Is Commuting on an Electric Bike a Good Idea?

Maybe you’re considering investing in an electric bike, or ‘e-bike,’ for exercise purposes or for your weekend leisure. Bikes aren’t just for kids anymore, and electric moped bikes for adults are increasing in popularity. According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, e-bike sales in the United States in 2022 exceeded $1.3 billion, which is a 33% increase from 2021. While these bikes are excellent for recreation, how do they fare with your daily commute?

E-bikes are motorized bicycles, where the motor is activated when a rider uses a throttle or pedals the same way they would use a manual (unmotorized) bicycle. They are an excellent form of exercise without straining yourself, as the motor assists your ride until you reach twenty or twenty-eight miles per hour, depending on the class of your e-bike. 

Because of their motor capabilities, e-bikes can be an excellent choice for your commute. However, there are some factors to consider before integrating your e-bike into your daily life. Many wonder, which is better, an e-bike or a moped for daily commutes? Both are greener options than using a car, but they essentially reach the same maximum speeds. Also, if you’re looking to be as eco-friendly as possible, mopeds are often fueled with gas, whereas e-bikes are always electric.

Consider Your Commute

It’s no question that e-bikes are great for everyone, but whether they’re ideal for your commute depends. Below, we’ll detail everything you need to consider before strapping on your helmet.

Distance

E-bikes are typically popular in urban areas because of their speed limitations and range. A fully-charged e-bike can ride anywhere between 20 and 100 miles before requiring recharge, but this can vary between bikes and depends on how you ride. For example, if you tend to ride consistently at those higher speeds, utilizing the motor, your battery is likely to drain faster.

If your commute exceeds the range of your bike, consider integrating other forms of transportation to supplement your ride. It’s common for riders with longer commutes to include a bus stop for portions of the ride where it may not be safe for bikers, or hop on a metro train with their bike for a leg of the commute.

Time

Many find e-bikes can actually shorten your commute time. If you happen to commute within an urban area or a bike-friendly area, e-bikes are encouraged to ride in the bike lane. Mopeds, cars, and motorcycles are mandated by law to remain in the roadway, whereas e-bikes are granted the same flexibility as manual bicycles.

Is the road congested with car traffic? No problem. The bike lane is generally more open, and in most places, bikers have the right of way. E-bikes are perfect if you need to bypass traffic.

Road Conditions

The conditions of the road can impact your experience riding an e-bike. Just like with riding at higher speeds, riding at higher inclines or on uneven roads (such as gravel or grass) can drain your battery faster than smooth, flat pavement. However, what goes up, must come down. The same way biking uphill can drain your battery, cruising downhill can allow the motor to take a break and conserve battery power.

If you’re uncertain if your route is safe for biking, map your commute through Google Maps, Strava or Waze. In Google Maps, there is an optionn to switch from “commute by car” to “commute by bike.” Simply input your starting and ending address, and wait for the directions to pop up. Underneath the addresses, you should see a car icon, a metro train icon, a person, and a person on a bike. Select the icon with the person on a bike, and Google Maps will find the best route for you, mostly avoiding busy roadways where possible.

Weather

Weather conditions can impact how much you enjoy your daily commute. If you live in an area where rainfall, hail, or snow is common, you will need to invest in additional gear to make it safe to ride. However, this isn’t too different from equipping your car with snow tires or chains, or just wearing a raincoat! 

Research the best bike accessories to ensure your bike is safe for these conditions. This includes monitoring your tire pressure to avoid losing traction, investing in studded tires, stocking up on reflective gear for you and your bike, and learning how to store your e-bike in colder conditions.

To Summarize

With a minor amount of research and a few long-lasting investments, an e-bike is perfect for daily commutes. The maintenance required to keep your e-bike up to speed is far more affordable than car maintenance. E-bikes also offer benefits such as reducing your carbon footprint, bypassing traffic jams, and improving your mental and physical health.

Ready to invest, but don’t know what the different types of bikes are? Explore our options or connect with Ride1Up today to find your perfect e-bike match.