E-Bike: How to Launch Your Dreams on the Open Road

Choosing a Bike

February 12, 2019

E-Bike Popularity is on the Rise

E-bike models haven't come into popularity until the last 5 to 10 years. The major player behind this increase has been rapid technological advancement. As a result of technologies becoming more available, it has become cheaper for buyers.

If you're reading this article because you're looking to buy an e-bike you're in the right place. This guide will help you to understand the do's and don'ts of e-bike purchases. The first recommendation I have for you is to think about your personal needs. The reason I say this is because the prices ranges for bikes are ginormous. They can range from as little as $500, all the way up to $15,000. And if you ask me, if you're spending that kind of money on a bike, you better know what you're looking for. If you are foolish enough not to it's highly likely that you will:

Overpay
Suffer buyer's remorse.
Buy a product that you'll want to return.

The Two Biggest Factors of E-Bike Prices

Now, as far as bike parts, go I hands down suggest determining the battery size that's right for you. Not only do the lithium-ion batteries increase in price, but they also grow in physical size. To add to this point, you will want to understand how long you will want the battery to last. The first way to identify this is to figure out how many miles you expect to ride each day? If you don't plan on riding more than 10 miles each day, then a battery on the smaller spectrum is a better deal. Also, keep in mind that you can always charge the bike at home in between commutes. However, I suggest that if you plan on commuting 30 miles each to go with a larger battery.

Size isn't only a great determiner for battery size, its a consideration for motor size as well. Sizes for motors vary from 250 watts to 750-watt sizes. Of course, the larger the motor the more speed is at your fingertips. It also means the more cash will be coming out of your back pocket.

When you see an e-bike and wonder "Wow, why is it so much more expensive than other models"? It's because these two factors - battery, and motor size - are responsible for the big change in price. Also with your bike search, it's wise to remember that lithium-ion is still a new technology. In terms of its household adoption in the mass market. This means that it's not inept of mishaps. For instance, the lead-acid battery still dominates the industry. That is why I advise you to research the battery in the e-bike you intend on buying.

Legalities of E-bike Usage You Should Be Aware Of

You should also check the qualifications of motorized vehicles in your specific city-state. It varies from region to region, state to state, and city to city. This is important because if you're buying an e-bike you will want to ensure that you can ride in the bike lane. I can tell you from experience that you don't want to risk riding in the street. Also, if the motor size is too big, you may have to register it with the DMV.

That's why we at Sixthreezero stick to 250 watt and 500-watt sizes. These will give perfect for all your leisure riders. Believe it or not, the size of these motors will allow you to travel from 15 to 25 miles an hour. Amazing enough, on average our batteries grant you 30 to 50 miles per charge. This also depends on whether you're using pedal assist or opting for the full throttle. In addition, the speed and the size of the rider contribute to variance. The biggest tip when you're looking for an e-bike is to pay attention to how far and fast you plan to ride. Then check the motor specs and battery capabilities to assure they align with your usage.

How Riding an E-Bike Change My Life

The first time I rode an e-bike was awesome. Actually, the first time I rode one was at an annual bicycle show in Las Vegas. They had an outdoor demo site where you could test ride all the new companies' products. At the time, e-bikes were nothing but a blip on the radar. Hence there were only a few manufacturers known for dipping into e-bikes. Since they weren't well known in the marketplace. When I hopped on one it was pure bliss straight away. It was all smiles and happiness. I remember hey had a track setup. It was like racing through, full throttle down the road. You could push the button down and before you knew it you were going 20 miles an hour.

Since then, I've ridden many e-bikes and that feeling has never left me. Every time I hop on one there's something about the freedom the open air. A feeling you can't get in a car. A feeling you know, not where you feel the breeze as you're zipping along. This feeling is unknown to people that ride normal bicycles. Their top speed is around 15 miles an hour. But with but an e-bike you can push to as fast 25 miles per hour. The kind of distance you can go without even breaking a sweat is insane.

I'd love to hear your stories about the first time you guys rode an e-bike. Shoot us a comment below under the video. And comment on what your first experience was like.

The Endless Call for Adventure

Another great thing about e-bikes is they're super versatile. You can either use it as a regular bike or as a full-blown speeding machine. These are the two different ways that an e-bike works. With the first can pedal, and have the motor kick in. This is useful for tall hill because it assists you with pedaling. Or two, you could not pedal at all. Hit the throttle, and let the motor do all the work.

There are some fun things that people may not have thought about using their e-bike for. Here's an idea you can try out to spend more time your kids. You can hook up a trailer with son or daughter with you and go for a ride. Obviously, I don't recommend hooking up a bike trailer and going full bore with your little ones. But if you get a trailer with a seat and armrest it can spend quality time zipping through the neighborhood. I've done it myself with my daughter and we love our little adventures.

The Best Places to Ride

Biking is also a fun alternative as a commute to work. Many people I know like going to work on their bikes. In theory, it's a good idea but there are also some elements to consider, like getting sweaty. However, a good plan is to put it on full throttle on your way to work. And when you are riding home you can flip the motor off and get some much-needed exercise and stress relief.

If you've never considered commuting, now's a good time to consider it. Especially in the warm months if you'll be riding for five miles or less. This is a great way to avoid annoying stoplights that hold you in traffic. Come around the winter months this man not be your first option. But that shouldn't stop you anyways. Throw a jacket on. Have you ever been to Amsterdam? They ride their bikes year-round in the frigid rain or shine.

The last thing I would add is to make sure that you use your new or rented e-bike by the beach. There's a lot of rental shops in California. Especially by Redondo Beach, up north to Santa Monica. It's about a 15 to 17-mile ride down the coastline. Since you're right on the water you can stop your bike. And park in the sand to take in the experience. If you do a 30-mile round trip you can use the motor and don't have to break a sweat if you don't want to. So, if you can't get out to Southern California, try to find a beach or waterfront near you. It's a whole other experience of feeling the ocean breeze in your face by the water. You can't replicate it in a car.

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