Why Might You Consider an E-Bike?
- Injury, disability, age, fitness issues
- Live on a steep hill
- Get there faster
- Want to keep up with others who are faster
- Haul children, groceries, etc.
- Save the planet, less GHG emissions
- Save money
- Ride to work and not be sweaty
- More fun
Things to Consider When Choosing an E-Bike
What kind of riding do you do now? How frequently do you ride now?
- Almost any type of bike that exists: road bike, beach cruiser, townie, mountain bike, cargo bike, folding bike, tricycle – comes in an electric version!
- The electric version will be heavier (motor + battery) than a similar non-electric bike.
- We recommend trying different bikes out to see what fits and feels comfortable to YOUR body! (Plus buying from a local shop means an easier time of it with repairs, warranty issues, accessories, etc.)
Considerations specific to e-bikes:
Where is the motor?
- Mid-drive motors are found on higher-end bikes, and put the weight and the power in the center of the bike, which many people feel makes the bike better balanced.
- Hub-drive motors are most often in the rear wheel, often in lower-priced bikes, and can feel like you are being pushed; also makes the bike heavier in the back than in the front.
- Some people convert existing bikes to electric bikes with a front wheel hub motor.
Where is the battery?
- Most e-bikes have the battery mounted externally; it can be removed for charging indoors.
- Some have the battery inside the frame, which means you must plug in the whole bike.
What class of e-bike?
California Vehicle Code (CVC) lists three classes of e-bikes. This is important to consider as which one you buy can influence WHERE and by WHOM it can be ridden.
Rules & Regulations Specific to E-Bikes
NOTE: Policies regarding e-bikes are in a state of flux, especially local rules about where you can and can’t ride them. Before riding in a new place, check local rules. We will strive to keep this information updated here!
Where can I ride my e-bike?
- CVC says Class I & II e-bikes can be ridden anywhere a regular bike can, unless a local jurisdiction makes different rules. Class III e-bikes can only be ridden by people aged 16 and up and a helmet must be worn; they are NOT allowed on Class I, separated bikeways. (e.g. Joe Rodota Trail)
- The speed limit on ALL Class I trails is 15 mph, no matter HOW fast your bike can go! Be nice to the pedestrians!
- E-bikes are prohibited on unpaved trails in Sonoma County Regional Parks and in Annadel State Park. Federal lands – National Parks, National Forests, and BLM – allow e-bikes wherever regular bikes are allowed.
How about public transit?
- You can take your ebike on the SMART train.
- Sonoma County Transit, Petaluma Transit, and Santa Rosa Transit don’t prohibit ebikes.
- Golden Gate Transit prohibits them on all buses and ferries.
Other Common Questions
How many miles will I get per charge? How long does it take to charge?
- It takes 3-5 hours to fully charge an ebike battery.
- MANY factors influence how many miles you can travel on one charge:
- Battery power
- Terrain (flat, hills) & weather (wind)
- Weight (bike + rider + cargo)
- How much assist you use (bikes have 2-5 varying levels)
How do I keep my bike secure?
- Get a good U-lock
- Double lock
- Bring the bike indoors
- Bring the battery indoors with you
- Replace quick-release levers
- Other tips here
But isn’t it cheating?
IT’S NOT CHEATING IF YOU’RE NOT IN A RACE! You’re riding a bike instead of a car, still getting exercise, and still reducing GHG emissions!