EXPLORE ELECTRIC BIKES

Electric bikes come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and configurations, each designed to meet different needs and preferences. The sections below will guide you through the process of choosing the right e-bike, starting with identifying your intended use and ending with an overview of the different e-bike classes.

What Will You Use Your Bike For?

The first step in choosing the right e-bike is to consider how you plan to use it. Are you looking for a comfortable, step-through frame with an upright seating position for leisurely rides around the neighborhood? Or perhaps a lightweight bike with moderate speed assistance to commute to work? Do you need extra cargo space for groceries or kids? Or are you after a bike with top-notch suspension and durable tires to tackle rugged trails? Explore the descriptions below and find the e-bike that best match your needs.

Concientious Commuting

If you are looking for a car replacement and enjoy your every day commute, e-bikes are a fast, eco-friendly alternative. The added boost of an electric motor allow you to tackle hills and longer distances with ease, while avoiding the hassle of parking and high vehicle costs. Plus, we call a ride into work "your first cup of coffee"- it wakes you up and gets you ready for the day.

SHOP COMMUTING

Serious Recreation

E-mountain bikes are a great way to get even more out of outdoor adventures. With their peddle-assist feature, suspension, and long range batteries, they make tough trails more accessible and allow you to go further, faster. In fact, with a battery capacity of up to 700, chances are you will run out of juice before the battery does. We bet that the smile-per-mile ratio is higher on an eMTB than any other type of bicycle out there.

SHOP MOUNTAIN

Seeing More, Doing More

If you want to enjoy more leisure time while getting some exercise, sit back and relax into an e-bike cruiser. These "step through" bikes offer a more relaxed, upright ride. To (kinda) paraphrase the famous Dr Seuss: "We like our [e-bike] and this is why: it does the work when the hills get high."

SHOP LEISURE

Enjoying Errands

E-bikes are an ideal solution for running daily errands, whether it's picking up the kids or grabbing groceries. These bikes can be outfitted with bike trunks, panniers, and baskets. You can opt for a cargo bike designed to carry heavier loads, a "bakfiet" (Dutch for "box bike"), which features a spacious front compartment for easy hauling. With the added assistance of the motor and not worrying about finding a parking spot, running errands becomes effortless.

SHOP UTILITY & CARGO

What Class of Ebike Do You Need?

E-bike class determines what you can ride and where. Classes 1 and 3 are pedal-assist only (i.e., they bike gives you assistance on every press of the peddle) Class 2 is peddle-assist and/or throttle. Below is a summary of the three e-bike classes as they are defined in California.

Class 1

Class 1 bikes are great for almost every rider, as the most affordable option and the most universally accepted from a regulatory standpoint. In California, Class 1 models pedal-assist e-bikes with no throttle and a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. (or faster speeds with the addition of human power). The motor kicks in only when you pedal and stops helping at 20 mph. These models are great for bike paths, many public trails, and street riding.

Class 2

In the state of California, the primary distinction of Class 2 models is that they have a throttle-assisted feature, so riders can go up to 20 mph without pedaling, similar to a motorized scooter or motorcycle. This class also has age restrictions. No one under age 12 is legal to ride these bikes and anyone over 12 without a valid driver's license must take an online e-bike safety training course and pass a written traffic safety test. Those without a valid driver's license must have a state-issued ID in order to operate an e-bike.

Class 3

Class 3 electric bikes are the fastest option that fits within common regulatory frameworks. These are pedal-assist only bikes that go up to 28 mph (or faster speeds with the addition of human power). While these electric bikes do not require a driver’s license or license plate, they are fast! That's why the state of California requires riders to be at least 16 years old. Class 3 bikes are the perfect vehicle for commuting or taking care of errands around town. We recommend sticking to paved roads on Class 3s.

Other Considerations

UL Certification: When purchasing an e-bike, always check with your dealer to confirm if the whole bike is UL certified. UL (Underwriters Laboratories) certification is a nationally recognized standard that ensures the e-bike's batteries and electrical components meet strict safety guidelines, from the battery to the motor. If a bike is not UL certified, it may not meet safety standards and could even be illegal to use in certain areas. At Electric Bike Central, all our e-bikes are UL certified, ensuring you ride with confidence. Learn More.

Warranty Length: The length of a e-bike’s warranty is a reflection of the manufacturer’s and dealer’s confidence in their product. At Electric Bike Central, every bike we sell comes with a minimum two-year warranty, giving you peace of mind. Plus, we're here to provide ongoing service and maintenance to keep your e-bike running smoothly for years to come.