Don't Get Taken for a Ride with an E-Bike

 By Catherine Powell

Image courtesy pxhere

Bicycling is terrific exercise, as well as a great way to cut down on your carbon footprint.  Instead of firing up my car, I routinely bicycle to and from stores and cafes that are within a 5-mile radius of my home.  Since bicycles don't come with a trunk, I sometimes strap a backpack onto the seat of my recumbent bike.  This way I can take small purchases with me.  If I want to haul a load of groceries, I use a 2-wheel pet carrier that attaches to the rear hub of my bike.  That being said, since my office is more than 5-miles from home, I've resisted the urge to commute to work by bike.  By the time I got there, I'd be dripping with sweat.  However, of late I've been considering the purchase of an e-bike to make commuting a lot easier.  For those of you who've been thinking of purchasing an electric bicycle, I thought I'd give you a few tips.

#1: How far can you ride an e-bike? - The range you get depends on how long the battery lasts.  Even if you choose a pedal-assist model that lets you continue cycling once the battery has died, since most e-bikes weigh 70-100 pounds, you probably won't want to run out of juice if you plan on cycling far from home.  Unlike electric cars, there isn't a network of electric bike charging stations from coast to coast.

#2: How fast can you ride an e-bike? - Here's the rub.  While there are three classes of e-bikes, Class-1 pedal assist, and Class-2 throttle controlled, are street legal in the US, since their speed is limited to no more than 20 MPH.  Class-3 bikes that can go as fast as 30 MPH can get you a ticket, since e-bikes here are restricted to 20 MPH and any e-bike that can exceed 28 MPH needs to be licensed and insured in Florida. 

#3: Where can you ride e-bikes? - Provided you're at least 16-years-old, you can legally ride an e-bike on bike paths, streets, and sidewalks, just as you would any bicycle.  However, you should check local ordinances to make sure that your e-bike doesn't run afoul of the law.  Yes, you can get charged with a DUI while on an e-bike.

Image courtesy Pixabay

#4: What are the laws concerning e-bikes? - E-bike riders need to follow many of the same rules of the road as other drivers.  You need to stop at red lights and stop signs.  You must stay on the right side of the road.  That being said, you aren't required to have a driver's license or to wear a helmet to ride an e-bike in Florida.  While headlights or taillights aren't required, if you intend to bike at night I suggest you spend $50 to purchase a set of rechargeable lights.

#5: How much do e-bikes cost? - While you can get a decent e-bike for around $1,500, there are models that sell for thousands more.  Just like automobiles, there are many makes and models of e-bikes from which to choose. The biggest expense differential has to do with the power of the motor and the duration of the battery.  E-bike motors are measured in watts.  Their motors range from 200-750 watts. The higher the wattage, the bigger the battery required to support it.  A low-end e-bike with a smaller motor usually has a range limitation of 20-30 miles.  If you're looking to increase either power or range, expect to pay more for the bike.  

#6: How long do e-bikes last? - Like any bicycle, the frame, handlebars, pedals, and seat of an e-bike can last a long, long time.  As for the electric components and battery, that's another story.  Most e-bike batteries can last 5-10 years.  Replacing one can set you back $300-$500 at current prices. As for replacement costs for the motor and controls, consult the manufacturer before purchasing an e-bike, since many of the components are proprietary. 

#7: How durable are e-bikes? -  E-bikes are designed to be able to handle sustained speeds in excess of standard bicycles.  As such they're built to take the extra weight and vibration they'll have to endure day in and day out.  Everything from e-bike frames and tires to chains are built sturdier than on typical bikes.  That means they're more expensive to replace than those used on standard bikes.  The electronics usually wear out faster than the bike itself.  Still, the cost to maintain an e-bike is a lot less than that of an automobile or motorcycle.

#8: Do you need to insure an e-bike? - From a motorist standpoint, you don't need to add an e-bike to your auto policy.  From a theft point of view, you may want to touch base with your insurance agent to see if your expensive e-bike will require a rider on your homeowner's or renter's policy to cover it against theft.  (You may also wish to invest in a top notch cable lock if you intend to leave your e-bike unattended.)

Image courtesy Pixabay

#9: What should you avoid doing with an e-bike? - Aside from the fact that e-bikes are prohibited from most bike trails, if you like to bicycle off-road and through streams, an e-bike probably isn't for you.  While e-bikes are water resistant, they aren't waterproof.  Get water inside the hub and you can short out the motor.  The same can be said for the battery pack on many e-bikes, unless they come with a waterproof battery housing.  While it's okay to ride your bike on the beach, stay out of the surf.  Also, make sure you check the weather report, since it isn't advised to ride an e-bike in heavy rain.

#10: Can you convert your bike to an e-bike? - Absolutely.  There are kits on the market that allow you to swap out the rear wheel on your standard bike to one that contains an electric motor.  The conversion process can be as easy as swapping out the wheel, attaching a rechargeable battery, and adding controls to your existing bike.  If you're handy with a wrench, you can DIY the conversion for around $500.  If not, ask your local bike shop how much they'd charge you to do the conversion.  (They might even be able to tell you which type of conversion kit you should order.) 

Catherine Powell is the owner of A Plus All Florida, Insurance in Orange Park, Florida.  To find out more about saving money on all your insurance needs, check out her website at http://aplusallfloridainsuranceinc.com/