The Pros and Cons of Electric Assist Mountain Bikes
The appeal of electric assist mountain bikes is undeniable. It is easier and faster to commute than ever before, and e-bikes provide added convenience. According to a recent study by Portland State University, electric assist mountain bike owners were more likely to ride their bikes more often and go farther than traditional bike users. It is also a lot of fun to ride an electric bike! Here are the pros and cons of this popular type of bicycle.
Safety of Electric Assist Mountain Bikes
Electric assist mountain bike have a few safety concerns. Depending on the class, some states may not allow these vehicles on their streets. For example, in California, the Class 3 model cannot have throttles, and the motor only runs when the rider pedals. At a speed of twenty miles per hour, the e-bike will no longer use electric assistance. However, most states will allow E-bikes on curb-to-curb streets and road lanes. They aren't legal on multi-use trails.
When buying an electric assist mountain bike, make sure to read the specifications. The watts, volts, amp-hours, and construction of the bike all play a role in determining the quality of an electric bicycle. BreezeRider Bikes, for instance, is a trusted name in the electric bike industry. They create high-performance bikes with exceptional features. You'll want to make sure your new bike is built to last.
Pedelecs and Power-on-demand E-Bikes
There are two types of electric assist mountain bikes: Pedelecs and power-on-demand E-Bikes. Pedelecs use a motor to augment a rider's pedaling efforts, while power-on-demand electric bikes are powered by a throttle, usually located on the handlebar. Pedelecs are often more convenient in hilly areas and can be used by people with mobility issues. There are even some conversion kits that convert non-electric bikes into E Bikes.
Regulations
The federal government regulates the manufacturing and sale of e-bikes, while state governments control the operation. Currently, most states classify e-bikes with motorized vehicles and require licensing. However, some states have fewer requirements. They do not allow people drive e-bikes on sidewalks, multi-purpose trails, or bicycle lanes. So far, the federal government is still looking for the best way to regulate e-bikes.
The major bike manufacturers and dozens of small companies are already in the game. And it appears that car companies aren't far behind. Ford backed an electric bike-share system in San Francisco in 2018 and rebranded it as Lyft in 2019; GM has launched two e-bikes. As more cities struggle with traffic congestion, e-bikes have become an increasingly viable solution to this issue. So what are the benefits of riding an electric bike?
In addition to being a great option for people with disabilities, electric assist mountain bikes have become widely accepted and are gaining popularity across the country. But where people can legally ride e-bikes? Many states have not yet enacted laws governing their use. For instance, some states have banned e-bikes on roads that are not paved. But in other states, such as Oregon, e-bikes are allowed to operate anywhere that a conventional bike can.
