There’s something about biking that brings you back to another time, a simpler time. You’re younger, feeling the wind in your hair as you race home before supper. You wave goodbye to your friends (because you just learned how to steer without your hands) and you even pop a wheelie to show off. Life is good. And then you grow up. And biking suddenly isn't such a big part of your life anymore. But what if there was a way to bike without it taking a real toll on your knees and back (or the environment)? 

Electric bikes made their debut in the late 1800s, if you can believe it, but didn’t catch on for more than 100 years. As technology advanced and cars overshadowed the invention of electric bikes, eBikes didn’t have a space to call their own. At the turn of the 21st century, that changed. Modern eBikes are designed with city riding and commuting in mind. They’re comfortable and sustainable, plus you don’t have to bother with parking when you ride your electric bike. 

In this article, we’re going to answer the big questions about electric bikes and explain why you should get an electric bike of your own (and it’s not just because gas prices are rising at an alarming rate). Plus, we'll cover the best electric bikes for different situations when you're ready to buy.

The 10 Burning Questions About Electric Bikes

Why should I get an electric bike and not a regular bike?

Whether you’re worried about climate change or are just looking for a way to cut costs, eBikes are the way to go. Electric bikes are good for the biker who needs an extra push. Maybe you have joint issues, but love the feel of biking. Or maybe you live close to the office and could stand to get some fresh air before and after work every day. (And with the electric bike doing some of the work for you, you hopefully won't get to work dripping in sweat.)

eBikes are a hybrid between battery power and leg power, and they can operate like a normal bike, just with some added umph (emphasis on the mph).

Are electric bikes worth it?

While there are some good electric bikes for under $1,000, most electric bikes can get pretty pricey, think in the $2,000 range and up. This sounds like a big price to pay for a bike, but in the long run, electric bikes save you around three times as much money as a car. The upfront cost feels a little steep, but think of the car payments and car insurance and gas you won’t have to pay for. 

Of course, an eBike needs to be charged. So let’s look at these figures. An average electric bike gets around 20 miles per charge and costs less than $0.15 worth of electricity to fill [1]. That's significantly cheaper than gas for a car.

Will I still get a workout if I use an electric bike?

An eBike is still a regular bike — so the amount of exercise you get is up to you. In fact, if you have the stamina, you can probably get it to go faster than if you used the motor. eBikes can go up to 28 miles per hour, and the professional cyclist rides at about 45 mph. Electric bikes assist your pedaling but not your throttle. An e-bike will help you once you start pedaling, but they’ll cease in assistance when you’ve reached 20 miles-per-hour [2].

Are electric bikes easier for someone to steal?

Unfortunately, electric bikes are prime targets for bike thieves because of their high prices — one study found they're stolen three times more often than regular bikes [3]. And unfortunately, even the toughest, most high tech locks can be picked by a determined thief. As the interest for eBikes grows, several companies like have created eBike alarms that can help deter thieves. You can also purchase products like Apple AirTags that go on your bike. In the event of a robbery, you can track the location of your eBike and hopefully get it back safely. 

What kind of range do electric bikes get?

The average electric bike can get between 25 and 50 miles on a charge — but those are very rough numbers and can depend on several factors. Of course, not all electric bikes are created equal. Or at least that’s the case when it comes to their range.

And figuring out what bike is right for you can be an uphill battle. No, like literally, uphill. You need to take the distance you’ll normally go into consideration, as well as what speed you’re going. The altitude at which you’re riding can greatly impact your range. The range you get while riding on a flat surface can get you somewhere at about 20 miles per hour. However, if you’re going the same distance, but uphill for even just a few minutes, your range can be cut in half.

Before purchasing an eBike, consider taking it for a test ride to make sure it’s up for your commute, and the range fits your lifestyle.

Should I get an electric bike instead of a scooter?

There are very real health benefits that come with owning an electric bike that you don’t get when you use an electric scooter. Bikes are a low-impact way of exercising, in that they won't take a huge toll on your joints. Riding an eBike allows you to modulate the amount of intensity you’re getting. By eBiking even 30 minutes a day, you’re already ahead of the curve, getting the exercise you need if you’re always on the go. From the health aspect alone, eBikes blow electric scooters out of the water. 

Since they’re much newer to roadways, the rules governing electric scooters are much more complex than eBikes. Some states require a driver’s license, while others do not. Other rules such as helmet regulations, DMV registration rules, speed limits, and insurance requirements; plus, where you’re allowed to drive them will vary from state to state. If you have an eScooter, be sure to check your local laws for the most accurate information [4].

More than that, eScooters are far more dangerous than eBikes. In the last 10 years, more than 100,000 estimated eScooter injuries have been reported [5]. In this same time span, 3,000 eBike injuries were reported.

Why do some electric bikes fold up?

Folding bikes are not a new concept. In fact, folding bikes have been around since the late 1800s. Whether you buy a folding bike, folding eBike, regular bike or traditional eBike, get the one that makes the most sense to you. Folding eBikes come chock full of benefits (easy to store, less chance of being stolen). 

And as for the eBike’s sturdiness and stability? It all comes down to personal preference. Folding eBikes have smaller wheels in comparison to the traditional eBike. As long as size doesn’t matter, neither should the bike’s ability to fold. 

Is it legal to ride an electric bike on the sidewalk?

The legality of riding an electric bike on the sidewalk depends on local (city and state) laws. However, in general, bikers belong on the street. No matter how scary it may seem riding beside a two-ton car, bikes are considered vehicles and should be ridden on the street. For instance, in the state of California, every person who rides a bike on a street or highway has the same rights and responsibility as someone operating a motor vehicle. Check out whether you can ride a bike (electric or otherwise) on the sidewalk here.

What factors should I consider when purchasing an electric bike?

eBikes are perfect for commuters who never have to travel too far. Before taking the plunge, you should seriously consider when you’d use it, where you’d take it, and how you'll charge it. Do you want to ride to work and to run errands? Or are you looking to buy an eBike that can go off-roading? There’s an eBike for every cyclist. The bottom line is you need to test out what brand is right for you and your lifestyle (don’t worry, we’re going to share our favorites with you).

Can I transform my regular bike into an electric bike?

Turning your bicycle into an electric bike is doable and eBike conversion kits could save you thousands of dollars. They’re easy to install, and typically fit on your handlebars. This can be a great gateway to getting a new electric bike.

eBike converters typically use compact lithium power packs. Once it’s installed and you start pedaling, the pedal sensor detects your speed and the battery pack works out the optimum power to deliver to the motor [7].

5 Best Electric Bike Brands for Different Situations

Rad Power Bikes: best electric bikes for commuting

Rad Power Bikes, $1,799

Created in 2007, Rad Power Bikes has become a staple in the micromobility revolution. Rad eBikes was created by Mike Radenbaugh, who built his first eBike in 2007 with only one thing in mind: commuting to and from school. Since then, Rad was born, and with it, the best eBike for commuting was created. Their commuter bike has a range 11% higher than other bikes, allowing for a more efficient ride. The custom motor can climb hills 40% faster than previously crafted Rad bikes, and their short suspension was designed to let you enjoy more stable rides in urban settings. No matter which road you travel to reach your destination, Rad Power Bikes were built with the cyclist and his commute in mind.

Ancheer: best electric mountain bikes

Ancheer Electric Mountain Bike, $659

Love biking? Love mountains? Love, dare we ask, mountain biking? The Ancheer 26-Inch Wheel Electric Mountain Bike with front and rear disc brakes, you can choose any speed according to your needs. Its alloy frame allows for premium shock absorption (a must in the mountains). While you can solely rely on the bike’s lithium battery, the Ancheer bike also comes equipped with a 21-speed transmission system that's suitable for both urban and trail environments. 

Blix: best electric bikes for families

Blix, $1,999

Bikes don’t always have the storage you need. And while compact bikes have their advantages, there’s something classic about a bigger bike with room to carry your beach bag, groceries or even a pet if your basket is secure enough. Blix has that. All of that. The Blix Electric Cargo Bike does everything an electric bike can do. It’s just a little bit longer than the average bike. Blix bikes can carry up to 200 pounds (so you can even bike with your toddler if you want). Safety features include a built-in brake light that automatically lights up when you brake and automatic power cut-off when you brake. That way, if you are traveling with a little one, you know their safety is accounted for. 

Ecotric: best electric bikes for off-roading

Ecotric Fat Tire Beach Snow Electric Bike, $999

Electric bikes aren’t just for the modern-day commuter. The Ecotric off-roading bike never met a road condition it couldn’t handle. Made with a triangular frame and very thick tires, these bikes were created for unstable grounds. In addition to city eBikes and folding eBikes, Ecotric has eight different off-roading bikes alternating in tire and frame size.

Fiido: best folding electric bikes

Fiido L3 Folding Electric Bike, $1,099

The Fiido folding eBike is perhaps the least bike-looking eBike on the market. It’s got more of a moped look to it, but it does everything another eBike can do. And then some. This eBike has the ability to fold, accounting for ample storage space. But just because it folds doesn’t mean the bike loses its integrity. Fiido bikes are made from the same aluminum alloy as other eBikes, and use the same lithium batteries. You can switch between using the motor and pedaling yourself.