Electric bikes, also known as ebikes or electric motorcycles, are a fun, environmentally friendly way to get around. They’re a convenient alternative to cars and buses. In fact, studies have shown that ebikes can be a good way to combat the costs of driving. However, you should know a little about them before you buy.

There are three main components to an ebike. The motor, battery and pedals all need to be taken into account. Each arrangement is best suited to its own use.

Generally speaking, there are two types of electric bikes: power-on-demand and pedal-assist. Power-on-demand electric bikes have a throttle which controls the power output of the motor. Pedal-assist electric bikes have a sensor that detects how hard you’re pedaling and then uses the throttle to augment your efforts. This is usually mounted on the handgrip.

Although electric bike speeds vary depending on the model, most can travel between 15 and 28 miles per hour. If you’re a speed lover, you might want to consider purchasing a more powerful model. Fast ebikes can accelerate faster than traditional bicycles, so it is important to practice in a safe area before taking your bike out on the road.

While electric bikes aren’t perfect, they are an environmentally friendly alternative to cars. As with any transportation, you’ll need to keep your local laws in mind before you buy. For example, some areas may prohibit ebikes on sidewalks or bike lanes.

Ebike batteries are charged by either a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, a lead-acid battery or a sealed lead-acid battery. Lithium-ion ebike batteries can be 90% charged in 2.5 hours. Depending on the size of the battery and your weight, recharging time can vary. A full charge is typically done in 3.5 to 6 hours. You should check your ebike battery regularly to ensure it is fully charged.

Compared to traditional bikes, ebikes are quiet and can be folded up for easy storage. They’re also great for traveling to locations that are inaccessible by other means. Often, they can even reach speeds of over 74 mph. That’s more than double the speed of traditional bicycles.

Purchasing an ebike is a smart way to save on gas and to avoid parking. Whether you choose a pedal-assist or power-on-demand ebike, you’ll be able to ride farther and faster than you can by walking or riding a regular bicycle. Plus, ebikes are more enjoyable to drive than traditional bicycles.

When it comes to ebikes, you’ll also want to make sure you follow local and state laws. Many states, including California, restrict the use of throttles on ebikes in traffic lanes. Similarly, some shopping centers have strict rules regulating ebike use.

Some ebikes come with an app that can help you unlock the speed control on your ebike. These are available for a small fee. Usually, you’ll need to be able to ride a minimum amount of miles to unlock the top speed.

It’s worth noting that you don’t need a license to ride an ebike. Typically, you will not be pulled over for using an ebike in the wrong lane or driving too fast. But, you do need to remember that ebikes are not allowed on sidewalks or bike lanes, so if you need to park your ebike, you’ll need to lock it up.