An electric bike is, in essence, any two-wheeled vehicle powered by electricity. Some are enhanced conventional bicycles which merge pedal power and the propulsion of small electric motors. Others are fully-electric motorcycles capable of reaching highway speeds and traveling for hours between charges. Still others fall somewhere in-between. Given this great diversity, the best electric bike for you depends on your budget, expectations and transportation needs.
Low-Cost Bikes
If you are a beginner, a very casual enthusiast or are on a tight budget, some low-end bicycles may fit your needs. Low-cost electrics typically feature lead acid batteries, which are heavier than lithium ion batteries, thereby increasing a bike's overall weight and limiting its top speed and range between charges; so these bikes go slower over shorter distances than their more expensive counterparts. Expect a top speed of between 12 and 25 mph, and to reach about 15 miles between charges. The Currie Technologies EZ-TRZ-BR-W costs around $400 as of March 2011, and can accommodate riders weighing up to 240 lbs. The VeloMini folding bike ranges from about $500 to $1,000, depending on style and options, and its foldable design allows you to store it in a car's trunk or carry it on a bus.
Conversion Kits
You may be attached to your current bike, or you may own a high-quality manual bicycle that would cost thousands to replace with a comparable electric model. In either case, an electric conversion kit may be your best choice. These kits, which often sell for $400 or less as of March 2011, include a wheel with a built-in hub motor, a sealed lead acid battery and an activation switch that mounts on your handlebars. The battery is typically fitted to a case that attaches to your frame with clips or Velcro straps. Installing a conversion kit means you do not have to adjust to a brand-new bicycle in order to enjoy the benefits of an electric bike. The more affordable kits, which utilize lead acid batteries, reach speeds and ranges comparable to those of low-cost electric bikes, but can be installed on higher-quality frames in order to blend quality with affordability.
High-End Bikes
If you are serious about spending money on a new, high-quality electric bike, you have several options. E-Go bicycles combine functionality and cost, starting at a retail price of about $1,500 as of March 2011. They employ lightweight components and travel up to 25 miles on a full charge. NYCeWheels also recommends the OHM brand of electric bikes, which begin at around $3,300, and the OptiBike 850R for serious riders with an abundant income. The OptiBike is among the most advanced electric bikes available to urban bicyclists, achieving a range of 45 to 57 miles per charge. Its range is determined by its speed settings, which the rider can adjust automatically to accommodate quick trips or consistent performance over longer distances. The OptiBike's features come at a price, though. The base model retails for $12,000, and additional options, such as off-road packages and cargo stowage, increase the price by hundreds more.
Electric Scooters, Motorcycles and Mopeds
Several types of plug-in scooters may qualify as bicycles according to your state's laws. So-called "toy scooters," which resemble small or bare-bones mopeds, are available from a number of manufacturers at a price range comparable to low-end electric bicycles. These scooters do not typically exceed 20 mph, and are sometimes available at large warehouse stores like Wal-Mart and Target. Because of their speed restrictions, they do not require special licenses to operate and they are restricted to sidewalks and bike paths. Manufacturers such as X-Treme Scooters offer a variety of toy scooters and pedal-assisted electric scooters, which resemble mopeds but operate similarly to electric bicycles. Full-sized electric motorcycles, like those designed by Vectrix and Zero Motorcycles, require license plates, insurance and a motorcycle endorsement to operate. These larger, more expensive vehicles can reach highway speeds and may go 50 or more miles per charge, depending on your speed. Their cost is comparable to that of higher-end electric bicycles, but they have the benefit of full access to roads and highways.
References
- V is for Voltage; The VeloMini, a Very Cool Little Folding Electric Bicycle, Initial Review; June 2010
- Electric Vehicle Authority; Electric Bicycle Comparison and Innovations; Court Rye; Oct. 19, 2010
- NYCeWheels: What is the Best Electric Bike?
- OptiBike.com: OptiBike 850R
- Cheap Comfort Bikes Review; Currie Technologies EZ-TRZ-BR-W; January 2011
- Metaefficient; The Best Electric Scooters of 2009; Justin Thomas; Jun. 2, 2008
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