FAQ's

Answers to some frequent questions

What is an electric bicycle?

It is an alternative, environmentally friendly two-wheeled transportation source powered by a (quiet) dc electric motor. With this advanced bicycle technology, riders have the option of pedaling, using pedal assistance, or being power driven.

If I don’t like to pedal, is an electric bicycle right for me?

Not necessarily. Although few electric bicycles have these capabilities, most electric bicycles require some pedaling.

Do I need a driver’s license to ride an electric bicycle?

Although most states don’t require it, laws vary from state to state – please check local laws and ordinances. In California the law is as follows: A "motorized bicycle" is a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements: (1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts. (2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level. (3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.

How old do I have to be to ride an electric bicycle?

The operator of an electric bicycle must be at least 16 years old. Please check local laws and ordinances for other restrictions.

Are electric bicycles heavy?

Not necessarily. Electric bicycle models with sealed lead acid batteries can be heavy, but with the new lithium ion battery technologies, most of the current models are comparable in weight to their non-motorized counterparts.

Can I ride my electric bicycle in the rain?

Usually, yes. Most systems are integrated and weatherproof. However, electric bicycles should never be submerged in water as this will definitely cause damage! See your owner’s manual for specifics with regard to riding in extreme weather conditions.

What is the range of an electric bicycle?

Ranges vary, depending on the motor, battery, and riding conditions. “riding conditions” includes rider weight, terrain, and use of motor. Most, however, have a range in the neighborhood of 15 to 30 miles. Check owner’s manual for specifics.

Can electric bicycles recharge themselves as they are ridden?

In some cases, yes, as they are ridden downhill. However, with current technologies, it is usually only a trickle charge that has little, if any, effect on increasing the range of the electric bicycle.

How long do the batteries last?

Most sealed lead acid batteries have a lifetime of approximately 100 to 300 full charge cycles, depending on size, use, conditions, care, and several other factors. Nickel metal hydride batteries have about twice the lifetime of a sealed lead acid battery, and lithium ion batteries can last as much as three times as long.

Are the batteries expensive?

Sealed lead acid batteries are by far the least expensive among the battery options (but they are also the heaviest). Nickel metal hydride batteries and lithium ion batteries are considerably more expensive (but lighter, more efficient, and in the long run, better for the environment).