An electric bicycle is in reality a regular bicycle equipped with an electric motor designed to make the ride more flexible and enjoyable. Most can operate in three modes:

1. Pedal Only – The bike is ridden just like a regular bicycle, and is powered by the rider.
2. Pedal Assist – Using a onboard computer the ebike activates the motor only when the pedals are turning in order to assist the rider. This mode makes it easier to pedal up hills and against the wind or go at a faster when on flat ground. The rider can control the level of assistance received from the motor by adjusting the up or down on the display mounted on the handlebars.
3. Electric Only (also known as “Throttle-Only” or “Twist and Go”) – The rider simply twists the throttle in order to engage the motor and start moving (similar to the operation of a moped). No pedaling is required when using the bike in this mode, this is great for taking a break without necessarily having to stop.

The real short answer is: no, you do not. According to federal laws, a bicycle with an electric motor capable of generating up to 750 watts of power and able to propel a rider to a speed of up to 20 mph, equipped with fully functioning pedals, is considered to be a bicycle or a consumer good rather than a motor vehicle. Therefore, it is NOT under the jurisdiction of the DOT.

Although electric bike laws in different states may vary a bit, you can generally operate electric bikes without a license, and in most cases ride them anywhere regular bicycles are allowed. Your are encouraged to check your state laws and requiments, as they variies from state to state!

 

We offer many styles and manufactures of electric bikes, estimated range can start at 20 miles per charge in Pedal-Assist mode or 20 miles in Electric-Only (throttle-only) mode with our Standard Battery. With some of long rand lithium ion battery model can reach up to 60 miles before charging.

Please do keep in mind that these are estimated ranges. Bikes are similar to cars in this respect – the mileage (or range) you get from a gallon of gas in your car depends on many factors. In the case of an electric bicycle, the range from a full battery charge depends on things like the terrain, the weight of the rider, head wind, the level of pedal assist used, whether you pedal a bit or not at all, and many other factors.

That is a great question! To best way to address it, is to look at your personal riding needs:

 

You will benefit from larger 500W + motor if one or more of the following is true:

• You live in a hilly area and you wish to have a lot of torque and power to go quickly on hills;
• You plan to do little or no pedaling (instead relying more on the electric-only throttle) and maintain a higher cruising speed;
• You would like to have the ability to increase the top speed up to 25 mph (in off-road mode only!).
• The rider’s weight is over 200 lbs.

You should find the 250W- 350W motor enough for your needs if ALL of the following are true:

• You live in a mainly flat area with few small hills;
• You plan to use the motor to complement your own power when you need a boost or feel tired, but still plan to pedal most of the time;
• The rider’s weight is under 200 lbs.

As you’d expect, the 500W+ motor offers more power – with the main trade-off being the increased expense.

 

Currently all of our Electric Bicycle batteries and bicycle controllers offer low and high voltage protection. Therefore, you are protected against accidental overcharging and undercharging, both of which can damage the battery. It is also perfectly safe to leave the battery on the charger overnight.

 

In order to fully extend your battery life, we highly recommend charging the battery every 2- 3 months when not being used or stored. Finally, while the lithium batteries do not need to be charged immediately after a ride, we recommend doing so, as this will extend the battery life.

These simple tips will help you get the most out of your batteries. More tips are available in the manual you will receive with your bike.