Ebikes are getting more popular every year, due in part to a wider recognition of them and inclusion of their needs in state planning and regulatory rules. This has led to more manufacturers in the marketplace to match the high demand as well, and that means more visibility for the concept in all the marketplaces where bicycles are sold. Electric bikes enjoy a special place in vehicle regulation, because their motorized assist makes them a consistently fast method of travel that can take a user up to 28 miles per hour in some cases but they do not require a license to operate like most other motorized vehicles.
Why the Exception? Don’t You Need To Pedal?
Assisted bicycles are given a special classification because of two reasons. The first is that they are built to simulate the speeds and methods of operation of a traditional bicycle, which means it makes more sense to regulate them as one. The second is because their engine size is limited to a single horsepower, making it even less powerful than many riding lawnmowers and other small engine vehicles that go unregulated. Electric bikes for adults fall into one of three well-recognized classes. Multiple states have adopted this classification, enough that the other states’ electric bike cultures are adopting their terminology even without a legislative backing.
- Class 1 motors only assist while the rider is pedaling and stop assisting when the bike reaches 20 mph
- Class 2 ebike motors assist whether or not the rider is pedaling, but stop assisting when the bike reaches 20 mph
- Class 3 mechanisms only work while the rider is pedaling and cut off assist at 28 mph
The use of these classes makes regulation easy, because trails and shared paths can easily be regulated to the appropriate classes of assistance. Since two of the forms of electric assist require pedaling, this naturally leads new riders to ask whether their pedaling style needs to change and how the assist will affect them.
Relax Your Technique
The nice thing about most womens electric bike models? You don’t need to pedal hard, you hardly need to pedal. While this might disappoint hardcore exercise enthusiasts, that’s not what the ebike is for. Instead, it provides the extra boost you usually would need to put serious power into your pedaling to get. That means hills are easy, you can pace yourself to pedal for comfort and fun without worry, and you won’t break a sweat unless you choose to. It’s ideal for a wide range of applications you just can’t use a traditional bike for.
- Commuting with ease
- Support for riders in physical rehab
- Partially disabled riders
- Lowering strain on long rides
- Building endurance at your own pace
So what’s the best electric bike for women? That depends on what you’re looking for. If you’re wanting to go off-road with the kind of power that will push you through rugged trails, you need a class 3 motor. If you’re looking for a commuter ride, then you can choose either lower speed class if they’re both allowed in your municipality. As with any new vehicle investment, it’s important to understand the rules before you take it out on the road… or the trail.
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