Fast. Fun. Electric.
Electric bicycles or e-bikes are bicycles with an electric motor that provides pedal assistance. E-bikes with throttles can also be propelled by the motor alone, eliminating the need to pedal all together.
Pedal assistance makes the joy of traveling by bicycle accessible to riders of varying abilities. By amplifying your pedaling power, e-bikes make long-distance commutes a breeze. Pedal assist on most e-bikes will last for 25-50 miles on a single charge, depending on the assisted power level. For shorter trips or to get some exercise, pedal assist can be turned off.
For commuters e-bikes are a game-changer for bicycle commuting. Suburban riders can go a longer distance and not have to worry about getting as sweaty riding to work.
Employer health and wellness programs can embrace e-bike commuting as an active transportation option for a wide range of abilities and distances from the office.
E-bikes are ideal for commuting, recreation, or as a family vehicle
The state of Minnesota requires e-bikes to have operational pedals and not exceed 20 mph. No license is required, and persons aged 15 years and older may operate an e-bike. E-bikes share the same road rules as traditional bicycles.
Minnesota observes the most common e-bike classification – the “three-class e-bike system”. Under the three-class e-bike system, any bike with up to 750 Watts of power from the motor is classed as follows:
- Class 1E-Bikes with motors that can only be ridden with a pedal assist system (PAS) and the motor cuts out at 20 mph.
- Class 2E-Bikes with a throttle and PAS where the motor also cuts out at 20 mph.
- Class 3E-Bikes with a PAS only but receive motor assistance up to 28 mph.
- Classless other e-bikes that don’t fall under any class in the system (for example, those without pedals, those with a throttle that can assist up to 28 mph, and those with motors over 750W)
Want to give e-biking a try? Dealers and bike shops across the city offer e-bike test rides. Minneapolis bike-share providers have fleets of e-bikes available for short-term rental. Download their apps, locate and unlock an e-bike, and ride away. Costs are based on the number of minutes per use. Bike-share providers operate from April – November.
While the prices of e-bikes vary, they are becoming more affordable. For those who choose to replace a car with an e-bike, the long-term cost savings are substantial. Many families use e-bikes in place of a second car for running errands and commuting within 5-10 miles.
