E-bikes are wooing Americans

E-Bikes Are Growing in Popularity in the U.S., But There’s Room for Improvement.

Despite the growing interest in e-bikes in the U.S., the market remains relatively small compared to Europe and China. However, more Americans are beginning to recognize the numerous benefits of e-bikes, contributing to a slow but steady rise in their popularity.

Tracking the e-bike market in the U.S. is somewhat challenging due to the lack of specific Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes for e-bikes. Often, importers label them differently or classify them as parts or toys.

The chart below illustrates the estimated e-bike sales across various regions globally, along with projections for 2018 from Pike Research.

One factor influencing the e-bike market's financial performance is the rising average price of e-bikes. Over the years, advancements in battery life, design, and overall quality have led to more reliable models. Today, customers are typically willing to spend between $2,500 and $3,500 for a dependable e-bike.

Retailers in the U.S. have discovered ways to market e-bikes to older yet active customers, a strategy that European e-bike retailers have employed for years. Baby boomers, aged between 52 and 70 as of 2016, represent approximately 25% of Americans. Many enjoy cycling but struggle with health issues like knee pain or asthma, making traditional biking difficult. The electric motor of an e-bike can assist in these areas, providing additional power to the pedals and reducing strain on the heart during rides. For instance, an e-bike can double or triple the rider's pedal power, promoting a steadier heart rate and decreasing the risk of sudden spikes caused by strenuous activities like hill climbing.

Another group showing interest in e-bikes is young urban dwellers who prefer biking over driving. They avoid the hassles of car ownership, such as insurance, parking, gas, licensing, and maintenance costs.

Given all these benefits, it's surprising that e-bikes haven't gained more traction. What are the challenges facing their widespread adoption?

Challenges Facing the E-Bike Market in the U.S.

One reason the U.S. e-bike market lags behind Europe and China is cultural perception. In Europe and China, bicycles are seen as practical modes of transportation, whereas in the U.S., they are often viewed as fitness tools or recreational items. Since e-bikes are designed to make riding easier, they haven't resonated with fitness-focused cyclists. As fitness is a primary motivator for American cyclists, there’s little incentive for retailers to stock or promote e-bikes, limiting their visibility in the market.

E-bikes also face an unfair stereotype as "bicycles for lazy people." However, statistics reveal otherwise: e-bike riders tend to cycle more than those on traditional bikes. Interestingly, statistics also indicate that e-bike users are more inclined to opt for biking over driving, even when feeling tired, thanks to the reduced exhaustion from electric assistance. Thus, the notion that e-bikes are for lazy people lacks substantial evidence and is merely a misconception.

A crucial factor affecting a country's cycling culture is its cycling infrastructure and regulations. Safe cycling infrastructure is vital for reducing car dependency, as evidenced by many European and Asian countries. While major European cities have superior cycling infrastructure compared to the U.S., cycling conditions in the U.S. are improving. Many major cities are witnessing regulatory and urban upgrades, leading to more bikes on the streets. Initiatives like New York's Citibike and Boston's Hubway are helping promote cycling by allowing on-demand rentals from hundreds of locations for just a few dollars a day.

Finally, there's confusion surrounding the classification of e-bikes. Although a federal law signed by President George W. Bush in 2002 exempts e-bikes with speeds under 20 mph and motors under 750 watts from state motor vehicle licensing, a few states have chosen to regulate e-bikes differently. Some counties and cities have gone a step further by imposing their own regulations. For example, in 2012, New York banned e-bikes as part of a crackdown on delivery services, citing safety concerns. Under New York state law, riders must register e-bikes as they would motorcycles, mopeds, or cars.

As these cultural and infrastructural barriers diminish over time, the U.S. will likely see higher adoption rates of e-bikes.

Popular Applications of E-Bikes

Commuting

Did you know that most Americans live less than 13 miles from work, which takes about 22 minutes to drive? For those within this range, e-bikes make excellent commuter vehicles. They allow riders to travel farther and faster than conventional bikes at a fraction of the cost of a car. In fact, the energy efficiency of an e-bike and its rider is roughly equivalent to 300 to 700 miles per gallon, depending on the model! Additionally, e-bikes require minimal maintenance and take up little space, making them ideal for urban environments. Folding e-bikes can even be stored indoors or in a car trunk. Notable models include the Rad Power RadCity, Faraday Porteur, Gocycle G3, Kalkhoff Sahel Compact Impulse, and Stromer ST1.

Delivery Services

Urban couriers and food delivery services already use bikes because they can navigate busy streets efficiently, park almost anywhere, and require minimal upkeep compared to a car fleet. Upgrading their fleets to e-bikes could significantly expand their coverage areas while boosting delivery speed and volume. E-bikes can carry heavier loads without straining the rider, enabling delivery services to increase the number of deliveries per trip or handle bulkier goods. Notable cargo e-bikes include the Xtracycle EdgeRunner, Rad Power Bikes RadWagon, and Daymak Florence.

Transportation System

The notable success of bike-sharing programs like New York's Citibike, Washington D.C.'s Capital Bikeshare, and Chicago's Divvy suggests that bikes are becoming a part of urban transportation systems. One major concern with bikes sharing roads with cars in busy cities is their slower pace, which can create potentially dangerous situations. Electrifying bike-share fleets could enhance their popularity and improve overall transportation safety. By traveling longer distances at speeds comparable to cars in city traffic, e-bike share programs may compete with other forms of mass transit. Notable models include the Rad Power RadWagon, Elby Bike, Stromer ST1, and Easy Motion Evo Eco Lite.

Making the Switch to an E-Bike

Transitioning from a regular bicycle to an e-bike is straightforward—it’s still a bicycle, after all. The main difference lies in the motor. You'll notice a bulky battery installed on the downtube or over the rear wheel, along with an LCD display and integrated controller. Depending on the model, you might also find a motorcycle-style twist-grip shifter to control the motor output or select pedal-assist levels.

It's highly recommended to test ride an e-bike before purchasing to ensure it's the right choice for you. E-bikes are generally heavier than traditional bikes, affecting both handling and braking dynamics. Most e-bikes come equipped with mechanical or hydraulic disc brakes to accommodate the extra weight from the battery and motor. If your initial thought upon getting on an e-bike is to test its top speed, we suggest starting at lower power levels to get accustomed to the bike. Some e-bikes are surprisingly powerful, so you might end up with something unexpectedly "peppy."

Make sure to try pedaling the bike without pedal-assist to gauge your comfort level. Due to the added weight of lead-acid batteries, many e-bikes are significantly heavier than regular bicycles. Can you comfortably pedal it home if the battery runs out? Like electric cars, e-bikes can take anywhere from 2 to 10 hours to charge. Motor wattage and battery capacities vary widely, with e-bikes typically falling in the 250-750 Watt motor and 150-1,500 watt-hour battery range. A 250-Watt motor provides sufficient assistance for a commuter bike, while cargo bikes or off-road capable models often feature 500-700 Watt motors. Battery capacity is the most critical factor, directly impacting the range you can achieve while enjoying pedal-assist. A high-quality city bike with a 450-Watt motor and 240-watt-hour battery can travel up to 22 miles at 25 mph.

On the other end of the spectrum is the Stealth Bomber, an e-bike with a 4500-Watt motor rivaling many dirt bikes. This machine also boasts a 1500-watt-hour battery, capable of traveling at 50 mph for over 50 miles. Fortunately, at such power levels, it cannot be classified as an e-bike, and you’re unlikely to encounter one on your local rides.

While the benefits of e-bikes far outweigh the drawbacks, it's still essential to consider the following disadvantages:

• They are generally heavy, posing a challenge when the battery runs out.
• High-end models can be expensive, with prices exceeding $6,000.
• E-bikes are more complex, making them harder and pricier to maintain.

Here are some factors to consider before purchasing an e-bike:

• Do you have adequate parking or storage at both your origin and destination?
• If you live in a multi-story building, do you have access to an elevator or are you prepared to use stairs?
• Are you comfortable pedaling a heavy bike if the battery dies?