Primer for Electric bikes

Since electric bikes (e-bikes) are a relatively new technology, many people have little experience and many questions when it comes to owning and operating these fantastic machines. This page is devoted to providing easily understood answers to the most important and common questions about electric bikes, while providing links and resources for veteran and more technically-minded e-bike operators.

Q: Why should I buy an electric bike?

A: There are many reasons to buy an electric bike, and everyone has their own mix. But if you are curious enough to be reading this FAQ, then you might be interested in what makes e-bikes fun, practical, and economical vehicles for both pleasure and commuting.

First, they are fun, easy, and safe to use. If you've ever ridden a conventional bike, riding an e-bike will come completely naturally to you. They do not require any license or documentation to ride, and do not need to be registered or insured in the sate of California, or in most US jurisdicitions (see below for links to the relevant laws). Like all bikes, they can be ridden on city and country roads, bike paths, and bike lanes. Additionally like motor scooters and cars they can power themselves and let you make it to work on time, on budget, and without breaking a sweat. Getting your automobile off the road for some trips helps to relieve congestion, and you may find short hops are even faster that cars.

The second reason to make the switch to electric is economics. With petroleum prices at record highs and climbing, expensive gas is with us to stay. Electric bike technology circumvents that cost completely by taking power out of the grid directly to charge your battery. Furthermore, the low weight of the bike frame and high efficiency of the electric motor means that it is one of the most power efficient means of transportation available - more efficient than taking a bus. The low price of the bike and electric power means that you'll more than pay for the initial investment by saving on gas over the life of your e-bike.

I personally enjoy the pleasures of modern consumption afforded to us by technology and invention. However, all of us must recognize the need to moderate and conserve, as well as to innovate to find solutions to the clear problems of rising populations and dwindling resources. Combined with the zero direct emission of carbon from the bike, you will be drastically reducing your carbon footprint while never having to pay for gas and getting some nice exercise (if you choose to).

The health benefits of daily exercise cannot be ignored, but our sedentary lifestyle requires us to actively engage in physical activity. How about a healthy exercise apparatus that facilitates travel, and can be regulated to provide more or less exercise, depending on our choice of pedalling!

Finally, e-bikes are simply fun. Whether you are choosing one for your commute, for neighborhood errands, or just for enjoyment, they are the perfect marriage of proven ideas and cutting edge technology.

For more information, see our discussion about Going Electric, as well as the rest of this FAQ.

Q: Do electric bikes require a license to own or ride?

A: No, not normally. In the United States and Canada, electric bikes are classified along with conventional bicycles as regards their use and ownership. This means that pedal-operated, two wheeled vehicle with a motor that cannot exceed 20mph unassisted can be ridden without any license or documentation, on any road or path that a regular bicycle could ride. Some states and regional entities may enact some restrictions, and you should always check local laws. For example, in California one must be 16 years of age to ride an e-bike, and the motor is restricted to be rated no more than 750watts. Anyone who has ever ridden a bicycle will find electric bikes intuitive to operate, and the electric motor makes long distances and difficult hills a much easier, more pleasant experience.

The wikipedia community does a good job of follwing trends and laws on motorized bicycles.

Q: How fast can an e-bike go?

A: As mentioned before, US law states that no vehicle classified as a bike can exceed 20 mph on a level surface unassisted by the rider. Typical e-bikes therefore can reach this speed with only the electrical motor engaged, but some can exceed it if the rider assists by pedaling. Malama e-bikes use a German built brushless electric motor which, on level ground with no winds, can carry a 180 lb rider at 18-20 mph unassisted. Thanks to the 6-speed Shimano derailleur and pedal assist systems included in every bike, they can also be pedaled by the rider to climb hills under heavy load.

Q: What is the range of an e-bike?

A: This is an extremely important question to answer when choosing an e-bike, but for various reasons it is much more complicated to answer than the previous questions. The short answer is: Malama e-bikes are capable of about 20 miles between charges, though the user can extend this range considerably by pedaling the bike. The longer answer is that many factors affect this baseline number, and taking these into account will help you make the right buying decision when choosing an e-bike. Perhaps surprisingly, your riding habits are just as important in calculating the range of your e-bike as the bike itself! In general, ranges are calculated assuming that the electric motor is engaged the entire time over flat terrain and no wind, at moderate speeds and with a few stops in between. Malama e-bikes are tested in such conditions with a load (rider and carried items) of 180 lbs. When shopping around, pay close attention not only to the range of the different bikes but the conditions used in testing, as different conditions can yield very different results for the same bike.

For more information about extending your range, see our discussions of E-bike Technologies and Getting the Most out of your Malama E-bike.

Q: Can an e-bike be used as a conventional bicycle?

A: Yes. All Malama e-bikes are equipped with a Shimano 6 speed derailleur and the motor is engaged with a key, which allows bikes be operated as a fully conventional 6 speed bicycle. Some like our aluminum alloy, lithium-ion model are surprisingly lightweight and capable as a conventional bicycle. This capacity is not universal to all e-bikes, so be sure to note whether other e-bike options you are considering list a derailleur in their specifications. Switching the e-bike to pedal power allows you to extend the bike's range, or just to get some exercise, and the electric battery is removable in case you want to power the bike yourself but you don't want to take along the extra weight.

Q: How long will an e-bike last before it (or parts of it) need to be replaced?

A: An e-bike's frame and derailleur are essentially identical to a conventional bike's, and generally follows the same guidelines in terms of lifetime and maintenance. These components are very hardy, and could last up to 10 or more years in operating condition (see discussion of frame materials in E-bike Technologies for more). The electric motor experiences more wear and tear, but is still a durable piece of engineering that will last you 5 years under typical conditions. The remaining major component is the battery, the lifetime of which is determined primarily by the type of battery being used. There are several major battery technologies in use and two are used in different Malama e-bikes. The trade-off with the batteries is extended lifetime and decreased weight for increased cost, so bear this in mind when choosing which one you prefer.

Lead acid is the older battery type, and in many ways has been improved on in later battery technologies. What it lacks in sophistication, however, it more than makes up for in price. The battery you use in your car is almost certainly lead acid. They are significantly heavier than other battery types and can last for about 300 complete charges (2 years of typical operation). Lead acid batteries are an established technology that are easy to obtain and recycle, making them a green choice for transportation technology.

Lithium Ion batteries are a more recent innovation which improve in many ways on older technologies, but are significantly more expensive. Lithium ion batteries are less bulky, lighter (about 60% of the weight of lead acid), and last for up to 600 complete charges (4 years of typical use). Both batteries hold a similar charge, which yields similar ranges for bikes powered by each type of battery. When choosing which battery is right for you, balance the difference in cost (see bike prices for quantitative comparison) with the increased durability and decreased weight of lithium ion e-bikes.

A third common battery technology is the nickel-hydride cell, which is approximately intermediate between lead acid and lithium ion in terms of weight, durability, and cost. Malama e-bikes do not carry these batteries, but this and other electric technologies (including hydrogen and zinc fuel cells and solar technology) are discussed in much greater detail in the E-bike Technology discussion page. Malama is committed to constant R&D in emerging and refining technologies to guarantee that our products are the greatest value and highest standard on the market.

Q: Are e-bikes practical for commuting?

A: In many ways, this question is best answered by the individual operator. You know better than anybody else what your commuting vehicle must have to get you to work on time and in the right way. Common concerns about e-bikes include their speed, ability to navigate busy roads, safety, range, duration of charging cycle, load capacity, ability to climb hills, the effects of inclement weather, effects on the environment, and cost.

E-bikes are ideal for city commutes and errands in town because of their extreme efficiency and low cost of operation, combined with the ability to ride on most roads or paths and park almost anywhere. With an assisted range of 30 miles or more and the ability to carry in excess of 300 lbs up hills, they provide brisk transportation for most needs. The full charge cycle for an electric bike is 4-6 hours, letting you charge the bike at any standard outlet overnight or at work during the day. The effects of inclement weather and longer ranges for automobiles mean that bikes may not completely replace your car, but it will provide a much more economical, environmentally-friendly, and fun means of day-to-day local transportation.

While cars can do many things that your bike cannot, your e-bike's main benefit is the low cost of operation. A standard sedan may cost you 20-30¢ per mile in gas alone, and parking, traffic, and repairs are always a costly hassle. The electricity to power an electric bike comes out to a mere few tenths of a cent per mile- a difference of more than 100 times! Check your own electricity cost per kilowatt-hour to determine how much a complete charge of our typical about 3 kilowatt-hour battery would need. At this price, you may completely pay off the price of the bike by saving gas in under a year, depending on which Malama e-bike you own! After that point it's all easy savings, with every trip paying back dividends of gas you don't have to buy. In this case, what is good for you is also good for the environment, as you reduce your CO2 output by almost a pound per mile from the car you replace - or up to 9 tons of CO2 over the life of your e-bike.

For more on how e-bikes are good for you, good for your budget, and good for the environment, visit our discussions on E-bike technology, Green Transportation, and Getting the Most out of your Malama E-bike.

Q: What is the cost of electricity for an e-bike?

A: As discussed above, electricity from the grid is significantly cheaper than a corresponding amount of energy gained by burning gasoline in an automobile. Exact price varies based on area, but at a typical cost of 12 per kWhr, your e-bike costs about 2 tenths of a cent per mile with normal riding habits. Compared with the 20-30 per mile to operate a reasonably fuel efficient sedan (not even considering increased costs for car traffic and parking), and you can offset the entire price of the bicycle by saving gas over less than a year of casual use (as few as 3 or 4 months if it is a commute vehicle). If your primary vehicle is an SUV or other high-fuel automobile, or if you find yourself running a lot of local errands in your day-to-day routine, the savings of switching to electric will be even more dramatic.

It may be practical to charge your bike battery using a portable solar panel or home wind generator, and we are testing the technologies to see if there is an economical solution, which would then be added to our product line.

For more information, see the calculation of the cost of electric versus internal combustion engines, Green Transportation, and How to get the Most out of your Malama Electric Bike.

Q: How do e-bikes work?

A: There are many different e-bikes with different capabilities and designs, but they share basic elements. First of all, vehicles classified as e-bikes have a lot in common with their conventional predecessors. All such vehicles can be operated partly or wholly by pedaling, in which case they act much as a normal bike. Energy is transferred from pumping the pedals to the rear wheel by a chain, and usually the bike includes a derailleur that allows the rider to shift gears based on terrain and speed. Malama e-bikes include the Shimano 6-speed derailleur which makes pedal operation much easier and more efficient than bikes without any derailleur.

Electric bikes are distinct from conventional bikes by their inclusion of an electric motor and some form of electric power to run it, usually an electric battery. Sealed Lead-Acid and Lithium-Ion batteries are available on Malama bikes (see the section on replacing parts and E-Bike Technology). These store energy as chemical potential energy, which is charged by plugging the battery into a normal wall socket (via a small transformer) for 4-6 hours. One such charge will power the bike for 20 or more miles unassisted. Assisted, the bike can travel potentially forever, though the motor will be able to assist the rider for between 30 and 40 miles.

Pedal assist is a mode common (but not universal, check carefully) to e-bikes which allows the electric motor to run simultaneously as the rider pedals. This type of operation allows the e-bike to tackle steep hills and reach high speeds without overly taxing the motor or the rider. Furthermore, by relying on both human and electric power, the range of the bike can be about doubled while still providing a relaxing, easy ride with as much exercise as the rider wants.

The topic of how e-bikes work is covered in much more detail over a broad range of technologies in the E-bike Technologies discussion section.

Q: Do Malama e-bike batteries have a "memory" like a cellular phone or power tool?

A: No! Unlike NiCad batteries found in many phones, tools and computers, our batteries may be partially recharged at any time. When you ride to work, just plug in the charger (the battery may be easily removed) and charge on any standard AC. Charging more frequently actually prolongs the life of either our lead acid battery or the Lithium ion.

Q: What about other 2 wheel vehicles?

A: Gas powered motorcycles, even small ones, are more polluting than Hummers. These rather surprising facts, summarized from an article by Susan Carpenter, THROTTLE JOCKEY June 2008 in the Los Angeles Times reports the average gas powered motorbike is about 10 times more polluting per mile than a passenger car, light truck or SUV.

From a study by the California Air Resources Board comparison of emissions-compliant vehicles, an alarming level of emissions spew from on-road gasoline motorcycles and scooters. In California, such bikes make up 3.6% of registered vehicles and 1% of vehicle miles traveled, yet they account for 10% of passenger vehicles' smog-forming emissions in the state.

Motorcycles and scooters are normally more fuel efficient than cars. Their internal-combustion engines convert fuel into energy that makes the lightweight vehicle move. But extracting more energy from the fuel has a downside. It produces greater amounts of smog-forming nitrogen oxide emissions. Oxides of nitrogen, unburned hydrocarbons, and carbon dioxide are the three pollutants the Environmental Protection Agency and the Air Resources Board measure to see whether vehicles meet acceptable emissions levels.

As with other passenger vehicles, there are technologies to offset motorcycle emissions, such as catalytic converters, but those technologies tend to be too big, too heavy, or too hot to fit on a motorcycle and work as effectively as similar systems on larger vehicles that have more space to accommodate them.

That's why the EPA and the air board are more lenient on bikes than they are on other passenger vehicles. Not only are motorcycles allowed to emit more than cars, they are also tested at lower speeds, which pollutes less. And motorcycle manufacturers only have to meet governmental emissions criteria for the first 18,600 miles of a bike's life, compared with 150,000 miles for cars. California is the only state in the country with its own emissions standards and there are no plans for the air board or the EPA to further tighten motorcycle emissions requirements.

If you want to make a difference, consider an electric two-wheeler as an alternate transportation for the times that a larger vehicle is not required.