Did you know that electric bikes are selling better than electric cars in the United States? The U.S. e-bike market is on the rise and is expected to keep growing as more people turn to e-bikes.
But just what's all the buzz about?
Are e-bikes just a fleeting trend?
Is an e-bike worth the investment?
These are some of the questions you may be asking yourself.
Rest assured, e-bikes aren't just some fluffy fad. They've got tangible, practical benefits, and there's a good reason consumers are clamoring for them.
Read on for a roundup of just some of the benefits of e-bikes.
Biking is a great exercise for building physical strength, especially in your legs. You primarily use the hamstrings and quadriceps (in the upper legs) when pedaling a bike. You may also feel the burn in your calves and glutes, depending on your bike seat height and riding posture.
If you don't have the strongest legs, e-bikes have a feature called "pedal assist" to help. When you engage pedal assist, the e-bike motor helps power the bike on a set level. Pedal assist comes in various levels. For example, the Velotric Discover 1 and the Velotric Nomad 1 both have five levels of pedal assist.
With pedal assist, you can build your strength up slowly over time. If you're starting off with weaker leg muscles, you can engage a higher level of pedal assist. Then, decrease the level of pedal assist as you gain more muscle mass.
Riding an e-bike can improve your well-being in other ways, too. Research shows that e-cycling is a good form of cardiovascular exercise, which can improve your heart and lung health.
Regular cardio exercise is known to improve overall circulation. This can boost metabolism and help you maintain a healthy weight. Plus, it can reduce your risk of adverse health events like stroke and heart attack.
Cycling is also a great form of moderate exercise because it's low impact and doesn't place a lot of stress on your knees. This is one reason e-bikes are a good choice for people with arthritic knees. Cyclists can maintain their range of motion without placing too much pressure on their joints, especially if they engage pedal assist.
E-biking can also help reduce the risk of joint problems. For one thing, it helps to maintain a healthy weight (since being overweight increases stress on joints). Plus, cycling strengthens leg muscles, which help carry weight instead of leaving the burden on the joints.
You might think that an electric bicycle doesn't offer as much exercise as a traditional bike, since it "helps" the cyclist with pedal assist. However, research shows that e-bike riders can elevate both their heart rate and breathing enough to count as a workout.
This may be because the assistance electric bicycles provide means people are more motivated to get out there and use them. You won't be deterred from hopping on your road bike because you know you'll have support when you need it.
This means you can get more regular physical activity for longer periods. The result? It's easier to build up endurance. For example, you might start by tackling hills with a high level of pedal assist, but use less pedal assist as you improve your fitness levels.
The extra help from the bike's electric motor also helps cyclists go further than they might on a regular bike using the same amount of energy. It's easier to travel longer distances and explore new terrain when you know you have pedal assist to fall back on if you get tired.
Similar to conventional bikes, e-bikes also offer varying models suited to different types of terrain. For example, the Discover 1 has 2.5” tires , making it well-suited for cruising around the city.
In contrast, the Nomad 1 has 4” fat tires. The thick tires give you better traction and stability, so you can take the Nomad 1 on rougher surfaces, like gravel, without sacrificing a smooth and comfortable ride.
Thanks to pedal assist, riding e-bikes requires less effort than riding normal bikes. This means you can travel faster and further without pedaling yourself into utter exhaustion.
The Nomad 1 bike can travel up to 55 miles on a single charge, while the Discover 1 has a maximum range of 60 miles. Each bike takes just six hours to fully charge the battery power, meaning as long as you charge after your ride regularly, you should be always ready to go. But if you’re a heavy rider, you can always buy an extra battery for your Velotric e-bike.
The e-bike motor can also enhance speed. For example, the Discover 1 has a 500W motor (peak 900W), while the Nomad 1 has a 750W motor (peak 1200W). For context: These bikes will give you an effortless riding experience even when you're going up an incline of 8 degrees.
An e-bike isn't just good for your physical health; it can also help your mental health. Remember, research shows that e-bikers can generate just as much physical activity as traditional cyclists because they take longer trips.
It's no secret that regular exercise is the key to good mental health. Studies have suggested that exercise can alleviate anxiety, reduce the risk of depression, and blast away stress. It's even been shown to boost brain power, sharpen memory, and combat age-related mental decline. Plus, exercise improves sleep quality.
With an e-bike, you can reap the rewards of more regular exercise. Knowing you have conveniences like pedal assist and walk mode (where the e-bike powers itself forward while you walk alongside it) to fall back on can make you more eager to hop on your bike. There's really no excuse!
Research suggests that spending time in nature combats stress and improves emotional well-being. E-bikes can help you get out into nature. You'll be more mobile and able to reach natural areas with a fat-tired e-bike like the Nomad 1.
Psst: Check out this roundup of the best bike trails in the U.S. to reap the rewards!
E-bike pedal assist can improve maneuverability and the time it takes to get your bike moving, which can enhance safety. For example, let’s say you're a big-city cyclist. Being able to seamlessly pick up speed lets you keep up with the flow of traffic and stay safe.
Similarly, if you have to cross a street quickly, pedal assist can help you jumpstart and go so you can get from point A to point B safely. E-bikes like the Discover 1 and Nomad 1 also have walk assist, a setting that gently powers the bike forward as you walk alongside it, which can also improve maneuverability and safety.
Of course, it's still important to follow best practices when riding an e-bike, just as you would when riding a conventional bicycle. For example, you should wear a helmet and highly visible clothing when riding.
E-bikes are relatively quiet when they operate. In fact, some people suggest that a quality e-bike motor isn't much louder than pedaling on a regular bicycle, with decibel levels being comparable.
This can be beneficial, as it cuts down on noise pollution and is a more relaxing way to ride. If you like riding in natural areas, having a quiet ride is a bonus. After all, you don't want a loud motor to drown out the sound of chirping birds and babbling brooks, right?
For safety purposes, e-bikes offer the option to "make noise" when needed. For example, Velotric's bikes include bells. You might use a bell to alert a pedestrian standing in your path or make your presence known to a car that's driving into your lane on the road.
As people become more eco-conscious, they're increasingly becoming aware of the downsides of driving. Traditional cars require gasoline, which creates harmful emissions that can hurt the environment and pollute the air we breathe. E-bikes are a great way for anyone making last-mile trips, or any trip under 10 miles.
That said, people still need to get around! If you live in a city where public transportation isn't great (or isn't available at all), you need an alternative. An e-bike can get you where you need to go quickly and with minimal effort, thanks to the pedal assist option.
There are also practical aspects. For example, e-bikes are cheaper than cars. If you don't have the money for an automobile, an e-bike can be a solid pick instead. With ranges of 55 to 60 miles, Velotric's e-bikes are perfect for trips to pick up groceries, especially once you deck it out with its front and rear racks.
Sure, cycling is a great alternative to a car and gets you to and from work, social meetings, and other events. That said, odds are you don't want to roll up to your 9 a.m. meeting drenched in sweat.
Enter e-bikes. An e-bike is a good alternative to a typical bike, thanks to the pedal assist and walk modes. Avoid strenuous physical effort when you're headed to an appointment and need to show up looking healthily flushed instead of being soaked in sweat.
Feeling stressed after work? Get a full workout session by dialing down the pedal assist and getting your heart rate pumping. In short, you get the best of both worlds with an e-bike.
One of the most talked about benefits of electric bikes is their environmental friendliness. Since they don't require gasoline, they don't burn fossil fuels (which contribute to dangerous greenhouse gas emissions and deplete the ozone). Using an e-bike instead of a car reduces your carbon footprint.
If you're interested in helping the planet, an e-bike is a logical choice with demonstrable environmental benefits. Research has even shown that e-cyclists are keenly aware of their environmental impact when picking a mode of transportation — more than those driving cars or using public transportation.
E-bikes are also quiet. They don't contribute to noise pollution in the same way as cars. This can create a more harmonious environment for people and animals alike. Noise pollution is a serious issue that can have health repercussions, like hearing loss.
Yes, e-bikes have health benefits. Yes, e-bikes are good for the environment. Yes, e-bikes are convenient. But, let's face it, at the end of the day, the big question is: Can you afford one? Does an e-bike make sense financially? All those advantages don't mean much if this mode of transportation is going to break the bank, right?
Don't worry: E-bike technology has come a long way from just a few year ago, and affordable models are available. You can find quality bikes from brands like Velotric for less than $2,000, for example. On top of that, you may be able to get tax credits for buying an e-bike, saving even more cash on your purchase.
These initiatives are becoming increasingly common. California — a state striving for zero emissions — is developing the E-BIKE Act, which includes a consumer tax credit covering up to 30% of the cost of an electric bicycle (up to $1,500).
For now, e-bike tax credits are offered on a state-by-state basis; there's no nationwide initiative, although there have also been attempts to introduce a federal e-bike tax credit. The most recent attempt to pass this act (as part of a larger climate deal package) didn't work out, but advocates are still working on it.
Pro tip: Check out our full guide to e-bike tax rebates here.
Ready to experience the benefits of e-bikes for yourself? With many new models coming out, Velotric is working to create an e-bike that is right for you.
The Velotric Discover 1 has great 2.5” all-round city tires, five-levels of pedal assist, and walk mode. Hydraulic disc brakes and a Shimano 7-speed derailleur help give you maximum control for safe riding.
This bike can travel up to 60 miles with one charge. The exact range depends on details like load weight and riding style — for example, the battery drains faster if you engage high-level pedal assist.
Want to tackle rougher terrain?
The 750W Velotric Nomad 1 is the way to go. This durable e-bike has 4” fat tires that are suitable for riding on gravel, dirt, and other rough surfaces. It has hydraulic disc brakes, a Shimano 8-speed deraileur, and five-levels pedal assist, plus conveniences like walk mode.
This bike has a maximum range of 55 miles. Again, the actual range in practice depends on real-world details like weight, riding style, and incline. For example, going uphill drains the battery faster.
Whichever bike you choose, it will come with a battery certified by Underwriters Laboratories (UL 2271), a global independent safety standards organization. The 48V 14.4Ah rechargeable batteries take just six hours to charge completely.
Each bike comes in two models: The traditional High Step style fits rider heights 5’6” to 6’9”, while the Step-Thru model fits rider heights 5’1” to 6’4”.
Whether you want a bike for smooth city rides or a fat-tire bike for offroading, Velotric has a model for you. Visit the online shop now to find your perfect match — and start reaping the rewards an e-bike has to offer.
Riding an e-bike is a lot like riding a regular bike with the added boost of an electric motor. And having this motor with pedal assist has some advantages. Let's take a look at a few.
Some people may think because the bike is electric and takes less effort to ride that it's not really exercise. A study conducted out of Brigham Young University and published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research found that people who ride electric bikes experience nearly as much exercise as those who ride mountain bikes without feeling as if they've had a difficult workout. The truth is that even with pedal assist, riders still have to pedal which results in burning calories. It's a great cardiovascular exercise that can help build endurance and muscle.
Pedal assist gives riders a boost. It helps with hills, inclines, and rough terrain, allowing for a smoother ride thus reducing stress on joints. You can also ride with greater power and precision than a regular bike. And it gets people cycling who may not otherwise ride a traditional bike because of physical aches and pains. Additionally, you can take longer rides without physical exhaustion.
E-bikes make cycling more accessible and people are more likely to do it because it's easier, getting about the same workout with less the effort. For those who may be living an otherwise sedentary life, riding an e-bike gets them moving and in nature. This exercise, change in scenery, and fresh air helps improve mood, reduces stress, provides for a more restful sleep, and increases productivity.
E-bikes are great for commuting to work a few miles away and for running quick errands. Because it's classified as a bike, in many cities, you can ride on sidewalks and in bike lanes, and cut across parks. With alternative ways to travel to your destination, your commute can be faster than a car stuck in traffic. When people ride their e-bike instead of driving, they cut down on gas and pollution, helping to improve air quality and the environment.
Most cyclists travel 10 to 12mph, but an e-bike can average 20mph. E-bikes allow you to get to your destination faster than a regular bike. E-bikes are not more dangerous than regular bikes. They just have different risks. E-bikes tend to be safer than regular bikes because you can accelerate to get out of the way faster, and travel at higher speeds, keeping up with traffic.
Now that you've learned the benefits of e-bikes, you'll want to consider protecting your e-bike with insurance. Your e-bike is an investment and you want to make sure you have adequate coverage for theft or damage. It's a risky move for your e-bike to be uninsured. Fortunately, there's bicycle insurance specifically for e-bikes. Electric bike insurance provides coverage between auto, home and renters insurances where there are gaps and fine print exclusions.
Markel can offer a stand-alone electric bike insurance policy that insures e-bikes with power assist up to 750 watts and covers theft, damage and more. Policies start as low as $100 per year and offer a variety of coverage levels and deductible options.
Each policy can be customized to fit you and your riding style. Coverages can include protection for damage caused by theft, crash, collision, fire, attempted theft, vandalism or hitting another object. Coverage of spare parts, cycle apparel, and rental reimbursement can also be included at no additional cost.
Take action today and get a free, no-obligation quote to protect yourself and your e-bike.