Electric bikes are revolutionizing how we move, making commuting, fitness, and outdoor adventures more accessible and fun. They are useful as both a fun recreational tool and a powerful alternative to car ownership, making them a versatile tool for millions of people in the US and around the world.
Whether you’re looking to reduce your carbon footprint, avoid traffic, or enjoy a boost on uphill rides, there’s a lot to love about e-bikes. And now that the holiday shopping season is bearing down upon us, more people than ever will likely be hopping on a new e-bike soon. But before you dive in and get your own, here are 10 essential things you should know.
1. Understand the different classes of e-bikes
In the US, e-bikes come in three main classes, each with different capabilities. These classes impact the bikes’ speeds and how the motor is engaged, meaning they will have a large effect on how and where you may use your e-bike:
• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, 750W max power, and max speed under motor power is 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Class 2: Pedal-assist or throttle, 750W max power, and max speed under motor power is 20 mph (32 km/h).
• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, 750W max power, and max speed under motor power is 28 mph (45 km/h).
Not all states in the US use the three-class system, but most do. You should check to see if yours is one of them. While it won’t matter which class of e-bike you have for most public streets and bike lanes, there are some areas, such as mountain bike trails or specific bike paths, that can be limited to only Class 1 e-bikes. Understanding these class distinctions is important because they can determine where you can legally ride and how fast the bike will allow you to go.
2. Range is key (but not always accurate)
When shopping for an e-bike, pay close attention to the range, which indicates how far you can travel on a single charge. Range can vary based on factors like terrain, rider weight, and how much you use pedal-assist or throttle.
Most e-bikes claim a range of between 30-60 miles (and some considerably more), but many of these ranges are unrealistic. They are usually calculated by using the lowest pedal assist level, resulting in longer ranges per charge by operating the bike in its lowest power mode.
Unless the company is specifically listing ranges for each power level, then a general rule of thumb is to cut the advertised range figure in half to get a realistic real world range, especially when considering a throttle-powered e-bike, since many e-bike makers don’t list the throttle-only range.
Another way to compare ranges is to ignore the actual mileage figure and instead compare the battery size, usually listed in watt-hours (Wh). This is the true capacity of the battery, and a more standardized basis for comparison. The weight and design of different bikes can still cause mileage differences, but comparing watt-hours is still the best proxy for true range comparisons.
3. Consider your needs when choosing an e-bike style
There are dozens of different ‘style’s of e-bikes out there, from utility and cargo e-bikes to folders and fitness e-bikes, and everything in between.
If you plan on using your e-bike for grocery runs, commuting, or even carrying kids, think about your cargo needs. Some e-bikes come with built-in racks or baskets, while others offer them as add-ons. There are even e-cargo bikes specifically designed to carry heavy loads, making them a great alternative to a car for local errands.
If you’re planning to use your e-bike for fitness, a lighter weight model styled more like a road bike is likely a better option.
If you plan on riding nature trails or mountain bike, then a fat tire e-bike or an electric mountain bike is likely the best option.
For riders who want one bike that can work for the widest range of scenarios, then a hybrid between a utility e-bike and a fat tire e-bike, such as a RadRunner or Lectric XP 3.0 styled e-bike is a good compromise. They can be loaded up with cargo or passengers, ridden both on and off-road, and are still fairly compact.
4. Maintenance is similar to regular bikes
Although e-bikes have motors and batteries, much of their maintenance is the same as traditional bikes. Regularly check tire pressure, brakes, and chain lubrication. The motor and battery may need occasional software updates or specialized care, but overall, e-bikes are designed to be user-friendly.
If you aren’t used to doing bike maintenance, then it would be a good idea to find a friendly local bike shop that can help you with occasional bike checkups, and that you can call upon if you ever need service. This is especially true if you’re buying your e-bike online from a direct-to-consumer brand, since you will be expected to perform most maintenance and repairs yourself.
5. Battery life and charging tips
Most e-bikes come with lithium-ion batteries, which typically last for somewhere between 500-1,000 full charge cycles. This will vary depending on the type of battery cells and the care given to the battery over its lifetime.
To extend battery life, avoid completely draining the battery and try not to leave it fully charged for too long if you’re storing the bike. A general rule of thumb is that if you’re not going to use the bike for more than a week, leave the battery at slightly less than full charge, such as 80-90%. If you won’t use the bike for a month or more, such as over the winter, try to store the battery at around 50% charge.
Charging times for e-bike batteries can vary, but most e-bikes take 4-6 hours to fully recharge. You can plug them into any standard wall outlet, making charging convenient. You can also get a second charger if you’d like to keep one at work, but be sure to get the appropriate spare charger that matches your e-bike’s voltage and charge rate. It is best to purchase a replacement charger from the manufacturer of your e-bike, unless you are versed in electronics and can be sure to match the voltage and amperage correctly.
6. Pedal-assist vs. throttle mode
Most e-bikes sold in the US offer both pedal-assist and throttle modes. This is different from Europe, where nearly all e-bikes lack throttles due to local regulations.
Pedal-assist amplifies your pedaling effort, making it easier to climb hills or ride longer distances without getting tired. Throttle mode, available on Class 2 e-bikes (and most e-bikes sold in the US as “Class 3-capable”), allows you to ride without pedaling at all.
Think about how you plan to ride, as this can influence which type of bike you should get. Most Americans prefer an e-bike with a throttle so they have it just in case, but a pedal-assist only e-bike can be a great way to ensure you’re getting good exercise and not falling back on throttle use too often.
7. Weight of the bike
E-bikes tend to be heavier than traditional bikes due to the motor and battery, as well as the more rugged frame. Many e-bikes range from 45-75 pounds (20-35 kg), but lighter and heavier e-bikes can also be found.
The higher end of that range might sound intimidating, but this weight is usually not noticeable when riding. However, the extra weight of heavy e-bikes certainly can be a factor when lifting or transporting the bike. If you’ll be storing your bike in an apartment or need to carry it upstairs, consider how comfortable you are managing the extra weight.
8. Invest in a good lock
Since e-bikes can be a larger investment than traditional bikes, theft prevention is crucial. At minimum, you should invest in a high-quality lock.
Ideally, two locks of different styles are preferable. For example, using a heavy U-lock or folding lock paired with a chain lock will show thieves that it’s probably not worth the extra time and risk of trying to defeat two different locks.
Many e-bikes come with built-in GPS tracking or offer optional tracking devices, adding an extra layer of security. Even adding a small tracking device like an Apple AirTag can be a good idea and offer extra peace of mind.
9. E-bikes can save you money
While e-bikes might seem like a significant upfront investment, they can actually save you money in the long run. By using an e-bike for commuting, you’ll save on fuel, parking fees, and car maintenance.
Additionally, charging an e-bike is extremely cost-effective compared to fueling a car—often costing just a few cents per charge.
10. Test ride before you buy
Lastly, it’s always a good idea to test-ride a few different models before making a purchase. E-bikes come in many shapes and sizes—whether it’s a commuter bike, folding model, or off-road fat tire option. A test ride helps you get a feel for the bike’s comfort, handling, and features, ensuring you pick the right one for your needs.
Your local bike shop will almost certainly have several e-bike models available for you to test ride. Many of the direct-to-consumer e-bikes found online won’t have as many options for local test rides, but you may have a friend with an e-bike (or two!) who can let you give it a try.
E-bikes are a fantastic way to enhance your transportation, whether for commuting, exercising, or just enjoying the outdoors.
By knowing the basics and planning ahead, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right e-bike for your lifestyle and enjoy all the benefits these versatile machines have to offer!
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Venmo, long a centerpiece of PayPal‘s growth story but often criticized for its lack of monetization, is becoming a bigger contributor to the business.
PayPal said Tuesday in its first-quarter earnings release that revenue at Venmo increased 20% year-over-year in the first quarter, though the company didn’t provide a dollar figure. PayPal acquired Venmo in 2013 through the acquisition of parent company Braintree.
While it’s long been a popular consumer service for sending money to friends, Venmo’s ability to drive meaningful revenue has been a major question mark for investors, especially as competition from rivals like Zelle and Square Cash has intensified.
Venmo’s total payment volume rose 10% from a year earlier, but revenue grew twice as fast, reflecting the business opportunity. Venmo only gets revenue from specific products like Pay with Venmo at online checkout, Venmo debit cards, and instant transfers, but not from peer-to-peer payments.
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Ahead of the earnings report, Jefferies analysts noted that Venmo revenue growth appeared to be “accelerating sharply” and flagged its rising contribution to branded checkout as a key area to watch. Compass Point analysts similarly said that while competition from Zelle and Square Cash remains fierce, Venmo’s traction with debit cards and online checkout could “open up new monetization avenues” if adoption trends continue.
The company added nearly 2 million first-time PayPal and Venmo debit card users during the quarter, and total debit card payment volume across PayPal and Venmo climbed more than 60%. Meanwhile, Pay with Venmo transaction volume surged 50% year over year, and Venmo debit card monthly active users grew about 40%.
PayPal reported better-than-expected earnings for the quarter but missed on revenue. The company reaffirmed its full-year guidance, citing macroeconomic uncertainty.
CEO of PayPal Alex Chriss speaks during the Semafor 2025 World Economy Summit at Conrad Washington on April 24, 2025 in Washington, DC.
Alex Wong | Getty Images
PayPalreported better-than-expected earnings for the first quarter, but the company missed on revenue and reaffirmed its guidance for 2025 due to macro uncertainty. The stock fell about 2% in pre-market trading.
Here’s how the company did compared with Wall Street estimates, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:
Earnings per share: $1.33, adjusted vs. $1.16 expected
Revenue: $7.79 billion vs. $7.85 billion expected
While sales increased just 1% from $7.7 billion a year earlier, PayPal said the results reflect a strategy to prioritize profitability over volume, rolling off lower-margin revenue streams.
Transaction margin dollars, the company’s key measure of profitability, grew 7% to $3.7 billion, marking the company’s fifth consecutive quarter of profitable growth under CEO Alex Chriss.
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PayPal shares are down 24% this year, while the Nasdaq has dropped 10%
Total payment volume, an indication of how digital payments are faring in the broader economy, missed estimates, coming in at $417.2 billion, versus the nearly $418 billion analysts projected. The number of active accounts rose 2% from a year earlier to 436 million.
Venmo revenue rose 20% year over year, though the company didn’t provide a dollar figure. Total payment volume for Venmo increased 10% to $75.9 billion. Pay with Venmo transaction volume climbed 50% in the quarter and Venmo debit card monthly active users increased by about 40%.
Chriss has focused on better monetizing key acquisitions like Braintree and Venmo. DoorDash,Starbucksand Ticketmaster are among businesses now accepting Venmo as one way that consumers can pay.
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Ahead of PayPal’s earnings report, some analysts had struck a cautious tone despite the company’s focus on margin expansion. Morgan Stanley analysts warned in a note on Monday that investor sentiment remained bearish due to the potential impact of tariffs, competitive pressure from Apple and Shopify, and the risk of a long-term slowdown in branded checkout growth.
Jefferies analysts highlighted PayPal’s China cross-border exposure as an emerging risk tied to potential new tariffs and changes to the de minimis exemption.
For the second quarter, PayPal issued better-than-expected guidance, forecasting adjusted earnings per share of $1.29 to $1.31, above the average analyst estimate of $1.21. Transaction margin dollars will increase 4% to 5% to between $3.75 billion and $3.8 billion, the company said.
However, for the full year, PayPal chose to reaffirm its guidance, citing “global macroeconomic uncertainty.” The company expects earnings per share of $4.95 to $5.10 for the year and free cash flow in the range of $6 billion to $7 billion.
PayPal shares are down 24% this year, while the Nasdaq has dropped 10%.
British oil and gasoline company BP (British Petroleum) signage is being pictured in Warsaw, Poland, on July 29, 2024.
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British oil giant BP on Tuesday posted slightly weaker-than-expected first-quarter net profit, following a recent strategic reset and a slump in crude prices.
The beleaguered oil and gas major posted underlying replacement cost profit, used as a proxy for net profit, of $1.38 billion for the first three months of the year. That missed analyst expectations of $1.6 billion, according to an LSEG-compiled consensus.
BP’s net profit had hit $2.7 billion a year earlier and $1.2 billion in the final three months of 2024.
The results come as the energy major faces fresh pressure from activist investors less than two months after announcing a strategic reset.
Seeking to rebuild investor confidence, BP in February pledged to slash renewable spending and boost annual expenditure on its core business of oil and gas.
BP CEO Murray Auchincloss told CNBC’s “Squawk Box Europe” on Tuesday that the firm was “off to a great start” in delivering on its strategic reset.
“We had a great operational quarter. We had our highest upstream operating efficiency in history. Our refineries in the first quarter ran at the best they’ve run in 24 years. We had six exploration discoveries in a row, which is really unusual and we started out three major projects,” Auchincloss said.
For the first quarter, BP announced a dividend per ordinary share of 8 cents and a share buyback of $750 million.
Net debt rose to $26.97 billion in the January-March period, up from $22.99 billion at the end of the fourth quarter. BP had previously warned of lower reported upstream production and higher net debt in the first quarter, when compared to the final three months of last year.
Shares of BP fell 3.3% on Tuesday morning. The firm is down roughly 8% year-to-date.
Activist pressure
BP’s green strategy U-turn does not appear to have gone far enough for the likes of activist investor Elliott Management, which went public last week with a stake of more than 5% in the London-listed firm.
The disclosure makes the U.S. hedge fund BP’s second-largest shareholder after BlackRock, the world’s largest asset manager, according to LSEG data.
Elliott was first reported to have assumed a position in the oil and gas company back in February, driving a share price rally amid expectations that its involvement could pressure BP to shift gears back toward its oil and gas businesses.
BP’s Auchincloss declined to comment on interactions with investors when asked whether the firm was under pressure from the likes of Elliott to go beyond the plans announced in its February pivot.
Notably, BP suffered a shareholder rebellion at its annual general meeting earlier this month. Almost a quarter (24.3%) of investors voted against the re-election of outgoing Chair Helge Lund, a symbolic result that reflected a sense of deep frustration among the firm’s shareholders.
Mark van Baal, founder of Dutch activist investor Follow This, told CNBC last week that he hoped the shareholder revolt means Amanda Blanc, who is leading the process to find Lund’s successor, will look for a new chair who is “climate competent” and “will not respond to short-term activists so quickly.”
Lund is expected to step down from his role next year.
Takeover candidate
BP’s underperformance relative to industry peers such as Exxon Mobil, Chevron and Shell has thrust the energy major into the spotlight as a prime takeover candidate. Energy analysts have questioned, however, whether any of the likeliest suitors will rise to the occasion.
BP’s Auchincloss on Tuesday said that he wouldn’t speculate on whether the company is a takeover target, but confirmed the oil major had not asked for any sort of protection from the British government.
“What I will say is we’re a strong, independent company and we’ve got sector-leading growth. And if we can deliver the sector-leading growth, and the first quarter is a fantastic example of that, then I have no concerns. I think we’re going to do great,” Auchincloss said.
Murray Auchincloss, chief executive officer of BP, during the “CERAWeek by S&P Global” conference in Houston, Texas, on March 11, 2025.
Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images
Oil prices have fallen in recent months on demand fears. International benchmark Brent crude futures with June delivery traded at $65.19 per barrel on Tuesday morning, down more than 1% for the session. That’s lower from around $84 per barrel a year ago.
Asked whether weaker crude prices could put the some of the firm’s reset plans in jeopardy, Auchincloss said, “Not really. We have a balance of products that we think about that generate revenue for us. So, oil, natural gas and refined products as well.”
— CNBC’s Ruxandra Iordache contributed to this report.