What is the deal on electric bikes?

Question

What is the deal on the bikes with an electric motor?

Can they be set up with some basket(s) so you can go to the grocery store?

What is the cost on these? Do I need a special license for these in California?

How far can these go on a single charge? How long do they take to charge up? Do you use just a regular outlet?

I work at home so I need something ONLY for doing basic errands around my neighborhood.

What are some other options? (Other than a car.)

Answer 1

Why an electric bike?    The more parts you add to something,  the more likely it will break down on you.

I suggest maybe a 3-wheel  bicycle with large basket behind the seat.   Good for short neighborhood trips,  good for your health,  good for the environment.

Answer 2

i dont have anything cool to say but i would get one i think there sweet and you dont have to work to move them

Answer 3

I live in northern Illinois, where we get snow, ice, and extreme cold a good part of the year, but I rode my electric bike back and forth (8 miles round trip) to work 5 months in 2007.  In Illinois no plates or special licence is needed.  I'm 60 years old and with health problems I can't ride a conventional bike.    I have nylon "saddlebags" on the bike all the time, or I can hook on a two wheel trailer for larger loads.

Look around before you buy.  There is a lot of junk for sale out there.  My bicycle is a Giant LAFree Sport.  I recommend the make/model highly.  They don't make them anymore, but I see them on Craig's List all the time for  less than half the original $1200.

Answer 4

This is probably more than you're looking for, but you might check it out:

http://www.vectrix.com/

There's a lot of information here as well:

http://www.electric-bikes.com/

If you're going to be carrying a lot of stuff, it might be better to get a "neighborhood electric vehicle":

http://www.nevportal.com/

Hope this helps!

Answer 5

Why not just walk? If you were close enough. Or you could just use a regular bike...  You could also call a taxi. Also, maybe an electric scooter or electric skateboard....And if you are set on getting an electric bike....

Yes, baskets can be attached to electric bikes... The basic structure is the same as the regular bikes. Also you can buy the parts and add onto an old bike or a bike you own. Electric conversion bikes can be bought for 650$ it is equal to about 20 tanks of gas.... Check some of the sites I listed below... Also if you are really intent check out the second site I listed. It is all about  choosing the right e-bike. This site is REALLY good, I reccomend you check it out. And you should be able to use them in California. I don't see why you wouldn't be allowed.

But I checked and here is some info:

Motorized Bicycle Electric Motor: Safety and Equipment Requirements

24016.  (a) A motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of Section 406 shall meet the following criteria:

(1) Comply with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.) or the requirements adopted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (49 C.F.R. 571.1, et seq.) in accordance with the National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. Sec. 1381, et seq.) for motor driven cycles.

(2) Operate in a manner so that the electric motor is disengaged or ceases to function when the brakes are applied, or operate in a manner such that the motor is engaged through a switch or mechanism that, when released, will cause the electric motor to disengage or cease to function.

(b) All of the following apply to a motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of Section 406:

(1) No person shall operate a motorized bicycle unless the person is wearing a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet that meets the standards described in Section 21212.

(2) A person operating a motorized bicycle is subject to Sections 21200 and 21200.5.

(3) A person operating a motorized bicycle is not subject to the provisions of this code relating to financial responsibility, driver's licenses, registration, and license plate requirements, and a motorized bicycle is not a motor vehicle.

(4) A motorized bicycle shall only be operated by a person 16 years of age or older.

(5) Every manufacturer of a motorized bicycle shall certify that it complies with the equipment and manufacturing requirements for bicycles adopted by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (16 C.F.R. 1512.1, et seq.).

(c) No person shall tamper with or modify a motorized bicycle described in subdivision (b) of Section 406 so as to increase the speed capability of the bicycle.

406.  (a) A "motorized bicycle" or "moped" is any two-wheeled or three-wheeled device having fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power, or having no pedals if powered solely by electrical energy, and an automatic transmission and a motor which produces less than 2 gross brake horsepower and is capable of propelling the device at a maximum speed of not more than 30 miles per hour on level ground.

(b) A "motorized bicycle" is also a device that has fully operative pedals for propulsion by human power and has an electric motor that meets all of the following requirements:

(1) Has a power output of not more than 1,000 watts.

(2) Is incapable of propelling the device at a speed of more than 20 miles per hour on ground level.

(3) Is incapable of further increasing the speed of the device when human power is used to propel the motorized bicycle faster than 20 miles per hour.

(4) Every manufacturer of motorized bicycles, as defined in this subdivision, shall provide a disclosure to buyers that advises buyers that their existing insurance policies may not provide coverage for these bicycles and that they should contact their insurance company or insurance agent to determine if coverage is provided.

(c) The disclosure required under paragraph (4) of subdivision (b) shall meet both of the following requirements:

(1) The disclosure shall be printed in not less than 14-point boldface type on a single sheet of paper that contains no information other than the disclosure.

(2) The disclosure shall include the following language in capital letters:

"YOUR INSURANCE POLICIES MAY NOT PROVIDE COVERAGE FOR ACCIDENTS INVOLVING THE USE OF THIS BICYCLE. TO DETERMINE IF COVERAGE IS PROVIDED YOU SHOULD CONTACT YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY OR AGENT."

Also check out the 3rd site, it should tell you about any other rules about e-bikes in california.

So if you do decide on an electric bike, happy e-cycling!

Answer 6

be better off with moped-they come with luggage rack-last longer then electric-if its motorized then its has to be licensed-both be same as motocycle

Answer 7

bikes wont give you protection in weather, get a cheap small car , if money is an issue, get a gas car. Electric hybreds cost more and polute enviourment when batterys are made, and latter when needing to get rid of.

Answer 8

Get a real nice regular bike and you will have less hassle

and  enjoy the health benefits that biking offers.