Bikin' Around the Christmas Tree

Christmas is just around the corner and you’re seriously considering getting on the e-bike bandwagon (although we’re not sure you can ride both at the same time).  Bicycle sales were already on the rise even before the coronavirus found people looking for ways to get outdoors more as they used their vehicles less.  However, while bicycle sales have dropped, e-bike sales continue to soar. These bikes have great versatility, and appeal to a wide range of consumers.

  Covering The Gambit

 The main reasons people purchase e-bikes are for commuting, recreation and for hauling cargo for longer bike trips. E-bikes appeal to many different age groups.  There isn’t an “average consumer” for this mode of transportation.  Many young people these days don’t want to own a car and e-bikes are a perfect alternative.  Older people use them so they can STILL ride and get the assistance they need when they need it.  Commuters love them so they aren’t sweaty when they get to work as a result of pedaling hard to get there.

   Let’s Talk Cost

The average price for a well-made e-bike is between $3,000 and $5,000. In comparison, a conventional bicycle is about $1,000 for something mid-range.  Specialty off-road adventure bikes will run you right around $7,000.  While you may be experiencing sticker shock when looking at the price of an e-bike, don’t run out and buy the cheapest one you can find.  The cheaper components of the more affordable models can affect the overall quality. 

   Are You Ready to Hop On?

  The first thing you need to figure out when considering an e-bike purchase is how you’re going to use it.  There are many different types and many of them do specific things very well.  Some of the things that you need to think about before making your purchase is where you live, the climate, the amount of bike lanes available to you and how far you want to ride on a regular basis.

  Let’s Get to Class

There are three e-bike classifications. 

Class 1-This class covers PEDAL-ASSIST bikes which power the electric motor as you pedal.  There is no throttle to get the bike going initially and the electric part works only when the rider is pedaling. The e-assist stops at speeds above 20mph.

Class 2-These bikes also have an electric motor that works up to 20mph, either while the rider is pedaling OR with electric propulsion that works when using the throttle. 

Class 3-This class includes pedal assist up to 28mph and requires a speedometer. 

What’s Your Type?

There are three main categories of e-bikes that the average consumer is usually interested in. 

The Commuters

Commuter bikes come in a variety of styles, but are, for the most part, practical transportation.  These bikes are viewed as the most cost-effective alternative to automobiles. 

The Recreators

The bulk of E-bikes were originally sold to off-road and mountain bike enthusiasts.  These were already popular activities, and e-bikes expanded their appeal.

The Haulers

Cargo bikes are built to haul both gear and people.  With strong frames and bigger, wider tires, these bikes are the beefy beasts of the two-wheeled world.  Adding e-power to a bike designed to haul heavy was a game changer. 

Now that you know a little more about these e-bikes, RVPandA has got you covered if you’re ready to become a part of the e-bike craze.  There you will find the QuietKat 17” Jeep All-Terrain E-Bike  or the slightly bigger QuietKat Jeep 19” E-Bike for the adventurer that has everything.  If you’re looking for a commuter bike, we’ve got you covered there too.  RVPandA carries the QuietKat Villager Urban E-Bike as well.   If you’re looking for a way to tow them where you want to get them, we can help.  At RVPanda we have everything you need to get you (and your bike) out there-including bike racks.  Check them out by clicking here.