Electric Bikes Buying Guide

Pedal or throttle?

Two popular styles of electric bicycle are the pedelec (for "pedel electric") and the throttle controlled. The former have sensors built in that detect the amount of effort you are exerting in speed and force and deliver assistance accordingly. For example, if you slow down but you're exerting more power, you're likely on a hill. The pedelec will then increase its assistance. Many bikes like these allow for user-adjusted levels of assistance as well. The throttle mechanism is popular too. This translates to "power-on-demand" which gives you total control over the amount of assistance. So, say you're on a completely flat surface where a pedelec might not offer much assistance. Simply gun the throttle and you're on a leisurely cruise down the road.

Convert or buy new?

As far as whether you should convert your existing bicycle or just buy an electric bike from a manufacturer, it depends largely on the quality of your current bike and cost requirements. If you are seriously into biking but want an electric bike for daily convenience, you might regret converting your standard bike. In that case, go with an inexpensive, ready-to-ride electric bike. You can find models with 15 mile ranges at 15 mph for under 500 dollars.

Things get substantially more expensive, though, when you move into the more advanced battery technologies. Basic bikes with Lithium ion batteries run around 1000 dollars, but are lighter and look and ride more like conventional bicycles. Plus, since the batteries are so much smaller, there is room for a rack to attach small cargo like groceries or a bag.

Get familiar with electric bike laws

Technically, standards for the definition of an electric bicycle are set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Any two or three wheel bike with a motor of 750W or less with a top motorized speed of 20 miles per hour will simply be considered a bicycle. Individually states may declare helmets or licenses mandatory and can alter the official top speed for electric bicycles. As of this writing, California is the only state requiring a helmet, while licenses are required in Alabama, Arkansas, and Maryland. As electric bikes become more popular, expect laws to change. Keep posted for updates.