Way2Go: Electric Bicycles

Could Your Bicycling Use a Power Boost?

Would you ride a bicycle, or ride it more often, if it was easier to get started, ride up hills, go faster or farther, or carry loads more easily? If so, you may be interested to learn more about electric bicycles. Electric bicycles usually look like standard bicycles, but have a small motor attached the gives a power assist to the rider's pedaling. The motor runs off a rechargeable battery.

Are Electric Bicycles Legal in New York State? Not Yet!

As electric bicycles have gained in popularity, different states have handled their legal status differently. Currently, legislation is pending that would allow the us of some types of electric bicycles on roadways in New York State. While some local peopel are already riding electric bicycles, the New York State DMV website states:

"These devices are not allowed on any street, highway, parking lot, sidewalk or other area that allows public motor vehicle traffic. You are subject to arrest if you operate one of these motorized vehicles and do not have a registration, driver license, inspection, insurance or correct equipment.

The DMV can not provide any information about operation of these devices on private property. Contact the local authorities and property owners."

Why Are People Interested in Electric Bicycles?

While some people happily tackle our big hills and four seasons on a standard bicycle, many others find these barriers too difficult. An electric bicycle can make it much easier to use a bicycle to get to and from work, for shopping, or many other errands of up to 15 miles or even more.

Electric bicycles are much cheaper--and much 'greener'--than a car, motorcycle or even a moped to run and own. They can also be a fantastic way to improve your health. Many people find it freeing and fun to get around on an electric bicycle.

How do they work?

Electric bicycles are like regular bicycles, but with an electric motor attached. The motor is powered with rechargeable batteries.
With most electric bicycles, you can ride it like a regular bike, using only your own pedal-power, or use only the motor and not pedal at all. Often, though, people pedal and use the motor assist. The motor makes it easier to pedal, helps to get up hills, and/or moves the bike at a faster speed. Many electric bicycles have a motor that automatically adjusts power according to how hard you're pedaling, and many have multiple settings.
Besides help getting up big hills (see 'buying an electric bicycle' tips below), using an electric bicycle can mean:

• An easier time carrying loads such as groceries, work items, or even a bicycle trailer for pulling your kids along
• Not having to worry if you get tired halfway home
• Getting places faster than on a regular bicycle. In town, it can be faster than car travel
• Arriving at work in less time (and with less sweat) than on a traditional bicycle
• A much easier time parking than in a car
• Traveling much 'greener' than in a car or motorcycle

Are they affordable?

Electric bicycles range in price from about $400 to $2000 and more. They can cost much less than a car, motorcycle, or even a moped--not just the cost to buy, but the ongoing costs, because you do not pay the same costs for gasoline, insurance, registration and inspection, maintenance and parking. Currently, they have a high resale value compared with other motorized vehicles.

Buying an electric bicycle

Electric bicycles and their motors are usually sold as a unit. However, you can also buy a "kit" to add a motor to your current bicycle. Electric bicycles can be purchased new and sometimes used online from a variety of stores, from those specializing in electric vehicles, to Walmart or Amazon.com.

Electric bicycles (or e-bicycles) are NOT all the same. The important thing is to choose an electric bike that will work for your intended purpose. Shop around, get advice from someone you trust has experience and expertise with electric bicycles. Describe what you want to use the bicycle for, and ask about/keep things in mind:

Motor power

This is measured in watts, which is the peak AMPS x Volts. If you want the motor to do most of the work on very big hills, 450 or even 600 watts may be necessary.

Type of motor

"A to B Magazine" in the UK says, "If you are expecting to tackle very steep hills (in excess of 17%, or 1 in 6), we'd recommend a Crank Drive motor. This type puts power through the rear gear system and can be fine-tuned to suit almost any environment. It's the best system if you can afford it. The more common Hub Motor effectively has only one gear, and although some are very powerful, it will prove less efficient in a really hilly area."

Weight

Even if an e-bicycle has enough power, it may have trouble on the hills if it's too heavy. Look for the wattage you need, at a moderate weight.

Range

You'll probably want an e-bicycle advertised with at least a 20 mile range.

Battery

Sealed acid batteries and lithium batteries differ by weight, longevity and recycling capacity. Lithium are much lighter and are becoming the standard, but they each have pros and cons.

Storage/carrying capacity

Some bicycles are equipped better than others for carrying things, or it may be something you can add on.

For more information

Electric-bikes.com has a lot of information, and "A to B Magazine," although located in the UK, has explanations of the technical aspects of electric bicycles and extensive electric bicycle reviews. Way2Go is learning more about electric bicycles all the time, and we welcome your questions, and information.

Photo credit: by Vmenkov, used courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

 

Last Updated: May 22, 2012