The Wonderful World of E-Bikes
By Lisa Hanly
It turns out the secret to feeling young again might be getting on an electric bike. Sales of electric bikes, known as e-bikes, have soared in the last year. The Light Electric Vehicle Association predicts that more than one million e-bikes will be sold in the U.S. this year. Mike Weiss, owner of St. Louis’s Big Shark Bicycle Company, confirmed, “The e-bike category has been growing dramatically.”
A recent Fortune Business Insights report credits the massive growth of e-bikes to technological advancements and progressions in rapidly charging batteries. The report anticipates that the U.S. e-bike market, currently sized at more than $40 billion will rise to $92 billion by 2029.
But why the boom in e-bikes now? Weiss explained, “I think when e-bikes were first launched it was a product category people didn’t understand. Cycling was considered a self-propulsive activity and you were supposed to pedal for yourself.”
Once you learn how to bicycle, you never forget
Now everyone from grandparents to city commuters to mountain bikers are finding a reason to own and enjoy an e-bike. While some credit the popularity of e-bikes to the soaring price of gasoline, those who have embraced e-bikes know there are also other benefits. “E-bikes are for anyone with any type of cycling interest. It’s great for someone who is a casual cyclist, but we are seeing e-bikes enter every layer of the marketplace,” said Weiss. “As much as there is diversity in e-bike products, there is diversity in the clientele.”
“When I got on an e-bike, I felt like an eight-year-old boy again,” said Gerry Feltmann, 59, a hotel industry consultant. “I didn’t understand an e-bike fully until the first time I rode one. When I did, I immediately wanted to purchase it.” Feltmann, a St. Louis native now living in Los Angeles, started with a foldable e-bike and now is considering trading up to a sleeker and lighter-weight model.
Susan Groose, 62, retired, of Eugene, Missouri, shared her feeling about e-bikes, “It’s so freeing. It’s the joy of flying and feeling like a kid again.”
E-bikes provide the opportunity to bike again
Exercising without the fear of exhaustion or pain is another benefit to e-bikes. Groose elaborated, “Our son-in-law who is an avid biker recommended e-bikes for me and my husband. Biking has become accessible to us again. I might have been intimidated to get back on a bike without the electric advantage. I don’t have to worry about getting up a big hill or the potential embarrassment of having to stop and walk a bike up a hill. The main advantage is that we can go a lot further. Now, we ride the Katy Trail with our kids and grandkids!”
Even with an e-bike’s pedal assistance, you will get a workout. Marcy Graham, 55, a Missourian who now lives in the mountains of San Diego, credits the e-bike with better exercise, “We get a great workout without the debilitating uphills, so we actually have more prolonged activity.”
“St. Louis has really caught on to e-bikes,” reported Bill Sauerwein, owner of Pedego St. Louis, an e-bike exclusive store located in South County. “People want to have fun and ride their e-bikes to dinner or to a brewery without feeling completely exhausted. They want that feeling of the wind blowing in their hair, the ability to do something physical and to experience the feeling of riding a traditional bicycle.”
There is an e-bike for everyone
If you haven’t noticed e-bikes, it may be because you do not recognize them. Brands are designing models that are not obviously identifiable as e-bikes. The sleek designs hide batteries and wires and often look just like traditional bicycles. Some even look like museum pieces. This is the reason the Tour de France officials now x-ray bikes: the technology is so sophisticated and hidden that it is not always visible from the outside.
“There may have been an initial prejudice toward e-bikes with people thinking they are for older people and someone who is trying to keep up, but that’s not the case,” said Weiss. “E-bikes are for people who are wanting to get rid of their car and make short trips to the grocery store and for people who want to ride for distance or speed and want additional support. We see e-bikes in every area of cycling that is experiencing popularity now—performance mountain, road biking and performance recreational.”
“We have plenty of customers who are 25-40 who are commuting and trail riding,” said Sauerwein. “And e-bikes can get people back on a bike after recovering from surgery or cancer treatment—with the pedal assist, they can get back to enjoying physical activity and being outdoors.”
Electric is a hot category
With a growing interest in electric transport options, an e-bike may be a wonderful way to enter the category. “Let's face it — everything electric is just hot, whether it be cars, now planes, trains,” said Don DiCostanzo, CEO and founder of Pedego Electric Bikes during an interview with Yahoo Finance Live. “Electric bikes are probably the fastest-growing segment of any of these categories because they're affordable for everybody.” The E-BIKE Act, proposed by the US House of Representatives, has not been voted into law yet— but if it does, qualifying consumers would receive a rebate of 30 percent for purchasing a new e-bike. Several states, including California, Colorado, Michigan and New York (alas, not Missouri or Illinois) offer e-bike rebates and incentives.
Top considerations when shopping for an e-bike:
Batteries: Your battery determines your e-bike’s range. Batteries can plug in anywhere, just like your phone and laptop. Batteries mounted on the center of the bike provide the best center of gravity. Removable batteries are helpful for convenient charging and removing the battery can help lower the weight of the bike for loading into a vehicle or onto a bike mount.
Distance on charge: The distance an e-bike can travel per charge is much longer than it was just a few years ago. Ranges are generally between 20-100 miles per charge. Numerous factors including your battery level, how much you assist with pedaling and what you weigh factor into the distance you will be able to ride per charge. Most e-bikes will fully charge in three to five hours, but even an hour charge may be enough. “Range is rarely an issue for me,” said Feltmann. “Charging uses a regular outlet and takes between 4-6 hours when my bike is at zero charge. But I always top off, which only takes an hour or two.” The good news: if you let accidentally let the battery run out…you can still pedal home.
Speed: Most e-bikes will reach 20mph, but faster models reach 28 mph. E-bike speed ranges are much faster than traditional bicycles and safety considerations should be a factor when comparing models.
Pedal Assist: Every e-bike has varying levels of pedal assistance. In the case of Groose’s Trek Verve 3, “My bike has four different settings for how much assist you get when pedaling: eco, touring, sport or turbo. You can put the e-bike into turbo mode and see how fast you can go.”
Throttle: Along with electric pedaling assistance, many models are equipped with a throttle, so you can adjust your speed without pedaling. This feature is extremely helpful if you are going to be riding up hills or starting from a stopped position, but you will obviously run down the battery faster when using the throttle. Getting started at an intersection quickly is much safer and less stressful with a throttle, noted Sauerwein. “Having a throttle helps when you are first starting off and you can keep momentum with traffic without struggling to pedal,” commented Sauerwein. “It helps you ride better in traffic because you can vary your speed with the cars.”
Brakes: While e-bike models offer hydraulic brakes or mechanical brakes, you may want to consider hydraulic for safety. Both types of brakes look similar, but hydraulic has more stopping power—something very important if you are going at speeds up to 25mph. Hydraulic brakes may last longer than mechanical and require less maintenance. However, mechanical brakes are less expensive to repair.
Weight: E-bikes are much lighter than they were just a few years ago, making them much more accessible to a wider audience. No matter what, an e-bike will not be as light as a non-motorized bike due to the added weight of the motor and battery. Depending upon the features you choose, an e-bike in the mid-price range will weigh between 40-80 pounds. The lighter the bike, the more expensive it will be.
Motor Location: Motors on e-bikes are located in the wheel area or on the frame. Weiss mentioned that while motor placement in the wheel is less expensive, it will be expensive if you have an accident and need to replace that wheel. When the motor is built into the frame, it keeps the wheels light and also provides stability for the bike’s center of gravity.
Gears vs. no gears: A single speed e-bike, sometimes referred to as a “fixie,” has its advantages. With no gears to think about, you do not need to shift, you just get on and ride. Fixies also tend to be lighter weight and require less maintenance. You will pedal a bit more on hills with this type of e-bike, but a fixie may be an excellent choice for a first-time e-bike purchase.
Class 1, 2 or 3: E-bikes have classifications which could sanction where you can or cannot ride. Generally, Class 1 and 2 e-bikes are permitted anywhere a traditional bicycle can be ridden. Faster e-bikes, which fall into Class 3, may be restricted from riding in certain parks or on certain trails. People for Bikes, an e-bike advocacy group, has a detailed website for learning more about local laws and regulations for e-bikes (peopleforbikes.org).
Looks: If you are worried about someone knowing you are riding an e-bike, it is easy to disguise. Today’s models often look exactly like traditional bikes. But who cares? You’re getting out there, on a bike! There’s room for everyone and with an e-bike, you can zoom right past all of them anyway.
Accessories: There are lots of fun ways to accessorize an e-bike. You will find options for baskets, racks for storage, lights, bells, rearview mirrors, water bottle mounts and tire repair kits. You’ll even find trailers that attach to the back of an e-bike, some meant for cargo and some meant for children.
Special considerations: Will you be riding on mountain trails? There are mountain e-bikes for more experienced bikers in the $5,000-7,000 price range. Do you have issues with balance or need to cart more cargo than a standard bike basket will hold? There are e-bike tricycles, great for longer excursions—for instance, an e-trike has storage for your giant picnic basket (and a bottle of Champagne, perhaps?). We spotted several e-trikes on a recent trip to Naples, Florida and saw bike baskets packed full of beach gear.
Brands Worth Perusing
When it comes to brands, Weiss noted there is an e-bike for everyone and every level of bicyclist. “Our mainstream A-category bike brands all feature better e-bike products compared to the products people buy online.”
Pedego is a California based company that only makes e-bikes, including 19 models in four sizes of cruisers, city and mountain bikes and fat tire adventurers. Bill and Carla Sauerwein opened Pedego St. Louis after renting the e-bikes while on vacation in Colorado. “We were both avid cyclists, but like most people, in my 50s, my knees started to ache and arthritis made me lay off biking for a few years,” said Bill Sauerwein. “Getting on the Pedego was overwhelmingly fun and refreshing! We literally came back from the vacation ride and contacted Pedego about a St. Louis store opportunity.”
A great advantage to visiting the Pedego store is that you can test ride an e-bike for free or rent for $25 an hour and try out an e-bike on the nearby paved Grant’s Trail, including a downloadable tour for your phone to learn more about the Gravois Greenway while you pedal. Sauerwein can see Grant’s Trail from his store and reports about half of the bicycles he sees on the trail during the week are now e-bikes. “The Trail is a wonderful amenity for cyclists in the St. Louis region, but it especially enhances our store experience, offering a safe and comfortable ride for those trying out an e-bike for the first time.” With more than 200 Pedego shops across the U.S., you may want to try a Pedego on your next vacation with retailers located in popular spots like Jackson Hole, Amelia Island, Scottsdale and Boca Raton. Models range from $2,295-4,500 and Pedego offers a five-year warranty, anti-theft protection and a lifetime frame warranty.
Giant is a well-known bicycle brand founded in 1972. Its e-bikes are sold in bike shops in the St. Louis area with prices ranging from $2,750 to $9,500 for the most sophisticated model. The line spans a wide variety of categories, including trail, fitness, endurance and adventure. “We sell Giant which is known as a large cycling enterprise and their expertise is the range of who they serve,” said Weiss. “They make affordable e-bikes and premium e-bikes, all at a great value, ranging from $2,000-5,000. That price range is where the product is most successful and where the customers have the best experience.” Giant’s Liv line of women’s e-bikes has a dedicated video channel on their website with topics ranging from instructional videos (such as how to fix a flat tire and maximize your e-bike’s battery life) to inspirational women’s racing champions offering advice.
Trek offers a wide variety of e-bikes, including city bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes. The brand has been around since the 1970s and boasts a lifetime warranty on the frames on their e-bikes. Their online guide, “Electric Bikes 101” is a fantastic start to learning more about the category and the features you may want to consider when purchasing (even if you do not choose a Trek). Graham raved about her Trek Verve+3, “We love this e-bike and with Trek we were able to get a supersized bike for my tall husband. We did not find that with other brands.” Groose also bought the Trek Verve+3, which was in the $2,500 range. “It’s great on pavement and gravel. And I can take the battery off when I load the bike on my car rack.” Several bike stores in the St. Louis area sell Trek, including dedicated Trek stores in Ballwin and Arnold.
VanMoof is a Dutch brand sporting thick tires and modern body designs. It touts ultra-low maintenance parts and stylish tech integrations including a battery level viewer and phone charger in the handlebars. Its anti-theft technology synchronizes with GPS/Bluetooth and Apple’s “Find My *” tracking capabilities. If your bike is stolen, VanMoof offers a team of “Bike Hunters” who will find your bike. Their website is fun to explore and offers a variety of ways to virtually test drive. Pricing is in the $2,500-3,000 range and the brand offers security and maintenance plans. Feltmann commented, “I bought my first e-bike about seven years ago and it was 53 pounds. I am currently coveting a VanMoof for its 35 pound weight and its range.”
Gocycle makes incredibly compact and storable e-bikes and is known for its futuristic styling. The company was founded in 2002 by former McLaren Cars designer Richard Thorpe. Gocycles easily fold up. While the brand is European and does not have a dealer in the St. Louis area, it is easy to order online. Winning multiple tech awards, its models have no cables, chains, gears, sprockets or oil. Its size makes it extremely appealing for commuting and city living. Good Housekeeping magazine named Gocycle’s G4 one of the 15 best electric bikes of 2022, awarding it “Best Foldable E-bike” and noted its quick charging time of three hours, weight of 38.8 pounds and compact size and foldability. Pricing ranges from $4,000-7,000.
If you are interested and willing to DIY and would like to enter the e-bike world in a substantially lower price range, there are a multitude of brands available online that require some assembly. Rad, Schwinn, Lectric and Hey Bike brands all offer e-bike models starting under $1,000. While shopping online is convenient and it is easy to find online product reviews, there are countless advantages to buying from a store. Big Shark and many other bike shops partner with e-bike brands sold online to offer professional assembly locally.
The quality of the initial assembly, assistance with the rider’s proper fit to the bike and the bike shop’s relationship with the manufacturer (for access to parts, batteries and more) may make buying in a store a smarter investment, saving time and money in the end. As well, talking to Big Shark Bicycle’s Weiss, you can appreciate that a seasoned bike shop employee can help those buying their first e-bike make a balanced choice, weighing the safety and capabilities of the bike with their rider. “Our best salesperson is the bike itself,” said Weiss.