The question may sound obvious, especially since electric bicycles are one of the fastest-growing modes of transportation on the market. An e-bike is a bicycle that assists the rider by providing motorized pedal assistance...right?
It turns out the question is a little more complicated than that. There are lots of different kinds of e-bikes out there, with different classes based on maximum speed and throttle that impact whether they can be ridden on trails in certain areas. (Check the regulations in your city, state, or county before hitting max speeds on your e-bike.) There are also vehicles that are close to the world of e-bikes but significantly different.
In this blog post, we’ll offer an extensive definition of what an e-bike really is, along with an overview of the following:
- Similar vehicles with important distinctions
- Different types of e-bikes
- Electric bicycles at ERIK’S
Definition of an E-Bike
We all know what a bicycle is: a vehicle with pedals that have to be operated by the rider in order to propel the bike into motion. No license needed to operate, and no fuel necessary (except the power that the rider provides).
But what is an e-bike? In a nutshell, an e-bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that assists with pedaling. There are many different kinds of e-bikes, but all of them use an electric motor and battery to help move the bike. Most have a remote or controller that lets you choose the amount of power the system provides. In some cases, the rider can use a throttle to power the motor without pedaling.
The important thing to remember is that e-bikes are designed to complement human power, not replace it. In other words, like any bike, an electric bicycle has pedals that have to be ridden by the cyclist for the bike to move.
As e-bikes become more popular, the market becomes flooded with inferior products that, in some cases, may lead to fire or safety hazards. This is why it’s important for electric bicycles to receive UL or EN certification to ensure that they align with the latest standards. (UL and EN are abbreviations for two of the organizations that evaluate mobility devices: Underwriters Laboratories in the first case, Europäische Norm/European Standards in the second.)
While UL/EN certification isn’t a mandatory law in the U.S. (except in New York, where such a law was passed in March 2023), it’s now commonplace for e-bike retailers to only sell certified electric bicycles—as ERIK’S does. By verifying that the e-bike you’re purchasing aligns with UL/EN standards, you can rest assured that the bicycle and its parts (particularly the battery and motor) are constructed to the highest standards of safety and reliability.
What Isn't an E-Bike?
The definition above seems pretty cut and dry, but still, there are some options that are close to electric bikes...but definitely aren’t. Some of them are even marketed as e-bikes when they clearly belong to a different category.
One example is the Sur-Ron motorbike, which is closer to an off-road motorcycle than an electric bicycle.
Another is the Super73, which labels some of its products “electric bikes” even though they might more accurately be called mopeds or motorcycles.
But again, these products do not require pedaling for operation and are typically designed for motorized speed instead of cycling. The e-bikes that ERIK’S sells are more accurately electric bikes, which provide a level of pedal assistance but still rely on the cyclist’s motion to become mobile. A good general rule of thumb: if it doesn’t have pedals, it’s not a bike.
On a similar note, vehicles like motorbikes and mopeds require a license to operate as a “motor vehicle.” It’s always a good idea to check local legislation to see what is legal to purchase in your area, since some motorized vehicles have restrictions that vary geographically. Electric bicycles, on the other hand, do not require a license to operate and are generally legal to ride in all areas, though there are restrictions around certain classes of e-bikes (learn more in the “Types of E-Bikes" section below).
Here’s a handy at-a-glance summary of similar vehicles on the market:
Another way to look at it: if you remove the word “electric” from the front of bicycles, motorcycles, and mopeds, most people recognize the differences between these modes of transportation.
Types of E-Bikes
E-bikes are categorized by class, with Class 1 being pedal-assist only, Class 2 being pedal-assist and throttle, and Class 3 being pedal-assist only with a higher top speed. (There is a little overlap here, as some Class 2 bikes can operate at Class 3 speeds.) Different locations have various restrictions around which class of e-bike can be used and how fast it can be ridden, so check your city, county, or state’s ordinances before riding.
Just like there are numerous kinds of non-electric bikes for various kinds of riding, the world of e-bikes is just as vast and diverse. Here are only a few of the different types of e-bikes, all of which are available at ERIK’S:
- Electric mountain bikes – Electric mountain bikes (or eMTBs) make riding the trails even more exhilarating. Cyclists find themselves able to conquer singletrack that wasn't possible before, going for longer distances and embracing the challenges of the toughest trails.
- Electric road bikes – If you’re a road cyclist who enjoys long scenic rides on paved or gravel paths, electric road bikes will make you feel like you’re riding on a cloud! Their extra pedal power makes navigating the city a breeze, and they'll allow you to bike faster and farther than ever before.
- Commuter electric bikes – E-bikes make it easy to navigate the city on your commute, whether you're on your way to work or running errands around town. With a variety of mounts for racks and bags to carry groceries and other supplies, electric commuter bikes also avoid the hassle of wondering how you'll transport everything on two wheels.
- Electric trikes and recumbent bikes – Two kinds of recreational e-bikes are ideal if you're looking to maximize comfort: electric trikes and recumbent bikes. These e-bikes are designed to allow the rider to sit more comfortably and take stress off the spine, hands, and hips, making them ideal for cyclists recovering from injuries or experiencing mobility impairments.
Need a little more guidance on the wide array of electric bikes out there? Check out our E-Bike Buying Guide!
Conclusion: Electric Bikes at ERIK'S
Even though electric bikes have been taking off the last few years, there’s still some confusion about what exactly qualifies as an e-bike. That’s why we set out to provide an answer and summarize the various types of e-bikes out there. To recap:
- An e-bike is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that assists with pedaling.
- An e-bike is NOT a moped, scooter, or motorcycle, which require a license to operate and do not need to be pedaled to move.
- Generally speaking, if it has pedals, then it’s a bicycle.
- There are many different kinds of e-bikes, including electric mountain bikes, road bikes, and commuter bikes.
You can always find the best selection of electric bicycles at ERIK’S, from top brands like Aventon, Specialized, BMC, and more! We also carry a wide variety of e-bikes in different riding styles, including road e-bikes, eMTBs, commuter e-bikes, and recreational e-bikes.
While technical specs vary across different models of e-bikes, many feature reliable pedal-assist systems, long-range batteries, and the ability to ride in traditional bike lanes or on paths (aside from some Class 3 restrictions). In other words, they expand your ability to roam, navigate, and simply pedal away the days—all while giving yourself a workout and protecting the environment.
Once you purchase your e-bike from ERIK'S, you can be confident we have your back with ERIK’S Extras, reliable service, and financing and layaway options to make your e-bike dreams a reality.
Ready to join the world of e-bikes or continue along your electric cycling journey? Shop our full selection online or stop into an ERIK’S store to find the perfect option with the help of our expert team members!
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