Really Good Ebikes FAQ

 

Here is a growing list of responses to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)about our store Really Good Ebikes. We also have separate FAQs (Part 1 and Part 2) which answer most of the questions you might have about ebikes.

But if you have a question that is not answered here, please send us an email to info@reallygoodebikes.com or call 888-883-3350. We're here to help.

General FAQs

1. Do you offer free shipping?

Yes, we offer free shipping on all ebikes when shipped to an address within the contiguous US.

Shipments to Alaska, Hawaii and Canadian may come with additional costs, which are described on product and collection pages, and presented at checkout.  Call 888-883-3350 for a price quote.

2. Are electric bikes legal?

Yes. According to federal law, a bicycle equipped with fully functioning pedals, with an electric motor capable of generating up to 750 watts of power and which can propel a rider to a speed of up to 20 mph, is considered to be a bicycle rather than a motor vehicle.

Although electric bicycles law in different states may vary a bit, you can generally operate electric bikes without a license, and in most cases ride them anywhere regular bicycles are allowed.

For more information about your specific state if you really want to know what rules apply in your particular state, please read the Wikipedia entry for Ebike Laws, or take a look at really boring analysis of bike laws issued by the National Conference of State Legislators. We have also written about the different Classes of Ebikes.

3. What's the deal with No Taxes?

As an online retailer, we are not required to collect sales taxes in most of the states that we do business. So we pass these savings on to our customers. If there is a tax nexus, for instance if a customer is located in California and our supplier is also California-based, then we will pay the relevant state sales tax on your behalf.

4. What's the deal with free professional assembly?

Many of our customers are concern about the initial setup of their new ebike, so we decided to offer free professional assembly. if you buy a new ebike from Really Good Ebikes, and you would like it professionally assembled, all you need to do is include the local bike shop as the shipping address.

 

 

Not sure where your local bike shop is located? Give us a call at 888-883-3350 and we'll find them for you. Please note that this amazing offer cannot be combined with discounts we offer, or we would quickly go out of business.

5. How long does it take to ship my new ebike once I place an order?

We process orders immediately following our fraud protection check. The fraud protection check protects us against the fraudulent use of credit cards, and protects you against unauthorized use of your credit cards through potential identity theft.  This check can take from a few minutes up to 24 hours to complete, after which we notify the warehouse to ship your purchase.

Depending on the supplier, the shipment can occur within 24-48 hours of our notification, and you should subsequently receive your purchase within 3-7 business days. 

There are also occasions when a supplier has run out of stock, and we must notify customers that an item is only available on backorder. If a customer does not want to wait for a backordered product, we will immediately cancel the order (payment capture does not occur until after the supplier confirms that the product is in stock and will be shipped).

Please know that customer service is our #1 top priority, and with every order we receive, we make sure to communicate with the customers, so they know exact what is happening every step of the way.

We love to hear from our customers, so call (888-883-3350), start a chat using the chat icon at the bottom right of every web page, write us an email (steve@reallygoodebikes.com), or even reach out to us on social media. Speaking of social media, we would Love for you to Like Us.

6. Do you offer free returns?

We do not offer free returns or refunds. You can read our Shipping & Returns Policy, which encourages shoppers to do thorough research before deciding on the purchase of an electric bike. The Shipping & Returns Policy also notes that Returns are subject to the approval of the manufacturer/supplier, and may require the customer to pay return shipping costs and a restocking or administrative fee. Warranty-related returns are treated separately, based on the merits of the claim.

7. How long have you been in business?

I started Really Good Ebikes (RGE) in late 2016, and have built and run the website since then. Before getting into ebikes, I was an environmental planner and real estate development consultant. If you want to learn more about me, check out the About Us page, which has links to various interviews, including one with the Washington Post. 

8. Who do I contact if I have a warranty issue?

While your warranty is with the manufacturer, I encourage customers to contact us first if you have any problems with your new ebike. We will work together to diagnose the issue, then approach the manufacturer with our complaint. You are my customer, and I am your advocate.

9. Do you offer discounts?

Yes, we offer standard discounts on all products over $999, and special discounts on a case-by-case basis. Feel free to ask for a discount when you contact us to place an order.

We created the standard discounts you see below, which you just need to put into the Discount bar at checkout.

• BRONZE: Spend $999+ Save 2% - use Discount Code BRONZE
• SILVER: Spend $2,999+ Save 3% - use Discount Code SILVER
• GOLD: Spend $4,999+ Save 5% - use Discount Code GOLD
• PLATINUM: Spend $9,999+ Save 7% - use Discount Code PLATINUM

10. Do you offer cash back?

Yes, we offer our customers $150 cash back for videos. Specifically, we would love to get a video from you showing you unboxing and assembling your new bike, recording your first riding experience, or giving a testimonial style video where you provide a product review. If we use the video on our website, you get a $100 refund!

Electric Bike FAQs

1. What's the difference between a regular bike and an electric bike?

Fundamentally, an electric bike is just a regular bicycle with the addition of an electric motor to provide additional assistance, fueled by electric energy stored in a lithium battery, and managed with an electric controller (the brains of the ebike).

You can pedal an ebike normally and just use the motor to help out on hills and headwinds, or you can use the motor all the time just to make riding easier. The experience is entirely different from riding say a gas scooter or motorbike. Here the electric assistance is perfectly smooth and silent, and it complements rather than supplants human power.

There are 4 Official Classes of electric bikes:

1) “class 1 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

2) “class 2 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

3) “class 3 electric bicycle” is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 28 miles per hour, and is equipped with a speedometer.

4) "class 4" The electric drive system can be activated through a pedaling action or throttle. The top speed is above 28 mph (45 kph) and/or the motor wattage may be greater than 750 watts. In all major geographies this class would be considered a motor vehicle which requires licensing and registration and is limited to certain motorized off road trails or traditional roads.

There has been some confusion in America where machines that resemble bicycles (having pedals) that are capable of high speed and power are used inappropriately without licensing or insurance and on infrastructure reserved for bicycles such as paths and mountain bike trails. This behavior is subject to the same legal action as driving a gas powered motorcycle or car and may result in severe legal ramifications.

To learn more about ebikes in general, check out our Ebike Encyclopedia. For more on the different classes of ebikes, check out our friend Court Rye's article on the subject at Electric Bike Review. We have also discussed some of the discrepancies in the rules regarding the Class of Ebikes.

2. How much assembly is required for an electric bike?

Getting a new electric bike is exciting, but many customers are rightly concerned about the amount of assembly required when their new ebike arrives. Most ebikes we sell come almost fully assembled, but typically the customer will need to attach the following parts:

• Front wheel
• Stem and handlebars
• Pedals
• Seat

You will also need to do some minor preparation before your first ride, including: 

• Pump up the tires
• Charge the battery
• Check the derailleur and adjust if necessary
• Check the wheel spokes and true the wheels if necessary
• Check the brake pads for proper alignment and adjust if necessary
• Check the brake levers and brake cable for proper tightness and adjust if necessary.
• Check the height and alignment of the seat to assure it's properly installed for comfort and adjust if necessary.

If for any reason you are not comfortable doing assembly and fitting yourself, just let us know (call 888-883-3350) and we will find a local bike shop that can do it for you. It usually costs about $50, and we can actually have the boxed bike delivered directly to the shop for your convenience.

3. Do I need a license or insurance to operate an electric bike?

No. Electric bikes are defined as "low-speed power assisted bicycles" and therefore do not require any license or insurance - just like a conventional bike. However, you should always register your bike with the manufacturer, so that it is guaranteed warranty protection. And you must obey all your state's Department of Motor Vehicle regulations for bicycle riding. 

4. Will the extra weight of an ebike make it more difficult to pedal without the motor?

The short answer is yes but not much. The effect of weight is largely exaggerated in how a bicycle performs. A heavier bicycle is slightly harder to ride uphill, somewhat faster to ride downhill, and pretty much the same on the flat as a lightweight one.

The addition of a motor and batteries can add anywhere from 15 to 30 lbs to a bike and has surprisingly little effect on its rideability.  You definitely do notice the weight if you have to pick the bike up and carry it for any reason though, and it can be a bit unwieldy.

5. How much power does an ebike use?

The average power that a typical cyclist will deliver is on the order of 150 watts, or 1/5th of a horsepower. If you're curious, most modern exercise bikes will display the exact wattage and you can get a feel for how much power you're producing with your legs.

The typical ebike battery has a 10.4Ah capacity. It will usually take 400-500 watt hours ( or 0.4 to 0.7 kilowatt hours) to charge the battery. Assuming a rate of $0.10/kWh, it will cost you about $0.05 cents for a charge that will last you 22-40 miles. 

To learn more about ebike batteries, check out our Ebike Battery FAQ.

6. Does the electric bike recharge the battery when pedaling or braking?

No. Most commercially available ebikes do not include regeneration, which would recharge the battery when pedaling or braking.

Recharging from pedaling is not really the intent of the electric drive as it is with, say, a hybrid car. In general, with an ebike you draw a net amount of power out of the battery pack to assist you riding. You then replenish this energy from the wall outlet, rather than by working extra hard later on in the trip. 

7. What is it like to ride an electric bike?

Riding an electric bike is a magical experience. You can ride like a normal bike, but when the road rises or headwinds threaten to slow you down, turn on a little pedal assist or trigger the throttle, and off you go, not rigorous pedaling required.

8. How fast do electric bikes go?

You can pedal an eBike as fast as you like. Using pedal assist mode or the throttle, most ebikes go up to 20 mph. There are some off-road ebikes that go up to 28 mph. If you want unlimited speed, you will need to get a tuning device to trick your motor into going twice as fast.

9. How do electric bikes work?

Electric bikes have an electric motor built into the rear hub, front hub, or bottom bracket of the bike. When the motor is turned on, it propels the bike forward using a pedal assist system (PAS) or throttle control. The motor is powered by a lithium battery pack, which includes a series of interconnected battery cells and a battery management system (BMS). When the electronics are turned off, an ebike can be ridden like a conventional bike. 

10. How do electric bikes do on hills?

The ability of an electric bike to climb hills varies based on the steepness of the hill, road surface, rider/cargo weight, motor wattage, battery voltage, terrain, and whether the rider uses the pedal assist system (PAS) or throttle only.

11. Are ebike batteries safe?

Yes, ebike batteries are safe. With over 200 million ebikes in use around the world today, it is extremely rare to hear reports of an ebike battery catching fire.

Ebike batteries are controlled with a battery management system, which should prevent the batteries from overcharge, over discharge, thermal runaway, and short circuits. Ebike batteries should not be exposed to extreme heat. 

12. How long do electric bike batteries last?

The life expectancy of a high quality ebike battery pack, one built with name-brand cells and battery management system, should last for at least 1,000 charge/discharge cycles. If you charge and drain your batteries on a weekly basis, the average battery pack should last about 2-3 years.

You can usually find replacement batteries from the manufacturer, and there are now companies, such as Ebike Marketplace, that focus on ebike battery pack testing and rebuilds.

13. What should I do if my ebike battery dies?

If your ebike battery is no longer working, call your dealer first. There could be an issue with the battery, the controller, or even the display unit. Once we understand why your ebike is not running properly, we can then work on a solution, like getting you a new battery or controller.

If your battery is several years old and stops working, it should be tested with a multimeter. If the cells are no longer capable of holding a charge, then the battery should be replaced.

14. Are electric bikes waterproof?

Electric bikes can be used during rainy conditions, but you should take care not to soak the electric motor, computer controller, or battery. After every ride, and especially after a wet ride, wipe down your bike with a clean dry cloth.

Please be cautious, because riding any bicycle in rainy conditions can be hazardous, and you should only do so if you feel comfortable controlling your bike. Take turns more widely and slowly than normal, look out for puddles (which might be deeper than they appear) and please always wear a helmet.

Ebike battery cases which house the battery array are water-resistant, but not waterproof. They typically have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating of 45, which means the enclosure is protected by intrusion from dripping, spraying, splashing, and water projected by a 6.3mm nozzle (water jet), but not immersion. We covered this topic in a recent blog post.

15. What's the best ebike motor on the market today?

With hundreds of electric bike models on the market today, ranging in price from around $1,400 to over $8,000, it is impossible to say which is best.

However, when you consider all the relevant factors - brand reliability, component quality, and performance, there are a few models that rise to the top. For this reason, we prepared short lists of the best fat tire electric bikes for 2024, and the best folding ebikes for 2024.

16. What's the difference between a mid-drive and a hub motor on an ebike?

Most ebikes on the market today have a motor built into the hub of the rear wheel. Electric mountain bikes and some specialty ebikes sometimes feature a mid-drive motor, which is built into the bottom bracket of the bike frame, where the cranks and pedals connect.

Both motors can be operated with pedal assist systems and throttle. Mid-drive motors often feature torque sensors, rather than the speed or cadence sensors found on hub motors.

The torque sensors are more precise and responsive than speed sensors, but they also add to the overall cost of the electric bike.

17. Does an ebike motor create drag?

No, ebike motors do not create drag when turned off. When you ride an ebike with the motor turned off, it will ride like a conventional bike.

18. Do any ebikes use regenerative braking?

No, 99% of ebikes on the market today do not use regenerative braking, since the amount of energy potentially generated by turning the motor into a generator and charging the battery is insufficient.

19. Are ebikes legal on trails?

Under Federal standards, a motor-assisted bike that has a 750W or smaller and a top assisted speed of 20 mph or less is considered a bicycle, and can be ridden wherever you can ride a conventional bike. Check local regulations which may be more restrictive.

20. Do you still have to pedal an electric bike?

If an ebike has a thumb or twist throttle, then no pedaling is required to propel the bike forward. Using a pedal assist system (PAS) the rider will need to pedal the bike to get help from the motor.

21. How does a pedal assist bike work?

An electric bike has a sensors that measure how much effort you are using to pedal, and will increase or decrease the amount of motor assistance accordingly. Cadence or speed sensors, which use a series of magnets are most common. Higher end mountain bikes commonly have a torque sensor, which has finer tuning and is more responsive than other sensors.

22. How does a mid drive ebike work?

A mid-drive motor is mounted within the bottom bracket part of the frame, and provides torsional force similar to the force you exert onto the pedals when you ride. 

23. How much does it cost to charge an electric bike?

Ebikes are perhaps the most energy efficient means of human transport, consuming on average $0.05 cents of energy per charge.

24. What is the best cheap electric bike?

We don't like the word Cheap, because it has negative connotations. It is true that inexpensive ebikes are made with lower quality components, lower capacity batteries and smaller motors, and generally have shorter and less protective warranties than more expensive ebikes. Learn more about the best affordable (cheap) ebikes.

25. What is the longest range electric bike?

The range of an electric bike depends on a number of factors, including terrain, weather, rider and cargo weight, tire inflation, and the size of the motor and battery. In general, the higher the amp-hour (Ah) rating of your battery, the longer distance you will be able to go. An electric mountain bike with a 20Ah, could have a range of up to 75 miles per charge. 

26. What is the fastest electric bike?

Most ebikes on the market today have their maximum assist speed set at 20 mph to meet federal standard. The QuietKat Storm is one of the fastest ebikes we carry, with a top speed of 30 mph.

27. What do I need to know about buying an electric bike?

There are 3 things you need to know about buying an electric bike. First, all ebikes can be ridden like conventional bikes if you do not turn on the motor. Second, very high quality ebikes usually cost at least $1,500. Third, consider where and how you want to ride before deciding which type of ebike to look at.

28. Why are ebikes so expensive?

Ebikes are more expensive than conventional bikes, because of the cost of the motor, controller, and especially the battery which is the most expensive component on an ebike. Also, in August of 2018, Trump imposed tariffs on ebikes imported from China, raising the cost of each bike by an average of $250, which is paid for by the consumer.

29. Can you get fit on an electric bike?

Absolutely. Ebikes can be ridden like a conventional bike, allowing you to get a low impact workout that is excellent for your cardiovascular system. And with the addition of the electric motor, you can go on longer and more challenging rides. 

30. How much is an ebike?

Ebikes range in price, from about $750 to over $10,000. For a high quality electric bike with reliable components and good specifications, we recommend spending at least $1,500 on your ebike.

31. How much does a Pedego electric bike cost?

Pedego electric bikes range in price from about $1,895 to $5,295, and are sold exclusively at Pedego licensed stores.

32. How many miles can you go on an electric bike?

The range or miles you can travel on a single battery charge depends on the capacity of your battery, the weight of rider and cargo, terrain, weather, tire inflation, and the amount of pedal assist and/or throttle you use during the ride. 20-50 mile ranges should be expected.

33. Is an ebike good exercise?

Yes, electric bikes are an excellent form of exercise. Of course, the more you pedal and use your full body to ride, the more exercise you will get compared to relying heavily on the throttle.

34. What is the benefit of an electric bike?

There are many benefits of electric bikes. They offer a great form of exercise and personal transportation; they get people our of their cars, reducing air pollution and traffic congestion; they bring families together and offer a fun form of exercise and travel.

35. How far can an ebike go?

The range of an ebike depends on the size of the battery, measured in amp hours (Ah), the weight of the rider and cargo, the steepness of the terrain, weather, and other factors also affect range. Overall, you should expect to be able to ride 25-50 miles per charge on the typical ebike.

36. How much does an ebike battery weigh?

Ebike batteries weigh between 5 and 12 pounds. Ebike batteries with a larger capacity and therefore a higher amp hour (Ah) rating tend to weigh more than lower capacity batteries.