If you’re into outdoor adventures, you’ve probably heard about electric bikes. They’ve been around for years, but people have only recently begun taking serious notice of their fun and utility. Do you avoid biking in hilly areas? Do you wish you could go further without overexerting yourself? How about riding on a sandy beach? Cycling into the wind can be a killer. If you want to spend less energy pedaling and more time exploring, women’s or men’s electric bikes might be the perfect option (kids’ e-bikes are available, too!).
Types
Cruiser e-bikes are for casual riding. A larger seat, wider tires and the ability to sit upright make cruisers comfortable. For a unique experience, you could even find an electric adult tricycle for sale.
Hybrid e-bikes offer advantages of both road and mountain bikes. Like cruisers, they’re intended for casual cycling and allow the same comfortable seating. A hybrid’s semi-smooth, medium-width tires are best for paved or unpaved trails.
There are three classes of e-bikes:
- Class 1: Pedal Assist / Pedelec are the most common e-bikes and are generally allowed where normal bikes are permitted. The motor assists the rider’s pedaling by increasing the back wheel’s power. The rider always has control of the assistance amount. There’s a limit to this help, though — it’ll assist up to about 20 mph. These bikes can travel at higher speeds than normal bikes without nearly the pedaling. No more struggling to climb steep hills; it’s virtually effortless on one of these babies.
- Class 2: Throttle-operated e-bikes work similarly to scooters or motorcycles. Instead of pedaling, the rider pushes the throttle. Throttle e-bikes are most common in the U.S. and China, as some other countries (e.g., the European Union) limit e-bikes to ones that only remain in motion while pedaling.
- Class 3: Speed Pedelec, as the name suggests, is a speedier pedelec which provides additional power of about 8 mph. Unlike other e-bikes, laws usually require a licensed rider on a speed pedelecs.
Speeds
In the e-bike world, there are 250-watt motors and 500-watt motors; you need to match power with these considerations:
- Terrain A 500-watt e-bike will allow you to travel faster and navigate hilly terrain easier, no pedaling required.
- Speed How fast do you want to go? If you want to use your bike to commute a few miles to work, you might want the faster, more powerful option. Maybe you only want to take simple leisurely rides seaside or through parks or trails.
- Body Type The speed can also be determined by the weight of the rider. If you’re smaller, you might find that a 250-watt works well. However, if you have a larger build, you may want a 500-watt bike, so that you can get the most bang for your buck.
Colors
Bright orange? Mint-green? What color says “you”? Maybe you’d love to be seen on a sleek matte-black bike. Whatever type of e-bike you choose, the array of color options should meet or even exceed your expectations.
How do you want your next adventure to look? Check out the many types of electric bikes for sale. With all the designs, features and colors available, you’re sure to find exactly what you desire.