What is an Electric Bike

An electric bike, also known as an eBike is a standard bicycle with a motor attached to one of the wheels which is connected to and powered by a battery. Electric bicycles (affiliate link) offer the flexibility of being powered by the rider using the standard pedals or turning on the electric motor to enhance power and speed when wanted or needed.  While electric bikes are not a new item, their availability and favor among biking enthusiasts is on a steady rise.

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An eBike is not an electric powered motorcycle.  It is not a moped or a scooter. An electric bicycle is a bicycle with a motor for optional use. If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride an electric bicycle.

Electric Bicycles enhance every aspect of bike riding; riding for fun, exercise, commuting or off-road enjoyment, it’s all better with the options available on an eBike.  You will ride longer, faster and farther and enjoy it more when you have the option to pedal or use the power to amplify your pedaling.

It fun, it’s easy and if you already have a bike you want to keep, you can purchase a converter kit (affiliate link) and turn your existing bike into an electric bike!

Why Buy an Electric Bike

An electric bicycle will expand your biking experience whether you are:

• A long time biking enthusiast
• A weekend road warrior
• An exercise-by-bike guru
• A ride to work biker
• An off road biker
• A city, suburb or country strolling biker

Requirements for Road and Off Road Use

As with any new product, rules and regulations will vary from state to state.  For example, currently the State of Pennsylvania defines an eBike as a bicycle if its maximum speed is 20 miles per hour or less, the power is 750W or less and allows use on roadways without registration or special license, no helmet required but rider must be at least 16 years of age.

According to this list on Wikipedia, it seems every state in the United States defines rules and regulations differently, therefore it’s best to check with the Department of Motor Vehicles for your state before you make a purchase.  Speed and motor power seem to be the defining factor in both use and licensing.