Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Ebikes (Part 2)

In this FAQ we answer more questions about ebikes. If you don't find what you're looking for here, check out our FAQ #1 or the Store FAQ.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it safe to buy an electric bike on Amazon?

Amazon is well-known for providing a wide range of choices and fast delivery. They also provide chat support, which is helpful when there is a problem with your account. However, the ebikes found on Amazon tend to be cheap Chinese imports, and you will not be able to get your questions answered before making a purchase. And if you experience any problems once you receive your new ebike, such as problems getting the battery to start or a damaged derailleur, it may be very difficult to reach a customer support agent who can actually help you resolve the problem. We do not recommend buying ebikes on Amazon, Walmart, eBay or any other big box online mega store.

Can I lock my electric bike?

You should always lock your electric bike if you plan to leave it unattended. Make sure the cable threads through the wheels, so that they cannot be stolen off the bike. And either lock the battery onto the bike or remove it and take it with you. We strongly recommend getting an alarm lock. These types of locks will sound an alarm if someone is tapering with your locked bike, and acts as a great deterrent to theft.

What is an electric bike’s top speed?

Most ebikes are rated Class 2, which sets the top assist speed at 20 miles per hour (mph). If a bike can go faster than 20 mph with motor power, then it becomes a Class 3 model. Of course, you can pedal the bike and fast as you like, and can achieve speeds greater than 30 mph if you are pedaling aggressively downhill. But at all times you should follow the speed limits of the roads you are riding on, and make sure to always be in control of your bike. The easiest way to ruin a bike ride is to loose control of your bike at a high rate of speed and crash.

Best electric bike review sources?

There are several great ebike review sites that we recommend. You should check out Electric Bike Review, which provides in-depth and independent reviews of all the top ebike models. There is all Electrified Reviews, a YouTube channel run by Brent McCluskey. For reviews by ebike owners, we recommend checking our the ebike sub-Reddit, and the Endless Sphere ebike forum. Really Good Ebikes also has reviews from customers that you can read.

Why can’t electric bikes go faster?

Most electric bikes are set to go no faster than 20 mph using the motor for power, but you can ride faster than that if you like using pedal power. Some ebikes can go as fast as 35 mph with the help of the motor. But if you want speeds faster than that, you should really consider a moped or an electric motorcycle. It's also good to understand how electric bike works.

Are electric bikes loud?

The motors on ebikes are definitely audible, making a whirring sound typical of many motors. These motors are not overly loud, and would barely be noticeable against the sound of traffic on the road. However, if you are going to be using your best ebike for hunting, and you want to ride with quite stealth, then we recommend getting a bike with the BBSHD mid-drive motor. This model uses nylon rotors, which are known to provide a very quiet ride while in operation.

Are there different electric bike frame sizes?

Most electric bikes have a standard frame size of 19”, which is the measure of the seat tube length. For shorter riders, some brands make bikes with 17” frame sizes, and if you get a folding ebike, they often come with 20” tires and are set lower to the ground. For the best fit, we recommend checking our bike sizing guide, and measuring your inseam. Compare your inseam measurement to the lowest seat height, and this will help determine if you will be able to have both feet on ground when standing over the bike. Some riders prefer a step-through model, which allows you to stand over the bike, and makes it easier to get on and off the bike, which is great when you are making frequent stops.

How much does an electric bike weigh?

Electric bikes typically weigh more than conventional bikes, due to the added weight of the motor, controller and battery. That being said, most ebikes weight 50-60 lbs. There are some models with carbon fiber frames that weigh less, and some manufacturers will offer lightweight ebikes that have smaller batteries and motors.

How to choose the right electric bike size for me?

We recommend you check out our bike size guide as a starting point. If you have a bike already, you should measure the height of the seat when it’s comfortable to ride, as this will be a good indicator of the right size bike for your body size. Most riders will be comfortable on most ebikes; however, if you are a shorter rider (5’-3” or shorter) or have short legs, then you should definitely look for a bike that is designed for smaller riders.

Electric bike tax credit?

The federal government proposed an ebike tax credit in 2021 as part of its Build Back Better proposal. The tax credit would offer a 30% percent refundable tax credit if you buy an ebike priced under $4,000. For those who make less than $75,000 as an individual or $150,000 as joint filers, purchasing an ebike could get you up to a $900 credit per bike per person. The credit phases out as income levels increase.

This is slightly backed down from the original suggestion in the bill of a 30 percent refund of bikes up to nine thousand dollars, but cut backs like this helped to get the bill through the House. Another bike-related tax break in the bill is a monthly pre-tax benefit for bicycle commuters that was increased from $20 a month to $81. This pre-tax benefit is meant to cover costs that could come with using a bike, such as a membership to a bike-share program. As of the time of this writing, the bill has not passed due to opposition of republican Sen. Joe Manchin.

How can I use my electric bike to make money?

If you use your ebike instead of driving a car, you will save money by not having to pay registration, insurance, gas and parking expenses. Saving money is sort of like making money. At Really Good Ebikes, we have a 50/50 Brand Ambassador Program, which allows you to earn money every time you send us a lead that results in a sale. We will share the profit from the sale with you 50/50, which could make you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars a month

Why get an electric bike vs. a gas scooter?

Global warming is a severe problem affecting the environment worldwide, due primarily to the excessive consumption of fossil fuels for transportation, which accounts for a fifth of global carbon emissions. As a result, many environmentally conscious people are looking for sustainable alternatives to replace fossil fuels.

If you want to save money on gas and care about fossil fuel emissions, then you should definitely consider an electric bicycle instead of a gas-powered scooter. The two-stroke engines on gas scooters are highly inefficient, and are major sources of air and water pollution in urban areas. By contrast, ebikes are the most efficient form of personal mobility, and greatly improve ones carbon footprint. If you charge your battery using green solar power, e-bikes become 100% environmentally friendly and good for the environment.

Why get an electric bike vs. a motorcycle?

I think the question could be why not get an electric bike and a motorcycle. These are really two different types of personal modes of transportation, and are not really comparable. If you are into motorcycles, you can travel hundreds of miles per tank of gas. Electric bikes, by contrast, can go up to 50-60 miles per charge, depending on the capacity of the battery. And unlike a motorcycle, an ebike has pedals and allows you to get a workout while traveling. Bicycles, including ebikes, are allowed in many remote areas that motorcycles are forbidden; and motorcycles can be ridden on highways, which do not allow ebikes. Regardless of which 2-wheel vehicle you choose, make sure to wear a durable helmet to protect your brain in the event of an accident.

Electric bike vs petrol bike?

It may be shocking to learn, but we at Really Good Ebikes are all about electric bikes. We have seen some funky DIY gas-powered bikes in the streets from time to time, but these monstrosities are not only bad for the environment, but they are illegal and unsafe to ride. Be smart and get yourself an ebike.

Are electric scooters faster than electric bikes?

There are two types of electric scooters, the kind you sit on that are analogous to mopeds, and the kind you stand on. If you are referring to a seated electric scooter, these may have top speeds of up to 45 mph. They do not have pedals and are basically in the category of motorcycles. Then there are the stand-up scooters that you see on many urban streets and sidewalks. These electric scooters that can reach speeds of up to 20 mph, which is also the top speed of most ebikes on the market today.