E-Bikes

Impact

Cost

Medium

Why drive an electric bicycle?

Electric bikes offer a cost-friendly, emission-reduced, and health-optimizing option for traveling short distances. Batteries in the bikes help you to go further with less effort, offering an enjoyable way to get around. In contrast to gas powered cars, electric bikes run quietly, don’t require gas money, and help to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.

How much does an electric bicycle cost?

For a quality electric bike, prices can range from $600 to over $8000. In comparison to a regular bike, the high price is due to several unique features. Electric bikes are equipped with a lithium-ion battery, motor, electric controller, and a heavy frame to support the added components.. These features are specially fitted to each bike, adding in the cost of manual labor. However, the cost of upkeep, due to almost no maintenance needed for these parts, is minimal.

Electric bikes offer assisted bike riding. The motors attached to these bikes help propel the vehicle without as much of your body’s power, making for easier rides to your destinations. On one charge, typical electric bikes can go for about 18 miles.

Steps to Take

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Deep Dive

What are the different types of electric bicycles?

Generally, electric bicycles are divided into 3 different classes. Class 1 electric bikes can travel up to 20 miles per hour, and the motor will only assist when the biker is pedaling. Similarly, a class 2 electric bike travels up to 20 miles per hour. However, the throttles of class 2 bikes will continue to work even when you’re not pedaling. Lastly, class 3 e-bikes can reach a max of 28 miles per hour, and must be equipped with a speedometer. However, these may or may not have a throttle depending on regulations in each state. In Massachusetts, throttles may be used if they are limited to a max of 25 miles per hour.

Health benefits

Much like riding a regular bicycle, electric bikes offer the same range of health benefits. E-bikes can be used as a means for moderate and regular exercise. This can lead to increased cardiovascular health, better sleep, reduced stress, and a plethora of other benefits. Assisted pedaling in e-bikes helps ease any strain that may be caused with riding regular bikes. Additionally, an electric bike can make all sorts of biking more accessible and easy to ride, including on rough terrain.

Regulations

In Massachusetts, the use of an e-bike is prohibited for those under 16. These bikes are only allowed to be used by those with valid drivers licenses, and are not allowed to exceed 25 miles per hour. You do not need to register your bike if it is considered a “low-speed electric bicycle,” which reaches a max of 20 miles per hour. Protective gear, such as helmets, are also required while riding. You can ride them almost anywhere a regular bike can go, except for off-street recreational paths and state highways. While on the road, e-bikes operate as regular bikes: Tthey should stay in designated bike lanes and/or to the sides of local roads. To learn more about e-bike regulations in Massachusetts, check out General Law – Part I, Title XIV, Chapter 90, Section 1B.

For additional information, check these references below:

https://evelo.com/blogs/ebike-laws/massachusetts

https://www.wired.com/story/guide-to-ebike-classes/

https://www.greenamerica.org/green-living/case-electric-bicycles

https://www.skipeak.net/blog/8-benefits-of-using-electric-bikes

https://www.treehugger.com/should-i-buy-electric-bicycle-everything-you-need-to-know-primer-faq-4858769