mph: Fastest Electric Bikes
In short, yes they can be. Certainly they get you up to speed a lot quicker than pedalling, but they will have a top speed they stop assisting you at.
Electric Bikes, or EAPCs (Electrically Assisted Pedal Bicycles) assist the rider in reaching 15.5 or 28mph, depending on the motor size. They are quicker to reach these speeds, but still require pedal power to get going. You can exceed these speeds, but your legs will need to do some work.
What is a pedal assist electric bike?
In real world terms, pedal assist bikes will only give you assistance when you pedal. If you are going up a hill, you gain a lot of help. If you are not pedalling at all, you receive none.
The electric motor therefore will not keep your bike moving for you, but the effort required to do so will be greatly reduced.
Our Fastest Bikes
If you’re looking for an electric bike that does 28mph, then take a look at the stunning QWIC MA11.
Hugely popular for commuting, QWIC have won many awards for their build quality and huge acceleration. Hand built in the Netherlands, they have replaced the car for commuting and gained a huge amount of prestige within the most competitive eBike markets.
All of our bikes can be delivered fully assembled for free and we offer at home support.
EX Pro Dual Battery Electric Mountain Bike
What is a Pedelec?
Pedelec is a shortened term derived from the phrase “pedal electric cycle”. They are also known as EAPCs.
In the early days of electric bikes coming onto the market, the term Pedelec would differentiate a bike from “Twist and Go” bikes which would not need any pedal assistance. However, these have been less legally supported in recent years leaving Pedelecs, EAPCs and Electric bikes to mean roughly the same thing.
What is a Speed Pedelec?
Speed Pedelecs are a certain category of bike assists the rider up to 28mph using a more powerful, usually 500W motor. Due to their increased speed, they require registration with the DVLA and are to be treated as a light moped (L1e-B).
Often manufacturers include licence plate mounts, mirrors and horns to comply with L1e-B classification. The bike must be taxed (free due to no emissions, however) and a moped helmet worn at all times.
There are highly rated moped helmets that look similar to traditional bicycle helmets coming onto the market, but it’s important to have something that can take the impact at 28mph if the worse should happen!
Equally, due to the speed assistance, they cannot be ridden in dedicated cycle lanes. This can be off putting for the commute, however on a speed pedelec you will often be going at the same, if not faster, than cars and other traffic. The level of safety required is therefore sensible as you will not have the same protection that a car offers.
The average speed of UK city traffic in 2017 was just 7mph. so a speed pedelec will seriously speed up your commute! All bikes that Urban eBikes sell can be delivered fully registered for you and ready to ride.
Stromer ST5. Note the Rear licence plate
Cratoni Vigor. Motorcycle Rated Lightweight Helmet
Do Electric Bikes Charge As You Pedal?
Electric bikes have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reasons.
They are sustainable, convenient, and allow you to travel faster and further.
Many people are curious if you have to pedal the entire time when you ride an electric bike or if it will charge as you go.
Generally, the answer is that electric bikes do not charge as you pedal. However, there are a few exceptions to this answer.
For some models, you don’t have to pedal constantly; you can stop pedaling at any time, and the bike will continue to run.
However, don’t stop pedaling for too long because the battery will eventually die.
With other models, the throttle can take you the distance without any pedaling necessary.
If you’re looking for an electric bike that will charge as you pedal, there are a few options on the market.
However, these bikes are more expensive and may not be widely available. Do your research to find what type of electric bike is right for you and your needs.
What Is an Electric Bike?
An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that can be used for propulsion.
E-bikes can be classified into two main types:
These bikes are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Europe and Asia. In 2016, global sales of e-bikes reached over 6 billion.
This number is expected to grow as more people become interested in this type of transportation.
Throttle Electric Bike
Throttle models require the rider to twist the throttle to activate the motor.
The throttle allows the rider to accelerate using the handlebar grip instead of pedaling, which is an excellent feature for those who want to get up to speed quickly or who live in a hilly area.
Throttle electric bikes are also considered more powerful, which can be a bonus when traveling long distances.
Pedal-Assist Electric Bike
Most e-bikes sold are pedal-assist models, which require the rider to pedal to engage the motor. A pedal-assist has a motor that assists the rider only when pedaling, making it much more like a traditional bike than an electric scooter or motorcycle.
Pedal-assist electric bikes, or PAEBs, are growing in popularity because they are:
- A great way to get around town without breaking a sweat.
- Perfect for people who want to ride but might not be able to do so because of health issues or age.
- Eco-friendly!
- Just plain fun to ride and still help you get some exercise.
Regenerative Braking
Some electric bikes have a feature called regenerative braking, which allows the bike to recharge the battery while you are riding.
This feature is most commonly found on throttle models, as it is difficult to pedal and brake simultaneously.
When you use the brakes on a bike with regenerative braking, the motor acts as a generator and produces electricity. This electricity is stored in the battery, which the bike can then use to power the motor.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Using an electric bike with regenerative braking has many pros and cons.
However, this may be the perfect option for you, depending on what you are looking for in an e-bike.
Advantages:
- Brake pads and braking equipment in the bike are not frequently used and therefore require less maintenance.
- The range of your electric bike will increase, allowing you to travel greater distances.
- Fuel efficient and energy saving.
Disadvantages:
- It can add weight and bulk to the bike, making it more challenging to maneuver.
- The regenerative braking system is not as effective at slower speeds because when you need to brake at a lower speed, a lot of energy is not required. Therefore, less energy will be charging the battery pack.
- The brake pedals work differently. As a result, you may need to apply more force on the brakes to stop faster and on time.
Regenerative braking is not very common, as it is only found on a few models of electric bikes. However, it is a useful feature if you are interested in lengthening the range of your e-bike.
Speed and Range
Electric bikes are a great way to get around. They’re fast and have a range that can take you anywhere you want to go.
The speed of an electric bike depends on the battery and the motor.
Batteries come in different capacities, so you need to find one that fits your needs. The higher the capacity, the faster the bike will go.
Likewise, the more powerful the motor, the faster it can go. The range is also vital to consider. Electric bikes can go anywhere from 20 miles all the way up to 100 miles on a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding electric bikes and how they charge.
There is a lot of discussion on this topic because there are many ways to keep your electric bike charged for your journey ahead. Some electric bike models charge their battery while you are using the throttle. Other models use a procedure called regenerative braking to charge and lengthen the life of your electric bike battery.
- RadCity Step-Thru Electric Bike from Rad Power Bikes.
- Evelo Aurora Electric Bike from Evelo.
- Izze Folding Electric Bike from Izze.
- Ancheer Power Plus Electric Mountain Bike from Ancheer.
- Consider what type of terrain you’ll be riding on. Any pedal-assist bike will do if you stick to relatively flat surfaces. But if you plan on tackling hilly terrain, you’ll want to opt for a model with a stronger motor.
- Think about how much range you’ll need. If you only plan on using your bike for short rides around town, you can get away with a smaller battery. But if you’re looking to ride long distances, you’ll need a bike with a larger battery that can last for hours.
- Consider your budget. There are plenty of great electric bikes on the market, but they vary widely in price. So if you’re looking for the best bang for your buck, do your research before making your final purchase.
The Zero Emission World electric bike and the Evelo Quest One electric bike are the most popular. These models offer a great ride and a wide range of features that make them perfect for anyone looking for a full-throttle electric bike. The Zero Emission World electric bike is a great choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly option. This bike is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which makes it completely emissions-free. The Evelo Quest One electric bike is another great full throttle model. This bike also comes with a lithium-ion battery, which makes it environmentally friendly. With its powerful motor and long-range capabilities, the Evelo Quest One is perfect for anyone who wants to get the most out of their electric bike.
Yes, electric bikes come with pedals. However, a few models come with a throttle-only option, which means that the bike will move forward without any pedaling required.
The price of an electric bike can vary greatly depending on the model you choose. Electric bikes can range from only 600 to more than 8000.
Closing Notes
Electric bikes are becoming more popular, especially in this day and age. People are looking to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint.
But do they really work? Do electric bikes charge as you pedal?
Generally, electric bikes typically do not charge as you pedal. However, because this is the case, knowing all the information you need when purchasing your electric bike is essential.
Although your e-bike may not charge while you pedal, there are other ways your bike can keep its charge during use.
There are many electric bikes to choose from If you are interested in purchasing one. There are various options to choose from depending on the terrain you would bike on. Do your research on at least a few of the best-valued electric bikes you can purchase on the market now.
Jason Hawkley is a biking enthusiast, which is a nice way of saying he’s a total nerd when it comes to bikes. One day while mountain biking through the woods in New Hampshire, the idea came him to create Our Streets as a way to share his biking passion with you.
Do You Need to Pedal an Electric Bike?
We live in an electronic age and technology is even changing the way we ride bicycles. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular not only for recreational purposes but also as a viable mode of transportation.
Do you need to pedal an electric bike?
All electric bikes can be pedaled just like regular bikes, but depending on the type of e-bike, you may not need to pedal at all. Some electric bikes have a feature called pedal-assist, where the electric motor basically gives you a boost as you go, making it easier to pedal.
Higher-end electric bikes have a finger-activated throttle that enables the motor to do all the work for you once the e-bike is moving.
Whether you’re looking for a way to get some exercise in the great outdoors, or considering a new form of transportation, there are some things about electric bikes that you should know.
How an Electric Bike Works
Like a regular bike, an electric bike has handlebars, a frame, a seat, two tires, gears and chain, pedals and brakes. The same amount of skill is required to ride either. If you’re unable to balance on a regular bicycle, you’ll have the same issue on an electric bike.
Electric bikes have a small motor that is usually part of the chain drive near the pedals, or in some cases it’s built into the hub of the front or rear wheel.
As the name suggests, the motor runs on electricity that is supplied by a power source, usually a rechargeable battery that is mounted somewhere on the frame of the electric bike.
On more expensive models, the battery is so well integrated into the design of the e-bike that you can’t even tell that it’s there (on some electric bikes the battery is disguised as a water bottle).
Many electric bikes have a control module mounted on the handlebars that allow the rider to select the riding mode, i.e., pedal-assist or throttle. Some e-bikes have sensors that can detect when the rider is exerting a lot of energy pedaling and will seamlessly engage the motor and adjust the boost as needed.
Electric Bike Performance
Since they are still classified as bicycles, electric bikes do have certain limitations on their performance.
In fact, many cities and municipalities restrict certain characteristics of e-bikes, namely how fast they can go with motor assistance.
For example, the city I am currently living in was having discussions in the local council about what types of electric motorized vehicles could be on a walking/bike path. They were concerned that the high amount of electric bikes could cause a nasty collision at some point, and want to put laws in place to limit their speed. Although there has been no actual law or regulation put into place in my city yet. Your community may be different.
On average, electric bikes can throttle from 16 to 28 miles per hour, depending on the model, and motor ratings are typically 250 to 500 watts.
Since the motors on e-bikes run on batteries, a fully charged battery can provide a riding range (pedal assisted) of anywhere between 20 to 120 miles, typically depending on whether it is an entry-level or high-performance e-bike.
Benefits of Owning an Electric Bike
Owning an electric bike can offer certain benefits that a regular bike cannot. Here are just a few to consider.
- COMMUTING TO WORK – Particularly for those who work in congested urban centers, riding an electric bike to work could be a great alternative to driving a car and avoiding bumper-to-bumper traffic and gridlock. The pedal-assist or throttle feature can greatly reduce the amount of energy you exert so that you arrive for your morning meeting perspiration-free, particularly on those hot summer days. It’s a great way to show up to work sweat free, and very useful if you have a commute route that has hills. Your electric bike will let you work less so you won’t show up to the office with sore legs and a sweaty back.
- FREE PARKING – No more fumbling for loose change to feed a parking meter or paying exorbitant parking structure fees. And no more parking tickets. Although you would likely need to invest in a high quality bike lock if you’re planning on keeping it outside. Make sure to take these steps to make your electric bike easier to be found if (God forbid!) it ever was stolen.
- ECO-FRIENDLY – Riding an electric bike can also be an environmentally-friendly alternative to driving a car. Although estimates vary, the battery on an electric bike can be fully charged for pennies per day, a minuscule fraction of what you would pay for a gallon of gasoline. Better yet, e-bike batteries are detachable and can be charged the same way you charge your Smart phone, tablet or notebook computer. Just think about the amount of gasoline you need to run a car. Trading in your vehicle for an e-bike will eliminate not only that bill, but also the use of that gas. The environment will thank you!
- LONG DISTANCE RIDES – Since electric bikes can be pedaled just like regular bikes, they are great for getting your daily exercise. For those longer distances, however, the electric bike can allow you to catch your breath while the bike keeps moving, or if you have the throttle feature, you can just enjoy the scenery while the motor does all the work for you. A 20-mile round trip is within the range of most, if not all, electric bikes on the market today. An electric bike can not only make a longer commute more possible, but even regular rides more accessible for older riders or less fit riders. There are lots of tourists in my area that rent electric bikes that would normally not be able to ride a long distance, but are able to thanks to the motor.
- HILLS – Where the pedal-assist or throttle feature will truly prove its worth are the steep or long inclines. Although the motor power and capacity will vary from model to model, an electric bike will certainly make those big hills much easier to take on and climb. It should be noted that the more you lean on the battery use the quicker it will go out. This is especially true while going up hills.
- RUNNING ERRANDS – Imagine riding home on a regular bike with 40 pounds of groceries stuffed into your backpack. A ten-block trip could certainly feel like miles. An electric bike can take the physical exhaustion out of the equation from running errands.
As you can see, pricing for electric bikes start at around 600 and can cost in excess of 4,000 for higher-end e-bikes.
There are even models that fold up so that you can carry them around. If you’re wondering if folding bikes are worth it or not, check out this article that I wrote on the subject. A good folding electric bike is made by SwagCycle. You can view it on Amazon here.
A Word About Electric Bike Regulations
While some states treat e-bikes the same as conventional bikes, others treat them as mopeds, which would require licensing and registration.
California recently enacted regulation that relates specifically to electric bikes, defining them as bicycles that are “equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts”.
Furthermore, e-bikes are classified according to their maximum assisted and unassisted speeds. Depending on the class, there may be age restrictions and safety requirements. (A good, easy to read breakdown can be found here.)
Pedaling Helps You Go Farther
So depending on the electric bike you won’t need to pedal at all, and can utilize the motor to propel you forward. But obviously, the more you use the battery the quicker it’ll run out of juice.
Using the motor without pedaling or while going uphills will drain it quicker. A heavier rider will also drain the battery quicker too as it’ll need to use more energy to move the rider forward.
The battery motor should be viewed as a nice assistant. You’re not riding a motorcycle, but an electric bicycle. Remember to pedal and use the motorized assistance to keep you moving along. Pedaling on an electric bike will help not to drain the battery and will get you places faster and allow you to go farther too!
Posted on Last updated: February 17, 2023
Hey, I’m Tyler. I’ve been cycling mad ever since I was knee-high to a bike pump. True story. I once cycled for a week from California to Mexico just to get some tacos. The tacos were OK, but I’m not sure they were worth the chafe. Anyway, if you’re into cycling in any shape or form then come on in and take a look around.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
- Get to where you need to go faster and easier than on a regular bike. Depending on how you choose to ride, you can travel without significant effort at up to 20mph on some bikes and even up to 28mph on others.
- Climbing hills is a breeze. and we aren’t talking about the breeze from huffing and puffing.
- No sweat. Even though you can ride much faster, you won’t feel like you have to take a shower once you are there.
- Safer. That might seem counter-intuitive, since you can go faster than on a regular bike, but you also get an easier start from stopped positions, allowing you to get through an intersection steadier and quicker. When climbing steep hills with cars nearby you can FOCUS more of your energy on controlling the bike instead of propelling the bike.
- Easier on those joints. Use the electric assist to ease the pressure on your knees and hips.
- Staying together. You may have a riding partner that rides at a different pace than you. An e-bike can even out the pace for both of you.
- Ditch the car. The convenience, the ease and the speed of an electric bike make it an alternative to an automobile more often than a regular bike. A study by Portland State University shows that e-bike owners ride more frequently and farther than when they relied on their traditional bike. This was the case for all age groups.
- It’s FUN. Just try one and you’ll see. Or catch a friend coming back from their first test ride with a big smile on their face.
Do I need a license?
No. As long as the e-bike has a motor size of 750 watts or less (1000 watts in Oregon) and is programmed so that it can’t go more than 20mph without pedaling, there is no need for a license. No electric bike sold by Cynergy E-Bikes requires licensing. FYI – you must be at least 16 years of age to operate an e-bike in public places.
Where can I ride my e-bike?
First and foremost, make sure your bicycle with an electric motor is classified as an e-bike. The definition of an e-bike and rules on where to ride will vary state by state. For federal land the rules vary depending on the branch of government. For the most complete resource, check out PeopleforBikes.org
For Oregon, you can ride an e-bike on:
- Any bike lane on the street.
- Shared use paths that are reserve for bicycles and pedestrians
- For state parks, you can ride on paved trails that allow bicycles, but check with the individual park’s management for their rules for unpaved trails. It varies from park to park.
- Any trail where motor vehicles are permitted, such as unpaved forest service roads.
In Oregon, you must be at least 16 years old to ride an e-bike on public property. While most states have motor wattage limits of 750 watts, Oregon’s limit is 1000 watts.
- National Parks – opportunities are expanding, but check with the park.
- Bureau of Land Management trails – the trend is to allow e-bikes wherever non-electric bikes are allowed, but we advise you to check with BLM office that manages that trail.
- U.S. Forest Service – opportunities are expanding, but check with the Forest Service.
- Another resource for finding mountain bike trails where e-bikes are allowed is People for Bikes nationwide EMountain Biking Map.
What about theft?
As best as we can determine, e-bikes don’t get stolen with any more frequency than non-electric bikes. That’s most likely because people tend to lock them up better and because a bike thief needs to get a charger and a battery key to make the bike truly saleable.
The best ways to protect your bike from theft are:
- Get a high-quality bike lock. Cable locks are way too easy to cut. High-quality u-bolts and folding locks are better.
- If you are parking your bike in your garage, lock your garage. It’s probably the #1 location we’ve seen bikes get stolen from.
- When in public, lock your bike in a visible location.
Do I need special insurance?
Check with your insurance company. Some insurance companies do not treat e-bikes as bicycles, so you may need to get a rider added to your homeowners/renters insurance for theft protection. You can also check with two bicycle specialty insurers – Velosurance.com and Spokeinsurance.com.
Aren’t electric bikes heavy?
As one of our customers told us, “E-bikes might be heavy to lift, but they are heavenly to ride.”
Electric bikes are typically heavier than regular bikes. But the weight of any bicycle (electrical or non-electrical) is felt the most when climbing hills. The electric assist on an e-bike makes up for the additional weight many times over. Where weight does matter is if you need to lift the bike. That’s one of the many reasons why e-bikes are favored over electric scooters, which often weigh 150 pounds or more.
If you have to climb several flights of stairs to store your bike, we strongly suggest finding a more accessible storage location.
CHARGING, BATTERIES RANGE
Do electric bikes recharge when applying brakes or going down hill – like a hybrid car’s regenerative braking?
It’s rare and the concept doesn’t work very well. A few models of electric bikes include a feature to recharge the battery, usually while you are braking. In those cases the range of the battery can be extended 5-10%, while adding several hundred dollars to the cost. However, due to the design of the motors that provide regeneration, you’ll often find that the bike is harder to pedal if you are using the bike with the power off.
What is the range I can get from a single charge?
The biggest factor contributing to your range is whether you pedal or just use a throttle without pedaling, along with what level of assist you use. Cynergy E-bikes is a strong proponent of the synergy cynergy resulting from combining human pedal power with electric power, so we’ll tell you the expected range when you do both. With relaxed pedaling expect 22-50 miles on a single charge for most e-bikes. In some cases you’ll go even farther. We have bikes that are getting 80 miles on a single charge. Range will also be impacted by the battery capacity, the hills, wind and your size. Many electric bikes pedal easily as regular bikes. So you can extend the range even further by using little or no power on level surfaces and down hill.
How long does it take to charge an e-bike battery?
A lithium ion ebike battery that is fully depleted will take 3.5 to 6 hours to recharge. Batteries that still have a partial charge when you start charging will take less. In addition, the last hour or so of a charge is used to “top-off” the cells, and you don’t have to wait for that process to be completed. So some batteries can be 90% charged in 2.5 hours or less.
How many charges can I get out of a battery?
Most e-bike batteries sold in North America are lithium-ion, which will provide a minimum of 500 full charge cycles at which point the battery will hold about 80% of its original capacity. Some batteries can deliver up to 1200 charge cycles. If you recharge the battery when it is only 50% depleted, that counts as only 1/2 of one charge cycle. If you usually use your e-bike in pedal-assist mode, combining both pedal power and electric power, you can expect to go 10,000-30,000 miles before replacing your battery. That is a lot of miles on a bicycle.
How much electricity does it take to charge a battery?
Depending on the capacity of the battery, it will usually take 500-800 watt hours (0.4. 0.8 kilowatt hours) to charge the battery. Assuming a rate of 0.10/kWh, it will cost you 5-8 cents for a charge that will last you 20-80 miles.
MOTORS, SPEED PERFORMANCE
What is the difference between Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3 electric bikes?
This system of classifying electric bikes is being adopted by several states as a means of regulating electric bikes. The classifications are as follows:
- Class 1. is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling (thus no throttle), and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.
- Class 2. is a bicycle equipped with a throttle that can propel the bike up to a maximum of 20mph with the rider pedaling, and may also have the ability to achieve up to 20mph with the rider assisting, without the use of a throttle.
- Class 3. also known as a “speed pedal-assisted electric bicycle,” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour.
For all classes, the maximum power output is 750 watts (1 h.p.).
Several states, including our neighbor to the north, Washington, have adopted regulations that use this class system. Our home state, Oregon, has not yet done so.
Perhaps the most important aspect of this classification system is how some states are treating Class 3 e-bikes. While these bikes are permitted in bike lanes on streets, they can be restricted from shared use paths, such as those in parks and “rails-to-trails” paths that are designed to be shared by cyclists and pedestrians.
Should I buy a bike with a mid-drive motor or hub-motor?
They both have their benefits. Hub motors tend to be a little easier to operate if you are a less experienced cyclist, because they require less shifting of gears. Mid-drives tend to get a little better range for equivalent battery capacity, because you’ll get more efficiency by shifting. While theoretically you get better hill climbing with a mid-drive, you’ll usually find both types will climb just about any hill.
Finally, it’s usually easier to change a rear tire with a mid-drive.
But the real test of determining which type of motor is best for you is to ride both and compare.
What’s the difference between a cadence-sensor and a torque-sensor?
With a torque sensor, the power that is delivered is increased in proportion to the amount of pedal force the rider is applying. So as you pedal harder, the motor automatically delivers more assist. As you reduce pressure, you get a little less assist. It’s essentially amplifying whatever power you are applying to the pedals. You have multiple levels of pedal-assist, with each level representing a higher or lower amplification of your own power. A torque-sensor can feel more like riding a conventional bicycle than a cadence-sensor. It also tends to deliver power smoother.
A cadence-sensor, perhaps more appropriately called a crank-sensor, delivers a uniform amount of assist at each assist level, regardless of the amount of pressure you are applyng. It is activated just by getting the crank turning. Because a cadence-sensor is not reading your pedal pressure, the power delivery is not quite as smooth or “bike-like”. But it’s fairly easy to adapt your use of the controls to smooth out the power delivery. Some people prefer a cadence-sensor because it tends to provide a great sensation of power without applying much pedal pressure.
The best way to know which type of pedal-assist is right for you is to try them both.
How fast can an electric bike go?
If you are pedaling, you can go as fast as you are able to pedal it. However, most bikes stop providing electric assist while pedaling at 20 mph (Class 1 and Class 2 ebikes). Some will provide assist going at speeds up to about 28 mph (=45 kilometers per hour – Class 3 ebikes.)
How important is motor wattage? (also. I’m really big, so don’t I need a 1000-2000 watt motor? or. I want to go fast, so don’t I need a lot of wattage?)
The benefits of a high wattage motor are very overstated. A street legal e-bike in Oregon can go only 28mph, and only 20mph unless you are pedaling (and we recommend pedaling). You’ll be able to get that with even some 250 watt motors.
With a properly designed e-bike and e-bike motor, you’ll find that you get far more power than you need with 500 watts or less. There are many 250 watt motors that deliver as much torque as motors that are 500 watts or higher. The design of the motor and the gearing of the bike are far more important than the wattage of the motor.
Higher wattage correlates with higher power consumption, so using a higher wattage motor means you’ll need a bigger battery to go the same distance. The most expensive part of your e-bike is the battery, thus a larger motor, requires a larger battery which leads to higher cost.
As for hauling a lot of weight, we have several 300lbs customers that do fine at 250-350 watt motors.
Can I ride an e-bike as a regular bike. without the electric power?
Yes. And it is easy to switch back and forth. For example, you might want to use the power only when you are going up hills.
Do I have to pedal?
It depends on the bike. Some electric bikes sold in North America allow you to operate by simply turning the throttle without pedaling. Europeans have stricter rules, requiring that you pedal. which we support. If you think you’ll get by without pedaling, think again. Even for e-bikes that have a throttle, you’ll need to pedal when going up long, steep hills, although you won’t have to pedal hard. Pedaling is more fun, extends the range of your battery, extends the life of your motor, and extends your own life too.
SERVICE
Is servicing an e-bike any different than a regular bike?
Look at an e-bike as being comprised of two groups of parts – mechanical and electric.
- Mechanical parts are the same parts that you’ll see on non-electric bikes. Servicing mechanical parts can be performed at any bike shop. You might find that your bike parts might wear a little faster than on a non-electric bike – especially brake pads, chains, cogs and tires. But that’s because most people put many more miles on their e-bike. There is some basic maintenance that you can do on your own, like keeping your tires properly inflated and lubricating your chain. For some basic bike maintenance tips, check out our recommended maintenance videos.
- The electrical parts don’t require any maintenance. If you do run into a problem with an electrical part, you’ll want to go to a shop that has some expertise in servicing e-bikes. While not really a maintenance task, you do want to make sure that the battery keeps some charge in it. If you don’t, it might discharge to a point so low that you can’t charge it anymore, thus killing your battery – an expensive mistake to make.
Cynergy E-Bikes has a complete service department for both mechanical work and electrical work, with expertise servicing electrical parts for from many different e-bike brands.
CLIMATE AND WEATHER
How much will I reduce my carbon footprint if I use an ebike instead of a car?
Our favorite question! In Oregon, which depends on hydropower and wind more than coal and gas, it takes the carbon footprint of over 60 e-bikes to equal the carbon footprint of one single occupancy, gasoline-powered car. In states that depend more on coal, it might be around 20-30 e-bikes compared to one car. No matter how you calculate it, even though an ebike uses electricity that might come from fossil fuels, the amount of CO2 emitted compared to a car is miniscule.
What about leaving my electric bicycle out in the rain?
The motor and battery are sufficiently sealed to be protected from the rain. However, we do suggest that if you are carrying your bike on the back of a car and rain is in the forecast, that you place the battery inside the car. Driving 70mph in a downpour with the battery exposed is like pressure-washing your battery. That’s a lot different than riding your bike in the rain.
These are the longest-range electric bicycles money can buy right now
Some things in the universe are constant. Gravity, the slow march of time, and the same three questions that every new electric bike owner will get from friends, family, and strangers. Those questions are always “How fast is it?,” “Does it pedal when you charge it?,” and the most difficult of all to answer, “How far does it go?”
The range that any e-bike gets is a tricky question to answer because it depends on how the e-bike is used. Two e-bikes with the same size batteries could get very different ranges depending on whether the rider is pegging the throttle or taking a chill ride on low-power pedal assist.
It’s like how if I gave you a food allowance of 100 and asked how long you could survive, the answer would be different depending on if you ate at Red Lobster or sustained yourself on ramen and tap water.
In the same way that it’s better to judge that question by your food budget and not how you spend it, it’s easier to compare long-range e-bikes based on their battery capacity (measured in watt hours or Wh) than by the manufacturer’s stated maximum range.
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at the longest-range electric bicycles on the market today, judged not just on their stated maximum ranges, but also on their battery sizes.
FUELL Flluid 2
Motorcycle legend Erik Buell’s electric bicycle brand FUELL just launched two new electric bikes, with one of them being referred to by the company as the “World’s longest range electric bike.”
The Flluid-2 is described as an “ultra-long-range powerhouse” with its two removable battery packs totaling 2 kWh of capacity. That doubles the battery capacity of the first-generation FUELL Flluid-1 and enables an impressive range of up to 225 Mi (362 km) on a single charge.
The company also released an easier-to-mount step-through option known as the Flluid-3. That bike offers a single 1 kWh battery that should be enough for anyone that can live with a still-impressive 110 Mi (177 km) range. But for those seeking serious range, it’s the Flluid-2’s dual 1 kWh batteries that are worth taking a second look at.
Both models offer throttle-enabled 750 W continuous-rated Valeo mid-drive motors, though the throttle is limited to just 6 km/h or 3.7 mph in Europe for regulatory compliance. The motor will also carry a 250 W rating in Europe, though both the EU and US versions are listed at 130 Nm of torque, making the motor one of the strongest mid-drives available on retail e-bikes.
Optibike R22 Everest
Colorado-based Optibike is one of the oldest electric bicycle companies in the United States, and so they know a thing or two about building high-performance e-bikes. But the company’s Optibike R22 Everest seems to step it up several notches with an e-bike that supposedly can climb Mount Everest on a single charge thanks to its massive battery pack.
Just how much battery does an R22 pack into its carbon fiber frame? There’s an impressive 3,260 Wh of lithium-ion cells stuffed into the bike. The battery is designed in two packs that are removable from either side of the frame.
To put that in comparison, 3.26 kWh of battery is more than 6x the capacity of a common low-cost electric bicycle in the US.
Of course, the 18,900 R22 Everest also costs around 27x the price of that 799 low cost e-bike, so I’m not sure these things track linearly. But if your goal is to climb up Mount Everest on an e-bike, price probably isn’t your first concern. If it were me, riding across those ladders might be higher on my “big worries” list.
Watt Wagons HOUND
Watt Wagons, a US-based manufacturer of high-power and high-end electric bicycles, has a new model designed for serious off-roaders and adventurers. In fact, the Watt Wagon HOUND has several keys specs that sound almost foreign in the electric bicycle industry, such as a 200-mile range and built-in chargers compatible with electric car charging stations.
The Watt Wagon HOUND is actually available in two models, the base model and the “Supercharged” model. It’s the Supercharged model that you’ll want for the extra-long range.
While the base level HOUND has a respectable 52V 17Ah battery with 884 Wh of capacity for a real-world throttle range of 30 miles (51 km) and a pedal assist range of 80 miles (130 km), according to the company, the Supercharged model more than triples the battery capacity.
The massive battery on the higher-spec model is a gargantuan 52V 60Ah pack with 3,210 Wh of capacity. The company claims you’ll get 100 solid miles (160 km) on throttle-only riding or 200 miles (320 km) on pedal assist.
And not only do you get a massive battery, but you also get both a 52V 5A fast charger and an EV charger with a J1772 connector, giving you multiple options for quickly recharging that big battery. Not too shabby!
EUNORAU Flash
Some companies like Watt Wagons above use a single massive battery to create long-range e-bikes. Other companies simply slap on more and more individual batteries to reach higher total capacities. The EUNORAU Flash offers up to three batteries for riders that want the ultimate in long-range possibilities.
With its three large batteries, EUNORAU claims that this electric bike can have you cruising for up to 220 miles (354 km) on a single charge.
Fully maxed out, that means riders can have up to 2,808 Wh of total battery capacity across the three packs.
They leave the bike looking a bit overladen, but it’s an effective way to increase the bike’s range!
Juiced HyperScrambler 2
The Juiced HyperScrambler 2 is on its way to being sunsetted after a trademark dispute, but it is expected to be replaced by a similarly specced bike under a new name. And if the specs remain the same, that means it will come with the same pair of 52V 19.2Ah batteries for close to 2,000 Wh of total capacity.
The bike has a number of other impressive specs, too. It features a 1,000W Retroblade motor with a peak power output of 2,000W and a maximum speed (in unlocked mode) of a published “30 mph.” The true top speed has been shown by numerous riders to actually reach closer to 35 mph (56 km/h).
The HyperScrambler 2’s pair of high-capacity batteries are still one of its biggest claims to fame, ensuring that the power-hungry motor and controller can go the distance. In fact, that distance is listed as 100 miles (160 kilometers) of range per charge.
Even just one of the 52V 19.2Ah batteries on the HyperScrambler 2 offers more capacity than most other e-bikes, coming in at 998 Wh per battery. But the pair of them pushing close to 2,000 Wh is one of the highest-capacity battery load outs we’ve ever seen on a moped-style electric bike.
Electric Bike Company Model J
The Newport Beach, California-based Electric Bike Company recently launched its newest e-bike, the Model J. Not only did the launch reveal some impressive specs and massive battery capacity, but the introductory pricing bordered on unbelievable.
The Model J rolled out with an MSRP of 1,499 and an even more impressive pre-order price of just 1,199, though with a five- to six-week wait for delivery. Even without the promotion, 1,499 is a very fair price. But at 1,199, that makes this bike a steal.
That’s especially true when you consider how customizable the bike is, offering dozens of custom paint colors and thousands of color combinations, not to mention the three 48V batteries options to choose from: 14Ah (672Wh), 28Ah (1,344Wh), and 42Ah (2,016Wh). Those three batteries options offer maximum ranges on pedal assist of 65 miles (104 km), 130 miles (208 km), and 195 miles (314 km). All of the batteries even come with a five-year warranty, which is one of the longest battery warranties we’ve ever seen in the e-bike industry.
We’re excited to test a Model J soon and see if the awesome design and specs look and feel as good in real life as they appear on paper.
long-range e-bikes on the horizon?
These are some of the longest-range electric bikes we’ve seen anywhere, but that doesn’t mean that e-bike companies have stopped innovating.
We fully expect to see even longer-range models with even higher capacity cropping up in the coming months and years.
How far can the industry go? If these models are any indication, the sky is the limit!
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