| Choosing an electric bike is not as intimidating as it | | | | researching the different models available, the more |
| sounds. An electric bike comes in many different | | | | wise the final decision. |
| forms and may be the perfect alternative to crowded | | | | Before making the final decision, it is important to |
| public transportation or traffic jams. The commuter | | | | understand state law. Bicyclists must obey the same |
| would get to work earlier and refreshed instead of | | | | laws as operators of automobiles. For instance, most |
| stressed and late due to traffic congestion. The | | | | states limit the speed of an electric bike to 20 miles |
| person who needs to run errands close to home can | | | | per hour. Some states also require that headlights and |
| simply lock the bicycle and go without the need to fight | | | | taillights be installed. The battery may also be limited to |
| for a parking space. Electric bikes are environmentally | | | | 750 watts. Most states do not require the cyclist to |
| friendly and will not pollute the air with poisonous fumes | | | | obtain insurance for an electric bike nor do they require |
| as the motor is powered by a battery. The cost to | | | | a driver's license and state license plate. |
| operate an electric bike is mere pennies compared to | | | | The battery for the motor can be purchased |
| the maintenance and gasoline required to operate an | | | | separately and will depend on the potential use. |
| automobile. For longer distances, the electric bicycle | | | | Battery life can vary greatly depending on the terrain, |
| can be mounted on the front of a bus. | | | | the weight of the cyclist and the climate. The best |
| The first thing that must be determined is whether the | | | | option may be the lithium-ion battery which can take |
| owner plans to upgrade a standard bike with a kit or | | | | more charges before needing to be replaced. The |
| purchase a separate electric bike. The kit is not that | | | | lithium ion battery is also better for the environment. |
| difficult to install or more money can be spent on a | | | | For hilly areas the battery will drain faster and not last |
| preassembled electric bike. The kits range in price from | | | | as long before needing to be recharged. |
| $400 to $800 while electric bikes may run from $400 | | | | The decision to purchase an electric bike does not |
| to $3,500. Another agenda item to consider is the | | | | have to be a challenging experience once the |
| accessories that may be required to make the bicycle | | | | informed purchaser makes the decision wisely and |
| functional for running errands or simply a ride in the | | | | considers all options first. |
| country with a picnic basket. The more time spent | | | | |