| An electric bike or e-bike most closely resembles a | | | | Some of the newer models hide the motor and |
| normal bicycle with a motor and battery to aid the | | | | battery in the frame and run silently. |
| cyclist in mastering hills and carrying heavy loads. | | | | An electric bike can work independently of cyclist |
| Depending on the battery, terrain and other conditions, | | | | efforts by activating a switch or the cyclist can pedal |
| the range of an e-bike can be 10-40 miles before a | | | | normally without activating the motor to conserve the |
| recharge is needed. An electric bike works by assisting | | | | battery. The most efficient battery is the Lithium |
| the cyclist with pedaling with a motor attached to the | | | | battery which recharges using very little electricity but |
| pedals. It works best when the cyclist pedals though it | | | | can be expensive. The Lead battery requires a |
| can also do the pedaling for an exhausted cyclist. | | | | sturdier bicycle due to the extra weight but is less |
| By law, the motor is limited to 750 watts of power and | | | | expensive. In this case, more power would be needed |
| maximum speed cannot exceed 20 miles per hour. | | | | to carry the extra weight therefore it is not as efficient. |
| More and more people are considering an electric bike | | | | Due to the restrictions by law, the operator of an |
| as an alternate form of transportation for running | | | | electric bike does not need a driver's license, state tag |
| errands and short commutes to work. With the | | | | or insurance and is a perfect alternative to those who |
| assistance of an electric motor to help with pedaling, | | | | have lost their license. An electric bike can be mounted |
| the commuter is not as hot and sweaty when arriving | | | | on the front of buses for longer commutes and the |
| to work. | | | | cyclist does not have to worry about long walks to the |
| There are several options available to the interested | | | | bus stop. |
| person from a kit which can easily be attached to the | | | | How does an electric bike work? It works with the aid |
| normal bicycle to a specially built bicycle ranging in price | | | | of a motor and battery that can be activated to assist |
| from $500 to $3000. For more value for the money, | | | | the bicyclist in climbing hills and maintaining speed. It can |
| the best option is to buy a kit and install it yourself. | | | | be used to replace pedaling, stand alone pedaling or |
| Some motors, due to the extra weight, require a | | | | simply to assist the weary cyclist. Electric bikes are |
| sturdier frame and tires than normal bicycles. Check | | | | gaining popularity all over the world and are an |
| with the manufacturer for correct frame requirements. | | | | energy-saving alternative to automobiles. |