Electric Bikes for Your Commute

E-Bikes: What to Know Before Buying

E-bike options have gotten complicated with all the classes and motor types flying around. As someone who resisted e-bikes for years thinking they were cheating, I learned everything there is to know about why I completely changed my mind after borrowing one for a week.

Now I own one alongside my regular bike, and they serve different purposes.

How They Work

An e-bike is a regular bike with a motor and battery added. The motor assists your pedaling up to a certain speed (usually 20 mph for Class 1 and 2, 28 mph for Class 3 in the US). You still pedal – the motor just multiplies your effort.

Pedal-assist (pedelec) bikes only engage the motor when you’re pedaling. Throttle bikes can power you without pedaling at all, like a scooter. Most quality e-bikes are pedal-assist; it feels more like riding a bike.

Why E-Bikes Make Sense

Probably should have led with this section, honestly.

Hills disappear. That monster climb on your commute? Manageable now. You still work, but you don’t arrive destroyed.

No sweat commuting. Want to bike to work without needing a shower? Dial down the effort level and let the motor handle more. Arrive fresh instead of soaked.

Riding with faster friends. Got friends who are stronger cyclists? An e-bike levels the playing field. Everyone can ride together without someone struggling to keep up.

Physical limitations. Knee problems, heart conditions, age-related fitness decline – e-bikes let people keep riding who might otherwise have to stop.

Distance. Want to ride 40 miles without it being an epic effort? E-bikes extend your practical range significantly.

What It’s Not

It’s not a motorcycle. You still pedal, you still exercise, you still sweat if you want to. Studies show e-bike commuters get meaningful cardio benefit – just less intense than regular cycling.

It’s not cheating. Nobody’s keeping score. If an e-bike gets you riding instead of driving, that’s a win. If it lets you enjoy a ride you’d otherwise dread, that’s a win.

Types to Consider

Commuter/city: Upright position, practical features like fenders, racks, and lights. Built for getting places.

Road/gravel: Drop bars, lighter weight, sportier geometry. For people who want speed and longer distances.

Mountain: Full suspension, knobby tires, powerful motors for climbing. Changed the game for trail access.

Cargo: Built to haul kids, groceries, or gear. Can replace a car for many trips.

Folding: Compact for apartments or combining with public transit. Trade-offs in ride quality.

Battery and Range

Battery capacity (measured in watt-hours) determines range. A 500Wh battery might give you 30-60 miles depending on terrain, assist level, and rider weight. Higher assist, more hills, heavier rider = less range.

Charging takes 3-6 hours from empty. Most people charge overnight. Some batteries are removable for charging indoors; others are integrated into the frame.

Batteries degrade over time like phone batteries. Expect maybe 500-1000 charge cycles before capacity drops noticeably. Quality batteries hold up better than cheap ones.

Motor Placement

Mid-drive motors (in the crank area) feel more natural and handle hills better. They’re usually on higher-end bikes.

Hub motors (in the rear wheel) are simpler and cheaper. They work fine, especially on flatter terrain. The bike feels slightly different – a pushing sensation rather than multiplied pedaling.

Cost Reality

Quality e-bikes start around $1,500 and go up to $10,000+. Budget options under $1,000 exist but often have questionable components and support.

Consider the bike you’re buying, not just the motor. Frame, brakes, drivetrain quality matter. An e-bike is heavier than a regular bike and goes faster; it needs better brakes and stronger wheels.

Maintenance

Regular bike maintenance applies: brakes, tires, chain, shifting. The electrical components mostly don’t need attention beyond keeping connections clean and storing the battery properly.

Find a shop that works on e-bikes if you need electrical help. Not all mechanics are familiar with the systems.

My Take

That’s what makes e-bikes endearing to us riders who’ve come around on them. They expand what’s possible on two wheels. They’re not replacing regular bikes for me – I still love the simplicity of an unpowered ride. But for commuting, for riding with my less-fit family, for days when I want to go far without destroying myself, the e-bike gets picked.

If you’re on the fence, find a way to test one. Most people who try quality e-bikes understand immediately what the appeal is.