Electric Bikes

An ebike (e-bike), or electric bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that provides assistance while pedaling. Ebikes combine the benefits of traditional cycling with the added power of an environmentally-friendly electric motor, making it easier to climb hills and travel longer distances. Particularly in dense urban areas, ebikes are a great alternative to a car for getting around town. Ebikes come in various styles, from beach cruisers to fat tire bikes, commuter bikes, and even folding bikes, and offer different levels of pedal assistance, allowing you to customize the riding experience to your needs and preferences. They're a great option for commuting, recreation, fitness, and exploring the outdoors with a little extra boost.

The core component of an ebike is its motor, which can either be located in the hub of the front or rear wheel, or centrally mounted near the pedals. (Rear hub motors are most common.) This motor draws energy from a rechargeable electric battery, typically lithium-ion, that is mounted on the frame. As you pedal, a sensor detects your effort, and signals the motor to provide assistance, propelling you forward with greater ease. The level of assistance can be adjusted via a display on the handlebars. Some ebikes also feature a throttle, allowing the rider to propel the bike without pedaling.

We’ll get into more specifics later in this FAQ section, but in short, before you buy an ebike you should consider what you’re hoping to use it for. Commuting? Recreation? Off-road riding? Fitness? All of the above? Different types and classes of ebike are better suited to different purposes. The important things you need to know about the ebike you’re purchasing are its class, range, speed, and pedal assist levels and throttle (or lack thereof). Also consider the frame (step-through or step-over), saddle and brake type, and tires. See below for more info on these topics.

Legally, ebikes are divided into three classes (Class I, II, and III) based on their motor and maximum speed. Knowing the class of your ebike is important, because it determines where you can legally ride it. In some states, for example, you can ride a Class II or I ebike on the sidewalk, but not a Class III ebike. In others, a Class II ebike rider must wear a helmet, but not a Class I rider. Here are the ebike class breakdowns:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only (no throttle), and a maximum speed of 20 mph
• Class 2: Pedal-assist and throttle, with a maximum speed of 20 mph
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only* and a maximum speed of 28 mph

*The definition of a Class III ebike varies slightly from state-to-state. Some states allow Class III ebikes to have a throttle, others do not. In some states, Class III ebikes do have a throttle, but it must be capped at 20 mph (even if the pedal assist speed can reach 28 mph). Our powerful electric commuter bikes fall into the latter category.

Just like traditional bicycles, ebikes come in all shapes and sizes to suit different riding styles and terrains. At retrospec, we have eight types of ebikes.

• Electric City Bikes: Designed for urban environments, these ebikes offer comfortable upright riding postures and features like fenders, racks, and integrated lights for navigating city streets.
• Electric Fat Tire Bikes: Equipped with oversized tires for enhanced traction and stability, these ebikes excel on trails and challenging terrains like sand, dirt, and gravel
• Electric Beach Cruiser Bikes: Perfect for leisurely rides along boardwalks and bike paths, these ebikes typically feature comfortable saddles, wide tires, swept-back handlebars, and a relaxed riding position for soaking up the scenery. They also commonly have step-through frames.
• Electric Commuter Bikes: Built for efficiency, these practical ebikes have massive ranges, high top speeds, and a variety of convenient features like fenders, storage racks, and integrated lights to make commuting a breeze.
• Electric Hybrid & Fitness Bikes: These versatile and adaptable bikes blend various types of ebike, making them suitable for exercise, recreation, and commuting on both paved surfaces and light trails.
• Electric Trikes: Three-wheeled ebikes offer enhanced stability and comfort, making them a great option for riders seeking additional balance support, such as the infirm or elderly.
• Electric Folding Bikes: Compact and convenient, these ebikes fold down for easy storage and portability, making them ideal for mixed commutes (bus, train, etc.) or anyone with limited space, such as those living in apartments or college dorms.
• Electric BMX Bikes: Bringing the thrill of BMX riding to the electric world, these ebikes feature sturdy frames and powerful motors for tricks and jumps.

Legally, 28 mph is the top assisted speed you can reach on an electric bike. The electric power of your ebike’s pedal assist and/or throttle will not power you faster than this. But like any bicycle, an ebike can technically go as fast as you can pedal it.

Ebike ranges will vary based on the class of ebike, and how much pedal assist and throttle you use while riding it. Our most powerful ebikes, our electric commuter ebikes, have a 72-mile top pedal range.

Usually, but not always. It depends on the class of ebike. All electric bikes are equipped with a pedal assist system, which requires the rider to pedal in order to move forward. Compared to a standard pedal bike, the effort required is significantly reduced thanks to the assist provided by the motor and battery. But Class II (and some Class III) electric bikes also have a throttle. This throttle allows the rider to propel the bike forward without needing to pedal. In summary, you do have to pedal Class I ebikes, you don’t have to pedal Class II ebikes, and you may or may not need to pedal Class III ebikes.

It depends what you’re looking for! Both types of bike frame have advantages and drawbacks. That’s why almost all types of retrospec ebikes, from beach cruisers to fat tire bikes to long-distance commuters, are available in both step-through and step-over frames. Step-over ebikes, with their traditional frame with a high top tube, offer a sportier riding position, better handling, and generally weigh less. They're a good choice for those who prioritize performance and agility and who are comfortable swinging their leg over the higher frame. Step-through ebikes have a lower frame, with no top tube, so they’re easy to mount and dismount. This is particularly beneficial for riders with limited mobility, those who wear skirts or dresses, or anyone who prefers a more convenient way to get on and off the bike. Step-through frames are commonly chosen for casual riding styles, like beach cruisers and city bikes. Another thing to keep in mind is that some car bike racks and garage bike racks attach to the bike via the top tube, so step-through bikes aren’t compatible with them. (You can mitigate this by purchasing our top tube adaptor.)

Short answer: Hydraulic disc brakes. Long answer: Bicycles use two main types of brakes: rim brakes, which work by clamping around the rim of the wheel, and disc brakes, where the calipers clamp pads around a dedicated brake disc (rotor) inside the wheel, like on a car. For ebikes, which are heavier and often ridden at higher speeds than traditional bikes, disc brakes are superior. They offer more stopping power, especially in wet or muddy conditions, and better heat dissipation during prolonged braking. Rim brakes can wear down the rim over time, and offer less consistent performance in wet conditions. Within the category of disc brakes, there are mechanical and hydraulic brakes, but the best disc brakes are hydraulic. Hydraulic systems provide more precise modulation, and require less maintenance than mechanical disc brakes.

A throttle on an ebike is a device that allows the rider to propel the bike forward without pedaling. Ebikes are primarily powered by pedal assist, meaning the rider must pedal somewhat for the bike to move. But ebikes with throttles (which are typically thumb-operated, and mounted on the handlebars) allow you to power the bike simply by pushing the throttle, without pedaling. Throttles are present only on Class II (and some Class III) ebikes, and generally have a legal limit of 20 mph, even if the ebike’s pedal assist feature can power it up to 28 mph.

Yes, all ebike riders should wear a bike helmet, and in some states, it’s legally required. Regardless of the law though, helmets are a good idea anytime you’re riding a bicycle, and they’re especially important on ebikes. Ebikes make it easy for a rider to reach significantly higher speeds than normal bicycles, and as a result, there is a higher risk of severe injury and death for ebike riders than regular bike users. The good news is that wearing a bike helmet can dramatically mitigate these risks. Protect your dome!

It depends. In the United States, electric bike laws vary widely by state, county, and city, but are generally based on the three ebike classes (Class I, II, and III) that we described above. In the vast majority of U.S. states, ebikes are legally considered akin to traditional bicycles. The same road laws apply to them, and there are no registration, licensing, or insurance requirements. In a few states, however (like Alaska), an electric bicycle is defined as a “motor-driven cycle” (essentially a motorcycle) and ebike riders must carry an operator’s license. In other states, ebikes must be registered and/or insured. So do your homework! The good news is these laws are all easy to find and pretty straightforward. People for Bikes has an exhaustive listing of ebike laws state-by-state, so check that out for more info on your state.

If you’re still undecided about an ebike, or feeling overwhelmed with all the options, take our “Help Me Choose an EBike Quiz” to narrow down your choices. This will help you get a better idea of the ebike that suits your needs. It’s completely free, and only takes about 30 seconds.

Because of the electric battery, motor, throttle, and other advanced technology, electric bikes are more expensive than normal bicycles. Expect to spend at least $1,000 for a reliable ebike, and up to $2,000 for specialized, high-performance types, like commuter ebikes and fat tire ebikes.

No, not really. There’s a reason why there are no ebikes designed for children. However, it depends on how old the child is. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says that children under 12 years old absolutely should not operate any product that travels faster than 10 miles per hour. (So this means all ebikes.) Remember, an ebike is essentially a motorized vehicle. Older teenagers, close to driving age (16) or above, probably have the coordination and maturity to ride an ebike safely. Beyond your own judgement, be sure to check the laws. Some states actually have legal stipulations on age for ebikes. Most states require children to be at least 16 years old to ride Class III ebikes, for example. Regardless of how old your child is, whether on an ebike or a normal bicycle, always make sure they wear a bike helmet.

UL 2849 is a certification for the electrical system of an ebike, developed by independent safety science company UL Solutions. UL 2849 “provides fire safety certification by examining the electrical drive train, battery, and charger system combinations in ebikes, evaluating components including the drive unit, battery, battery management system (BMS), interconnecting wiring, and power inlet.” In short, the best ebikes should be UL 2849 certified, ensuring their electrical system is safe.

While UL 2849 is a certification for an ebikes overall electrical system, UL 2271 is the certification for specifically for ebike batteries. This certifies that the battery has passed rigorous testing for electrical, mechanical, and environmental safety. UL 2271 is currently the Accredited National Safety Standard for ebikes, meaning it’s the gold-standard certification for ebike battery safety. Like UL 2849, it was developed and administered by UL Solutions, an international independent safety science company. All of our electric bikes have a UL 2271-certified battery, meaning they’ve been tested and approved by a UL-accredited lab.

How long your ebike will last depends on a few factors, primarily how well you maintain it. To ensure your ebike stays in good shape, keep up with regular maintenance. This includes checking and tightening bolts, lubricating the chain, and inspecting the brakes and tires. Electric bikes can last up to a decade or longer with proper care, but certain parts—particularly tires, brake pads, and chains—will need replacing over time due to wear and tear. Beyond this, the kicker for your ebike’s lifespan will be the battery, but you can always invest in a replacement battery when your first battery bites the dust. See below for more on how long ebike batteries last.

Most ebike batteries will last for an average of three to five years, or approximately 1,000 charges. To get the most out of your bike’s battery, it’s important to follow your owner’s manual for recommendations on charging and storing your ebike. In general, though, store the bike in a cool, dry place, free from extreme temperatures or direct sunlight. If leaving your ebike stored for long periods, try to maintain it with a partial charge, somewhere between 30 and 70 percent.

It’s a complicated question, one that demands the modifier “compared to what?” Electric bikes are generally considered very eco-friendly compared to gas-powered vehicles, because they produce zero carbon emissions during operation. However, mining for the lithium used in ebike batteries—as well as the source of the electricity used to charge the batteries—does have environmental costs. The underlooked environmental bonus of electric bikes is they use far less resources than a car (even an electric one) to transport a rider from place to place. From the frame to the brakes to the battery to the tires, an electric bike is overwhelmingly less intensive to build and maintain than a car. For perspective, the average American car consists of about 3,000 pounds of raw material. By comparison, even the heaviest ebikes don’t crack 100 pounds. So, although ebikes may not be more eco-friendly than a normal, pedal-powered bike (or more eco-friendly than walking), but they are extremely eco-friendly compared to most other modes of transportation!

Right here! Our online shop boasts a wide variety of electric bikes that are perfect for all kinds of riders, from children to adults. Plus, retrospec dealers around the United States offer test rides, so you can be sure that you’re picking the right electric bike for you. Take our online “Help Me Choose an EBike Quiz” to get a better idea of the ebike that’s right for you.