Electric Bike Buying Guide

Electric Bikes are not mopeds, scooters, or motorcycles, ebikes are a traditional bike with the addition of a a motor, a battery and other parts that allow the bike to assist the rider. It looks and operates very similar to an analog (human powered) bike, but add varying levels of assist to make the riders effort more powerful.

For many people this pedal assist means they are able to extend their riding options and explore paths previously out of reach. They can ride further, tackle steep hills that once daunted them, or commute to work faster and easier while having MUCH MORE FUN!

An e-bike provides a gentle assist to your pedaling. The assistance automatically kicks in when you're pedaling and gently adds power to your pedal. The amount of assistance depends on a setting that you can control on the bike. Most bikes have settings such as Eco (20% boost), Sport (50% boost) and Turbo (100% boost), making you that much faster!

The assistance feels very gentle even though they provide plenty of power. Many eBike riders tell us they hardly notice the boost except that riding has become easier and much more fun. The eBike simply helps to make hills seem smaller and distances seem shorter.

Customers often ask us if they will still get exercise when riding their eBikes. The answer is definitely!

There have been a number of studies about physical exertion on eBikes. A study out of the University of Colorado Boulder found that e-Bikes are an effective workout. Another study out of Norway found that riders of electric bikes experience physical exertion 95% of the time. These studies have come to similar conclusions - you get a workout on an e-bike.

This is great news for those that want to get in shape, as the assist literally will give a boost to riders who desire more encouragement and confidence to ride more often and longer distances to better their fitness - and there is an eBike style for every type of rider!

It's easy to say that eBikes are for everyone that wants to ride a bike, but why or how is this true? To put it simply, they're just like normal bikes, they just make you more powerful. They give every bike rider extra oomph to ride further, faster and more often than a normal (analog) bike, regardless of what type of riding they're into.

There are many reasons why someone might choose an e-bike. If biking isn't as much fun as it used to be - an e-bike is for you. E-bikes make hills seem smaller and distances seem shorter. If you want to commute to work, but without getting all sweaty - an e-bike is for you. If you want to ride with your partner, but she or he is faster on the bicycle - an e-bike is for you. They also allow a variety of people to ride together, both on e-bikes and traditional bikes, that might have different fitness and physical abilities. If you want to hit the trails for a day of riding, but your legs get spent halfway through - an e-bike is for you.

If you like to ride bikes (or want to ride a bike) and riding an electric bike is riding a bike, than an eBike is for you! While riding an eBike, you just gain the opportunity to ride places that would be out of reach on an analog bike. eBikes are also perfect for those who have physical or mobility limitations preventing them from riding a normal bike. No matter what type of riding you want to do, or where you will be riding, there is an eBike made for each style of riding - so there is an eBike for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about each type of eBikes, and what type of riders they're good for to figure out which style of electric bike is best for you!

It is probably clear that we think electric bikes are awesome and for everyone, but don't just take our word for it! Check out these stories about how the e-bike is literally changing lives.

Yes! Most eBikes are designed to be ridden in the rain AND all types of weather, you can even ride them all winter long through the snow. However, you should not ride through puddles so deep that your motor or battery are submerged. If you do plan to be riding in the rain often, there are a few things that will make it more enjoyable like fenders and wearing rain apparel. After you ride in the rain, or your bike gets rained on be sure to dry off your eBike before storing it to help keep your bike in its best shape!

Now that we've covered every style of eBike, you may wonder what makes models within each style different from each other. Aside from the bike style, e-bikes differ in maximum speed, battery range, components and technology interface.

All e-bikes have three things not found on a conventional bicycle.

E-Bikes are very easy to operate. Even if you are not into the latest technology, you will find them simple to use.

The distance an eBike can go on one battery charge (range) can vary between models and rider variables, but can be more than 60 miles!

Each e-bike model has different ranges which vary depending on motor and battery. Other things that will influence range include your speed, how much assistance you ask the bike to provide, rider+cargo weight, and the terrain you ride.

The displays on eBikes will show how much battery power and range you have left while you ride, and some e-bikes even have optional smartphone apps that allow you to set how much assistance you're getting from the motor and battery based on the length of the ride you want to do.

Electric bikes are divided into three classes based on the level of potential motor assistance.

Before buying, it is a good idea be sure to check your state and city's current E-Bike laws. A great resource on E-Bike class regulation is People for Bikes' state-by-state guide to e-bike regulations around the country.

E-Bikes can be ridden just about anywhere a conventional bike can be ridden. It's always a good idea to check with your local municipality to make sure you're abiding by the local laws.

Check out this People For Bikes site for information on riding e-bikes policies and laws.

Maintenance of an e-bike is largely the same as a regular bike. Motors are sealed and don't require special maintenance. The only thing you need to do that's different is keep the battery properly charged, which is as simple as plugging it in after a ride. Since the motors and batteries are sealed, they can also be ridden year round in any weather.

Do I need to do anything when storing my electric bike over the winter? What if I want to ride it all winter? There are some things you should do to your e-bike when storing it over the winter or any extended period the bike won't be ridden. You can also certainly ride it all winter as well! Check out our blog that has info on what to do when storing your electric bike, so it is ready for next season, and what to know if you're going to ride it in cold temperatures.

E-bikes are heavier than non-electric bikes because of their motors and batteries. As a result, you might not be able to easily put it into your trunk like a regular bike.

When putting your electric bike in your car isn't an option, we recommend using a car rack. They're easy to install, easy to secure your e-bike to, and leave space inside your car. But not all car racks are made for the weight of an electric bike.

Some e-bikes weigh upwards of 60 pounds, and many car racks just can't handle that weight. Most trunk racks are not compatible as they typically have a per bike weight limit near 35 pounds. Even most hanging style racks are out because most are rated for 40 pounds per bike.

Tray style hitch car racks are the best option (the only option, really). We recommend this style because you don't have to lift your e-bike high up off the ground and maneuver it onto a hanging style rack. Each of the bike's wheels are secured to a tray that holds the bike. Also, there are several options rated for electric bikes.

But, even with tray hitch racks, you'll have to check the capacity. Some racks have a 60 pound per bike capacity, BUT you have to be aware of the total weight capacity! Even though a rack may have a 60 pound per bike weight capacity, the entire rack may only have a 100-pound total capacity (meaning it might only hold one e-bike).

So how do you find the right car rack for your e-bike? Click here for the car racks that we carry that could work for electric bikes. Again, it's important to verify the rack is rated for the weight of your e-bike(s). If you have any questions, contact us or swing by a store. We'd be happy to help you out!

Once you have the type of eBike in mind, you may want to go for a test ride. All ERIK'S shops have e-bikes and they are all available for a test ride. If you would like, we offer e-bike in-store test rides to give you a feel for the boost before you go on the road and to help you get familiar with the controls. Swing by your local shop anytime to talk with our professionally trained staff, or chat with us online!

Quality Brands From a Name You Trust: It's true what they say, 'you get what you pay for.' There are many unknown electric bike brands making bad products – that are sometimes downright dangerous. At ERIK'S, we offer a huge selection of the most trusted brands in the industry including Specialized, Aventon and GoCycle. ERIK'S is the Midwest e-bike expert. We only sell quality electric bikes that we know, ride and service.

Professional Assembly & Service: Our electric bikes are built by professional assemblers following ERIK'S strict quality standards. After assembly, every e-bike gets quality checked to ERIK'S 100 point standard. This double check ensures your electric bike is built right!

Once you purchase your E-Bike from ERIK'S, you can be confident we stand behind our bikes. We offer ERIK'S Parts Warranty, which extends the manufacturer's warranty on non-electric components on new bikes purchased from ERIK'S. This covers defects of any non-electric related components for as long as you own your new bike. If your E-Bike has issues, we will service your bike or work with the manufacturer to fix the problem.

In-Store & On-Street Test Rides: Swing by your local ERIK'S to check out our huge selection of electric bikes. We offer in-store test rides to get you familiar with the e-bike controls and pedal assist motor before riding on the road. And of course, our test rides are free whether you are riding in-store or on-street.

Electric Bike History: ERIK'S started selling electric bikes over 20 years ago with the EVG Electric Bike by EV Global (Lee Iococca). We have been big fans of e-bikes ever since.

ERIK'S has one of the largest selections of e-bikes in the Midwest. Check out our selection online here, or swing by your local ERIK'S to learn more and take a test ride!