E-bikes are bicycles equipped with a battery and a motor, and they are a game changer for bicycle accessibility. Ebikes allow you to go faster, further, and conquer hills you might not have been able to without them. While more expensive than a regular bike, they are still significantly less expensive than a car, and in many situations, they can completely replace one! There are 3 classes of ebike in the US:
Class 1: Pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a max assist speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: Includes a throttle (so you can ride without pedaling) and also tops out at 20 mph.
Class 3: Pedal-assist only, but goes up to 28 mph—great for longer commutes but may be restricted on some bike paths.
Ebikes come in about as many forms of regular bike: hybrid, road, mountain, folding, cargo, and more. Cargo ebikes are the ultimate car-replacer. Some models, like “Cargo” or “Family” from Urban Arrow, have a large bucket on the front to carry anything from groceries to furniture, and even children!
In addition to replacing car trips, you still get exercise on an ebike. While it’s less effort than a regular bike, riding a pedal-assist ebike still allows you to move your body while putting less strain on your muscles and joints, and you still get the mental health benefits of being outside. Some studies have even shown that ebike owners get more exercise than on their regular bike, simply because they use them more frequently and for longer trips.
If you are curious about ebiking and want to try it without a huge investment, Madison BCycle is available for single ride, monthly, and annual passes. Open from March 15th to December 15th each year, with dozens of stations around the Madison area and hundreds of bikes– all electric! Just download the app, as it’s the quickest and easiest way to register and get a pass.