E-bikes and the Micro-mobility Revolution :12 things You Need to Know

the staff of the Ridgewood blog

Ridgewood NJ, Electric bikes or e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular In the U.S. e-bike sales are outpacing electric and hybrid cars combined, according to the Light Electric Vehicle Association. The micro-mobility revolution is on its way.

“The level of ridership has almost doubled or more every year since 2015,” said Mike Radenbaugh, the founder and chairman of Rad Power Bikes. “And we see no slowing of that in the years forward as we look at fuel prices increasing and other challenges to transportation only getting worse.”

This trend is in large part due to the massive variety of options that have entered the market. Some are built specifically for certain jobs such as food delivery, camping , trail riding ,commuting  and others are designed to fold up or built with extra seats for kids.

Now, they’re being used as a convenient micro-mobility transportation option for those who don’t want the inconveniences and costs that come with a car.

This blogger has embraced the micro-mobility e-bike revolution and can offer a little first hand advice to those interested in making a purchase . Here are 12 things everyone should know:

1)  If you haven’t ridden a bike since you were 10 years old , you might need a little practice and it’s important to recognize that e-bikes travel anywhere from 20-28 mph  ,which is most likely a lot faster than what you were used to pedaling away on your old schwinn 10 speed.
2) There are all types of e-bikes. Make sure you focus on one that fits your needs .
3) Assembly required , e-bikes come in a box , some are very difficult to put together , some only a couple of steps, take that into account when you order one.Often purchasers do videos of the process and many bike shops will put your ebike together for a fee.
4) Batteries are often not included . Many e-bikes are sold at a base price and then there are add-ons , batteries, fenders , security system, lights ,luggage racks are often all add-ons and sometimes the manufacturer creates packages of add-ons to save you some money.
5) Driving conditions affect battery life. Very hot , very cold conditions or rain affect the bikes performance.
6) Batteries for e-bikes are not like cell phones. Once they are fully charged, they should be removed from the charger immediately . The battery can take anywhere from 2.5 to 6 hours to change depending on your model.
7) You are going to need to purchase a helmet, lock and tire pump.
8) Most e-bikes come with pedals and pedal assist mode gets you where you want and you get some exercise .  Some e-bike are more like scooters or mini bikes and are throttle only, and you may need a licence .
9) The helmet limits your line of sight when you ride.
10) Car drivers and bike riders see the road very differently . Always follow the road rules ,like stopping at a red light and always remember when it comes to cars you may be right but the e-bike rider is the one who dies.
11) Avoid heavy traffic when you can and always yield to vehicles at dangerous turns or intersections. Find routes to take that involve the “road less traveled” and you can always cut through county parks, and parking lots to get places.
12) In a high density area like Bergen County many routes are actually faster on an e-bike than driving a car and parking is free.