Frequently Asked Questions

There is a lot of uncertainty and questions about eBikes. Do you pedal? Is it considered exercising? What even is an eBike? We’re here to educate you on everything you need to know about eBikes. 

Q: What is an eBike?

A: An eBike is an electric bike that offers assistance while riding by leveraging a battery-powered motor.  E-bikes are experiencing a surge of early adopters looking for health, and environmentally sustainable alternatives to their car. In the next few years, e-bikes and related vehicles will be entering main-stream America where owning a personal electric vehicle will be as common as owning an iPhone or laptop computer. These personal electric vehicles are already finding a foothold in municipal departments such as police departments and parks and recreation departments; cleaning companies, health groups, recreational riders, and on many public roads. The economic, health, and sustainability benefits are too valuable today to think that the future of PEVs is short-lived.

Pictured: Yamaha Urban Rush eBike

Q: For us techies, how does an eBike work?

A: An electric assist bicycle consists of a DC electrical motor located at the rear axle or at the crank arm bottom bracket, a battery located on the down tube or somewhere convenient to the design of the bike, a BMS controller (battery management system) located somewhere convenient to the design of the bike which controls the pedal assist levels for the bike as well as the management of the battery output itself per speed, torc and cadence, a control display that the rider engages with to control the BMS and the bikes performance and data feedback.

Q: Do I have to pedal?

A: Yes, eBikes offer assistance pedaling instead of you doing all the work. When you push the pedals on an eBike, a motor activates and gives you a boost. This feature allows you to speed up hills, navigate various terrains, and ride further exhausting yourself. You ride an eBike just like a regular bike by using gears and braking but, you have the option to use the levels of pedal assist or throttle to give you an extra boost. What does this mean? You ride more often, you ride further and you explore more!

Q: Will I get exercise?

A: Yes. With the assisted pedaling feature, you are able to ride longer, which means you are burning more calories. 

Q: Can I lose weight riding an eBike?

A: Yes. Since you are still exercising, you can lose weight. The average calories burned is about 500 per hour. Of course, it all depends on your current health, terrain, and speed.

Q: How fast can an eBike go?

A: Speeds vary depending on the bike. Typically, they will reach a maximum speed of 20 or 28 MPH depending on the class of eBike. Don’t forget that your effort makes a difference in your speed too!

Here is more information on each of the three classes:

• Class 1: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
• Class 2: eBikes that also have a maximum speed of 20 mph, but are throttle-assisted.
• Class 3: eBikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.   You must be over 16 years of age and wear a helmet.

Q: How long will a charged eBike battery last?

A: With relaxed pedaling, you can expect 35-100 miles on a single charge for most eBikes. The range is impacted by battery type, terrain, wind and level of assist used.

Q: How do I charge my eBike?

A:  Bikes are charged with a charger that is supplied by the manufacturer.  Time to fully charge will depend on the percentage of depletion of the battery.

Q: What is the lifespan of an electric bike battery?

A: A battery will last between 2-4 years until it needs to be replaced. We offer repairs in our shop. Simply schedule a service.

Q: Can I ride the same trails as normal bikes?

A: No. Some mountain bike trails have restrictions that don’t allow eBikes.  Rules largely governed at the state level but, please check trail information before riding with local authorities and refer to this link for a growing list of eMTB friendly riding.

Q: Do you offer any discounts?

A: We constantly have bikes on sale. Check our sales page to view the bikes currently discounted.

Q: Can I travel with my eBike?

A: Yes! Our folding ebikes are perfect to travel with. These electric bikes provide the most versatility and portability because you can take them anywhere you travel to. Easily store them in spaces such as RV's, apartments, boats, campers, cars, office spaces, and more.