10 things you should really know before buying an electric bike
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.
One of my favorite locks is the Foldylock Forever, which is compact but extremely heavy-duty and secure. You can see my review of it here.
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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Renewables and nuclear provided 40.9% of the world’s power generation in 2024, passing the 40% mark for the first time since the 1940s, according to a new global energy think tank Ember report.
Renewables added a record 858 TWh in 2024, 49% more than the previous high in 2022. Solar was the largest contributor for the third year running, adding 474 TWh to reach a share of 6.9%. Solar was the fastest-growing power source (+29%) for the 20th year in a row.
Solar has doubled in just three years, providing more than 2,000 TWh of electricity in 2024. Wind generation also grew to 8.1% of global electricity, while hydro – the single largest renewable source – remained steady at 14% of global electricity.
“Solar power has become the engine of the global energy transition,” said Phil MacDonald, Ember’s managing director. “Paired with battery storage, solar is set to be an unstoppable force. As the fastest-growing and largest source of new electricity, it is critical in meeting the world’s ever-increasing demand for electricity.”
Ember’s sixth annual Global Electricity Review, published today, provides the first comprehensive overview of the global power system in 2024 based on country-level data. It’s published alongside the world’s first open dataset on electricity generation in 2024, covering 88 countries that account for 93% of global electricity demand, as well as historical data for 215 countries.
What drove the rising power demand
The analysis finds that fossil fuels also saw a small 1.4% increase in 2024 due to surging electricity demand, pushing global power sector emissions up 1.6% to an all-time high.
Heatwaves were the main driver of the rise in fossil generation, accounting for almost a fifth (+0.7%) of the increase in global electricity demand in 2024 (+4.0%), mainly through additional use of cooling. Without these temperature effects, fossil fuel generation would have risen by only 0.2%, as clean electricity generation met 96% of the demand growth not caused by hotter temperatures.
“Amid the noise, it’s essential to focus on the real signal,” continued MacDonald. “Hotter weather drove the fossil generation increase in 2024, but we’re very unlikely to see a similar jump in 2025.”
Aside from weather effects, the increasing use of electricity for AI, data centers, EVs, and heat pumps is already contributing to global demand growth. Combined, the growing use of these technologies accounted for a 0.7% increase in global electricity demand in 2024, double what they contributed five years ago.
Clean power will grow faster than demand
Ember’s report shows that clean generation growth is set to outpace faster-rising demand in the coming years, marking the start of a permanent decline in fossil fuel generation. The current expected growth in clean generation would be sufficient to meet a demand increase of 4.1% per year to 2030, which is above expectations for demand growth.
“The world is watching how technologies like AI and EVs will drive electricity demand,” said MacDonald. “It’s clear that booming solar and wind are comfortably set to deliver, and those expecting fossil fuel generation to keep rising will be disappointed.”
Beyond emerging technologies, the growth trajectories of the world’s largest emerging economies will play a crucial role in defining the global outlook. More than half of the increase in solar generation in 2024 was in China, with its clean generation growth meeting 81% of its demand increase in 2024. India’s solar capacity additions in 2024 doubled compared to 2023. These two countries are at the forefront of the drive to clean power and will help tip the balance toward a decline in fossil generation at a global level.
Professor Xunpeng Shi, president of the International Society for Energy Transition Studies (ISETS), said: “The future of the global power system is being shaped in Asia, with China and India at the heart of the energy transition. Their increasing reliance on renewables to power demand growth marks a shift that will redefine the global power sector and accelerate the decline of fossil fuels.”
Read more: Made-in-America solar just got a big win in Louisiana
If you live in an area that has frequent natural disaster events, and are interested in making your home more resilient to power outages, consider going solar and adding a battery storage system. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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The next-gen LEAF is almost here, and it’s looking better than ever. This isn’t the electric hatch you are used to seeing. Nissan’s new LEAF EV has more range, a fresh crossover design, and yes, it can finally charge up at Tesla Superchargers with an NACS port. With the official reveal just around the corner, someone already spotted the new LEAF at a Tesla charger in Canada.
Nissan is launching the new LEAF in the US and Canada
A little over a week ago, we finally got our first look at the third-generation LEAF. Nissan’s iconic electric hatch has grown into a “sleek and spacious family-friendly crossover.”
The US and Canada will be the first to see the reimagined LEAF later this year. It will join the Ariya in Nissan’s North American EV lineup as it looks to spark growth in one of its most important markets.
Based on the CMF-EV platform, the same one underpinning the Ariya, Nissan promises the new LEAF will have “significant range improvements.” Although no other details were revealed, Nissan’s vehicle programs chief, Francois Bailly, told TopGear.com that it’s expected to have WLTP driving range of up to 373 miles (600 km).
It will likely be lower on the EPA scale, but anything even close to 300 miles would be a major improvement over the current 212 EPA-estimated miles offered on the 2025 LEAF SV Plus.
The next-gen LEAF will also be Nissan’s first EV to feature an integrated NACS charging port. With its official debut later this year, the new model is out for testing and was just caught testing at a Tesla Supercharger in Canada.
If you didn’t know what vehicle it is, the LEAF is hardly recognizable. The new image from KindelAuto gives us a closer look at the new crossover design. It almost looks like a Tesla sitting in front of the charger.
The new LEAF is one of 10 new and refreshed Nissan vehicles set to launch in the US and Canada. It will arrive later this year, followed by the fourth-gen Rogue in 2026, which will be available as a PHEV for the first time.
Nissan also plans to build a new “adventure-focused SUV” at its Canton, Mississippi, plant in late 2027. The teaser shows what appears to be a rugged electric Xterra. We’ll have to wait for more details on that one.
Nissan will reveal additional info about the upcoming LEAF mid-year. Check back soon for more updates.
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The Port of Barcelona launched the Ecocat Tres, a highly efficient, all-electric commuter ferry powered by Molabo’s ARIES i50 electric motors.
Ecocat Tres is the latest zero-emission ferry in Bus Nàutic’s growing electric fleet, providing clean transportation between the Drassanes and Llevant wharves. In just its first three months, the Bus Nàutic service logged over 125,000 sustainable trips. Operated by ALSA and backed by the Port of Barcelona, the initiative offers locals and visitors an eco-friendly way to travel, cutting down on road congestion and air pollution in the bustling city.
Built by Spanish shipbuilder Metaltec Naval, Ecocat Tres is a 15-meter aluminum catamaran that carries up to 84 passengers. It even includes a rooftop deck, offering extra seating and a breezy ride across the port. The ferry runs every 15 to 30 minutes for at least 12 hours each day, with the entire trip taking about 10 minutes.
Under the deck are two powerful 48V Molabo ARIES i50 motors, enabling the electric ferry to hit a top speed of 12 knots. Cruising at its regular operational speed of 5 knots, Ecocat Tres can run efficiently for up to 21 hours on a single charge, making it highly reliable for daily commuters.
Molabo’s motors have a low-voltage setup, which makes them safer to maintain compared to traditional high-voltage electric systems. Passengers also enjoy a smoother, quieter ride thanks to significantly reduced noise and vibrations onboard. Azimut Marine supplied the full propulsion and energy system, which includes two ARIES 50 kW electric drives, 36 batteries providing a total of 216 kWh, fast chargers, and integrated solar panels. Impressively, solar power alone can cover up to 40% of the ferry’s energy needs.
Ecocat Tres will cut around 90 tons of CO2 emissions each year, making a positive impact on Barcelona’s ambitious climate goals.
Port of Barcelona president José Antonio Carbonell said, “This 100% electric, zero-emission passenger ferry is helping us reshape mobility in the port and accelerate the decarbonization of our operations.”
To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*
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