Let's Talk E-Bikes

• Posted on 29 March 2024
• By KW
• Posted in e-bikes, electric bike, electric bikes e-bike
• 1

It seems like one of the most sought-after-but-hard-to-find items in the bicycling world is a good quality, but budget-friendly, e-bike.  It's kind of a unicorn, but we think we've found one.  There are several options and features with e-bikes, so I thought I'd put a few things in writing so they can be easily referred to for future generations.

First of all, what exactly IS an e-bike?  While it seems like a fairly simple answer, there are indeed regulations dictating how an e-bike is rated.  Basically they come in three classes, conveniently named Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 so you can remember them.  Each one has various limitations, though they also sort of cross over.

•  - A Class 1 e-bike has ONLY a pedal-assist system; there is no throttle.  There is a maximum speed of 20 MPH. Once you achieve that 20 MPH the motor will no longer assist you.
•  - A Class 2 e-bike is both pedal-assisted AND has a throttle.  This means you officially don't have to pedal.  The maximum speed is again 20 MPH.
•  - A Class 3 e-bike is back to pedal-assist, but with a maximum speed of 28 MPH, OR a throttle with a maximum of 20 MPH.
•  - ALL e-bike classes (in Michigan) are limited to a 750w motor or smaller.  The largest/most powerful motor we have stocked up to this point is 500w.
•  - If the motor is larger than 750w and/or the bike goes faster than 28 MPH, it's no longer an e-bike and different regulations apply.
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At MSBC we have only ever stocked Class 1 e-bikes, but that is about to change.  Our spring 2024 order is for Class 3 bikes.

So who should ride an e-bike?  Well, anyone, really.  We find that they are most helpful for riders who commute to their jobs on a daily basis, enabling them to arrive at work without too much perspiration, or maybe for couples whose size, power, and speed are mismatched.  Perhaps you've had an injury or other medical issue that prevents you from too much exertion; an e-bike might be for you.  That doesn't mean no one else can ride one, obviously.  They are fun and exciting bikes to ride and can make a Saturday afternoon jaunt pass with ease!

One of the most important parts of the e-bike is, of course, the battery.  Batteries are lithium-ion (Li-ion) and are fully rechargeable.  In most cases they can be charged while still on the bike or can be removed to an indoor location for charging.  Unlike the old nickel-cadmium batteries, there is no "charge memory" with Li-ion, meaning they don't have to be fully discharged before recharging them.  This allows the rider to plug in the battery after only a few rides without fear of shortening overall battery life.

The battery and motor are a part of the "how far does this bike go?" question.  The answer to that question, like so many others, is, "it varies."  All e-bikes have several levels of assistance - frequently named things like "eco" to "turbo" - and the level of assistance is also part of the answer.  Rider weight comes in to play, as do the conditions you're riding in.  So if you weigh over 200 pounds and you're climbing big hills into the wind at the "turbo" speed all day, you won't go as far as a 100-pound rider merrily tooling along the flat roads in "eco" mode.  All of the bikes come with a "you should be able to go X far," and most of the time 50 miles is included in that range.

E-bike safety is very important, especially considering the added speed factor.  While not required for anyone under 18, it is highly, highly recommended that a rider wear a helmet whenever operating an e-bike. 

Lights are also a great addition to an e-bike.  Front and rear, whether flashing or solid, help others see you.  Cars approaching corners and coming out of driveways aren't always looking for a bicycle.  Once again the added speed factor will make a difference.  A flashing headlight will usually alert them of your presence.

"I've seen e-bikes on the internet for half that price."  Yes, you have.  We don't sell them.  But the ones we sell are assembled, backed, and serviced by our professional staff.  We are certified to service the e-bikes we sell, and we stand behind them.  Does this justify the higher cost?  Absolutely.  

So come on in around April 10 or so and see what we have for you.  Bikes are scheduled to arrive in just a few days, and we will build them and get them ready for you to test ride!

See you soon!!