degrees Fahrenheit is optimal).
  3. Don’t overcharge your e-bike battery!

    Overcharging can lead to decreased battery performance over its lifetime. Keep reading below to learn more.

How Often Should I Charge My E-Bike Battery?

An electric bike battery needs to be charged regularly for optimal performance. However, there are no hard and fast rules on how often an e-bike battery should be charged.

Rather, it’s more important to consider at what percent you should keep your battery charged. If it has been fully charged to 100% once (which is recommended before riding it the first time), maintaining your battery charge at 80%-90% is generally a good idea.

Then give it another full charge occasionally or before you take off for a long day ride.

Example of what an electric bike battery looks like
Always follow recommended e-bike battery charging care.

Don’t overcharge your battery

Overcharging your battery means you are keeping your electric bike charging up for days at a time, even when you aren’t riding it. This is completely different than just charging it overnight.

What happens here is that the battery will very slowly discharge over time. then it will start to recharge again. So, it misses full charging cycles completely, giving it only a small burst of volts.

This will wear down your battery much more quickly.

Additionally, you can overcharge a battery by recharging it every time it has drained from a short ride. If you take a ride and see that your battery has lost 5-10% of its charge, and you fully charge it and then do this repeatedly, you run the risk of overcharging.

Storing your electric bike with battery fully drained

Another way to quickly degrade your battery is by letting it completely drain and not recharging it. If you plan on storing your e-bike for a period of weeks or months, make sure you remove the battery from the bike.

Now, you can easily check and charge the battery occasionally. This will ensure a longer life and will keep your battery safe and well-maintained when you decide to ride your electric bike again.

Here are the best solutions for electric bike storage!

Conclusion: Can You Charge Your E-Bike Overnight Safely?

If you take good care of your battery and charger and follow the recommendations I’ve discussed above, then you can expect to safely charge your electric bike battery overnight.

Further, taking good care of your battery will prolong its life, minimize safety risks, and provide a reliable battery that’ll help you get where you need to go.

And, perhaps as an unexpected benefit of properly charging your e-bike battery, you’ll save money as well because you won’t have to replace it nearly as soon.

Can I Charge My E-Bike Battery Overnight
Share the answer to this question on Pinterest!

Can You Charge an E-Bike With a Generator?

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0
Orange and grey Portable Power Station 300W,Peak 600W Solar Outdoor Generators
This small, portable generator can charge your 250W electric bike while on the go!

How do you charge an e-bike battery? How often can it be charged? Can I overcharge the battery? These are all questions that people ask when figuring out how electric bikes work. There’s certainly a lot to understand about charging the battery.

And, if you camp, travel, or live off grid, a common question is whether you can charge it with a generator.

You can charge an electric bike with a generator. However, the generator must supply the same watts that your e-bike battery needs to charge fully.

To find this out, you’ll have to know the wattage of the generator and how much power your bike battery needs to be fully charged.

I’ll go into detail about how to charge an electric bike battery with a generator and other alternative ways of charging it in this blog post!

How Many Watts Does It Take to Charge an Electric Bike?

The wattage of the generator is a measure of how much electrical power it can produce in an hour.

This number is important to know when you are charging your battery with a generator. This is because if the output wattage isn’t high enough, then it takes longer for the e-bike’s battery to charge. Or, the battery won’t reach its full charge at all.

For example, if you have an electric road bike with a 500 Watt battery, then you’ll need a generator with more than 500 Watts of output to charge the battery fully.

I’ve looked into some highly-rated generators matching or exceeding various electric bike watts on Amazon (paid links) and here’s what I found:

Electric Bike WattsGeneratorWattsCostRating
250WPortable Power Station Solar Outdoor Generator300W$2494 stars
500WEF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station600W$3494 1/2 stars
750WPowerSmart Generator, Portable Generator1000W$1894 1/2 stars
1000WChampion Power Equipment, Inverter Generator2000W$4494 1/2 stars
1500WChampion Power Equipment, RV Ready Portable Generator, CARB3000W$3794 1/2 stars

If you have plenty of time, then it’s no problem because your generator will just take longer to complete its task. However, if your bike needs a quick recharge and there isn’t enough power from the generator, then that means you’ll be waiting for hours on end.

For instance, if your battery requires 500 watts and your generator has a 1,000-watt capacity, then you should be able to charge your electric bike quickly without any issues.

Even this small, portable generator can charge 250W electric bikes while on the go!

Orange and grey Portable Power Station 300W,Peak 600W Solar Outdoor Generators
Portable Power Station 300W, Peak 600W Solar Outdoor Generator

Can You Charge an E-Bike With a Generator?

In general, you can use a generator to charge your electric battery as long as it has a power output that’s higher than your e-bike’s battery.

If your generator has enough watts, then it’s just a matter of plugging your generator into an outlet and connecting one end to the battery.

This well-rated generator should easily charge your 250W or 500W e-bike:

Black EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station 600W
600W EF ECOFLOW Portable Power Station with LED Flashlight

It’ll take a while for the battery to charge because it will be using power from both sources (itself and the generator).

But once you have enough power from the generator, then you’ll be able to charge your battery without any issues. You can check the battery charge on your e-bike’s controller display.

How to Charge an Electric Bikes With a Generator

If you’re still not sure that the generator has enough power to charge your ebike battery, you can do the following. Take the output wattage of your generator and compare it to what is needed for charging the battery.

If they are close, then you should be able to charge your bike’s battery using a generator. But if not, then you’ll have to use alternative methods of charging (which I discuss below).

Once you’ve done that, plug one end of a charging cable into an outlet and connect it to the electric bike’s battery.

Now, when you turn on your generator and let it run for a while, then that will allow your electric bike battery to charge up!

How Do You Charge an E-Bike When Camping? (With a Generator)

You can charge electric bikes while camping as long as you have an RV generator, or a portable generator, that has the same or greater watts than your electric bike.

This is no different from any other charging situation as far as the battery itself goes. However, there are a few things to consider before you assume your generator will work while camping.

Using a generator while camping

Once you have a generator that’s powerful enough for your e-bike and other power needs (like air conditioning in your camper), you’ll want to make sure you can actually use it.

So, make sure that:

  1. your campsite has power outlets
  2. there is a power outlet specifically at the campsite you’re reserving
  3. and that your particular camping area’s power grid is reliable

To ensure that they’ll be adequate, call ahead and/or research it to make sure you won’t be left hanging without a power source.

First, plug the charger into a campsite outlet and connect it to your bike battery.

When power is coming from the campsite’s outlet, there should be enough wattage for charging up!

Look here to make sure you’ve got all the important electric bike travel accessories!

Buying a portable generator

The only thing you have to worry about now is making sure that the generator you buy has enough watts to power up your electric bike, especially for longer trips.

You can calculate how many watts are needed to charge your e-bike by multiplying its wattage by the number of hours it would need to spend charging. So, it’s a good idea to know how long your battery typically needs to power up when charging it in a regular wall socket at home.

Now, compare that with what a generator’s watts can provide (in terms of watt-hour). Watt-hours will tell you how long the generator can power up and provide electricity.

If your electric bike’s watts and the generator’s watts are close, then you should be able to charge up your e-bike battery without any problem! Don’t skimp and try to buy a small generator with too few watts. This could backfire and leave you without a bike to ride for the entire camping trip!

However, if you’re camping, then you’ll likely want to have additional watts for cooking, air conditioning, and charging your mobile phone and laptop. In this case, make sure your generator has much greater wattage than your bike.

For instance, this RV generator below will power up your e-bike and pretty much any of your camping needs!

Black and yellow Champion Power Equipment 3500W RV Generator
Champion Power Equipment 3500W RV Generator

Find out what a generator’s wattage is before you buy it. Further, talk to an RV specialist to make sure your generator is sufficient.

Read the USA e-bike travel guide to get the most out of your adventures!

Can I Charge My Electric Bike with a Solar Panel?

So we know how to use a generator to charge an e-bike’s battery but what if there are no power outlets nearby? Can you charge an electric bike with solar power or wind energy instead?

If you’re in a place where there’s full sun, then it might be possible to use a solar panel. But if not (or if the weather is cloudy), it might not work well!

Here’s how to charge your e-bike with solar energy:

  • First, make sure that your solar panels are big enough to cover the wattage of your electric bike. You may need a Maximum Power Point Tracker (MPPT) that matches up the solar panels with your electric bike battery power.

    You can also calculate by multiplying its watts with how many hours it needs charging and dividing that number in half. Therefore, for a 100W battery, you need 100W x 16hrs = 1600W. Divide that in half and you’ll need 800W to power your e-bike.
  • Second, make sure your solar panels are facing the sun. You can use a compass app on your phone to make this easier and more accurate!
  • Third, for good solar charge, make sure the panels are clean and not shaded by trees or other things.
  • Fourth, make sure your solar panel is connected to a controller that has enough wattage for charging up with solar power!

If you’re camping, then these controllers could be something like an inverter (usually called a generator-inverter) which can help use solar charge.

Find out more about how to charge an e-bike with a solar panel!

Can I Charge My E-Bike with a Wind Turbine?

Electric bikes can be charge with wind turbines, but the equipment to set up may cost too much. Saving a few dollars over 10 or 20 years is probably not worth it.

However, there are companies experimenting with this. Flower Turbines is one company that wants to make it easy to charge electric bikes and scooters with wind, as well as solar power. Their goal is to provide both on grid and off grid energy.

So, you won’t need a wall outlet, second battery, or fuel cells to produce more power!

Can You Charge an E-Bike Battery with an Inverter?

Inverters can be quite efficient at charging e-bikes. However, it’ll require a powerful continuous inverter like this one.

Red metal inverter box
DC24V to AC110V 60Hz 2000W Continuous Output Power Pure SINE Wave Inverter with LCD Wire Remote

What you need to know before buying an inverter

Inverters are typically less expensive than a second battery, so it makes sense to consider using one. If you are often far from electric outlets and/or outdoors a lot, having an inverter can come in handy.

Plus, having extra batteries on hand can be a hassle, as well as costly.

But be aware that an inverter powerful enough to charge your e-bike can actually damage your car’s fuses. In this case, you may need a separate circuit to be wired. Unless you’re handy with electricity, you’d best get someone to help you do this. This is a great long-term solution for charging your e-bike, so it may be worth the time and effort.

For example, you can use an RV inverter to connect directly to your electric bike’s battery to charge it. You’ll need a power inverter or “inverter-charger” for this and they can be purchased at any RV repair store.

Find out what an inverter’s wattage is before you buy one (or ask the salesperson). This should tell you how many watts your e-bike will need to be able to charge up.

The great thing about an inverter is that it can convert DC batteries into AC power for your recharger! This makes it possible to use a car battery if you’re in need of one, or even the solar panels we mentioned earlier!

Inverters have limits too though: They won’t work with electric bike batteries that are over 30Ah (which won’t be a problem for most electric bikes).

There are also two types of inverters: voltage and wattage.

Voltage is how much surge in volts the inverter can withstand before it malfunctions, while wattage is simply its power capacity (i.e., 2000 watts).

I suggest you read the Amazon customer reviews on inverters before purchasing.

Can I Charge My Electric Bike Battery With a USB Cable?

A USB cable is 5 volts DC and e-bikes are typically 24 volts or 36 volts. So, you can’t charge your electric bike battery with a USB cable.

Not only is it not powerful enough to charge your bike battery, but the receiving end of the plug wouldn’t fit anyways!

As a side note however… you can add a USB port to your e-bike to charge your mobile phone! Buy a cable. Glue it to your e-bike (with a glue appropriate for metal and plastic together). Done.

Many e-bike brands now come with a USB outlet included, so you won’t even need a cable.

Conclusion: Can you charge an electric bike with a generator?

Generators have long been used as backup sources for electricity and can also be helpful when charging bike batteries.

If you’re concerned about being out in the world without enough capacity to charge your electric bike, then having a generator is a perfect option for you.

Just make sure your generator has as many watts or more than your e-bike!

Are Trek E-Bikes Waterproof?

By
Lisa Sylvester
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0
Red and black Trek Domane+ LT9 E-Bike

A Trek electric bike is ideal for heavy riders and commuters who need a little boost and don’t want to sacrifice performance. But they are a substantial investment, so many people want to know if they’ll be able to protect it from the rain, snow, and even during washing.

Trek Bikes doesn’t specifically state that their electric bikes are waterproof. However, they clearly indicate that their batteries are waterproof. And they tell you not to submerge electronic components in the water or you may lose your warranty.

So what does this mean exactly? It means that there are a few more questions that need to be asked in order to protect your expensive electric bike from being damaged by water.

I’m answering them here, so keep reading.

Are Trek E-Bikes Waterproof or Water-Resistant?

It’s not easy to determine if Trek E-bikes are technically waterproof or not.

Trek uses lots of high-quality parts (such as Bosch and Bontrager) and their reputation is staked on providing bikes people love. So, they’ve sealed all of the important parts and typically use better-than-average components to build their bikes.

This ensures that Trek e-bikes are water-resistant and weather-proof.

Red and black Trek Domane+ LT9 E-Bike
Photo Courtesy of Trek Bikes

If you’re concerned that you’ll be riding in a rainy or snowy area, you can be certain that Trek expects your e-bike to get wet. So, you can ride comfortably knowing that you have one of the best electric bikes there is.

You only have to check out the shop on their site and you’ll find any number of waterproof accessories to go along with your e-bike. And there are a number of apparel products to keep you from getting wet (such as waterproof shoe covers and gloves).

If you’re looking to waterproof your bike riding, take a look at these goodies from Amazon… waterproof pannier bags, phone wallets, and apparel (such as waterproof shoe covers and cycling gloves).

I recommend that you shop for waterproof bike accessories on Amazon (and not just because I’m an affiliate). You’ll definitely save money over shopping on an e-bike retailer site and loads of reviews can help you decide exactly what to get.

And then there’s the battery…

Is the battery on a Trek electric bike waterproof?

Trek Bikes claims that each electric bike has a waterproof battery. And, in all of my e-biking research, I haven’t found anything to suggest otherwise.

Trek e-bike batteries charge quickly and have an intelligent battery system that securely locks in all the power while you’re riding. This also suggests that the battery on any Trek bike is waterproof.

Check out all of the high-quality, sleek, & sporty Trek e-bike models like the one below!

Black with red and yellow E-Caliber 9.8 XT electric bike
Super cool Trek E-Caliber 9.8 XT… Love the colors!

Most of their bikes even have batteries sealed in a case which gives me more confidence that they are indeed waterproof. Being enclosed in the frame also helps the battery blend in and looks pretty sleek… definitely a perk!

But, a couple of their least expensive models, the Trek Verve+2 and the Verve+2 Low-Step, don’t have these cases. This doesn’t mean that the batteries aren’t waterproof, however. It just means that they look like batteries attached to your e-bike.

In other words, they’re just like many other electric bike brands on the market who want to offer less expensive bikes by lowering the costs of manufacturing.

Get the tips you need to take care of your e-bike’s battery

Can You Ride a Trek E-Bike in the Rain?

Riding a Trek e-bike in the rain is totally acceptable. High-quality Trek bikes have electric systems built to handle getting wet.

For example, Trek tells you that their bikes, like the Domaine+ models, can handle rain and snow. But it does come with a warning… just make sure you don’t submerge any of the electric components, including the battery, motor, and controller.

Doing so can break your warranty as well as leave you with a rusting electric bike and battery that has non-working electric parts. Every Trek e-bike will have this stipulation, so it’s good to keep in mind.

Purple high-end electric road bike
Trek Domane Electric Road bike

Riding safely in the rain

You’ll also want to make sure you stay safe when you ride your e-bike in the rain. Rain can cause roads to be slippery, especially if you’re riding where cars have left oil and grease in your path.

There are some ways to be cautious, however:

  • Water certainly won’t hurt the tires and it’s best to lower your tire pressure if you’ll be riding in the rain or snow. This will help your tires have more contact with the ground, thus giving you more grip. Velonews suggests you decrease your tires by 10 psi or so if you’ll be riding a road bike fast.

    Of course, this depends on your bike and its tires and inner tubes and inner tubes. I can decrease my own Rad Mini e-bike’s tire pressure from 30 psi to 10 psi and still ride it… but I only do this when riding on bumpy or slippery terrain. This seems like a whole lot but don’t confuse electric bike tires with auto tires (they’re not the same).
  • Make sure you have a working headlight and brakelight (Amazon)
  • Be prepared with the waterproof gear you need to stay safe and comfortable. For instance, have a good pair of rain-proof non-slip gloves (Amazon) so you can keep in control of your electric bike.
Black waterproof bike riding gloves
These waterproof gloves by ShowersPass will keep hands warm and dry. And your grip won’t slip, even in the rain (Amazon link)

Concern over riding your Trek electric bike in the rain is as much about keeping you and your bike safe from accidents as it is about being waterproof!

Learn more e-bike safety tips here!

How Do You Wash a Trek E-Bike?

Even though Trek E-Bikes, like most electric bikes, are water-resistant, they require caution when washing.

If you want to wash down your e-bike, the main thing you should know is to avoid using high water pressure. Don’t directly spray any electric parts and only use a light spray on the rest of the bike.

Check your hose nozzle before you point it towards your e-bike. And DON’T wash it with a high-powered hose as in the picture here:

Electric bike being washed with high-pressure pump, which isn't a good idea
Never wash your e-bike like this! High-pressure water can damage the electrical components.

However, the best way to clean your electric bike regularly is without water. Just take a dry or slightly damp rag and wipe down your bike after each ride. Use only light pressure on delicate parts.

As an alternative to hosing down your e-bike, you can just purchase a bike wash that can be easily sprayed (Amazon) on selected areas.

Trek suggests using a chain cleaner and lube (Amazon) instead of washing your chain with water. And find brushes made specifically for bikes so that you don’t scratch or damage your frame or any parts.

cheerful-senior-man-white-beard-hair-washes-his-bicycle
This is the proper and safe way to wash your electric bike: Wipe it down instead of spraying it with a high-pressure hose.

Find out more about taking care of your e-bike in our step by step maintenance guide!

Are Electric Bikes Waterproof?

In general, electric bikes are not considered waterproof. But, like any traditional, non-electric bike, they are weather and water-resistant.

Most e-bikes can withstand moderate rain and light spray thanks to having sealed electric components.

You can be sure this holds true with higher-quality electric bikes, like Trek. But each e-bike is built differently and with variable quality parts. Some are very cheaply made and may not be as durable when getting wet as others.

And even though parts are protected, large amounts of water (such as a splash from a huge puddle) could still damage the electrical system on your bike.

After all, the real concern is about protecting the electric components. There are a few ways you can do this:

  • Make sure your e-bike is in good working order and that the motor and battery are free of cracks and chips so that no water, or moisture, can enter
  • Avoid large puddles formed by rain
  • If you need to use water (such as after you’ve been riding in the sand and salt spray at the beach), wash your e-bike carefully. Do not wash using direct water pressure (instead, follow the instructions on washing your Trek e-bike above).
  • Dry off your bike immediately afterwards with a soft rag, paying particular attention to the electric components and metal parts, such as the chain

Are Trek e-bikes any good? Even if they’re not waterproof?

Even though Trek e-bikes aren’t really waterproof, they’re built to withstand water-damaging elements, including rain, snow, or small amounts of water during washing.

Trek seals all important parts, including bearings in the bottom bracket and cables.

The benefit of having sealed bearings is they will stay cleaner for longer because there is less dirt and dust getting in them. So your e-bike will be a little easier to maintain too.

The truth is, Trek is a high-quality bike brand, so it’s unlikely you’ll be disappointed getting one, even it’s not completely waterproof!

Choose your Trek e-bike here!

Do I Need Insurance for an Electric Bike? (The Truth Explained)

By
Lisa Sylvester
-
0
Woman hit by car in bike accident

As electric bikes become more common, the question of whether you need insurance for your electric bike is being heard more and more. And with good reason.

Do you even know if your homeowner’s insurance covers your electric bike if it’s stolen or damaged? Or whether you’re protected if injured while riding?

In general, you need electric bike insurance if the monetary value of your bike is higher than the cost of the insurance plus deductible. And you may want insurance if you won’t be able to buy a new e-bike without the insurance payment.

However, if you’ve ever shopped for insurance, you know how confusing it can be as well as how costly! Read the article to find out what it takes to insure your e-bike, how much it will cost… and if you even really need it.

Plus, is your e-bike already covered by your homeowner’s or renter’s policy?

I’ve answered these questions below, so read on!

Woman hit by car in bike accident

Are Electric Bikes Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

A question often asked is whether or not an electric bike will be covered by homeowners insurance in the event that it’s stolen, damaged, or otherwise rendered unusable.

To answer this question, we must first understand a few things about how homeowners insurance typically works:

  • Homeowners insurance is a policy designed to protect the homeowner and their family from financial disaster
  • Typically, homeowners insurance policies will cover all sorts of disasters that might happen at home – including theft or damage of property, as well as personal injuries that occur on the premises
  • Do these same rules apply for electric bikes? Yes and no. In short: it’s complicated!

Bike insurance on a comprehensive homeowners policy

A comprehensive homeowners insurance plan generally provides protection against any type of loss you could incur, including theft or damage of personal belongings such as an electric bike.

However, it’s not that simple.

Many homeowner’s plans have limits on what they will pay out on valuable items. So, if you have a $5000 ebike stolen, your insurance may only cover up to $500. Therefore, you’ll only get compensated for $500 instead of the full $5000.

But many companies allow you to add an insurance rider to your plan that provides higher limits of coverage for your bike. This will increase the cost of your policy and there may be a separate deductible for just the bike.

So, it’s not right to assume that your electric bike will be covered in full automatically. Further, depending on how they rate your electric bike, they may not cover it at all. Most policies only cover electric bikes that are 750W or less. And then they may have additional rules as well.

Finally, if you’re like me and you have a very high insurance deductible ($5000!), your insurance might not even kick in if your e-bike is stolen. In this case, an electric bike would need to be worth $5200 or more before I’d get any payment at all.

And that’d only be if my electric bike is covered in the first place.

Filing a claim for your e-bike on your homeowner’s insurance

Don’t assume that just because your electric bike is covered by your homeowner’s insurance that putting in a claim will pay for it.

Let’s look at an example.

First, as mentioned above, you’ll have to meet your homeowner’s insurance deductible, which is typically $500 to $1000 or more. If you paid $1500 for your e-bike and your deductible is $500, then you’ll have to pay one-third of the cost of a new bike out of your own pocket if it’s stolen or damaged.

Yes, it’ll be nice to have the insurance company pay the other $1000 for a new e-bike. However, it’s possible you may then be penalized for filing a claim.

Some companies will increase your premium going forward. Now they see you as someone who files claims and is more likely to do so again. Yep, you’ve just been dubbed as “higher risk”.

And, if you’ve had other claims on your insurance, there’s even the chance of getting dropped from the policy (because they believe you’ll continue to be a risk).

Bottom line:

Insurance companies are in it for big profits… not because they care about you getting a new electric bike.

Reasons You Need Electric Bike Insurance

In general, if your bike is worth more than $1000, e-bike insurance may be worth the cost (and reduced stress of something happening to it). If it’s worth less than $1000, paying for insurance can be hard to justify.

The first thing to know is that e-bikes insurance is generally not required by any of the 50 states in the US. Nor is e-bike insurance included through your auto policy (this isn’t even an option!).

So, you can legally ride your electric bike without any type of insurance (but what about a license!). However, there are plenty of other laws and rules you need to be aware of.

But just because an e-bike insurance policy isn’t required doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get one. Even though staying safe on our electric bikes is our first priority, accidents do happen.

Are electric bikes really safe? Find out and get important safety tips.

Further, theft of e-bikes is common, especially since they’re worth more than a traditional bike.

So what you really need to do is to determine whether e-bike insurance is worth it for your situation. In order to do this, you need to carefully calculate the costs and benefits before purchasing a bike insurance policy.

Benefits of e-bike insurance

Because homeowner’s coverage on your bike may be limited, buying specialty bike insurance has benefits. These may include:

  • full replacement cost of the value of your e-bike
  • theft protection no matter whether it’s at home or away
  • coverage while your bike while it’s being shipped or in transit
  • coverage for added accessories and small parts
  • additional coverage for apparel worn while riding (say if it was damaged in an accident)
  • coverage for uninsured riders or drivers who injure you or damage your bike (you’re compensated if they don’t have insurance)
  • liability if you hurt someone or damage property while riding (may be an optional add-on)
  • coverage for medical payments (limited)
  • possible roadside assistance (optional)
  • limited bike rental reimbursement
  • reimbursement for some competitive event entry fees

Steps to getting ebike insurance

If you’re considering purchasing insurance for your e-bike, just follow the steps I used to get several quotes.

  1. First, contact your current homeowner’s (or Renter’s) insurance.

    Ask them whether they are currently covering e-bikes. If not, ask them how to get covered, what the cost would be, and whether there is an additional deductible.

    Make sure you are clear about the value of your bike and tell them that it’s an electric bike. The coverage and costs could be quite different than for traditional, non-motorized bikes.
  2. Next, get quotes from a variety of companies online that offer electric bike policies only.

Make sure to:

  • find out whether it covers your particular electric bike model – insurance companies may limit coverage to e-bike’s with up to 750W motors (like Veloinsurance).
  • learn what is and is not covered for each policy – does it just cover the bike or does it include liability insurance to protect you, the rider, as well? Some basic policies only cover the bike but offer optional liability coverage (thus, the large difference in price when compared).
  • inquire about the cost of the deductible – this is what you’ll pay out-of-pocket upfront (or possibly in installments) before getting reimbursed for loss by the insurance company.
  • ask if they have discounts – such as through AAA or even USA cycling or triathlon memberships.
  • get a premium quote that’s specific to your location (you’ll need your zipcode) and bike model – find out how much it will cost annually (over per month for one year); the good news is that this should be relatively small when compared to a homeowner’s insurance deductible.
  • ask how payment can be made – you need a company that works with you to pay premiums affordably… Can you pay per month? Use a credit card (so you can get points on what you spend)? Are you able to make an easy payment online?

3. Read reviews of each company you’ll consider before paying any one company!

By reading reviews on each company, you’ll hear from other bike riders about the coverage and how they handle claims.

Whether they pay claims without a hassle is a super important detail. After paying premiums month after month just in case something goes wrong, you want to make sure that you’ll be covered and taken care of if it does.

Here’s a list of companies that offer the specific electric bike insurance you need:

Cost of Electric Bike Insurance

Insurance costs will vary depending upon the value of your electric bike, its age, accessories added, previous claims, and the coverage you purchase. Basic e-bike policies can start at under $100.

Determining the cost of e-bike insurance is really the same as car insurance. If you buy the latest model Porsche for $80,000 instead of a $20000 Honda, you’re going to pay way more to insure your vehicle simply due to its value and the cost to replace it.

If you have a $9,000 electric bike as opposed to a $1500 one, you’ll pay more for bike insurance. This is because the insurance company will have to cover the much higher cost of your e-bike if it is stolen or destroyed.

Additionally, a higher-priced e-bike has higher-cost parts.

So, even if you just need to replace your motor and rear tire, it’ll end up costing the insurance company more than it would for a cheaper bike with cheaper parts.

How Do I Get Affordable Electric Bike Insurance?

The good news about electric bike insurance is that it’s affordable and readily available. You’ll get the best-priced policy for your situation if you shop around a bit.

It could cost less to buy an electric bike insurance rider with your renters or homeowners policy… but only if you have a very small deductible (which means that you’re paying even more for your insurance in the first place).

Ask about adding an endorsement onto your policy – it may be cheaper than buying standalone coverage. But it might not be the best option for you, as discussed above.

You’ll need some documentation in order to add an insurance “rider” onto your existing policy such as proof of ownership.

If you have an expensive e-bike but don’t want to pay too much for insurance, then look into insuring your bike with a higher deductible ($500 instead of $200, for example).

If you haven’t already purchased an electric bike, this is a good time to find out what brands of electric bikes are the least likely to need repairs or replacement. So, when you get insurance rate quotes, your bike insurance may be cheaper.

Alternatives to Buying E-Bike Insurance

If you decide that getting electric bike insurance isn’t right for you, then there are viable options to protect your bike and yourself.

If you haven’t bought an electric bike yet

If your e-bike comes with an extended warranty or purchase plan, then that will cover any repair needs in case something goes wrong. This is a great alternative to buying separate e-bike insurance.

Ask whether this is offered before you buy your e-bike. You may be at least able to protect your bike from theft or damage. This could be really useful if it’s an expensive model.

Some of the best electric bike companies offer warranties. However, if it doesn’t come with a warranty or you choose not to get coverage from the bike company… take the precautions I discuss below so that your investment stays safe.

If you’ve already purchased an e-bike

Unfortunately, bike theft is the most common claim processed through insurance companies. Fortunately, however, there are many ways to protect your e-bike and yourself before, after, and during your rides.

First, always lock your bike up securely

At home, keep it in a safe, locked-up location without easy access (such as hanging up in your garage). (such as hanging up in your garage).. Don’t just put it in your backyard or throw a tarp over it. Instead, keep it inside your home or garage or lock it up in an outdoor bike shed (Amazon paid link) or locked bike box.

Take a look at the best electric bike storage ideas:

Here are 6 solutions for the best e-bike storage for your home & garage!

If you want to keep it outside (without a locked shed), find a good place to secure it.

Lock it to a heavy metal pole that can’t be removed or cut. A wood or chain link fence won’t do… wire cutters or saws will get right through those.

And never lock it around a tree… thieves will not only take your expensive e-bike, but they’ll also cut down your beautiful tree to do so!

Read more for detailed e-bike storage safety ideas

Second, use the strongest bike locks

Not only do you want to make sure that you secure your bike with strong locks that can’t be easily removed or cut… using more than one at the same time is always a great idea!

Locking up your bike while out in public is a no-brainer, but only certain types of locks will protect your valuable electric bike (cable lock… no way!).

Chain Lock example for an e-bike
Chain style bike lock

Here are some of the most secure locks that can’t be easily held in one hand and cut:

  • U-lock– This heavy, u-shaped lock from Amazon is made of metal with a non-damaging rubber exterior. It’s wider and thicker than a cable lock. It fits somewhat awkwardly but snugly, so it’s harder to grab and cut.

    Some of these locks do come with a cable as well, so at least using both will make it a little harder for a thief to steal your e-bike.
  • Heavy chain lock (on Amazon)- This is heavy and made with ultra-thick loose chain metal. So, it’s super hard to hold in one hand and cut with the other. It’s also generally long enough to wrap around different parts of your bike frame, which allows some flexibility in how to lock a bike.

I searched for the best-rated chain or u-locks and included them on my recommended gear list (see #6).

Read my 10 tips to prevent your e-bike from getting stolen!

Do I Need Electric Bike Rental Insurance?

If you rent an e-bike, you’ll still be held liable for damage to the bike or injury to others. Therefore, when riding a rental, you should strongly consider insuring it, even if it’s just for the day. That’s because damage to a rental bike might not be covered by the renter and it could lead to you paying for repairs out of pocket.

Some bike insurance companies will offer protection for rentals in limited circumstances. For example, Veloinsurance will provide some coverage but only if you’re riding in an “organized or competitive event more than 50 miles away from home.”

The best option is to inquire about rental coverage directly with the company you are renting from. Bike shops often rent out bikes as well as offer insurance for the day. But, it’s a good idea to check this out before you arrive at your travel destination.

Buying insurance will increase the cost of your e-bike rental substantially, but peace of mind may make it worth it in the end.

Conclusion: Do I Need Insurance for an Electric Bike?

If for no other reason than for your peace of mind, you need some type of insurance coverage on your electric bike (unless it’s a really inexpensive model). Do your research and find out what types of coverage are available in the area you live, as that tends to determine insurance costs.

Or, if you’re not riding very often and only go short distances (and you’ve secured your e-bike at home), then insurance may not be necessary at all.

Just remind yourself why you purchased an electric bike in the first place. You might’ve bought one specifically because it can go faster and a longer distance than traditional bikes. Both speed and distance increase your risk.

So, you may wish to add on extra liability protection from your homeowners or renters insurance provider, if offered.

Or, to be sure you’re fully covered for your priceless electric bike, consider purchasing specialized bike insurance. This will protect you from any accidents or theft outside of your home.

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