10 Most Frequently Asked Questions About Electric Bikes
May 2, 2024
The people have asked, and we’ve answered. Here are the top ten most frequently asked questions in regards to electric bikes:
- 1. Are Electric Bikes Worth It?
- 2. Electric Bike vs E-Bike: What’s The Difference?
- 3. How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go?
- 4. Are Ebikes Self-Charging?
- 5. Should I Get An Ebike?
- 6. Ebike Pros & Cons: What Are They?
- 7. Are Electric Bikes Easy To Pedal?
- 8. How Much Do Electric Bikes Cost?
- 9. Do Electric Bikes Go Without Pedaling?
- 10. How Long Do Electric Bike Batteries Last?
1. Are Electric Bikes Worth It?
The short answer is, yes, because you can save up to $5,000 a year. Even though we’re biased, here’s why electric bikes are worth it:
Electric bikes are equipped with a motor to help conserve your energy to ride farther without exerting as much effort – especially for those with physical limitations. Reaching up to top speeds of 28 mph and up to 80 miles in range make riding long distances effortless, and short ones a breeze.
Also, switching to an ebike offers substantial savings. Considering the national gas price average of 2023 of $3.849 per gallon according to AAA, the average miles per gallon of 25.4, and the average mileage of 13,500 a year:
13,500 / 25.4 * $3.849 = $2,045/year
This sum alone could easily cover the cost of an ebike with extended range capabilities.
Comparatively, charging an ebike battery is exceptionally cost-effective, averaging between $0.005 and $0.008 per charge. Charging your ebike daily for a year would cost a maximum of just $2.92, making it a budget-friendly option for daily commuting.
Moreover, when you factor in the typical $2,148 yearly auto insurance and around $800 for annual auto maintenance in the US, the financial savings of nearly $5,000 a year for transitioning to an ebike become clearer.
2. Electric Bike vs E-Bike: What’s The Difference?
There’s no difference. Ebike, e-bike, and eBike are all shorter versions of “electric bikes”. Each electric bike manufacturer uses one of these for their own reasons.
Aventon uses “ebike” to express electric bike.
3. How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go?
According to the Federal Law and laws in most states, the top speed for an electric bike is 28 mph. However, there are some manufacturers who make unregulated ebikes that go much faster.
Aventon’s Class 3 ebikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph.
4. Are Ebikes Self-Charging?
Self-charging ebikes, also known as “regenerative braking” do exist. However, the amount of regenerative power needed to charge an ebike while riding is too high to make it worthwhile. It’s easier and more convenient to plug the battery into a main power source. So the answer is technically, yes, some ebikes can self-charge. *But it’s currently highly ineffective and the technology is expensive.
Aventon ebikes do not charge while pedaling. Instead, we use a quick-charger with up to 3 amps that can charge the ebike to full battery capacity within 5 hours.
* As of May 1st, 2024
5. Should I Get An Ebike?
Ebikes are great for people of all ages. They offer easy, fast mobility without having to exert much effort. If you’re thinking about getting an ebike, you’ll want to find out about ebike pricing to see if they’re within your budget.
Because of the growing market, ebikes have become increasingly more affordable, safer, and equipped with the latest technology.
Aventon ebikes offer riders:
- - A range of up to 80 miles
- - A top speed of 28 mph
- - Incredible features that help conserve energy such as throttle and pedal assist, makes hills easier to climb, and makes lane changes safer with built-in turn signals.
- - A fun alternative to exercise
6. Ebike Pros & Cons: What Are They?
Aventon ebikes offer a blend of speed, range, and accessibility, making them a compelling choice for many riders, yet they also come with certain drawbacks related to cost, weight, and maintenance.
Ebike Pros
- 1. Aventon ebikes can reach up to 28 mph on flat surfaces.
- 2. Aventon ebikes have a range of up to 80 miles.
- 3. Use a thumb throttle, or multiple levels of pedal assist to make riding more fun.
- 4. An electric motor helps flatten hills and is easy to use for people with physical limitations.
- 5. Ebikes are an incredible alternative for exercise, making it more fun and exciting.
- 6. Electric bikes make commuting more efficient with throttle and/or a powerful motor.
- 7. They provide an alternative mode of transportation that can alleviate the stresses of traffic and road work.
Ebike Cons
- 1. Electric bikes have limited access to certain bike pathways and trails. This is due to federal regulations such as in National Parks, BLM lands as well as various mountain trails because of the different classifications of ebikes.
- 2. Ebikes are heavier than regular acoustic bikes.
- 3. Maintenance requirements are different due to the electrical components.
- 4. Finding a place to charge your ebike.
- 5. Certain states require a carried license to operate, such as AL, NM, MA, MI, and ND.
7. Are Electric Bikes Easy To Pedal?
Another way this question may be asked is, Can you pedal an electric bike? And the answer is yes. Electric bikes operate similarly to acoustic bikes. They have a crank and pedals, and they use derailleurs to shift between gears.
8. How Much Do Electric Bikes Cost?
Ebike prices vary depending on style, components, and manufacturer. Aventon ebikes range from $999 up to $2,699, while other brands may extend up to $10,000 and above.
Aventon is a vertically integrated company meaning we own our own factories. This enables us to offer higher quality parts, as well as a higher level of quality control, while cutting costs to pass the savings on to our riders. Find out about our ebike pricing to learn more.
9. Do Electric Bikes Go Without Pedaling?
Some electric bikes can go without pedaling, but not all of them. Class 2 ebikes, and some Class 3 ebikes can come equipped with a throttle. This allows riders to rely on the motor of the bike without having to pedal.
Class 1 electric bikes = No throttle
Class 2 electric bikes = Throttle & Pedal Assist
Class 3 electric bikes = Pedal Assist & Some throttle
10. How Long Do Electric Bike Batteries Last?
Aventon electric bike batteries last from 40 to 80 miles in range depending on the ebike model. The range also depends on the level of pedal assist, and for how long it’s being used. Relying solely on the bike's electric motor and/or throttle will deplete the battery's power quicker.
To efficiently get the most out of your Aventon electric bike, use a combination of pedal assist and your own physical efforts: lower levels of pedal assist on flat surfaces, and higher when climbing hills.
