Electric bicycles
Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are a great way to reduce your carbon footprint when you ride instead of drive!
Benefits of e-bikes
By reducing your use of gas-powered vehicles, you can help Massachusetts reach key carbon reduction goals. With an electric motor that costs less than a dollar per charge, electric bicycles are much less expensive than cars and much easier to ride than conventional bikes.
Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Electric bicycles produce zero emissions and help reduce traffic congestion by shifting trips from cars to bicycles
Cost Competitive
Spend less upfront on an electric bicycle and save money over time on fuel, vehicle maintenance, parking, and more
Increased health benefits
Cycling is a great source of low-impact exercise, helping contribute to a healthy lifestyle
Great for an extra boost
For pedaling uphill, carrying a heavy load, riding with physical limitations, or traveling long distances, electric bicycles make riding much more manageable
The Technology
How It Works
Electric bicycles use electricity to charge a battery that helps propel the bike, with the rider choosing the level of assistance the motor offers. On some e-bike models, the battery can be removed from the bike and charged virtually anywhere there’s a standard electric outlet.
Electric bicycles can be charged:
At home | At a workplace | At any 110V outlet
Video
How to Charge an Electric Bike
REI | 1 min. 07 sec.
Electric bikes are powered by a rechargeable battery, and it’s important to know how to properly charge the battery to ensure a long lifespan and optimal performance. In this video, we go over the steps for charging an electric bike battery, and also discuss some tips for maintaining the battery, such as avoiding overcharging and storing the bike in a cool, dry place.
Example Cost
According to Consumer Reports, the cheapest e-bikes can cost less than $500, while the most expensive e-bikes can be between $6,000 and $7,000. Per Consumer Reports, for $1,500 you can get a quality bike
Things to Consider
If you answer yes to ANY of these questions, then an electric bicycle may be a good fit for you
Do you ride your conventional bike long distances or with heavy loads?
With most bikes having a range of 30 miles or more, electric bicycles can make everyday travel easier.
Are you looking to make the switch from a car to a bike?
If you’re thinking about getting rid of a gasoline-powered car or using it less, an electric bicycle is a great solution.
Are you worried about the amount of pollution that cars release into the environment?
Electric bicycles produce zero emissions, so they can improve local air quality for you and your neighbors while going easy on the climate.
Is parking hard to find where you live or work?
Bicycles take up less space than cars, so in highly congested areas, it can be easier to find a bike rack than a parking spot.
Do you want to save money on your commute?
In addition to costing significantly less than cars, riding a bicycle can also help you save on fuel, maintenance, insurance, parking, and more.
Are you looking for ways to add more exercise to your day?
Biking is an excellent form of exercise. Electric bicycles allow riders to choose the level of assistance, so you can get as much or as little help as you want.
Questions to ask when buying a new electric bicycle
Getting the most from your electric bicycle
EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT
ELECTRIC BICYCLES
Need something more powerful? EVs are also great for you and the environment
We’re In This Together
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