eBike Basics

What is an ebike?

An ebike or electric bike is a bicycle that incorporates an electric motor to assist propelling the bike, and a battery to power this motor.

Can you ride an electric bike without pedalling?

Strictly speaking if you are not pedalling and using a throttle then you are most likely riding on a bike that is not street legal. In Australia you need to pedal to activate the motor. You can buy ebikes with throttles but this would most likely not make them legal to use on public roads.

How can ride an ebike?

Everyone over the age of 16 can ride an ebike. Note children under the age of 16 can ride an ebike if under the supervision of a parent but not on a public road. If unsure check with your local authority as road rules do differ in various states and territories in Australia.
The beauty of ebikes is that men and women of all ages can enjoy the freedom that they bring.

What does pedal assist mean?

Pedal assist means the electrical assistance you receive when you pedal and the motor kicks in. Most ebikes will have varying levels of pedal assistance, usual levels 0-5 (0, meaning no assistance and level 5 meaning maximum assistance).

How fast do ebikes go?

In Australia the max road legal speed is 25km/h (15.5m/h.) For off-road ebikes the top speeds can exceed this but can only be ridden on private roads.

How long does a battery last?

Depending on the quality of the battery you should get 600-800 charge cycles. This should give you 3-5 years of life with regular riding. The range of the ebike will vary on battery size but on average a 500Wh battery should achieve at least 30-40km per charge.

How much does an ebike cost?

In Australia the average ebike costs between $3,000-$4,000. There are however many options over and above this price range. The key is having a budget and sticking to it. If new models are too expensive there are also plenty of ex-demos and second hand models available.

Do you need to get an ebike serviced?

If you want your ebike to last and to avoid a premature life you must get your ebike serviced regularly just like you would your car. There are plenty of helpful videos to assist in basic maintenance but it is well worth getting acquainted with your like ebike store for expert maintenance repairs and servicing.

Is an ebike cheating?

It can feel easier at times riding an ebike but it certainly isn’t cheating. The key difference is that ebike riders tend to travel further and more regularly than conventional bike riders. Why? Cause riding an ebike is whole lot of fun, and at the end of the day that’s what really matters, having fun!