Whether you're taking them out for some fresh air and exercise, or using them to make daily errands a little easier, electric bikes are a fun way for people of all ages (16+. Sorry kids!) and abilities to get around.

Haven't had a chance to try one out for yourself? Here are answers to some of your big, burning questions about ebikes. 

OK, so what is an electric bike?

Really, ebikes are just bikes. What makes them unique is a small electric motor, one that can give you either a gentle boost or enough power to conquer almost any hill. 

Who can ride an ebike?

Men and women. College kids and senior citizens. Hardcore cyclists, people who have been sidelined by injuries, and first-time riders. We build bikes that are designed for everyone.

Check out our guide to picking the right ebike for your lifestyle.

Can I pedal it like a normal bike?

Yep! One of the best things about ebikes is that you can put in as much or as little effort as you like. You're free to pedal like crazy, doing all the work, or if you're in a hurry, let the pedal assist solve your need for speed.

What is pedal assist?

With the click of a button (followed by the stroke of a pedal), you can control how much power the motor generates. This doesn't move the bike by itself, but it does put some oomph behind your pedaling.

On most models, there are five levels to choose from. When you go with pedal assist level 1, it will feel like someone is giving your bike a soft push while you ride. When you're at pedal assist 5, it feels like your legs have been replaced by a pair of mighty stallions.

Most of our riders hover around the pedal assist 2 range, but you always have the choice to go with whatever suits you best.

What does the throttle do? 

Pedal assist is just one way you can call up power from the motor.

When you go for the throttle, the back wheel will spin automatically, making it feel like a professional cyclist has stepped in to pedal for you. It's great for those times when you have to get up to speed quickly.

 

How fast do they go?

All of our bikes have a top speed of 25 km/h.

How long does the battery last?

The battery is where the “power” in Rad Power Bikes comes from. It's a lightweight, energy-dense alternative to the lead-acid batteries you’d find in most cars.

You can remove it from the bike and charge it using any standard power outlet. They're designed for roughly 800 charge cycles and can last up to 6-7 years.

With proper care, you can expect a range of 60-80 km per full charge.

How much do they cost?

Our bikes range from €1,199 - €1,699. 

How much care do they need?

They require servicing similar to regular bikes, but a lot less maintenance (and much less money) than an average car.

If you enjoy a hands-on approach, our in-house team of experts is always sharing bike maintenance tips to keep your bike in top shape. If you'd rather go to a professional, our bikes can be serviced by most reputable bike shops. If in doubt, our product support team is always happy to recommend one.

Is using an ebike cheating?

Sometimes, riding an ebike is so easy that it may feel like you're cheating.

New research shows that taking a spin on an ebike provides virtually the same workout as riding a regular old bike.

How can that be? If you’re not sweating through your clothes or huffing and puffing your way down the trail, you can’t really be exercising, can you?

According to multiple studies, yes, you totally can! 

Researchers at Brigham Young University recently had 33 amateur cyclists go through a six-mile loop on both ebikes with pedal assist and conventional bikes. 

Riders assigned to ebikes had an average heart rate of 145 beats per minute, just 10 beats less than conventional cyclists, and falling well within what public health professionals describe as “the vigorous-intensity zone.”

“Those who used ebikes still had elevated heart rates and enjoyed their experience,” BYU Professor Benjamin Crookston said. “I think this is a game-changer for those who have found biking too difficult. It makes this important form of exercise accessible to a broader community.”

Where can I try one?

We offer free test rides every day of the week at our showrooms in Seattle, Vancouver, B.C., and Utrecht, Netherlands, but if you’re unable to come to us, you can still try before you buy at over 150 rental locations across the world. Just look for the location nearest you!

 

Do I require a driver's license to ride an ebike?

L1e-A in many countries means that the bike needs to be registered and insured (please check your local laws and regulations for your specific situation). This gives you the peace of mind that your bike is registered and therefore can be traced in the unlikely case your bike is lost or stolen.

European authorities have carefully studied the requirements necessary for you to safely and securely ride your ebike. Only those bikes that fully comply with the L1e-A regulation are offered a European type approval.
The RadWagon 3 have been given this approval, so you can be confident that your ebike from Rad Power Bikes is of the highest quality.

All other Rad Power Bikes ebikes, including the RadRunner, RadRhino 250W, RadRhino Step-Thru, and RadMini 4, can be ridden without the need for registration or insurance.

With our 250W ebikes you can ride on the bike lane with ease.

Any other questions?

Our awesome, no-pressure customer experience team is the best in the business. They’re always happy to talk you through your options and address any concerns you may have.

Talking to them is also an excellent way to get a feel for the kind of top-notch service you can expect once your ebike arrives.

They're available 5 days per week, 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. C.E.T. ‍Reach our team at eu-info@radpowerbikes.com or +31-85 7470430

Ready to start riding Rad? Compare models in our online shop. Looking for more reasons to start riding Rad? Visit The Scenic Route for more articles, tips and community stories.