E-Bike Batteries Are Causing Fires: Is Your E-Bike Safe?
Repeated fires have prompted the FDNY to release recommendations for the care and keeping of e-bike and other lithium-ion batteries.
- A spate of fires caused by lithium-ion batteries throughout New York City on April 21 has prompted the FDNY to issue lithium-ion battery safety tips, including for e-bike batteries.
- Similarly, a Florida bike shop burned down on April 9, after a refurbished e-bike battery was left on the charger overnight.
- E-bike batteries can be fire hazards when used and stored incorrectly. Below, we discuss how to use an e-bike battery correctly.
Between New York City’s fire department (FDNY) issuing a warning about e-bike batteries and a Florida bike shop going up in flames after a battery was left unattended on a charger overnight, it’s been a worrisome week for e-bike owners. But don’t panic: Your e-bike is likely safe, but consider this a warning to check your e-bike battery charging and storage practices.
Because lithium ion batteries—commonly found in everything from cell phones and laptops, to e-bikes, scooters, and electric cars—can store a large amount of energy, improper care and keeping of the batteries can result in fires.
“If using a lithium-ion battery, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging and storage. Always use the manufacturer’s cord and power adapter made specifically for the device. If a battery overheats, discontinue use immediately,” the FDNY tweeted earlier this week.
From Bicycling
New York Daily News reports that the FDNY was called to the scene of four different fires caused by lithium-ion batteries, all on April 21. The batteries were used in an array of vehicles ranging between electric motorbikes and scooters. The vehicles pictured in the fire department’s tweets are all motorbikes, rather than e-bikes—but e-bike batteries have caused fires in the past.
The largest of the four fires reportedly happened due to several batteries stored on a work shelf. While no deaths were reported, 12 people were injured in the fires. And the FDNY issued the grim reminder that four people were killed last year in fires caused by these batteries.
How do you prevent charging incidents like this from happening to your e-bike? Avoid aftermarket and off-brand or bargain batteries for your bike, first of all. Stick to the manufacturer’s specifications and recommendations. Furthermore, e-bike batteries that are charging should never be left unattended. If you’re charging your e-bike in the garage, set a timer to remind yourself to unplug it when it’s done, and if you’re leaving the house, unplug it and finish charging it when you return.
Bike shop owners should be just as careful. Unfortunately, earlier this month, Andante Bike Shop in Cutler Bay, Florida, learned this the hard way. The shop was destroyed on April 9 when a rebuilt battery was left on a charger overnight. While a normal e-bike battery from a reputable brand shouldn’t set itself ablaze when left too long on the charger, a malfunctioning battery is a serious fire hazard. Inexpensive lithium-ion batteries also present a serious risk of malfunctioning. Regardless, it’s important to never leave any e-bike battery charging overnight or without supervision.
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It may sound excessive, but considering the number of buildings destroyed just this month due to these batteries, it’s worth taking precautions. New York Daily News reported that in the U.S. alone, charging lithium-ion batteries caused 330 fires from 2015 to 2018.
Human Powered Solutions provided Bicycle Retailer a detailed set of instructions for bike shop e-bike charging protocol, and you may want to take some of their advice for your own at-home e-bike charging station.
Macwheel 500W Electric Bike, 27.5” Electric Mountain Bike with 48V/10Ah Removable Lithium-Ion Battery, Electric Commuting Bicycle with Suspension Fork (Wrangler 600)
27.5″ Electric Mountain Bike High Quality Material Makes Your Cycling Safety Pure electric mode: 25-31miles / 40-50kmElectric-assist mode: 50-62 miles/80-100kmManual mode (pedaling): all manpower Tektro. front rear disc brakes Partner. suspension forks 7 speed Shimano gears Tires. 27.5 inch tyres KMC chain Cycle With Ease The Best Electric Mountain Bikes. Wrangler 600 Cycling is easy with an Macwheel Wrangler 600 Electric Mountain Bike. Our Smart pedal assistance system makes light work of long journeys and steep hills. Picture yourself finishing a 31 mile ride and not needing a shower! Commuters and weekend riders enjoy the benefits of cycling without the fear of exhaustion or tiredness. 500 watt brushless motor Powered assistance up to 15.5mph High power 48v 10ah removable lithium battery Up to 31 miles range per charge (all electric mode) Large lcd display (with backlight) 5 adjustable levels of assistance Weighs approx. 29.8kg / 65.7lbs (including battery) Read more The MACWHEEL Electric Bike is an excellent choice if you have a mid-range budget and want a comfortable electric bike that can cover longer distances. 500watt Hub Motor Mounted to the rear wheel, a 500watt brushless motor provides phenomenal levels of power to the rider. Max speed up to 15.5 mph. The motor is perfect for making light work of steep hills and long journeys allowing you to relax and enjoy the view. 48V 10Ah Removable Battery The integrated in-tube design offers a sleek and modern look. 2 charging types. usually charge the battery on the bike, or unlock from the bike and charge whilst you work. 27.5″ Tyres and 16″ Aluminum Frame A larger tyre size means for better handling and stability. The frame size of cruiser 550 is 18 inch. Our recommended height is 5’4”6’3”. Please read the specification carefully before buying. Intelligent LCD Display Our LCD display provides the rider with essential information such as remaining battery life, total distance travelled, current speed, level of assistance selected and more. Read more Neat Hidden Cables Our bikes electronic circuitry is concealed neatly within the bikes lightweight frame. This helps to reduce the chances of electronic cables getting caught, snagged or damaged whilst on the move. Brake Suspension System Featuring both pre-load and lock out adjustment, the front fork suspension on this bike helps to provide a smoother and more comfortable riding experience. The perfect Tektro dual disc brakes fully protect your safety. Transmission System Featuring quality Shimano shift levers and Shimano Tourney gears, no compromise is made on quality. Ergonomically designed Shimano shift levers and gear levers fit comfortably in the hand. Bike Size A: 71.3 inch B: 27.9 inch C: 13.8 inch D: 44.1 inch E: 30.7-37 inch Read more Wrangler 600 Ranger 500 Cruiser 550 Frame aluminum alloy 6061, 27.5″ aluminum alloy 6061, 26″ aluminum alloy 6061, 700C Battery 48V/10Ah 36V/10Ah 36V/10Ah Motor 500W 350W 350W Display LCD display LCD display LCD display Charger 42V/2A 42V/2A 42V/2A Fork suspension with lock suspension Shift Lever Shimano SL-TX50-7R Shimano SL-TX50-7R Shimano SL-TX50-7R Derailleur Shimano, Tourney RD-TY300D, 7 speed Shimano, Tourney RD-TY300D, 7 speed Shimano, Tourney RD- TY300D, 7 speed Brake Tektro dual disc brakes Tektro dual disc brakes Tektro dual disc brakes Chain KMC Z51 KMC Z51 KMC Z51
Product Dimensions : 73.23 x 25.59 x 44.49 inches
Department : Unisex-adult
Date First Available : November 18, 2019
Manufacturer : Shenzhen Aukeyhi Technology Co.,Ltd
Customer Reviews: 4.3 out of 5 stars 173 ratings
Can I return this product?
Yes, absolutely! You may return this product for a full refund within 30 days of receiving it.
To initiate a return, please visit our Returns Center.
View our full returns policy here.
What payment plans are available for this product?
Learn more about financing leasing here.
Macwheel electric bike battery
The battery for your electric bike is typically worth about a third of the value of the entire bicycle, so it’s important to find a good quality one and take care of it.
In the case of Pedego Canada, we offer a 5 Year Prorated Battery Warranty with all our electric bikes, which is one of the best in the business. Why we’re so confident in our batteries is the quality of the cells within them. If you take nothing else away from this post, remember this: do not buy an electric bike with anything less than a five year battery warranty and do your best to purchase a battery by one of the “big three” name-brand cells: Samsung, Panasonic or LG. Cheap electric bicycles like the kind you find at Costco do not have the quality of manufacturing or warranty that will ensure you can enjoy the bike for years. It’s our recommendation that you spend a bit more money up front to save you from headaches (or worse – the garbage dump or even a fire!) later.
No matter what electric bike you buy nowadays, chances are it runs on a lithium-based battery. Believe it or not lithium batteries have been around since 1912 but it’s only been in the last 15 years that they caught on and became economical in consumer applications. There are “lithium-ion” batteries and “lithium polymer” (aka “lithium-ion polymer”) batteries and the difference between them is the type of electrolyte used. Other than that, there isn’t a significant variance: Li-Polymer allows for a slight increase in energy density but is 10-30% more expensive and so manufacturers have yet to decide upon one over the other.
There is also a range of lithium chemistries available in different batteries and manufacturers might claim some are more robust than others but the single most important factor affecting the life of a battery is how well it is looked after. You should typically expect a battery to last between 3 and 5 years if it is well maintained. (A lithium-ion battery will slowly lose its capacity over time, even if it’s not used.) Below are three things you can do to ensure you get the longest usage out of your electric bike battery.
#1. Keep The Battery Cool
Environmental conditions are an important factor affecting lithium-ion batteries. For example, leaving one in your car in the hot sun will guarantee you lessen the life of your battery. In fact, that would be the worst situation: keeping a fully charged battery at elevated temperatures. It’s a good rule of thumb to store your bike out of the direct sunlight for long periods and when not in use, keep your battery in a cool place, preferably below 20°C (68°F). The chart below, provided by Battery University, shows the impacts of temperature upon recoverable capacity of a battery.
#2. Store A Battery Partially Charged – But Not Too Low!
You’ll also notice in the above chart that storing a fully-charged battery has an impact on the recoverable capacity. Even more important, storing a fully depleted battery may be disastrous because, as we mentioned above, a lithium-ion battery will slowly discharge over time even when you’re not using it. If the voltage drops below a certain point this may cause irreparable cell damage, depending on the time it’s left sitting. Ideally, when storing the battery for a long period, ensure it has a charge between about 80% and 40% of a full charge. Some chargers have a lower ‘storage’ voltage setting, so just switch to this before charging it for storage. An easy alternative is to take the bike for a ride after you’ve charged it fully and before storing.
Also, don’t leave your battery on the charger for long periods of time, as storing it at or close to 100% will reduce the life of the battery. You can also check your battery every couple of months over winter. If you notice that the battery indicator has dropped too low, you can give it a quick charge to bring it back to the ideal storage voltage (this is unlikely to be needed if the battery was at 40% or above). If you don’t have a battery indicator, it’s probably a good idea to charge the battery for half an hour every few months. Again, try not to put the battery away fully charged (but it won’t be the end of the world if this happens.)
#3. Don’t Regularly Fully Discharge Your Battery
It’s amazing that we still see tech sites advising regular full discharge of your battery, even when this has been proven as detrimental. The chart below, again provided by Battery University, proves that regularly discharging lithium-ion batteries to 0% is harmful and partial discharges with regular top-ups are recommended to extend the recharge-cycle lifespan of the batteries. The occasional full discharge on that extra long ride is no problem! It’s ok to top up lithium-ion batteries regularly and, as the chart below shows, it’s best to operate them in the top half of their discharge cycle; lithium-ion batteries don’t have a ‘memory effect’ that some other battery chemistries have. If you are doing short rides on a regular basis, it is slightly better to charge it every few rides rather than every ride (to avoid long periods at or close to 100% charge, as discussed above).
As an extra note for the winter season, make sure your battery is above freezing before charging, otherwise you could harm the cells. It is no problem to ride the bike in below-freezing conditions (it doesn’t harm the battery), just make sure you let the battery warm up before charging. When you are riding in very cold weather, you will notice a drop in power and range; this is normal and expected. You can help avoid this by bringing the battery inside whenever you aren’t riding to keep the temperature of the battery up. That way you will get that extra bit of power!
Correct maintenance and storage of your battery as detailed above will significantly increase its lifespan. A well-maintained lithium-ion battery will last between three to five years, whereas a poorly maintained battery can be badly damaged over just one season or sooner. For more detailed, scientific information on batteries and how to care for them, check out the excellent online resource at Battery University, where the above charts came from.
Macwheel Ranger 500 Electric Commuter City Bike (26″, 7-Speed)
Cons
Cruising With Ease
My brother purchased the Macwheel Ranger 500 electric bike last year for Christmas, and of course I wanted to see how it would fare against the one I got for my mother-in-law, the semi-foldable Gyroor C3. I liked his’ a LOT more. However, the city cruiser look was not for me, and I ended up getting a mountain bike from Macwheel’s sister company, Metakoo, for myself instead: the Cybertrack 100 eBike. I was not going to review the Ranger 500, but several readers emailed me to write one up, and so here it is based off notes and photos I took when my brother and I assembled it.
Bike or Scooter?
Electric scooters are more nimble to move around with — and in some cases, more fun — but local laws may prevent them from going onto the same paths as electric bicycles. Most can also be carried around more easily due to their more compact size and lighter weight. Personally, I prefer bikes because they are safer to operate, can (usually) go onto the same places that mechanical bicycles can operate, are (generally) allowed to carry an additional passenger, and if the battery runs out or fails, you can still pedal around. A scooter would stop to function without a battery.
In A Nutshell
The Macwheel Ranger 500‘s packaging stood out the moment its shipping box was opened: there was an almost obsessive amount of protection applied to all parts, including metal braces to protect the rear derailleur and front fork. I had rarely seen that level of safeguarding with a non-US/EU branded bicycle before. First impression of this bike and the company started off good.
Macwheel Ranger 500 with Burley D’Lite
Assembly was very easy: attached the front wheel, front fender, handlebar, pedals, kickstand, and front headlight, and adjusted cables as needed (YouTube video available). No major tuning was needed, in fact, including the brake and gear shift cables and Tektro disc brakes. My brother and I were prepared to make some adjustments to the front disc brake module, but surprisingly, it was working with no friction right out of the box. The bike came with 26″ tires, an 18″ aluminum frame, and KMC Z51 chains that were already lubed. After we adjusted the seat post height (which should accommodate someone between 5’4″ – 6’4″), handlebar angle, and charged the battery for 3-4 hours, we took it out for a spin.
The LCD control panel showed the units in “km/h“, but thankfully, one of the manuals provided instructions on how to change it to “mph“. The battery level could be seen on both the display (20% increments) and through the push of a button on the battery itself (LED bars in one of three colors). You could control the motor’s assistance amount through the push of the “” and “-” buttons on the LCD unit: from being entirely off to as high as 5 levels of power, including Pedal Assist (PAS). The current speed, other trip information, and odometer reading were also available.
The Pedal Assist System (PAS) is useful for when you want to pedal with a small amount of electronic help. The less the motor is engaged, the greater range and battery life (and exercise) you will have during the ride.
Battery is removable and can be locked with a provided pair of keys, allowing the bike to be secured outside while bringing the 360Wh battery (36V @ 10A) into the office or home for desk side charging. It took about 6-8 hours to fully charge.
A 350W motor was not the most powerful, but gave a silent, satisfying push up hills with a 195 lb rider and additional 30 lb bike carrier. The manufacturer claims a 37-50 Mi range with pedal assist and 19-25 Mi when in full electric mode. On a test ride, only 20% of battery was used for a 23 mile route where PAS was only activated for the uphill sections. The bike’s maximum speed was capped at 15.5 mph, whereas the Metakoo Cybertrack 100 and Googo SY26 could go as fast as 20 mph despite sharing similar motor specifications. US law, in general, allowed for up to 20 mph.
True to the bicycle being sold as a commute cruiser, I was pleased to see a rear luggage carrier pre-installed that was strong enough for a second passenger to sit on. Whether that is legal for another person to ride on is unclear, but that was a common sight when I grew up in Europe. Fenders on both ends protected riders from water and mud. Control panel-activated front and rear lights were bright, tail light illuminated with braking, and the electronic horn was sufficiently loud to gain the attention of other bikers and pedestrians.
Gear shifting worked as well as anything Shimano makes. With just 7 gears, do not expect to climb the most challenging trails with it, but it works perfectly for urban riding. Why would gears matter with an eBike? What if the battery ran out? Pedaling a 66 lb bike up inclines without motor assistance or the ability to shift gears can be an extremely challenging situation, and thus, the variable speeds are a nice peace of mind to have. Rides were smooth with the lockable, front fork suspension.
Overall, the Macwheel Ranger 500 was a full-featured eBike with a design targeted at individuals and families cruising around the city and urban areas. The pre-installed, rear bike rack allowed for carrying groceries and other gear (including a rear rack seat cushion) with an optional pannier, and getting on and off the bike was easy with its downward-sloping top tube. Some associate that frame design to be for women, but that is no longer the case today. Fun and ease came to mind while riding, but personally, I preferred the mountain bike look (with less comfort) of the Metakoo.
Pros
- Nominal (average) power: 350W. Rated (maximum) power: Unknown
- Top speed: 15 mph, tested (California speed limit is 20 mph)
- 44 nm torque (Metakoo Cybertrack is 50 newton-meters)
- Fully electric: No pedaling necessary
- PAS – Pedal Assist System: Get assistance while pedaling
- Motor off: Move bike with the power of your own legs 😉
- On demand: Turn handlebar throttle to manually increase speed and motor assist level
- Detachable with Lock and 2 keys for more convenient charging
- These types of batteries have a 500 cycle lifespan and lose about 20-25% capacity after every 500 cycle
- Metakoo’s is 374.4Wh for minimally longer range
- Charges battery in 6-8 hours
- Metakoo’s 168W allows itself to fast-charge in just 3 hours
- Range: 19-25 Mi on fully-electric, 37-50 Mi on pedal assist modes (according to manufacturer)
- Estimate is in line with other 350W eBikes that have a 360 Wh battery, though the range is slightly less than the Metakoo
- Approx. 90-110 Mi with occasional pedal assist based on a 23 Mi ride with motorized help on uphill climbs (while towing 195 lb rider, 50 lbs cargo, and 66 lb bike itself)
- When the battery is out, the higher number of gears will allow easier, more effective, manual pedaling
- Displays speed (km/h by default) / battery and motor output levels (20% increments) / motor assistance amount (0-5) / odometer / trip time / trip distance / average speed / max speed
- When motor assistance level is set to 0, motor does not turn on, and you will pedal fully manual
Serial number is etched onto the front fork at the bottom of the frame’s neck for registration with local police to aid with recovery
- Arrived nearly fully assembled
- Took 17 mins to finish build
- Rotate threadless stem, adjust its height, attach handlebar, pedals, front wheel, front fender, seat post, headlight, and make small, tuning adjustments
- Can accommodate 5’4″ – 6’4″ biker height with its quick-release seat post
- Step-through frame (downward-sloping top tube) allows rider to more easily mount/dismount
- This design used to be associated with women bikes at a time when females used to primarily wear long dresses, but that is no longer the case today. As such, both men and women can now be seen with this type of frame design
- Uses Schrader valve with recommended pressure of 40-65 psi
- Consider adding a rear rack seat cushion
Cons
- Limited options to mount items onto the frame, such as a water bottle cage or tire pump
- Can be changed to miles/mph. See PROGRAMMING section
- Those not well-versed with bike building may struggle a bit, especially if some tuning needs to be performed. A YouTube video shows the major steps
Maintenance
- Covered charging port is on the removable battery itself
- AC charging brick LED: Red = Charging. Green = Full
- Lithium Ion batteries are known to be volatile and could catch on fire
- Do not charge overnight or unsupervised for prolonged periods of time. Stop charging once full
- Do not leave the bike in full sun or below freezing
- Lithium-Ion batteries lose about 20-25% of capacity after every 500 charging cycle
- Ensure seat post AND handlebar/stem are locked and tight
Operations
- Pedal the bike, and you will feel the motor assisting (Pedal assist)
- Throttle the accelerator by the right-side handle, and the motor will fully take over (Power on demand)
- The more you turn, the faster the bike will go
- Helps with walking the bike uphill
- Be aware of unexpected obstacles. I tumbled once while mountain biking and was hurt quite badly. It was not fun
Aircraft Transport
Most, if not all, airlines prohibit electronic scooters and bikes that do not meet specific criteria. United Airlines, for example, allows collapsible ones whose battery is both removable and below 300 Wh. Southwest Airlines is more restrictive at 160 Wh. This bike’s is battery 360 Wh. Lithium-ion batteries are known to be volatile, and the higher their capacity, the more risky they are. Check with the airlines, TSA, and FAA for more details.
Bike Assembly
Here are some installation tips for those assembling their first bicycle. First, look at the below diagram to identify the major bike parts, then watch the Macwheel-made YouTube video found right after.
Bike Repair Stands
I use a repair stand to help with assembly and maintenance. SereneLife SLBKRS3 has a maximum load capacity of 66.7 lbs — enough to carry most electric bikes without falling over.
SereneLife Bike Repair Stand, Metakoo Cybertrack 100 mountain eBike
For easier maintenance or assembly, a bike repair stand can save a lot of time and back pain. Be sure to get one that can hold up your bicycle’s weight.
Bike Parts
Bicycle Parts /Al2 (CC by 3.0, Wikimedia CurID 2995998)
Installation Tips
- There is an arrow on the side of the front wheel. Make sure it points forward and in the same direction as the back wheel
- Once you attach the handlebar to the height-adjustable stem, be sure both are securely tightened
- On my first ride, the stem was not tight enough and it gave in a bit. Thankfully, I was not going fast or I could have lost my balance
Programming Bike
The LCD displayed the current speed and odometer in kilometers and km/h by default. I found the manual for a similar-looking LCD controller (KD21C – PDF) with VAST instructions that corresponded with this Macwheel, but I did not test each option nor included everything here. It should be noted that changing any settings could void the warranty and cause unintended consequences such as injury.
To enter programming mode: Hold the “” and “-” buttons together for 2 seconds to enter General Settings. Cycle through the options by pushing Power.
Program Options
Here are the various options that can be set.
General Settings
- tC: Clear trip distance. Yes, No. Default: No
- bL: Backlight brightness level. 1, 2, 3. Default: 1
- U: Unit display. 2 = kilometers (km/h), 1 = miles (mph). Default: 2
Advanced Settings
Hold “” and “-” again on the General Settings screen to enter Advanced Settings.
- VOL: Voltage for each battery power bar level. Defaults:1 = 31.5 / 2 = 34.5 / 3 = 35.6 / 4 = 37.4 / 5 = 39.2
- There are 5 LED bars to indicate remaining battery level at 20% increments. As voltage drops to the configured setting, the respective LED bar would show
- Example: Battery voltage between 34.5V – 35.5V = 2 bars (40% battery left)
- Defaults: Item “0-5 (1-5)”. Level 1 “5-1” Default: 50% / “5-2” Default: 61% / “5-3” Default: 73% / “5-4” Default: 85% / “5-5” Default: 96%
- Push “Power” button on this screen for additional options
- LS: Max speed limit. 25 – 40 km/h (15.5 – 24.8 mph). Default: 40 km/h
- Curiously, bike can only go up to 15.5 mph despite the setting being 24.8 mph
- This may correspond to the manual power assist when you hold the “-” button for at least 2 secs. I use this to help push the bike uphill while walking
- This may refer to how long to wait after pedaling for power assist to kick in
Error Codes
If an error occurs, one of the following codes will display on the LCD:
- 21: Current abnormality and generally a controller issue due to motor being too high-powered or current too high. A new controller may be needed
- 22: Connection error between throttle sensors and main controller. Cable may be loose or magnets inside throttle became dislodged
- 23: Connection error between rear hub motor and controller. Cable may be loose or damaged
- 24: Sensor within rear hub motor failed. Cable between motor and controller may be loose or damaged. Motor may be damaged
- 25: Brake sensor connection error. Brakes will still manually work but will not be in sync with the speedometer and LCD screen. Error may have been caused by the brakes having been activated while turning on the LCD. Do not touch the brakes when powering up the screen
- 30: Connection error between LCD screen and controller. Cable may be loose or damaged
Macwheel Ranger 500 eBike, Woom 3 Kids Bike, Burley D’Lite Carrier
Motor Bike Laws
I first learned about laws governing motorized scooters when reviewing the Joyor X5S, and unfortunately, they were (and still are) not straight-forward. There had been a number of accidents involving scooters hitting pedestrians or riders hurting themselves. I get it. Laws are there to protect people from each other and themselves, especially from irresponsible individuals.
Electric bikes can result in severe injuries or death with their high speeds.
Surprisingly, the laws governing electric BIKES are much more lax. They are very similar to non-motorized bikes, in fact! There are different classes of eBikes. This Macwheel falls under the lower-speed Class 2 with a maximum of up to 20 mph, and as such, can be used on Class 1 bike paths in California. All 3 classes can ride on the protected, one-way Class 2 bike lanes found on streets and highways. Be sure to check with your local regulations. Some States categorize eBikes as mopeds or motor vehicles.
- Class 1: PAS-only with no throttle. Max assisted speed: 20 mph
- Class 2: PAS and throttle. Max assisted speed: 20 mph
- Class 3: PAS-only with no throttle. Max assisted speed: 28 mph
California Law
Disclaimer: I AM NOT A LAWYER. Please consult your local city, police department, and/or legal professional for advice.
The following is my interpretation of how I understand the law. It has been shortened to only point out parts that I found interesting or noteworthy.
- Does NOT require riding with a Driver’s License or Instruction Permit (eScooters require them!)
- No license plate required
- Passengers are allowed as long as the bike was designed for it
- Can ride on existing bike infrastructure
- Speed limited to 20 mph
- Follow most of the same laws as non-motorized bicycles
- Helmet required for riders 17 years and younger
- No minimum age limit
Accessories
Some accessories I recommend for this bike for added convenience and safety:
- Rhinowalk Pannier Cargo Bag: A 27L, waterproof, very visible bike, laptop, and shoulder bag for a bike rack
- Ball Bungees: To fasten cargo more securely to the rack, such as my favorite Hydro Flask water bottles that can hold ice for days
- Salzmann 3M Spoke Reflectors: For increased visibility in the dark
- Bar End Bike Mirrors (like Brisk, Tagvo, or Zacro): To see behind you
- Rear rack seat cushions
- Kootu Folding Pedals: To take up less storage space and not get snagged on things
- Burley Trailer Coupler: So trailer can be switched to another bike (ie. bike failed or ran out of battery)
Final Thoughts
My brother and I were quite happy to see the Macwheel Ranger 500 already (mostly) preassembled and properly tuned right out of the box. The 350W motor gave great assistance while pedaling around the city trails, but for some reason, its maximum speed was only 15.5 mph when the Metakoo Cybertrack 100 and Googo SY26 (both also 350W) could go 20 mph. It was, however, a better eBike with 7 gears than the single speed Gyroor C3 because if the battery ran out, having additional gears would tremendously help with navigating inclines with more ease.
Macwheel Ranger 500, Woom 3 Kids Bike, Burley D’Lite Carrier (Train crossing)
The ability to remove the lockable 360Wh battery conveniently allowed it to be charged without having to bring the entire bike to the AC outlet. It also provided the option to replace a depleted battery for as long as Macwheel made replacements available.
Biking is both a healthy activity and a great way to bond with one another, and having an electric bike for family trips has become a MUST for me to help stave off leg cramps while towing my children, one of their bikes, and snacks in a bike carrier.
Do I recommend the Macwheel Ranger 500? Yes. It has good range, swift acceleration, comfort, and commute-friendly features (ie. rear rack, battery-powered lights). I can see why my brother and his wife like it. But, if you are someone like me who is used to riding a Santa Cruz Heckler or prefer the mountain bike look, then either the Metakoo Cybertrack 100 or Googo SY26 are the ones I recommend.
Where To Buy
- Kootu Folding Pedals | Ball Bungee Cords | Rhinowalk Pannier Cargo Bag
- Salzmann 3M Spoke Reflectors
- Bar End Bike Mirrors: Brisk, Tagvo, Zacro
- Rear rack seat cushions
- Hydro Flask Insulated Water Bottles
- Additional Trailer Coupler so Burley can be switched to another bike (ie. bike failed or ran out of battery)
s
- HeyBike Cityrun: Beautiful, 26″ electric cruiser bike with 500W motor, 7 speeds (21mph)
- Polarna M4: 20″ foldable, electric bike with 750W motor, 8 speeds (30mph), and 4″ fat tires
- Jasion EB7: 20″ foldable electric bike with 3″ fat tires, 7 speeds, and can accommodate 5’1″ – 6’2″ tall riders
- Googo SY26: 26″ electric mountain bike with 21 speeds, large informative LCD, electronic headlight and horn, and solid build
- Metakoo Cybertrack 100: 26″ electric mountain bike with 21 speeds and a clean look
- Ancheer AM001907/AN-EB001: 26″ electric mountain bike with 21 speeds, electronic headlight and horn, and powerful, Rapid acceleration
- Gyroor C3: Single speed, electric, semi-foldable, and priced fairly low
Take the Macmission 100 e-bike to work with 47-mile range at 540, more in New Green Deals
If one of your 2022 resolutions was to live a greener life, then picking up the Macwheel Macmission 100 e-bike is a great way to do just that. You’ll find that this e-bike can deliver between 37 and 47 miles of range from just a 3-hour charge, making it a great way to get around town without gas or oil this year. On sale right now for 540, you’d normally pay 730 for this e-bike from other retailers. We also have a wide selection of Tesla, Greenworks, and other e-bike discounts in today’s New Green Deals, so you won’t want to miss that either.
Head below for other New Green Deals that we’ve found today, more on why going electric for your yard tools like the mower on sale is important, and of course Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.
Macwheel’s Macmission 100 e-bike deal delivers 47 miles of range per charge
Woot is offering Prime members the Macwheel Macmission 100 27.5-inch E-Bike for 540 shipped. For comparison, Walmart has it listed for 730 when in stock and it also goes for 730 direct from Macwheel too. This e-bike is designed “to be the comst convenient commuting bike.” In just three hours, the 13Ah battery can be fully charged to deliver between 37 to 47 miles of range. There’s a 7-speed gear setup for traditional biking and you’ll be able to reach speeds of up to 20MPH while riding, too. Plus, since it’s battery-powered, you’ll find that this e-bike makes it easy to ride around your town without using gas or oil. Learn more about Macwheel in our previous hands-on review.
Save 182 on this Greenworks Pro 80V 21-inch Mower at 217, more tool kits from 237
Amazon is currently offering the Greenworks Pro 21-inch Self-Propelled Cordless Electric Lawn Mower for 216.99 shipped. Down from 399, today’s offer amounts to 46% in savings and is a new all-time low. While you’ll have to add the battery and charger on as a second purchase, that brings the total up to 404, or 49 less than the package sells for altogether. As one of the most capable electric lawn mower we’ve seen go on sale from Greenworks as of late, this model stands out with a 80V of power that pairs with a larger 21-inch cutting deck. Alongside being self-propelled, it also rocks a 3-in-1 design for bagging, mulching or side discharge. There’s of course no gas or oil to fuss with here either, so you can start out the summer mowing routine with a bit of a green touch. Head below for more.
Amazon is also discounting a selection of other Greenworks Pro tools today. Detailed below, these will integrate with the mower above for kickstarting your lawn care regimen ahead of spring with some new electric tools.
- 16-inch Chainsaw: 297 (Reg. 350)
- 26-inch Hedge Trimmer: 249 (Reg. 279)
- 10-inch Polesaw: 237 (Reg. 279)
Snow Joe’s 18-inch corded electric snow thrower falls to 12-month low at 84 (Reg. 113)
Amazon is offering the Snow Joe Ultra 18-inch 13A Corded Electric Snow Thrower for 84 shipped. Matched at Walmart. Down from 113, today’s deal marks the lowest price at Amazon that we’ve seen since 2020 when it hit 77.50. While snowy season might be in our rearview, it’s never a bad time to invest in greener snow removal tools. Snow Joe’s 18-inch corded electric snow thrower clears a wide path without using gas or oil. It can move up to 550 pounds of snow per minute with its 2-blade auger design that cuts a path 18-inches wide by 8-inches deep, which makes it super easy to clear your entire driveway in a short amount of time. Keep reading for more.
New Tesla deals
Below, you’ll find a selection of new green deals that will make your Tesla experience better in multiple areas. From storage to keep recordings on to phone mounts, car chargers, and anything else we can find, it’ll be listed below. Each day we’ll do our best to find new and exciting deals and ways for you to save on fun accessories for your Tesla, making each trip unique. For more gift ideas and deals, check out the best Tesla shop. Keep reading on for e-bike, Greenworks, and other great deals.
- SimpleTire offers up to 30% off thousands of tires
- Discount Tire offers up to 100 off or more on Cooper, Bridgestone, and other tires
- Model 3 CupHolderHero: 12 (Reg. 14)
- Lexar JumpDrive TwistTurn2 256GB USB 2.0 Flash Drive: 28 (Reg. 50)
New green e-bike deal electric scooter discounts
If you’re looking to get out and enjoy the sunshine, than we recommend you experience it than on an e-bike or electric scooter you just got at a fantastic price through one of our deals and sale below. You can use it for fun, exercise, or even transportation to and from work or the coffee shop. We have several people here that will regularly commute to coffee shops or offices on their e-bike, as it cuts down on fossil fuel usage as well as allows them to enjoy some time outdoors on nice sunny days. Below, you’ll find a wide selection of new e-bike deals and electric scooter deal in all price ranges, so give it a look if that’s something you’d be interested in picking up. As always, the newest e-bike deal and electric scooter discounts and sales will be at the top, so shop quick as the discounts are bound to go away soon.
- RadCity Step-Thru V3 or RadCity V4: 1,499 (Reg. 1,599) | RadPowerBikes
- w/ code CITYSAVE
new green deals
After shopping the Tesla and e-bike deal above, be sure to check out the other discounts we found today. These new green deals are wide-ranging from outdoor lawn equipment to anything else we find that could save you money in various ways, be that cutting gas and oil out of your life or just enjoying other amenities that energy-saving gear can bring. As always, the newest deals will be at the top, so shop quick as the discounts are bound to go away soon.
- HomeKit-enabled meross 3-outlet outdoor Smart plug now 21
- Govee’s Wi-Fi RGB LED light bulb requires no hub for voice control at just 8.50 (37% off)
- Brita’s UltraMax Water Filter Dispenser hits second-best Amazon price at 35.50 (Reg. 45)
- Philips Hue Smart Button HomeKit starter kits include three bulbs from 89 (New lows)
- Save 45% on this battery-powered Smart outdoor camera with solar panel at 49.50
- Tidy up your garage this spring with a wall-mounted yard tool organizer for 8.50 (Reg. 11)
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