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How Much Should I Pay for an Electric Bike? Costs for Different Types of E-Bikes

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

March 17, 2021
0

Due to the increasing popularity of owning an electric bike, there are so many different types to choose from, as well as a wide range of prices. When it comes to buying an e-bike, the vast majority of riders aren’t sure what type they want. Plus, it’s hard to understand the varying costs of purchasing different models.

So, how much should you pay for an e-bike?

Most good quality electric bikes range in price from $1000 to $8000 or more. In general, you’ll pay a minimum of $1000 more to buy an e-bike than you would a standard bike. However, you should pay less than $4000 for any type of e-bike unless you’re a professional cyclist.

You should also consider that the costs can differ depending on the type of e-bike you want to ride.

For instance, road e-bikes can cost quite a bit more than hybrid or commuter e-bikes, as do electric mountain bikes. Road bike prices begin around $1500 and end upwards of $9000. Look at the price differences between brands:

E-Bike Prices: Cost & Type Price Road
Bike Off-Road Hybrid
E-Bike City/ Commuter
E-Bike
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand Fat Tire $1399 X X
Rad Power RadRunner Plus $1749 X X X
Lectric XP 3 $999 X X X
Giant Trance E+1 Pro $5600 X
Trek Domane+ HP $7499+ X X
Blix Packa $1999 X X
Ride1UP Roadster $1295 X X
Cannondale Topstone Neo Carbon Lefty $6300 X
Ride1UP 700 Series $1695 X X
Aventon Level Commuter E-Bike $1499+ X X X
Bakcou Mule Elite Electric Hunting Bike $5147+ X
Specialized Turbo Levo SL $14,500 X
Sample of 13 E-Bikes of Different Types and Their Cost

But figuring out how much you should pay for an electric bike is hard enough without factoring in the differences between a road e-bike and a hybrid one or an e-mountain bike and a road e-bike.

In this article, I’ve done the research for you so that you can compare the costs of the different types of e-bikes to help you decide how much you should pay for the type of electric bike you want.

What is a Road E-Bike and What Determines the Cost?

A comfortable electric road bike is, first and foremost, designed to ride smoothly and quickly along any paved road, path, or bike lane. That’s why they’ve historically been called “racing bikes”. This focus on riding comfort is one of the features that drive their generally higher price. However, there are other important factors that directly affect the cost and we’ll discuss these below.

Overall, a road e-bike with high-quality components and workmanship will cost you more than one with mediocre parts that you have to put together. That’s why road e-bikes have an average range of $1500-$9000, although you can buy them for slightly less and quite a bit more as well.

Trek Domain Road E-Bike

Comfort Features and Perks of a Road E-Bike

Because road e-bikes start at a higher cost than most other electric bikes, you can expect them to have higher-end features. They generally weigh less and have the perfect, narrow tires for riding on the road. So, the ride should be fast, smooth, and easy… and even more so when riding an electric bike!

And even the best electric bike companies know that if you’re willing to pay more for comfort features, then you’re also going to expect other perks. These will likely include more powerful GPS and LCD displays, built-in lights, and comfortable seats. Naturally, they’ll charge you more for these features as well.

Long-Range Batteries Cost More

If you want to go further on a single battery charge, then you’ll need a more expensive battery. Although this is true for any e-bike, it’s assumed that a road bike rider will want to go farther than other riders, thus needing a more powerful battery. And if riding long-distance is going to happen, then several other things need to be considered as far as reducing a battery’s charge.

Wind, temperature, tire pressure, and a biker’s own weight (plus the extra weight they are carrying on the bike) can drastically affect how long the battery lasts. Further, riding far is likely to include a more varied terrain in which the ride could end up climbing more hills along the way, thus requiring even more battery juice.

So, most road e-bike riders should consider whether they need a higher-powered battery to take the long rides they want. But they should expect to pay more for a higher Wh (Watt Hour) battery.

How Motor Power Affects the Price

Like other e-bikes, a road bike’s power is directly tied to the overall watts of the motor attached to it. The more help given to the rider when pedaling, the more powerful the motor is.

Most motors are between 250 Watts and 750 Watts, with some going up to 1000 Watts. The good news here is that, for a road e-bike, you may be able to stay within the 250 to 500-watt range, which will keep the cost down.

This assumes one of two things: Either you are a semi-professional bicyclist who needs only a little or occasional pedal assistance (because you’re already a strong rider without electrical help) or you’re planning on riding the road leisurely and don’t need to go up many hills. In the latter case, which includes most of us, you won’t need extra motor torque and can save a little money on this feature.

The Cost of High-End Road E-Bikes

At $9000, you’d expect to have the most comfortable, powerful, lightweight, easily balanced e-bike on the market. And that’s exactly what you’ll get!

Check out this incredible road bike from Colnago costing $7999+:

However, you don’t need to pay that much to get a good solid road bike that’s highly rated!

For example, you can get the Ride1UP Roadster for around $1095:

The Ride1Up Roadster is a great road bike for just over $1000.

What is an Electric Mountain Bike and Is it Worth the Cost?

So, what’s the difference between an electric road bike and a mountain bike? A lot actually! Whereas the road bike is built for paved roadways, a mountain bike is built for riding dirt and muddy mountain trails. They have flatter handlebars and wider, dirt and gravel-gripping tires, and full suspensions.

Trek Powerfly 4 e-MTB

Features That Increase the Cost

There are quite a few different things that affect the cost of an eMTB (electric mountain bike) as compared to any other type of electric bike. These will focus on the type of mountain bike, tires, and the other components that’ll get you over rough terrain successfully. Most eMTB’s are similar in price to electric road bikes: The average price is $1500-$10,000.

Full suspension is really the defining feature of any mountain bike and will add to its expense overall. This means that the bike has a suspension fork in front as well as a rear shock. These allow the bike to maintain control and traction when maneuvering over rough terrain. It also adds to the comfort of the ride.

Additionally, you’ll get wider tires built to handle dirt and gravel, a higher quality derailleur (chain system), and hydraulic disc brakes.

Higher Maintenance Costs

Not surprisingly, an electric mountain bike will cost you more to maintain given the bumpy, uneven terrain it rides through. So, this cost should be considered before purchasing one.

The fact is that more extreme riding conditions result in more frequent breakdowns and maintenance required. As electric bikes already have more expensive components than standard bikes, it’s like doubling the cost of maintenance! And, unfortunately, the original price of the e-MTB is a huge factor here: Cheaper bikes have cheaper parts. And these are even more likely to wear down faster.

Is an Electric Mountain Bike Worth the Cost?

Giver the higher buying price and maintenance costs of an eMTB, you might wonder if buying one is even worth it. First, understand that if you want to ride on dirt trails with steep hills and narrow paths, you just won’t be satisfied with any other type of e-bike.

Yes, there are hybrid e-bikes that cost less and can handle dirt paths. But there just isn’t any other e-bike that can handle this rough terrain flawlessly. Safety is a huge concern when you’re on narrow paths up high in the hills. So you need a bike that’s stable and easy to control through turns, and slips, and slides.

And, like any other recreational item, the cost is worth it if you use it regularly and get a lot of joy from it.

What is a Hybrid Electric Bike and Why Does It Cost Less Than a Road E-Bike?

Trying to pin down what exactly a hybrid e-bike is can be a bit confusing, which is why there are so many varieties of them in many different price ranges. In general, a hybrid is any variation of an e-bike that allows a cross between two different types of riding.

One type of riding allows you to ride smoothly on the road as well as on rougher terrain. Another might allow you to ride easily through the city but also do some light off-roading when needed. Some hybrid e-bikes have 4″ fat tires while some may have 3.0″ tires or smaller.

Interestingly, they actually have the benefit of being quite versatile while not being as expensive overall.

The Benefits of Hybrids and What They Cost

Since individual companies create their own variations of hybrid e-bikes, it’s harder to compare costs. However, in general, you can get a hybrid for between $800 and $4000.

The biggest benefit of choosing a hybrid is that you can choose a bike that has exactly what you want or need. You don’t have to get roped into only riding in one type of terrain or getting a bike that doesn’t have room to carry cargo. So you don’t have to limit yourself to only one type of riding experience or buy two different e-bikes to cover all of your desires.

Here’s why a hybrid is perfect if you’re in your 20’s and 30’s!

Here’s the e-bike my husband bought: A RadMini from Rad Power Bikes. He rides it on the road and in dirt trails (plus, it’s foldable). So, it really covers all of his needs. If you want to learn more about this awesome e-bike, now called the RadExpand, you can find it here.

RadMini Hybrid E-Bike (Foldable)

Additionally, they are well-suited to just about anyone at any age because you can choose the features most important to you just by shopping around. If you want the ability to ride off-road but are more comfortable sitting upright than leaning over, then a hybrid could be right for you.

Or if you will mostly be riding through your city but want to be able to cross through city park dirt trails, then a hybrid will work out well.

Finally, electric hybrid bikes are just more cost-effective.

Why are Hybrid E-Bikes Cheaper Overall Than Electric Road or Mountain Bikes

The truth is that their price range seems to be lower than an electric road bike or mountain bike because they don’t specialize in one type of riding. Therefore, most of them don’t have the more expensive “comfort” parts made just for fast road riding or the higher-end suspension needed for rough terrain on a mountain bike.

Instead, you’ll find many electric hybrid bikes with good to very good quality parts but in a more moderate price range.

Get the ultimate comparison: electric road bikes vs hybrids!

What is a Commuter E-Bike and Why Are They Priced Cheaper Than Other E-Bikes?

A commuter e-bike might also be called a city bike or utility bike. It’s essentially the perfect bike for getting around town, running errands, or riding to and from work or school.

You can get one for under $400 (but we can’t vouch for quality here)! And you certainly don’t need to spend more than $2000 to get what you need.

Ready to know more about buying a cheaper e-bike? Find out!

RadRunner Electric Cargo Bike

Why Commuter E-Bikes Are Less Expensive

Because these “utility” e-bikes are considered more of an urban necessity, companies have designed models that are far cheaper than the other more recreational models. Although riding any type of e-bike can be a lot of fun, these are typically purchased to solve a need rather than a desire. Further, they’re likely to be ridden shorter distances.

Therefore, you can get a relatively inexpensive e-bike to take you on errands, such as buying groceries, that get you to work every day, or that allow for large cargo, such as bringing your kids along on the back. Depending on the e-bike, you can include a front or back storage rack, or both.

If you plan on riding with kids on the back, just make sure you find a cargo bike that will accommodate them. Don’t assume that each one will because they do come in different body length sizes.

Other Styles of Hybrid or Utility E-Bikes

Just as there’s so much variety in e-bikes, as discussed earlier, there’s also a great variety of uses for an e-bike. So there are a few more e-bikes to consider as far as need and cost go.

Foldable E-Bikes- Do They Cost More?

Yes, there are electric bikes that fold up! This allows you to travel with them, put them in the car to get to your favorite riding trail, and store them in a smaller place. this might be considered a utility bike, but there are many hybrids that offer this option. However, it will cost you more to include this feature because of the modifications made to an otherwise standard e-bike.

Not only does it need to be built to fold, but it’ll also need somewhat smaller tires to allow for folding without damaging the motor or the battery getting in its way. Even though this might increase the cost, there are several e-bikes in the lower price range that have this option. You shouldn’t have to pay more than $2000 for a good quality, foldable e-bike.

Want to Learn More About Foldable E-Bikes? Read this:
How Much is a Foldable E-Bike: Are Cheap Ones Any Good?

Get a Cruiser/Comfort Bike for Less Money

Often thought of as a beach cruiser, these e-bikes have wider, lightly-treaded tires and an upright seated position. Since they’re made for slow cruising, you can get them with a 250 Watt motor and still easily ride around. And without any other special features, you can find one for $1500 or less.

Costs of Owning The Different Types of E-Bikes

The cost of an e-bike isn’t just dependent on the purchase price; there’s also the cost of using it and maintaining it.

Using an electric bike will cost money in electricity and maintenance. But unless you live in a high-cost area, this shouldn’t really be much, especially when considered next to the price of putting gas in a car. Other than that, you can easily clean the bike yourself (just use a slightly damp rag to wipe it down but don’t spray it).

As mentioned above, electric mountain bikes can be quite a bit more expensive to maintain simply because of extreme riding. Even still, every type of e-bike needs extra care for the electrical components. Here’s what needs to be done and the general cost of doing it:

Tune-Up: On average, a regular tune-up will cost $75-$150 (about $300 per year on average)… Get your e-bike serviced every 3-6 months depending on the amount of time spent riding (and how hard you are on it)

Brake Adjustment and/or New Pads: This can be done during your tune-up, if needed, and will cost around $30-$40

Drivetrain Adjustment (or Replacement): $25-$75

Battery Replacement Every 2-3 Years or 600-1000 charges: $300-$800 (make sure you replace it with the best battery for your e-bike)

Extra Services for shocks and forks on an Electric Mountain Bike: $80-$300+ (this really depends on which services you’re having performed)

New Tires: $30 and up

New Tire Tubes: $5-$25

Flat Tire Fix: $10-$20

Helpful Accessories Under $25: $5-$25 each

Summary: Why You Should Pay Less Than $2000 for a New Electric Bike

Thanks to the immense and ever-growing variety of electric bikes, you shouldn’t need to spend more than $2000 on the perfect e-bike, especially if you’re a beginner rider. Even then, you should be able to find a good quality one with the features you want in the $1200-$3000 range.

Since most buyers will find a bike in this price range, I’ve included a list of e-bikes to check out that’ll work for most riders since they’re hybrid or commuter:

Hybrid or Commuter/Utility E-Bike Models Under $3000 Price Type
Rad Power Bikes Rad Expand $1599 Hybrid
Rad Power RadRunner Plus $1199 Commuter/Utility
Blix Packa Genie $1799+ Commuter/Utility
Aventon Level Commuter E-Bike $1499+ Commuter/Utility
Ride1UP 700 Series $1695 Hybrid
Lectric XP 3 Folding $999 Hybrid
List of E-Bikes You Can Buy That Don’t Cost a Fortune!

How Much is a Folding E-Bike: Are Cheap Priced Ones Any Good?

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

March 15, 2021
0

E-bikes have many features that will make you want to buy one but there isn’t a more useful feature than having the ability to fold up in half. And the surprising truth is that the cost of having this additional feature isn’t that different than any other electric bicycle.

But how much does a foldable electric bike cost and are the cheaper ones still good quality?

Folding e-bikes cost between $450 and close to $4000, with a huge selection averaging around $1500. Because folding e-bikes are so popular, there are several high-quality brands and models to choose from that are priced in the cheaper range.

E-bikes are, in general, quite a bit more expensive than standard bikes due to their electrical components. And so you might think that having the added feature of being foldable would make it even more expensive than a non-folding e-bike. But, in actuality, brands need to modify features in their regular e-bikes to give them the ability to fold up, thus reducing some costs in other areas.

Some of the components that may decrease the overall price are the heavier weight, smaller wheel size, battery, and use of a hub motor instead of a mid-drive motor. I’ve addressed these more later in this article.

10 Folding E-Bike Brands and Models Listed from Cheapest to Most Expensive

Foldable E-Bike Model Price (USD) Weight Wheel Size Battery
Range
ANCHEER an-EB5 Plus Folding Electric Bike 350W $359.99 26.5lbs 12 inch 15 miles
SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB-5 $499.99 37lbs 14 inch 15.5 miles
Ride1Up Portola $999.00+ 59lbs 20 inch Up to 45 miles
Rad Power Bikes RadExpand $1599.00 63lbs 20 inch 45+ miles
Blix Vika+ $1599.00 50lbs 20 inch Up to 45 miles
Emojo $1599.00+ 55lbs 20 inch 40+ miles
Aventon Sinch $1699.00 68lbs 20 inch Up to 55 miles
Bison Pro Folding E-Trike $2999.00 90+lbs 20/24 inch 45 miles
Hummingbird Folding Electric Bike $6000.00+ 23lbs 13.7 inch 30+ miles

To help you with your decision on what price to pay for a foldable e-bike, I’ve put together more information below.

How Much Does a Good Folding E-Bike Cost?

Depending on your personal budget, you can get a high-quality, good foldable e-bike for around $1500 give or take.

The reason for coming up with this price point is that if you want it to last and you want to be comfortable riding your e-bike frequently or long distances, you need one made with good quality components. If you buy one that’s too cheap, you’ll get an e-bike made with cheap, substandard parts… and it probably won’t even have a decent warranty.

To get a good folding e-bike, you can plan on spending at least $1000. When buying one, consider what affects the price so that you can decide what is more important to you.

How the Cost of a Foldable E-Bike is Determined

When it comes to anything electronic, smaller and lighter is more expensive. The same is true for electric bikes.

If a bike only weighs 48 pounds versus a hefty 68 pounds, it’s going to be more expensive because brands have to use smaller, lighter-weight components. And it costs a company more to get those components in the first place. So, they forward the extra cost to the buyer… you!

Parts that will vary significantly in price on a foldable electric bike are the battery, motor, weight, and tire size.

Battery: Batteries may be smaller than some electric bikes, especially mountain bikes, in order to fit properly and still allow the e-bike to fold up. And, if the battery is smaller, it is either going to be a good battery but more expensive, or it’s going to have a shorter life.

So, this is a good example of why buying a very cheap folding e-bike isn’t such a good idea. It will cost you more in the end when you have to replace it quickly.

Motor: Foldable e-bikes often use a Hub Motor, as opposed to a Mid-Drive Motor. This is likely due to the ability to place a hub motor more towards the front or back of the bike, and out of the way of the folding component. Since a mid-drive is known for better performance, and is thus more expensive, using a hub motor will bring the cost of the e-bike down.

Weight: As discussed above, weight is the factor of the parts used on the bike. Bigger, less expensive parts make the bike heavier. And, thus, brands can charge less for these parts.

Wheel and Tire Size: Foldable e-bikes come with smaller wheels so that they can be folded up. The tires are usually about 20 inches as compared to a standard size of 26 inches. So, this makes an average foldable bike less expensive.

However, many foldable e-bikes now have “fat” tires, which are wider and grip better on rough terrains like mountain trails, dirt, and sand. So, although the tire is smaller, it’s now wider, which can add back to the cost of the bike.

Further, although charging and maintenance costs will be close to the same as a non-folding e-bike, you should keep in mind that the part that folds the bike could need to be repaired at some point.

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Folding E-Bike (Pros and Cons)

Before you decide to buy a foldable bike, take a look at the pros and cons to make sure that it’s right for you.

Pros Cons
Easy to store in smaller areas If you don’t have a place to store an e-bike at all,
having a foldable one won’t help much
May be cheaper overall than a standard e-bike You’ll still spend a lot of money
There are many good-quality foldable ones to choose from If you get a cheap one, it might not last long
They look cool! You might get a nasty look or two
(Fat tire folding bikes look a little like mopeds)
Fits more easily in your car, or on a bus or train
(perfect for commuters and travelers) Heavy and can be hard to lift

The main reason anyone wants a foldable e-bike is so they can take it wherever they go. This is a huge advantage if you commute daily to work or school, love to travel, or want to ride on paths far from home. And it’s good to know that even with a relatively small budget, you can make it happen.

If you still think it’s too costly and unaffordable, consider how much money you can save as compared to driving a car. Not just in gas, but in maintenance! Buying a $1500 e-bike and riding it 10 miles every day will save you thousands of dollars compared to buying a car. And you’ll save thousands more in maintenance.

And an e-bike will get you further, faster than any other electric vehicle such as a scooter. Plus, can you ride your scooter on a dirt hiking trail? Probably not… the tires simply aren’t big enough.

Here’s another advantage. If you need a really small and lightweight folding e-bike, then you can find one with 16 or even 12-inch wheels, which will make storing, folding, and lifting so much easier.

So you just have to decide if the pros of having a foldable e-bike outweigh the cons. Once you decide to get one, you can find reasonably priced models in your budget range.

Best Folding Electric Bike under $2000:

As I’ve said, there are a ton of foldable e-bike options under $2000, so it’s a bit difficult to pick the very best one, especially since buyers value different things.

However, if you want an all-around flexible bike with tons of great features, then, after many hours of research, I can suggest what my husband and I decided to purchase…

RadExpand (RadMini) Folding E-bike by Rad Power Bikes

It’s the RadExpand Foldable E-bike from Rad Power Bikes. Check it out!

First of all, this bike is awesome because it comes in the standard model and then also has a step-through version. So you’ll most likely fit on the RadExpand Step-Thru even if you’re a smaller-than-average person. And it’s super easy to get on and off it, without having to swing your legs over the top bar.

At $1500, it’s made with quality parts, like Shimano gear shifters, and has features that every serious e-bike rider will want:

A twist throttle (super easy to use and has quite a kick)

20-inch wheels with 3.3-inch wide fat tires (grip the ground well through water and dirt)

750 Watt, geared hub motor (powerful enough for just about anyone)

A speed of up to 20mph (up to 28mph with the throttle)

Five (yes 5!) Pedal-Assist Levels (there is no such thing as not being able to ride up a steep hill)

And up to 45+ mile battery range (which is way higher than most foldable e-bikes)

With this e-bike, we can go faster than we even want to and ride pretty much anywhere, including on sand and dirt trails thanks to the extra-wide, gripping fat tires.

Here’s the only downside to the RadExpand… it’s fairly heavy, weighing around 68 pounds. So if you don’t have the muscle or the help you need to lift it into the car, then you’ll want to find another option.

Best Folding Electric Bike under $1000:

If you’re looking for a bike under $1000, you’ll have lots of options but you’ll have to be careful about the quality. Some cheap e-bikes will just not measure up to ones that cost just a couple of hundred dollars more.

If you read the reviews, you might find that a 4-star rated foldable e-bike doesn’t measure up to what you want or need. If you plan on riding a lot, or far, a bike with a poor battery or a frame that squeaks will just cause you grief.

Further, even the e-bikes with a 4 1/2 star rating and 200+ reviewers seem to have one or more issues. And only you can decide which concerns are serious enough to make you want to avoid that bike.

So, choosing the best folding e-bike under $1000 basically comes down to what minor (or sometimes major) issues you are willing to put up with.

How Much is the Cheapest Electric Bike?

So let’s say that you decide you really want to try out a foldable e-bike but just don’t want to shell out the cash for an expensive one not knowing if it’s what you really want. You can then actually buy a foldable e-bike for $400-$600, either through the manufacturer or even on Amazon.

The cheapest electric folding bike I’ve found is under $400 (plus tax and a $20 delivery fee) from Ancheer.

It’s a pretty surprising find, given that Ancheer is a solid brand with lots of mid-range pricing. I also can’t believe it offers a throttle and can get you up to 20 miles per hour!

Here it is!

ANCHEER Folding Electric Bike, 20” Commuter (Amazon)

Check out the 20″ wheels… these offer a better riding experience than 12″ or 14″ wheels!

Because the tires are only 20″, as opposed to a typical 26″, this ebike is easy to fold up and put in a car or bus, or store in a small area. However, with narrow tires, this bike is best for riding on a paved path.

If you’re a commuter, student rider, or simply want to ride around town for groceries or for fun, then this could be the very cheap e-bike you’re looking for. It might also be the perfect electric bike for parents to give their teenagers who need an inexpensive ride to school!

And, this is nice… it has an overall 4 1/2 star rating on Amazon and you can read lots of reviews before purchasing!

So, although that might be the cheapest e-bike around, there are many that cost under $600 that are foldable.

You might like to read this article before buying a cheap e-bike:
Top 12 things to KNow Before Buying a cheap E-Bike

What is the Lightest Folding Electric Bike?

If you’re certain that you want a high-quality foldable e-bike, but you also want the lightest one, then you won’t get it for cheap. It’s going to cost you but it’ll certainly make it easier to fold and travel or commute with.

However, the price is going to be dependent on the type of e-bike you want as well. If you want a lightweight folding mountain electric bike, then you’re going to pay more than for an electric road bike.

Hummingbird claims to have the lightest foldable electric bike, coming in at under 23 pounds (3.4 Kg)! This UK company has definitely figured it out. But you’ll be paying around $4500 U.S. dollars (3745 Euros). Describing it as a “city bike”, they call it the “lightest electric folding bike in the world”.

Watch their video to see how easy it is to fold up and lift:

However, if you’re not quite willing to pay nearly $5000 for a foldable e-bike, then there are some other relatively lightweight options that’ll cost less.

In fact, there are some really cheap options, including the SWAGTRON Swagcycle EB-5. It folds up and comes in at 37 pounds and only $500.

Keep in mind that, in order to make a folding electric bike weigh less, you have to give up something. Most of the lightweight options are all about commuting and riding on the road. So, you won’t be doing any amazing off-roading. You’re also generally giving up power when you get rid of the weight.

What is the Average Cost of an E-Bike?

Average e-bikes, regardless of whether they’re foldable or not, range from $400 to $4000, with the most good-quality options in the $1000-$3000 range.

However, unlike foldable bikes that seem to cap their price around $4000, regular e-bikes can cost as much as $8000 or more! However, very few people will want or need to purchase an e-bike in that price range when you can get a high-quality one with fantastic features for less than $3000… and most likely for less than $2000.

Further, as e-biking becomes more popular and there are more brands and models to choose from, the average cost of an e-bike will likely decrease. As it is, there are so many different models. Therefore, you need to know what type of e-bike you want before searching for the perfect bike.

For example, an average road e-bike can cost quite a bit more than the average commuter e-bike. In general road bikes are priced closer to $1500 and end up on the expensive end of $8000. Electric mountain bikes are priced similarly higher.

And then there are hybrid e-bikes. Because of their cross-over nature, you can find a lot of these in the $1000-$3000 price range. They’re priced this way because they provide the ability to conquer the road and the dirt, but they don’t really specialize in either.

Conclusion

You can buy a good folding e-bike that’s affordable but not cheap in the $1500-$3000 range. But if you want to buy a cheaper one, you may get what you pay for.

So, the most important consideration becomes what type of foldable e-bike you want and what features will be most useful to you. Once you decide this, then read reviews on the brands and models you’re looking at before buying.

How to Use an Electric Bike: Step by Step Instructions for Beginners

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

March 5, 2021
0

You’re planning on riding an e-bike for the first time and it’s a little scary. Getting injured or breaking an electrical component are both concerns. But if you follow simple instructions, those fears can be squashed in a matter of minutes.

Beginners can easily learn how to use an electric bike by following simple step-by-step instructions. They can complete each of these five steps and the included checklists and be safely riding an e-bike in no time.

5 STEPS: HOW TO USE AN ELECTRIC BIKE CHECKLIST
Step 1. Do a Safety Pre-Ride Check Pre-Ride Checklist
Step 2. Check That You Have the Appropriate Gear Gear/Accessories Checklist
Step 3. Get Fitted to Your E-Bike and Helmet Correct Fit Checklist
Step 4. Begin Your Ride Start Riding Checklist
Step 5. What to Do After Your Ride Post-Ride Checklist
Learn How to Use an E-Bike Step by Step!

Having been a beginner rider not too long ago, I remember all of the questions I had about how to use an electric bike. Now, in this article, I’ll answer a lot of the questions that I had when I was starting out.

I’ll also share a few of the mistakes that my husband, Marc, and I made when we were new to e-bike riding.

Step 1. Do a Safety Pre-Ride Check

As a beginner e-bike rider, you most likely have a new bike or are renting one from a reputable bike company… so both should be in good working condition.

But for safety’s sake and to reduce later inconvenience when something doesn’t work right during your ride, the first step to using an electric bike makes a lot of sense.

Doing a pre-ride check-up on your e-bike will give you the assurance that it’s safe and will work as you expect it to. You don’t want to get stuck far from home with a flat tire tube, loose chain, or battery that’s lost its charge. After all, e-bikes are heavy to push and may not even fit in the car that comes to rescue you.

Pre-Ride Checklist

Tires Inflated Properly
Battery Charged
Brakes Work
(Double-check if riding down hills!)
Chain in Good Condition
Headlight Shines Bright
Check off as you go!

Tires Inflated Properly

Check the air pressure with a tire pump or gauge. Make sure it’s set to the manufacturer’s specifications (check your e-bike’s manual or find it online). Tire pressure can be very different depending on the type and size of the tires, so it’s better not to guess on this.

Additionally, riding on tires that are under-pressurized can wear them out sooner or cause damage to the rims.

You might also want different pressure depending on what type of terrain you’ll be riding on. But, as a beginner, just know the standard pressure.

Battery Charged

Because you’re a beginner when it comes to riding an electric bike (and this might be your first time), you probably don’t realize how long you can actually be out riding. Not only will you have a ton of fun so time will pass quickly, but you can go fast, therefore ending up far away from home before you know it.

So make sure your battery is fully charged!

Additionally, check that your battery is securely locked onto the bike. Give it a gentle tug to make sure it isn’t loose.

Brakes Work

Squeeze both hand brakes to make sure they’re working. You should feel them tighten. You can even move the bike forward slightly as you apply each hand brake so you can feel them stop the bike.

If they squeal loudly and don’t clearly stop the forward motion of your bike, then get this fixed by a professional before you ride.

Chain in Good Condition

Check to see that your bike chain has not come off and that it rolls smoothly with the bike. If it makes a lot of noise or is “crackly”, then give it a bit of lubrication.

Headlight Shines Bright

Make sure your headlight turns on before you head out. You wouldn’t want to end up riding home later than you thought you would and end up in the dark, not at all visible to cars. However, a headlight is an important safety feature that can be used during the day as well to give you an extra level of visibility.

Step 2. Check That You Have the Appropriate Gear

Not only will the right accessories keep you comfortable on your ride, but they may also protect you from unforeseen mishaps and things you may have forgotten.

And comfortable gear will make your ride more enjoyable. Plus, for example, as a beginning rider, you may not realize how much colder it can be riding a fast e-bike, even if it seems warm outside in general.

Gear Checklist

Helmet
Water
Ear Coverage
Eye Glasses
Layered clothing
Sturdy Shoes
Tire Repair Kit
Rear-View Mirror
Sunscreen
Read Below to Discover Why These are More Important Than You Think!

Helmet

No bike rider should set out without a helmet. Period. But the fact that even an average rider tends to go fast on an electric bike (because it’s easy to do!) makes it even more important.

Further, as a beginner, you need some time to understand how quickly you can get moving on an e-bike, as well as how to slow down when you need to. Because it’s motorized, it starts a little quicker and but doesn’t stop as quickly.

FULL DISCLOSURE: On my first ride, I almost didn’t stop before hitting my daughter’s car. And when my husband was a beginning rider, he throttled too hard going up a dirt hill and did an accidental wheely, almost flipping the bike entirely. Thankfully, no one was hurt and we learned how to handle our e-bikes quickly.

The point is, you are too important not to protect your head! Take a look at the Recommended Gear list to get more info and suggestions on getting the right helmet.

Water

Many newbies set out without water thinking that it’ll be a short ride. However, when you’re out there having so much fun, it quickly turns into a long ride. Further, riding fast can really dry out your mouth and throat.

So take water with you. If you don’t have a water holder on your e-bike yet, then you can always take a small backpack or attach a water bottle to your bike rack.

Ear Coverage

Like I’ve said before, even if it’s fairly warm outside, riding fast wil make it feel much colder. If you have snestive ears, then you’ll definitely want to protect them.

Wear a headband that covers your ears, a hoodie (if it fits under your helmet), or a scarf or ski mask that covers your ears (these will keep your neck and face warm if it’s cold too).

Eye Glasses

The wind from riding can also dry out your eyes or whip small particles into your eye. You can help prevent this by wearing eyeglasses or sunglasses.

Layered Clothing

Even if it’s warm and you wouldn’t wear a jacket while walking, you might end up feeling pretty cold while riding. So, take at least a lightweight, stretchy jacket on your trip that’s easy to tie around your waste or fit inside your backpack or on your bike rack.

Wear comfortable top layers to peel off later in case it gets warm.

Sturdy Shoes

Wear sturdy shoes that help your feet grip the ground if you need to stop quickly. Solid shoes can also protect your feet from the bike and the ground in case you take a tumble.

Tire Repair Kit

As a beginner, especially if you have a new bike with new tires, you probably won’t need to repair any tires while out on your first few rides. However, there are no guarantees.

So it’s a good idea to have (and know how to use) a tire repair kit. You can get a small tire repair kit on Amazon for under $30.

Rear-View Mirror

I put a left-side rear-view mirror on my e-bike within a week of getting it. And there’s really no reason to wait. On my first ride, I immediately got nervous not being able to see what was coming up on my side. And, once I had it, I felt so much more comfortable riding.

The goal is to see what cars and other fast-moving bicyclists are coming up on your left (this applies to how we drive in the USA). This gives you an opportunity to move further right or slow down a bit to let them pass.

Sunscreen

Okay, this may be obvious, but you’ll be outside in the harmful rays of the sun much longer on your e-bike than if you were on a regular bike.

Take a look at the Recommended Gear I’ve compiled!

Step 3. Get Fitted to Your E-Bike and Helmet

Make certain your e-bike is well-fitted to your body before riding and that your helmet fits snugly. Because e-bikes are quite heavy, they can be harder to stop and manipulate than a regular bike.

Take a look at this list to be sure that everything fits correctly so that you have the best chance of staying in control of your e-bike.

Correct Fit Checklist

Fit Your Helmet Snugly
(Protecting your head comes first!)
Raise or Lower Your Seat
Tilt Your Seat If Possible
Adjust Handlebars
Adjust Rear-View Mirror
Get Comfortable on Your E-Bike with the Best Fit

Fit Your Helmet Snugly

Your e-bike helmet should fit snugly but also be comfortable. Look into a mirror to see that it’s laying flat on your head with the front edge well over your forehead. The tip of the helmet should be just above your eyebrows so that the front of your head is protected but it’s not blocking your vision.

Raise or Lower Your Seat

Move your seatpost up or down (keeping it pointed to the center of the bike) until you think it might be in a good spot. Then test it out by straddling the seat. When in this position, only the balls of your feet need to reach the ground.

Your feet do not need to be flat but if you fit on your e-bike this way and can still pedal comfortably, then it might work for you.

Tilt Your Seat If Possible

If your e-bike has this feature, play around with the tilt until you’re comfortable but still feel like you’re seated squarely and won’t slide off.

Adjust Handlebars

If your e-bike has adjustable handlebars, play with them until you find a comfortable arm position. This might differ depending on the type of e-bike you have and how you’re riding it.

Most beginning riders on an upright bike will find that having their hands reach the handlebars just below their shoulders will work nicely.

Adjust Rear-View Mirror

Your e-bike might not come with this, but as it was included in your “Gear Checklist” above, I obviously think it’s very important. So, if you have one, seat yourself and go ahead and adjust it away from your body.

This works just like a car rear-view mirror. If you can see a good part of your body, tilt it to the left more (assuming you have a left-side mirror) until you can see more of the street and less of your arm.

Step 4. Begin Your Ride

If you’ve completed the previous 3 steps, then you’re ready to start riding. This is where the fun begins!

You may have to complete some of this as a “mental” checklist once you take off riding, but you’ll most likely remember it since it’s just a couple of steps at the end.

Start Riding Checklist

Turn on Your E-Bike Battery Correctly
(Be careful not to unlock it!)
Set Your Display
Get on a Level Surface to Start
Begin Riding Far Away From Cars
and Other People
Start Pedaling on Level 1 Pedal Assist

Turn on Your E-Bike Battery Correctly

First, make sure you know how to turn your battery to “on” versus unlocking it from your e-bike. Practicing this a few times will also ensure that you’ll notice when you’ve accidentally left it in the “on” position when you’re done riding (I’ve done this!).

Then take the key(s) and decide where and how you’ll keep them safe (they’re usually pretty tiny). You may wish to take your key with you in case you’d like to stop in the middle of your ride and save the battery charge while you do.

Set Your Display

Make sure your display has the most important modes easy to read. You’ll definitely want to make sure you can read which pedal assist level you’re in at any given time. Make sure you know how to easily move between pedal assist levels.

And having your trip odometer reading showing will let you know if you’re going farther than planned.

In addition, you might like to know how fast you’re going at any given time, rather than your average speed.

Get on a Level Surface to Start

Since you’re new to using an e-bike, walk it to a level location before riding it for the first time. The first few times you ride you’ll really notice a kick to it when it starts.

So it’s best to explore how this feels where it’s flat and you don’t have to deal with shifting or changing pedal assist levels right away.

Begin Riding Far Away From Cars and Other People

The same is true here. Start far away from moving and parked cars, people, and other bike riders. Get adjusted to how the bike stops and starts, rides around corners, and uses its electric motor power, before riding in congested areas.

Start Pedaling on Level 1 Pedal Assist

When you begin riding, your e-bike should be at the lowest level of pedal assistance. Don’t worry about changing this immediately. Stay at the lowest level until you’re super comfortable with the feeling of the motor, as well as starting and stopping.

Read more about how to use the pedal assist feature and throttle:
How to Ride an E-Bike without Pedaling: Pedal-assist vs throttle

Step 5. What to Do After Your Ride

Don’t worry. There’s not much to do here. The purpose of completing this step is basically to make sure your e-bike is in good shape and ready for the next ride.

Then you’ll have less to do when you’re back to Step 1 (your safety pre-ride checklist).

Post-Ride Checklist

Clean Your E-Bike
Check Tires for Damage
Re-Charge Battery if Needed
Stretch Your Muscles
(yes, e-biking is exercise!)
Finish here and you’ll know how to use an e-bike!

Clean Your E-Bike

Wipe down your e-bike after each ride with a dry or slightly damp rag. Keeping it clean and free from debris will keep the electrical components in good shape for longer and protect your investment.

Read this article for more information on cleaning and maintaining your e-bike:
Riding Your E-Bike in the Sand: Tires and Maintenance

Check Tires for Damage

Check to make sure your tires haven’t lost significant air pressure. This can suggest damage to the tire. You might also like to fill them up so that they’re ready to go riding again tomorrow!

Re-Charge Battery if Needed

Before you turn off your digital display, check the battery level to see how much you used. This will give you a good idea how quickly the battery can be discharged based on the type of riding you’re doing.

Then you can go ahead and re-charge it so it’s ready for next time.

Stretch Your Muscles

Yes, you heard me! Don’t think for a minute that you won’t be getting good exercise riding an electric bike. New bike riders of any kind might feel tight in the hips, glutes, or legs (consider wearing padded bike shorts to reduce some of the discomfort). And, on an e-bike, you’ll likely ride farther and longer than expected.

So, be sure to ask your doctor or fitness professional about stretching before and after each e-bike ride.

Congratulations New E-Bike Rider: You’re Now an “Experienced” Beginner.

If you’ve followed each of the five steps and completed each checklist, you’ll have an easy time using an electric bike. Although you’ll probably feel like a beginner for several more rides, every riding experience you have will make you feel more comfortable.

Even though this step-by-step guide on how to use an e-bike seems lengthy, trust me when I say that these five steps will come naturally after doing them a few times. You’ll only be a beginner for a short time!

And using an e-bike to get around will provide more excitement and fun than any regular bike possibly could. The rewards will be great. Enjoy!

Do You Get Any Exercise on an Electric Bike?

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

March 3, 2021
0

A common misconception about electric bikes is that riding one will make you lazy. The belief is that it is cheating when it comes to exercising. So, I have considered my riding experience and whether riding an e-bike is cheating. Further, I reviewed the research to determine whether you can get any exercise on an e-bike.

Because a rider has to pedal in order to activate the electric motor, riding an electric bike is an excellent form of cardiovascular exercise. E-biker riders can get more or less exercise depending on how much they ride and how they ride. Moreover, certain riding habits directly affect the exercise benefits of e-biking.

In fact, a recent study confirmed that the average heart rate increases during e-biking use to 94% of the average heart rate. So, you can definitely get your heart rate up.

Still, there are a lot of things that affect how much exercise you get from riding and the quality of it. Keep reading and I’ll help you get the greatest health benefits by riding an electric bike.

How to Get Exercise on an E-Bike

The first thing to understand in order to get the most exercise is that electric bikes are meant to provide electric assistance. And this assistance is only given when you are actually pedaling, as this is when the motor senses it is time to work.

Most e-bikes have multiple levels of “pedal-assist” which lets the rider decide how much help they want from the motor at any given time.

In other words, you have to pedal to make e-bikes go. Thus, you’ll burn calories while pedaling using electric assistance, just as you would riding a traditional bike.

So what it comes down to is this:

You’ll get a varying amount of exercise by riding an e-bike. It’s up to you. You can increase your effort to get greater quality exercise by following these tips to improve cardiorespiratory fitness.

Riding Habits: Tips That’ll Improve the Quality of E-Bike Exercise

Naturally, when you ride longer, you’ll get more exercise. So creating good riding habits, just as you would with conventional bikes, will help you improve the amount and quality of exercise that you’ll get.

Here are some tips to improve your e-bike riding habits:

Keep your pedal assist level on the lowest level (0 or 1) for as long as you can, whenever you can. Increase it one level at a time as needed.

Don’t rely on the throttle to keep you moving. Use it when you need to move forward quickly (like out of the way of a car) or need a boost to get started up a steep hill. Just don’t use it to avoid pedaling entirely!

Ride to work, high school, or college classes. Because an e-bike can get you where you need to go easier than a standard road bike, you can get consistent exercise by riding every day on your commute. But what’s nice is that you won’t have to end up tired out or sweaty when you get there.

Pick up groceries or run errands. Just put a little rack or basket on the front or back of your e-bike or carry a backpack to put your groceries in.

Ride up hills. Riding hills provide a fantastic form of exercise because they require greater sustained effort to get up them. And with an e-bike, there’s no reason not to try going up even steep hills. You can make it as pleasant or as hard as you’d like. And as long as your pedaling, you’re getting exercise.

Here’s how I tackle a hill: Start on your lowest pedal assist level and challenge yourself to pedal as long as you can without extra help. Then add more assistance by increasing your pedal-assist level little by little.

I also find that setting my gears to 3 or 4 on a steep hill helps me get better exercise because I don’t need to increase pedal assist as quickly.

Make riding a daily habit. Start your day off with a ride around your neighborhood. This will get your blood flowing and increase your heart rate, giving you a burst of cardiovascular exercise. And, as a bonus, it can help you focus and increase your productivity for the day.

Exercise by shopping on an e-bike with a basket or rack to carry your purchases.

How E-Bikes Can Get You More Exercise Than on a Normal Bike

What’s all of the fuss about e-bikes making you lazy or not providing “real” exercise? It’s possible to get more exercise each week when you ride a fun electric bike instead of a conventional bike.

The truth is, because an e-bike makes pedaling easy, you’re much more likely to ride it in the first place. And, you’ll ride it further because you know you can handle it and that you’ll be able to get back home with motor assistance if you need it.

In turn, your motivation to ride is likely to increase even more. Therefore, you’ll ride more, burn more calories, and get more exercise.

If you have to ride up hills just to get in or out of your neighborhood, then there’s a good chance you’ll avoid bike riding entirely (like my husband and I did before we got our e-bikes).

But when you know that you can easily ride up a hill while still warming up your muscles and then easily get back up a hill to get home even though you’re tired, you’ll get on that e-bike way more often! And using the riding habit tips mentioned above, you’ll get exercise consistently and get fit on your e-bike.

Exercise Benefits for Seniors and Physically-Impaired

E-bike riding can provide great exercise for everyone. And that becomes even more clear when you consider how it can help seniors and the physically impaired.

Unfortunately, many seniors have limitations when it comes to exercise. Walking or riding a conventional bike could be a problem for many reasons, including a lack of strength, an injury, getting tired easily, or a chronic illness.

But, as long as they have no problem with balancing on and riding a bike, an electric bike will help seniors get the motor assistance they need to get where they want to go.

Seniors will get more exercise riding an e-bike because it’s easier.

They can e-bike to their friend’s house, the recreation center, the store, or the doctor’s office. These places might be too far to walk or take too long to walk to. And if a senior is no longer driving, riding an e-bike is a great alternative.

So, not only can an e-bike give senior e-bike riders the freedom of mobility that they otherwise wouldn’t have, they can get the benefits of exercise as well.

This is true for anyone who has physical limitations that would still allow them to ride an e-bike, no matter their age.

With the assistance of the motor, they can get where they need to go, get a good workout, and get proper cardiovascular exercise.

More Research on E-Bike Exercise

Many people have wondered what the downside is to riding an electric bike versus a traditional one. And “exercise” is often brought up.

However, a 2020 study in The International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health used a real-world setting and let the participants decide how and when to ride their e-bikes for a two-week period. The results suggest that riding an e-bike is a “suitable” way to promote physical activity in otherwise healthy adults.

Another study in JMIR Publications compared exercise response in e-bikers, among other things. Although participants perceived their exertion while riding an electric mountain bike to be low, the results showed that most of them fell into the “vigorous-intensity heart rate zone”. Therefore, riding an e-bike was an intense form of physical, aerobic exercise for even experienced, athletic mountain bikers.

Additional research shows that e-bike riders take longer trips as compared to people on standard bicycles. Thus, even if the exercise isn’t as intense, e-bike users ride farther and for longer periods of time, providing them with physical exertion for longer.

One more study discovered that when people rode e-bikes, cars were used much less frequently. And, naturally, riding an e-bike will increase your exercise time substantially over sitting in a car.

E-Biking for Exercise Conclusion

When you ride an electric bike, you are getting effective exercise. No matter whether your goals are to burn fat, increase cardiorespiratory fitness, reduce blood pressure, or achieve weight loss, e-bike riders can get moderate-intensity exercise and reach desired fitness levels.

Riding an e-bike just makes exercise a bit easier and even more enjoyable than brisk walking.

E-bike riders can get moderate exercise on an e-bike with less effort and less physical fatigue. If you’re not feeling like you’re getting enough energy expenditure, just decrease motor assistance and use your entire body to tackle hills, or simply ride more often to the places you want to go.

Are E-Bikes Allowed on Sidewalks in the United States?

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

February 28, 2021
0

Riding an e-bike provides a ton of rewards. However, the one major risk of riding is getting into a collision with a motor vehicle, leading many cyclists to want to ride on the sidewalks where they feel safe.

But are you allowed to ride an e-bike on a sidewalk in the United States?

In general, e-bikes can ride on sidewalks in many cities and states. However, the Federal government leaves it to the individual states, counties, and cities to determine whether they will allow e-bike riding on sidewalks.

Some states still classify e-bikes as motor vehicles (and treat them like a moped) making riding on sidewalks clearly illegal. Therefore, you need to obey the local laws.

And figuring out the laws is a bit of a challenge. It’s hard to understand whether or not it’s okay to ride on the sidewalks because each local area may have different rules.

However, the good news is that there are usually clear bicycle laws in each city as well as rules of etiquette when riding an e-bike that’ll keep you safe and out of trouble. I’ll tell you about these and give you several tips to make sidewalk riding (when allowed) more comfortable and enjoyable.

When Electric Bikes Can (or Should) Ride on Sidewalks

Other than when you’re in a state that still classifies e-bikes as motor vehicles, such as New Mexico, Alabama, or Massachusetts, you’ll be allowed to ride on a sidewalk in many local areas.

In fact, if the e-bike you’re riding is classified and defined as a “bicycle” within the area of the U.S. in which you’re riding, then you should feel comfortable following the standard bicycle laws about riding on the sidewalk.

Read the article for more on bike classification and where you’re allowed to ride your e-bike in the U.S.

So, you really must find out from each city you plan to ride in:

1. Where e-bikes are allowed to go in the city: Specifically ask… can you ride them on the sidewalk, on multi-use paths, in the business district, in shopping centers, or in other pedestrian areas?

2. And if they can be legally ridden on the sidewalk: Be sure to clarify where it is acceptable to ride on a sidewalk. It may be okay in the residential areas but not in the city’s “downtown” area.

Contact the local City Hall online or in person for more information.

Finally, there are a few reasons that you probably should ride your e-bike on the sidewalk (it still might not be “legal” however):

When there are no bike lanes and you’re in a busy area or on a street where cars are moving fast.

2. When the bike lane isn’t wide enough for cars to stay a safe distance from you (in California and other states, that’s at least 3 feet).

3. If your bike isn’t working properly and could put you in danger if you’re on the street.

4. Anytime you’re stuck in a situation where you fear for your safety and it would be better to get a ticket (and worth fighting it) even if it might be illegal. Or… maybe you should just walk your bike. Some e-bikes even have “walking” modes to make it easy.

You won’t have to ride on sidewalks on these amazing USA paved trails!

Reasons E-Bikes Should Not Be Ridden on a Sidewalk

Even if you feel safer riding on a sidewalk than on the road with fast cars, this doesn’t necessarily mean that you are safer or that you should stay on the sidewalk.

Here are several reasons you should avoid riding on sidewalks whenever you can:

Business districts in large cities have a lot of people walking around: The potential for injury to both the e-bike rider and pedestrian magnifies greatly just based on the larger number of people in one area.

Risk of harming pedestrians: Any time there could be a significant danger to pedestrians, you should stay off the sidewalk.

For example, someone could get harmed while riding on the sidewalk when kids are getting let out of school, or there’s a “walk-a-thon” charity event, or the sidewalk is just too narrow for you to pass anyone safely.

If the road is too dangerous for you to ride on, then consider walking your e-bike on the sidewalk until you get into a safe spot to ride again.

You like to ride fast: If you’re not willing to slow down for pedestrians, and even children riding bikes, then everyone will be happier if you stay off the sidewalk.

Too many driveways and crosswalks are in your path: Riding on the sidewalk can actually be more dangerous to the bike rider in some circumstances.

Cars don’t expect fast-moving e-bikes to suddenly appear when they are backing out or when they’re moving through crosswalks. In other words, bike riders can be invisible!

It’s illegal: Yep, this is pretty straightforward. If it’s clearly illegal to ride your e-bike on sidewalks where you’re at, you shouldn’t ride there. Some cities will post signs and have street markings telling bikes where they can ride.

And it’s most likely for a good reason: Your safety and the safety of pedestrians.

How to Keep the Peace with Pedestrians on the Sidewalk

You won’t find many pedestrians happy to share the sidewalk with you. Most would rather you were not allowed on a sidewalk. Having a bike whizzing past while you’re walking, especially when it wasn’t there a second ago, is sometimes startling and scary.

Then add the fact that you’re on an e-bike. They might hear a slight whirring of your motor which makes them feel even more that you shouldn’t be riding on the sidewalk. Or, if your e-bike has fat tires, it might look more like a moped to them.

People on the sidewalk are often walking casually and may even swerve a little while talking to a friend. Or a parent may stop suddenly to take care of the baby in the stroller. And a child could quickly dart to the other side of the sidewalk to see a lizard.

So, when you zoom past someone walking, even if you ring your bell as a warning (which can be startling in itself), they’re likely to be annoyed, imagining what could have happened.

So, here’s a suggestion… Slow down considerably when you’re approaching a walker or jogger. This will let them know that you understand their concerns and are looking out for them.

You should be going slow enough to offer a friendly “Hello” or “Have a nice day”. And use your bell close enough for them to hear and have a warning that you’re coming, but not so close that you’re already passing by.

Bike Lane Safety for E-Bikes

So, if you don’t want to (or aren’t allowed to) ride your e-bike on the sidewalk, then you’ll most likely end up riding in a bike lane.

When riding in a bike lane, follow these safety tips:

Get and use a rearview mirror: This will give you the ability to always see if there’s a car coming up on your left. You might realize that you can then move further to your right in the bike lane, or decide to slow down until it passes.

When in the bike lane, always stop at red lights or stop signs and yield the way to pedestrians, just as you would if you were driving a car.

Signal when you’re going to make turns or stop. Review those hand signals!

If the bike lane contains debris or construction, use your hand signals to safely move around it or move off the road (and perhaps onto the sidewalk briefly).

Always stay as far to the right in the bike lane as possible.

If your electric bike has a throttle, use it to move out of intersections and unsafe locations quickly. But, first, take a glance around you and don’t use the throttle to speed through intersections or crosswalks.

Thankfully, many cities are becoming more bicycle-friendly, some even adding wide, protected, well-marked bike lanes. These lanes keep you safely separated from cars, with at least a low barrier. You won’t even miss sidewalks!

Consider traveling to these cities with your e-bike to catch the views and travel safely within miles of protected bicycle lanes: Seattle, WA; San Francisco, CA, and Portland, OR

The 7 Best Places to Ride Your E-Bike in California

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

February 20, 2021
0

California is one of the most amazing places to ride your e-bike in the U.S. thanks to the weather, beautiful views, and wide bike paths. Exploring scenic California on an e-bike gets you to places you never could have on a standard bike.

There are seven incredible bike paths to ride your e-bike on in California, each one with stunning views and a wide, paved path. These paths include coastal and forest trails in southern, central, and northern California, including trails in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Monterey.

I’ve researched and put together a list of the best places to ride an electric bike up and down the state of California.

Here are the seven best places to ride your e-bike in California:

California Bike Paths Southern Central Northern City
Rincon Bike Trail X Ventura
Monterey Bay Coastal
Recreation Trail X Monterey
West Cliff Drive Bike Path X Santa Cruz
The Strand X Los Angeles
Joe Rodota Bike Trail X Santa Rosa
American River Trail X Sacramento
Pacific Beach Boardwalk X San Diego

Learn about each of the trails below so that you know what to expect before you go. And make sure to check out the E-Biking “Thumbs-Up and Thumbs-Down” for each place mentioned in this list.

Rincon Bike Trail

Thanks to the installation of a paved bike path running alongside the 101 highway (instead of on it!), this California route is now a fantastic 10-mile bike ride between Ventura and Carpenteria.

With a nonstop view of the coast, a wide bike lane, and your electric bike, it’s also an easy and comfortable ride. Watch the surfers and playful dolphins as you cruise.

You can start in either Ventura or Carpenteria. However, there is a parking lot at Rincon State Beach in Carpenteria that makes for easy parking and a State Beach to hang out on before or after your ride.

And the other great thing is that you can enjoy a fantastic meal or snacks on the beach at either end of your ride.

Try fish and chips on the Ventura Pier or tacos in Carpenteria. Further, you can stop in the middle at the famous Cliffhouse Restaurant, which overlooks the ocean. It’s pricey, but you can always stop for a nice appetizer as well.

I haven’t stopped here myself, but I’ve read that there is a Fire Station (Number 25) along the route in Faria Beach where you have access to a clean bathroom, drinking water, picnic tables, and even a bike pump and tool station. So, keep an eye out for it!

E-Biking Thumbs up Since it’s mostly flat, you can really get moving fast on your e-bike (but do watch for people walking)!
E-Biking Thumbs Down If you’re going to use low pedal assist for exercise or to take it slow, you may want to bring your own snacks since there isn’t anywhere to stop in between the two cities.

Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail

Monterey is one of my absolute favorite places in California (one of my kids graduated college here). It’s well-known as one of the most scenic coastlines and has a multi-use trail that you can ride your e-bike on for 18 miles.

Also called the Monterey Peninsula Recreational Trail, you can begin riding the trail in Castroville and continue down the coast to Pacific Grove, following an old Cannery Row railway route.

Your breath will be taken away by the unique cypress trees and rocky coastline. Even the ice plant along the path is amazing, turning fall colors and blooming majestically.

Stop to view the sea lions along the way, or perhaps catch a glimpse of a sea otter or even a pod of whales Just be sure to turn off your e-bike’s motor while you enjoy them.

And there are plenty of other places to stop along the way. Take a few hours at the well-known Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, Fisherman’s Wharf, and Lover’s Point in Pacific Grove.

You’ll find great places to eat and people-watch in both Monterey and Pacific Grove. But be sure not to get lured into complacency because of the surrounding beauty. You still need to lock up your e-bike tight!

But don’t let the end of the Monterey Bay Coastal Trail stop you. Once it ends in Pacific Grove, you can continue to ride to Carmel and get on the famous “17-mile drive”. If your electric bike’s battery can keep its charge for 40+ miles, you just might make it!

E-Bike Thumbs Up Can’t beat the Monterey peninsula’s scenery and you can take it all in because you’re riding an e-bike!
E-Bike Thumbs Down It can be cloudy and chilly, so come prepared wearing layers (but trust me when I say that the scenery is amazing on almost any day)

West Cliff Drive Bike Path

Even though this is a short 3-mile path, this bike trail has a ton to offer for a day of sightseeing on your e-bike.

Since the path is so short, you may even just wish to rent an electric bike when you are in the area. You can do this at Pacific Ave Cycles, just a short block away from the trail.

You can start your ride at the San Lorenzo River and head north to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, where you’ll find the classic California amusement park with carnival games, rides, and more.

Then use a little pedal assist to climb up the cliffs to Lighthouse Field State Beach and the Santa Cruz Surfing Museum. Naturally, you can watch the surfers crash through huge waves here.

Finally, keep going up the stunning coastline while keeping an eye on the kelp beds for floating sea otters. And, in the Spring, you may even catch the whale migration! You’ll reach the end of the trail at Natural Bridges State Beach.

Park your bike on the sand, being careful not to throw sand all over your bike and its electric parts, and take a relaxing break while enjoying the beauty.

E-Biking Thumbs Up You’ll have no problem tackling cliffs on your e-bike, and even riding around the more hilly areas of Santa Cruz.
E-Biking Thumbs Down It’s a really short trail on an electric bike but plan on stopping frequently to enjoy the views and activities.

The Strand

The Strand (aka the Marvin Braude Bike Trail and the South Bay Bicycle Trail) in Los Angeles is a busy place, like many in Southern California.

But this path is like no other, especially on an e-bike. It’s 22 miles long and passes through multiple classic Los Angeles coastal cities including Santa Monica, Venice Beach, Manhattan, and Redondo Beach.

If you start at Torrance Beach, you can ride your e-bike north all the way to Will Rogers State Beach in Pacific Palisades. Stop along the way for lunch at your choice of numerous on-the-boardwalk, ocean-view eateries.

Although this paved trail is abundant with bikers, walkers, runners, skateboarders, electric scooters, and people maneuvering the crowds with large surfboards, it’s still quite roomy and easy to navigate. Just watch out for other people moving fast and not paying attention!

The path is well-maintained and has markings on the ground and on signposts making it easy to see where you should be riding your e-bike.

People-watching is in abundance here. You’ll find people playing volleyball, sunbathing, skating, biking, and doing any number of things you may never have seen before, especially in Venice Beach!

Plan on spending some time checking out the restaurants and shops in Venice and Santa Monica. Plus, you won’t want to miss the Santa Monica pier with its roller-coaster and carnival rides.

Because you can literally ride and explore all day on your electric bike, make sure you have a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen… you’re in sunny southern California after all.

If you don’t have your ebike with you, there are a number of bike rental shops where you can rent an electric bike as well.

E-Biking Thumbs up Plenty of interesting people and sights to discover all day long
E-Biking Thumbs Down Very crowded on weekends… pick another day during the week or be prepared to move slowly on your e-bike through the more crowded areas (like Santa Monica and Venice Beach)

Joe Rodota Bike Trail

This is an 8.5-mile bike trail that runs between Santa Rosa and Sebastopol. It’s hard to believe that this trail, even though paved, offers a variety of landscapes to view, all of which are super easy to take in on your e-bike.

Start the path between West 3rd Street and Railroad Street at the Prince Memorial Greenway in Santa Rosa. Throughout this bike trail, you’ll follow an old railway and pass three bridges, a huge wetland area home to over 200 animal species, and agricultural land.

Because it’s in the lowlands, make sure you’re prepared after a rain… you and your electric bike might get wet. So, wear your rain boots and bring a towel to dry off your electric components after your ride.

Grab a variety of local eats in Sebastopol at The Barlow Center, an upscale farmers market.

E-Biking Thumbs Up Because it’s relatively flat, you can get great exercise by turning off your e-bike’s pedal assist or keeping it on low
E-Biking Thumbs Down I’ve read complaints of homeless encampments along the trail, so if you’re concerned, make sure to check on this situation before you go.

American River Trail

The American River Trail travels through inland California and is one of the longest, paved, two-lane bike paths in the United States at 32 miles! This is why it’s perfect for e-bike riders, as most people couldn’t make a 32-mile ride on a standard bicycle.

Start in Sacramento’s old town at Discovery Park. Because this path follows the snow-fed American River and meets up with the Sacramento River, swimming spots can be found throughout the route.

Although you can’t beat having access to the river, you’ll be happy to know that there are also plenty of places to get fresh drinking water, have a picnic, and take a restroom break.

This American River Trail has been named “Traveler’s Choice” on Trip Advisor. With its immense wildlife and stunning scenery, the ride goes by quickly. Bicyclists report seeing deer, egrets, herons, and even turkeys, along with Steelhead trout and Chinook salmon during the spawning season.

Further, there are parks, restrooms, and water fountains along the way, making what could be a very long ride without amenities, easy.

And Because you’re in Sacramento, there is no shortage of places to grab a bite to eat or to take in California history when you’re done riding.

E-Biking Thumbs Up Multiple swimming spots along the way… bring your swimsuit and water shoes.
E-Biking Thumbs Down Because it’s a very long trail, consider your fitness and health before setting out… of course, you can always choose to ride just a portion of the trail

Pacific Beach Boardwalk

In San Diego, California, the Pacific Beach Boardwalk (which connects to the Mission Beach Boardwalk) is a place not to miss. Although the boardwalk is only a little over 5 miles long, you’ll want to bring your e-bike along.

Start your ride at the beginning of the boardwalk at Law Street Park. As you head south, enjoy the beautiful white, sandy beaches, surfers, and people-watching.

It can get pretty crowded during the summer and on weekends, so consider whether you can ride your e-bike on this path at a better time.

South of Pacific Beach, Mission Beach offers restaurants and bars, as well as a classic wooden roller-coaster (fully restored) and other carnival rides at Belmont Park. Plus, it’s fun to people-watch (check out the serious sand volleyball players), shop, view the beach houses, and get a bite to eat or drink.

Watch out for other fast-moving skateboarders and bicyclists. And slow down to keep the walkers and runners safe.

Since you can probably go much further than the five miles on the Pacific Beach Boardwalk on your electric bike, feel free to go up and down the boardwalk more than once! Or head into Pacific Beach using the bike lanes to find a great place to grab an ice-cold beer.

E-Bike Thumbs Up If you’ll be in San Diego for more than one day, there are lots of other inland trails to ride your e-bike on.
E-Bike Thumbs Down You’ll probably need to ride slowly as it’s often a crowded boardwalk.

Traveling by car? Find the right bike rack here!

Is It Legal to Ride My E-Bike on Bike Trails in California?

Before you head out on all of these amazing rides, many of which you might do while on a California road trip, you probably want to know if it’s actually legal to ride your electric bike in certain places.

Fortunately, California is very e-bike friendly. E-bikes can generally follow the same rules and laws as standard bicycles. However, each bike trail, city, or location can have its own limitations.

find out more about e-bike riding rules in the National parks, State Parks, and public lands.

Often these limitations have to do with your e-bike’s classification and use of the throttle or pedal assist.

Check out each location, prior to driving a long distance, to find out if there are any limitations. And watch for signs on the trails. Some trails will exclude bikes entirely, while others won’t allow the use of the throttle.

The primary reason for e-bike trail limitations in California is to keep these trails safe for all using them (including hikers and walkers) and to minimize damage to the trail itself.

So although California encourages e-bike riding, you should always know the local laws and rules before heading out on a ride on any bike trail or multi-use path.

Discover more trails! Learn about the 7 best e-bike trails in Colorado!

How to Safely Store an E-Bike: Outside vs Inside

By
Lisa Sylvester
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February 15, 2021
0

Due to its costly and sensitive electrical equipment, an e-bike carries a bigger responsibility for properly maintaining it and keeping it safe than most other bikes. So, it’s natural to question whether it should be stored outside.

You can safely store your electric bike outdoors if there is low humidity and mild weather, and if you cover it with a durable, weather-proof cover. Before storing your e-bike, you should remove the battery, clean the bike, and keep it in a cool, dry location between 32 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.

Properly storing your e-bike also depends on how well it’s prepared for storage beforehand and your own concern about protecting it from thieves.

When Is It Safe to Store Your E-Bike Outside?

It’s generally safe to store your electric bike outside when it is cool and dry. So, let’s define exactly what “cool and dry” means.

As mentioned above, “cool” temperatures between 32F and 68F are ideal for safely storing your e-bike outside.

Some manufacturers actually state that you can store your e-bike in negative temperatures, but that doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea.

The electric components are very sensitive to cold. So chances are that below-freezing temperatures will damage these components, as well as increase overall wear and tear on your e-bike.

It’s further suggested that your e-bike is best stored where it is “dry”. In general, this means that you should avoid storing your e-bike where there is high humidity or lots of moisture in the air.

Humidity above 50% is considered to be “high”. Humidity above 70% is even believed to cause damage to your home. Therefore, any level of moisture in the air above 70% could damage your e-bike as well.

So you’ll really need to take e-bike storage seriously if you live in a place with heat and high humidity year-round, such as in Florida, Hawaii, or any tropical location.

If you live in one of these areas, or where it rains a lot, such as the states of Oregon or Washington, you should strongly consider storing your bike inside if you want to keep it safe from the elements.

Otherwise, your e-bike can probably be safely stored outside (consider getting a GPS tracker in case it’s stolen). But do follow directions for preparing it, storing the battery, and giving it a protective cover.

How to Prepare Your E-Bike to Be Stored Outside

There are two things you should do when preparing your electric bike for storage.

1. First, remove the battery from the bike. Since the battery is what ultimately makes your bike move, you should take good care of it so that it retains its ability to charge.

To prepare it, apply a thin layer of “terminal” grease on the battery contacts to protect them from rust and corrosion.

Keep reading below to learn how to take care of and safely store your e-bike battery.

2. Next, you should clean it, even if you don’t see any dirt. In fact, you should clean it every time you put it away, no matter whether it is for one day, a week, or several months.

This is especially important if you’ve been riding in the sand, dirt, or mud.

To clean your e-bike, wipe it down with a damp rag to remove abrasive particles and to ensure that it stays free from rust. Don’t forget to wipe down the battery connectors at the point where they attach to the bike.

How to Safely Store Your Battery

Once you’ve removed the battery from the bike before storing it, it’s important to take good care of it.

First, keep it inside!

Just like the e-bike itself, the battery needs to be kept in a cool and dry location. Ideally, it should be kept closer to 50-68 degrees Fahrenheit, even though recommendations are to keep it above 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

The slightly warmer temperatures will ensure that it lasts longer.

Whatever you do, don’t keep it anywhere below freezing! You’d be lucky if it still had power after lengthy storage. Further, make sure that the battery is warmed up a bit before charging it to avoid damage.

Second, your battery should be stored with the correct charge.

Storing a battery at either a 0% charge or at a 100% charge can reduce its life.

Instead, take the middle ground and charge your battery between 30% and 70-80% before storing it.

Only use the charger that came with your battery.

The wrong charger could destroy your battery and, at the very least, damage it.

Keep your stored battery safely away from flames and flammable objects, especially if it’s lithium-based.

You might also wish to have it near a smoke detector and fire extinguisher just in case.

When in doubt about how to handle your e-bike’s battery, read the manufacturer’s instructions which will provide the exact procedures to take care of your particular battery model.

Get a Durable, Protective Cover for Your E-Bike

When you’ve decided to store your electric bike outside, you need to find a high-quality, well-fitted cover to protect it.

Although an inexpensive cover may be good enough for a standard, non-electric bike, you’ll probably need to pay a little more in order to get one that will take good care of the motor and other electrical parts.

The cover should be strong and durable, protecting from dust, water, and UV sun rays. A good cover will not only sit snugly on top of your e-bike but will securely fasten underneath.

Note: If humidity is a concern, then putting a cover on your bike may actually do more harm than good as it’ll allow moisture to build up inside the cover.

Another interesting idea to cover your e-bike outside is to use a bike storage shed. They’re just big enough to fit your bike, so they won’t take up a lot of room. They can be made of a hard protective material like plastic or metal (the same as any regular-size shed) or a durable, waterproof vinyl or “tent” fabric.

The great thing about solid bike sheds is that they can be locked up more securely to prevent your bike from theft. After all, they’re not easy to cut through like a plastic cover.

Safety from Theft During Outside Storage

One more huge concern to consider before storing your e-bike is keeping it safe from theft.

You’ve most likely thought of this already but brushed the thought aside, assuming that it’s very unlikely. However, electric bikes are generally expensive and therefore very valuable to thieves.

And, anytime you leave your e-bike outside, it’s more prone to getting stolen.

Keep your e-bike safe outside at home with these tips:

Put up a “Beware of Dog” sign (in front of where they could get to your bike).

Cover it or camouflage it behind bushes or yard junk.

Alternatively, keep it in an area that’s well lit with security lights, security signs, and even cameras.

Most importantly… lock it up to keep it safe, even if it’s in your own yard! Use the most secure locks including, U-locks, D-locks, and heavy chains (which require more than one cut and are hard to hold while cutting).

And don’t be shy to use multiple locks. Use them all! And lock your bike to the toughest pole or metal object around.

Sturdy U Lock

When to Store Your E-Bike Inside

There are many good reasons to store your electric bike indoors if at all possible.

If you live in a really cold location or it’s a cold winter, easily getting below 32F overnight, then you shouldn’t store your bike outside.

Or if your humidity is frequently 50-70% or more, you’re better off storing your e-bike inside. If you have to store it outside temporarily, at least keep it in the shade and away from direct moisture, such as under a big patio cover.

You may wish to store your bike inside if you live in a high-theft area or you’re unable to secure it safely outside.

Keeping it indoors also makes it much easier to jump on and ride when the weather turns nice for a day or your car won’t start and you need to get somewhere.

When you can’t store your e-bike outside due to weather or security issues, then you’ll need to find a way to store it inside.

Of course, storing your e-bike indoors means you’ll have to take space and location into consideration. Do you have a spare room to keep your e-bike in? Or can you fit it into your bedroom, hall closet, or family room?

My husband and I actually keep our bikes in our home’s entranceway. We don’t have to worry about the weather or keeping them clean. Further, we don’t have to unlock, untie, or pull out from the back of the garage.

Yes, they’re kind of in the way, but we do have the option of folding them up to save space.

Learn all about folding e-bikes: Check out this article!

Finally, you can keep your e-bike safely stored in a garage or shed, as long as the temperatures stay over 32F and the humidity is below 70% (and preferably 50%).

Your First Ride After Storage

When you’re ready to ride your e-bike again, give your bike a thorough visual inspection.

Check to see that the motor and other important equipment like your headlight, GPS, and helmet are in good condition.

Then fully charge the battery before riding. Make sure your battery is warm and hasn’t been damaged before charging. Give it a quick visual inspection for leakage or damage to the charger.

This is also a good time to check your tires for tread wear and proper inflation. The inner tubes are likely to have deflated during storage and you don’t want to damage your tires by riding them without the correct psi inflation.

Finally, take a short ride. Test the brakes and gears by riding down your street or around the block. Don’t plan a major ride before you’ve done this. If you find anything wrong, you can fix it instead of getting stranded miles from home.

Riding Your E-Bike in the Sand: Tires & Maintenance

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

February 5, 2021
0

One of the great things about electric bikes is that riding in different terrains, such as in sand, can be much easier than if you’re riding a standard bike. However, there are basic tire and maintenance requirements for riding in the sand.

You can ride your e-bike in the sand if it has the right tires and you know how to take care of it properly, especially the electric components. Your bike needs wide tires that grip the loose ground and long, wide fenders that keep the sand from flying up.

What to Consider Before Riding Your Electric Bike in the Sand

If you’ll be riding in the sand, it’s most likely because you’re on a beach or in a desert. Either way, sand can be quite damaging to the motor, battery, and other components of your e-bike.

Think about what it’s like to get a mouthful of sand. It’s gritty and hard to spit out completely, right?! This is what it’d be like if sand gets into your electric motor or internal components.

Grains of sand are so small that they can get wedged in tightly where they don’t belong, like in bearings and brackets. And unless you have the skills needed to repair your own e-bike, you’ll be shelling out more cash pretty quickly.

Not only might you have to buy new parts, but you’ll have to pay a professional bike repair service to clean it all out for you.

Another concern about riding on the beach in deep sand is what lurks below the surface. Sharp objects such as shells, glass, and other things left behind by humans, can puncture tires.

So, you might want to keep a tire repair kit handy. This, of course, is a good idea anytime you’re riding far from home.

Additionally, decide where in the sand you want to ride. Riding on compacted sand will be easier for you and better for your e-bike overall. You’ll be able to maintain better control and there isn’t as much loose sand to fly up into your bike (and your face!).

Your ride in the sand will improve by keeping a lower tire pressure than you would on the pavement. Lowering your tire inflation will help you stay on top of the sand instead of being buried in it.

On a fat bike tire, which we’ll discuss in a minute, you can test out the right pressure by letting out a little air at a time, down as low as 10 psi. But make sure to re-inflate your tires’ inner tubes to around 20 psi before getting back onto a harder terrain.

For the greatest ride through the sand, just relax and keep as much weight over your back tire as you can. That’ll help keep you from getting thrown off your bike head first (just being real here).

Get the Best Tires for Riding Your E-Bike in the Sand

Truthfully, being able to ride your e-bike comfortably in the sand, especially deeper, loose sand has a lot to do with having the right tires for it. And you don’t have to buy an expensive bike to have the right tires.

So, what tires are recommended for sand riding? First and foremost you’ll need wide tires, most often called “fat” tires.

Although you can get bikes with 8-inch wide tires, this will be overkill for most riders. A 4-inch fat tire is pretty standard and can be ridden on most surfaces including sand.

The great thing about bikes with fat tires is that they provide a lot of traction due to their width and because they make more contact with the ground. Plus, a fat tire is extra-thick, making it strong enough to cover rough terrain without getting damaged.

Read about the best fat tire ebikes here!

When buying an e-bike that you want to ride in the sand, make sure you read the reviews that discuss the tires and whether they are good in the sand.

You won’t do well with an electric “road” bike that’s made more for speed and long distances. Instead, consider a mountain bike, fat tire bike, or hybrid. The fat tires on these electric bikes will get you over rough terrain and sand while still performing well enough on the road.

How to Maintain Your E-Bike and Clean It After Riding in the Sand

Although cleaning your electric bike after every ride in the sand is a good idea, nothing beats preventative maintenance to keep your e-bike in good shape. Anything you can do to prevent damage to the electric bike parts is well worth it.

How to Prevent Problems from Riding Electric Bikes in the Sand

Avoid riding in the salt water, especially if it looks dirty (like is often the case at a beach inlet).

Keep your chain clean and lubed. Make sure the lubrication is fully dry before riding so that sand and salt aren’t attracted to it. A Teflon lube is generally recommended.

Lubricate other aluminum parts like the connectors on the wheel spokes and the sprockets of the pedals.

Get a professional tune-up. You’ll need these more often if you ride in the sand or other extreme elements often. If you ride frequently, you may want to get a tune-up 2-4 times per year.

And riding in the sand means you should probably have a professional clean out the sand from the drivetrain. You can do this at the same time as your tune-up.

Good maintenance will protect your bike’s important parts and make your e-bike easier to clean as well.

The Best Way to Clean Sand Off Your E-Bike (Sorry, it’s not the easy way)

After every ride through the sand…

Take a dry rag and wipe off all of the sand you can see on the entire bike. Sand is much easier to remove when it’s dry. Then you can use a slightly damp rag to clean it further, again wiping down the whole bike.

Make sure to get into all of the crevices you can without putting pressure on delicate components or getting water into the electrical parts.

Don’t spray or hose off an electric bike. I’ve seen bicyclists on forums suggesting that you hose off your bike after riding on the beach. However, for an e-bike, this can actually spread the sand (and salt) as well as damage the electrical components.

Re-lubricate important metal parts so that they’ll be dry and ready for your next ride in the sand.

If you won’t be riding on the sand the next time you take out your electric bike… inflate your tires back to their standard air pressure. Assuming you have fat tires, inflate them to around 20 psi.

Saltwater and Electric Bike Parts

Okay, so the general advice here would be to avoid directly riding in saltwater at the beach. Rust and corrosion will happen quickly, even if you clean your bike after each ride.

However, just riding on the sand at the beach (or even on the beach boardwalk) will get you sprayed with salt water from the wind and waves.

We once took our bikes on a 45-minute boat trip to and from Catalina Island. When we got home, we put our bikes away. A couple of weeks later, we went to ride our bikes and they were completely rusted!

So you probably can’t avoid potential salt damage to your bike if you’re going to ride it at or near the beach. And in addition to rusting, you’ll experience additional wear and tear on your electric bike.

Both sand and salt can make your chain stretch and break down other important parts. But if you follow the cleaning and maintenance advice discussed above, your e-bike will stay in good shape for longer.

If you haven’t yet purchased a fat tire e-bike, consider looking for one that has an internal gear hub (so the motor isn’t exposed) and an enclosed chain if possible. These will help prevent rust and other damage from sand and water spray.

Rules for Riding Your E-Bike at the Beach or in the Desert Sand

It’s always a good idea to find out the laws and rules in any location before you ride your e-bike.

Obviously, you should take caution if you’re on a populated beach or non-motorized trail, even if you think you’re far out into the desert.

But you should also find out if the land you’re riding on has electric bike limitations, as many do. You might think that riding in the sand dunes or desert where no one is even around is okay. But laws are laws and you could get fined.

Also, be careful of the electric bike riding rules you hear word-of-mouth. Much of what is being said on online forums and blogs say are opposing.

Don’t pack up your bike for a day at the beach without checking the local rules to find out whether you can legally ride there. Further, each state, county, and landowner can have its own rules.

Read “Legal E-Bike Riding: Where to Ride in the USA”

The RadMini 4 Folding E-Bike: Is It Any Good for Adults?

By
Lisa Sylvester
-

February 1, 2021
0

The RadMini Class 2 e-bike with throttle-assist

When you’re shopping for an electric bike online, you want to know if it’s right for you before you spend a lot of money. So I’m here to help you decide whether the Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 electric bike is good for all adults or whether you’d be better off looking elsewhere.

Although it looks a little like a dirt bike or a moped, The RadMini 4 is a good, if not great, e-bike for most adults. Not only is it sturdy, quiet, and easy-to-ride, it has loads of other desirable features grown-ups want (like folding small enough to get in the car or store in a small space).

Some of the other things adults will love are its comfortable wide seat and fat tires that let you roam on and off trails, in the dirt, or on the road. And it has added safety features that grown-ups will appreciate, including a smooth throttle as well as front and rear lights.

Here are some of the key specs you might like to know about Rad Power Bikes Rad Mini 4 (but there’s so much more covered below):

Basic Info
Weight 68 lbs
Frame 6061 Aluminum Alloy
Tires 20″ X 3.3″ wide
Motor 750 Watt Rear-Mounted Geared Hub
Battery 48V, 14 Ah, Lithium-Ion
Range 25-45+ Miles per Charge
Max Speed 20 MPH
Payload Capacity 275 lb

With so many other features and benefits adults can truly appreciate, read on to find out how the RadMini 4 foldable electric bike might fit into your life.

Who Is the RadMini 4 Folding E-Bike Good For?

Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 is good for almost all adults. Don’t let its cool, sporty look fool you into thinking it’s only for adventurous young adults. My 50-something husband, Marc, absolutely loves his RadMini!

The sleek frame and fat tires that make it look so awesome actually make it more comfortable and more flexible in how and where you can ride it.

And who wouldn’t love its ability to fold up? Just unhook it, fold it, and put it in the car so that you ride in a new place, including out on a bumpy dirt trail.

Being a folding e-bike, it’s also useful for people living in tight places or even those who want to store their bike indoors but out of the way.

The RadMini 4 is a great electric bike for young adults through senior citizens. Even people with disabilities, chronic injuries, aches and pains, and lower fitness levels can ride the RadMini.

But, the number one reason that this electric bike works great for most adults, young and old is that it has multi-level pedal assist and a twist throttle.

In fact, the RadMini 4 has five (5) Pedal-Assist levels, which means that anyone can pedal as much or as little as they need or want to. Further, this electric bike has an easy-to-use twist throttle, instead of a difficult “push” throttle (which you usually need a strong thumb for).

So not only will you get help with pedaling, you’ll get an extra push and an easy start-up by using the throttle.

Sadly, not all electric bikes have a throttle, which is very unfortunate. Having a throttle makes riding easier and more fun! My RadMini Step-Thru just wouldn’t be the same without one.

And, although kids can ride electric bikes legally starting at age 12, I don’t recommend the RadMini 4 for them… it’s just too much bike. Not only is it powerful and quite valuable, but they’re unlikely to appreciate the care that’s needed to keep it in shape.

Practical Features Adults Will Appreciate

Rad Mini 4 80 Lumen Headlight and Front Fender

Rad Power Bikes RadMini 4 Foldable e-bike has so many practical features that make it comfortable and safe. So, I’ve made a list of the most important ones (and you can read more details below):

Foldable Frame: Of course, this is the most unique practical feature of all. Fold your bike to store it or load it into your car and take it anywhere you want to ride.
Bright 80 Lumen Headlight: An important safety feature… Turn this on day and night to make yourself more visible. Adjust the direction as needed.
Rear Brake Light: This will light up every time you apply the brakes.
Puncture-Resistant Fat Tires: Each 3.3-inch fat tire has an integrated internal liner to protect it from punctures due to glass, thorns, and other small objects. Plus, these wide tires let you ride comfortably on even rough terrain because they make more contact with the ground).
Wide, Padded Seat with Adjustable Mount: This plush seat is wide enough for comfort but designed to avoid chafing
Powerful Lithium-Ion Battery: High-capacity battery weighing only
7.7 lbs and centered on the frame for a balanced ride. It’ll take you 25-45+ miles on every charge, depending on your ride. You’ll need 5-6 hours to fully charge it!
Multiple Mounts to Add Racks & Accessories: Front, back, and then some.
Adjustable Handlebars: Raise or lower the telescoping handlebar stem for your comfort or to make it smaller for storage.
Full-Size USB Charging Port to Charge Your Phone: Yes, this is real! Plugin your phone when its battery gets low (the bike has to be turned on of course).
Easy-to-Understand LCD Display: Readable Backlit display shows you your speed, mileage, trip mileage, current pedal assist level, wattage, and more.
Easy-to-Use Twist Throttle: 750 Watts of power will propel you forward with a gentle twist.

RadMini 4 Features Adults Will Love

Rad Mini 4 Large Rear Fender Protects from Flying Debris

Okay, not everything needs to be practical! Here’s a list of features that make the Rad Mini 4 electric bike fun and adventurous:

Geared Hub Motor: This hub motor packs 750 Watt power to get you moving fast! You can make it up hills that would’ve otherwise limited where you can ride. And you can get to a speed of 20 mph so you don’t need to be into racing to go fast. This is because it’s a geared hub motor that supplies power assistance at different levels.
Large Fenders: Front and rear fenders protect you from flying debris, making dirt roads and sandy trails more accessible.
Shimano 7-speed Shifter: Adjust the Shimano SL-TX50-7R thumb shifter to any of 7 speeds to go faster (defaults to the lowest speed)
Twist Throttle: Not only practical, but the twist throttle also makes riding your RadMini 4 super fun! Get your electric bike started quickly, accelerate over bumpy ground, or accelerate to get going up a hill or around a corner faster.
Fat Tires: Practical for comfort, yes. But these big fat tires are what get you into open space and on nature trails for your adventures. Not every e-bike tire can make riding this fun!

Find out more about Rad Power Bikes and The Rad Mini!

You Can Ride the RadMini Off-Road (and pretty much everywhere else)

The RadMini 4 folding fat tire electric bike is also suited for most adults due to its hybrid nature. This means that it gives you the advantage of a “road” bike and a “mountain” bike. So you can comfortably ride it on just about any type of terrain.

First of all, like a road bike, it’s comfortable to sit on due to its upright handlebars and large padded seats. This makes it easy to ride on streets and in cities.

But it also rides like a mountain bike thanks to the Rad Mini’s extra-wide tires. These “fat tires” grip loose dirt and provide a cushion on unpaved trails.

So, you can ride this electric bike pretty much anywhere.

However, it’s a good idea to test out different types of terrain before heading out on a 20-mile ride. And follow Rad Power Bikes’ suggestions for tire pressure and inner tube size because it does change depending on the ground you’re riding on.

The RadMini 4 is a Great Value for Adults

Wondering how to know that your electric bike is well-built? Take a look at the parts. Cheap e-bikes will have parts from companies no one has ever heard of.

But the RadMini 4 from Rad Power Bikes is built with high-quality parts: Shimano gears, Tektra mechanical disc brakes, and Kenda fat tires (3.3 inches!). Plus, some of their parts, like the front suspension fork, are custom-made just for the Rad Power Bikes brand.

And at only $1499, it’s kind of surprising that they use so many well-known company parts. This is definitely a good value for the money.

Further, since we’re talking about the Rad Mini 4, you guessed right if you think that it’s numbered “four” because it’s the fourth version re-built over several years. So, it just keeps getting better.

I really appreciate knowing that the kinks have been worked out over time and I think most adults would agree.

Here’s some additional advice about getting great value: Don’t buy a cheap e-bike if you can’t find any reviews. It probably means that it is relatively new and there’s no way to really measure its quality or value. Further, it’s assumed that they’ve used cheap parts to bring the cost down.

Rad Power Bikes electric bikes have loads of reviews to read before buying.

Cons of The RadMini 4 Folding Electric Fat Bike

Why is this electric bike not so good for some adults? Well, there is only one reason I can think of.

It’s heavy!

Unfortunately, all e-bikes are heavier than regular bikes due to having the added weight of the motor, battery, and as in this case, the big tire size.

So, yes, the RadMini weighs in at almost 70 pounds (68 to be exact)! Now let’s get real for a minute… if you’re a small-framed female rider (like myself at 5’2″), lifting up 70 pounds into the car is just not happening, even if you’re pretty fit.

The heavy weight will also be a challenge for many older, injured, or disabled adults, especially if you plan on putting it into the car or onto a special e-bike car rack.

But, there are a few ways that you can overcome this con:

First option… have a strong biking partner to help you load it into the car or RV if you’re going to be traveling with it.

Second option… consider investing in a ramp to roll it into the car. One for wheelchair access or for a dog would work well.

Keep in mind that you’ll still have a bit of weight to contend with even if you’re just rolling it up a ramp.

And finally, if you’re only riding from home, then the weight of this e-bike shouldn’t be a problem for you anyway.

There is one other possible con I should mention: The RadMini is so popular that it may be on backorder. So plan ahead and order early!

Are Folding Electric Bikes Really Any Good?

Folding RadMini from Rad Power Bikes saves space and fits in the car easily!

Although the Rad Mini is a folding e-bike, and that’s one of the features that makes it so special, you might be wondering if they’ll hold up and provide the long-term value you expect.

As we discussed above, a folding bike is convenient: Easy to store and easy to transport.

But there are some other things you might like to know before making a decision as to whether a folding bike is for you. And I think you’ll discover that it’s good news!

A folding electric fat bike is not a new concept. However, until now, they never seemed to get very popular with adults. But teens and young adults have been using folding scooters to make it easy to get around town and to school or college for years.

And that’s exactly what a folding e-bike can do for you. It’ll give you way more flexibility in transportation and where you ride.

So, here’s the good news, you can get a well-built folding electric bike like the Rad Mini 4 without it being overpriced or breaking easily as you might expect.

In fact, the part of the bike that folds has “multiple safety redundancies” to keep it securely locked when needed but also to prevent accidental unlatching (according to Rad Power Bikes).

In addition, it’s good to know that an electric bike isn’t heavier just because it folds. It’s heavy anyway because of the added motor, battery, and other components.

Finally, there’s nothing about the RadMini 4 folding e-bike that makes it slower or less solid than other non-folding bikes. You can go fast, far, and have a ton of fun!

Other Rad Power Bikes For Adults

Did you know that Rad Power Bikes has a low-step Rad Mini?! Get on and off easier!

Although my husband and I love our RadMinis, Rad Power Bikes has several other models you might love just as well. And although each one has a lot of the same awesome features, they all have their own character and primary use.

They categorize them into the following based on what they do best:

Off-Road

City

Cargo and Utility

Folding

Step-Thru

So, if you want a bike primarily for commuting to work or school, you’ll probably want a city bike that has cargo features as well.

However, if you live in the country and ride all backroads, or on the beach, you’ll definitely want one that has bigger tires for off-roading.

But of course, many of the models are a hybrid of these categories, like my RadMini Step-Thru, which also folds and rides well off-road and in the city. This is why the RadMini really have the best of everything… you can even add a surfboard rack, cargo racks, water storage, and more.

These models range in price from around $1100-$1700, which is a very reasonable cost. Some e-bikes go into the $4000-$8000 range, while less expensive bikes are sold under $1000. This is probably why Rad Power Bikes are popular... they’re priced for leisure cyclists but their parts and build are still high-quality.

Conclusion: Is the RadMini 4 e-bike any good for adults?

Well, if you’re looking for a folding fat tire electric bike, the RadExpand (formerly RadMini) is the only option at Rad Power Bikes. Fortunately, they’re great e-bikes and my husband and I have a ton of fun on them! Thankfully, they’re perfect for adults of all ages.

Their other models are fat tire electric bikes with even bigger tires that don’t lend themselves to folding. All foldable bikes will need to have this smaller tire size and the same features to make it work.

But no matter which powerful and fast e-bike you choose from Rad Power Bikes, you still get high-quality parts, a sturdy build, and customer service.

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E-BIKING TODAYElectric Bike News & Reviews

Electric Bike Reviews & NewsLIVE YOUR BEST LIFE E-BIKING... TODAY!

1. You Can Ride Longer and Farther with a Battery and Motor

2. E-Bikes Offer Assisted Pedaling

3. Commute to Work or School Faster on an E-Bike

4. More Flexibility in Customization

5. Allows the Disabled and the Elderly to Ride a Bike

6. To Get You Where You Need to Go Much Faster Than on a Regular Bike

7. You Can Cut Back on the Expense of Driving a Car

8. Get Exercise (in more places)

9. Age Restrictions on an E-Bike

10. Environmentally Friendly: Improve Air Quality

11. Recreational: Way More Fun Than a Normal Bike!

Electric Bikes Serve Many Purposes

What is a Road E-Bike and What Determines the Cost?

Comfort Features and Perks of a Road E-Bike

Long-Range Batteries Cost More

How Motor Power Affects the Price

The Cost of High-End Road E-Bikes

What is an Electric Mountain Bike and Is it Worth the Cost?

Features That Increase the Cost

Higher Maintenance Costs

Is an Electric Mountain Bike Worth the Cost?

What is a Hybrid Electric Bike and Why Does It Cost Less Than a Road E-Bike?

The Benefits of Hybrids and What They Cost

Why are Hybrid E-Bikes Cheaper Overall Than Electric Road or Mountain Bikes

What is a Commuter E-Bike and Why Are They Priced Cheaper Than Other E-Bikes?

Why Commuter E-Bikes Are Less Expensive

Other Styles of Hybrid or Utility E-Bikes

Foldable E-Bikes- Do They Cost More?

Get a Cruiser/Comfort Bike for Less Money

Costs of Owning The Different Types of E-Bikes

Summary: Why You Should Pay Less Than $2000 for a New Electric Bike

10 Folding E-Bike Brands and Models Listed from Cheapest to Most Expensive

How Much Does a Good Folding E-Bike Cost?

How the Cost of a Foldable E-Bike is Determined

Advantages and Disadvantages of a Folding E-Bike (Pros and Cons)

Best Folding Electric Bike under $2000:

Best Folding Electric Bike under $1000:

How Much is the Cheapest Electric Bike?

What is the Lightest Folding Electric Bike?

What is the Average Cost of an E-Bike?

Conclusion

Step 1. Do a Safety Pre-Ride Check

Pre-Ride Checklist

Tires Inflated Properly

Battery Charged

Brakes Work

Chain in Good Condition

Headlight Shines Bright

Step 2. Check That You Have the Appropriate Gear

Gear Checklist

Helmet

Water

Ear Coverage

Eye Glasses

Layered Clothing

Sturdy Shoes

Tire Repair Kit

Rear-View Mirror

Sunscreen

Step 3. Get Fitted to Your E-Bike and Helmet

Correct Fit Checklist

Fit Your Helmet Snugly

Raise or Lower Your Seat

Tilt Your Seat If Possible

Adjust Handlebars

Adjust Rear-View Mirror

Step 4. Begin Your Ride

Start Riding Checklist

Turn on Your E-Bike Battery Correctly

Set Your Display

Get on a Level Surface to Start

Begin Riding Far Away From Cars and Other People

Start Pedaling on Level 1 Pedal Assist

Step 5. What to Do After Your Ride

Post-Ride Checklist

Clean Your E-Bike

Check Tires for Damage

Re-Charge Battery if Needed