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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.

rad power bikes radkick

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.

ride1up prodigy v2 electric bike disc brake hydraulic

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.

velotric discover 2 battery

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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Mercedes-Benz opens its first DC fast charging hub at Starbucks

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6 hours ago

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November 25, 2025

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Mercedes-Benz opens its first DC fast charging hub at Starbucks

Mercedes-Benz charging Starbucks

Photo: Mercedes-Benz HPC North America

Mercedes-Benz High-Power Charging and Starbucks have officially opened their first DC fast charging hub together, off the I-5 in Red Bluff, California.

The 400 kW Mercedes-Benz chargers are capable of adding up to 300 miles in 10 minutes, depending on the EV, and every stall has both NACS and CCS cables – they’re fully open DC fast chargers.

Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, a joint venture between subsidiaries of Mercedes-Benz Group and renewable energy producer MN8 Energy, first announced in July 2024 that it would install DC fast chargers at Starbucks stores along Interstate 5, the main 1,400-mile north-south interstate highway on the US West Coast from Canada to Mexico. Ultimately, Mercedes plans to install fast chargers at 100 Starbucks stores across the US.

Mercedes-Benz HPC opened its first North American charging site at Mercedes-Benz USA’s headquarters in Sandy Springs, Georgia, in November 2023 as part of an initial $1 billion charging network investment. As of the end of 2024, Mercedes had deployed over 150 operational fast chargers in the US, but it hasn’t disclosed an official number of how many chargers are currently online.

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Andrew Cornelia, CEO of Mercedes-Benz HPC North America, is leaving the company at the end of the month to become global head of electrification & sustainability at Uber.

Read more: Mercedes-Benz is deploying 400 kW US-made EV fast chargers with CCS and NACS cables

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Tesla AI4 vs. NVIDIA Thor: the brutal reality of self-driving computers

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7 hours ago

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November 25, 2025

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Tesla AI4 vs. NVIDIA Thor: the brutal reality of self-driving computers


The race for autonomous driving has three fronts: software, hardware, and regulatory. For years, we’ve watched Tesla try to brute-force its way to “Full Self-Driving (FSD)” with its own custom hardware, while the rest of the automotive industry is increasingly lining up behind NVIDIA.

Now that we know Tesla’s new AI5 chip is delayed and won’t be in vehicles until 2027, it’s worth comparing the two most dominant “self-driving” chips today: Tesla’s latest Hardware 4 (AI4) and NVIDIA’s Drive Thor.

Here’s a table comparing the two chips with the best possible specs I could find. greentheonly’s teardown was particularly useful. If you find things you think are not accurate, please don’t hesitate to reach out:

Feature / Specification Tesla AI4 (Hardware 4.0) NVIDIA Drive Thor (AGX / Jetson)
Developer / Architect Tesla (in-house) NVIDIA
Manufacturing Process Samsung 7nm (7LPP class) TSMC 4N (custom 5nm class)
Release Status In production (shipping since 2023) In production since 2025
CPU Architecture ARM Cortex-A72 (legacy) ARM Neoverse V3AE (server-grade)
CPU Core Count 20 cores (5× clusters of 4 cores) 14 cores (Jetson T5000 configuration)
AI Performance (INT8) ~100–150 TOPS (dual-SoC system) 1,000 TOPS (per chip)
AI Performance (FP4) Not supported / not disclosed 2,000 TFLOPS (per chip)
Neural Processing Unit 3× custom NPU cores per SoC Blackwell Tensor Cores + Transformer Engine
Memory Type GDDR6 LPDDR5X
Memory Bus Width 256-bit 256-bit
Memory Bandwidth ~384 GB/s ~273 GB/s
Memory Capacity ~16 GB typical system Up to 128 GB (Jetson Thor)
Power Consumption Est. 80–100 W (system) 40 W – 130 W (configurable)
Camera Support 5 MP proprietary Tesla cameras Scalable, supports 8MP+ and GMSL3
Special Features Dual-SoC redundancy on one board Native Transformer Engine, NVLink-C2C

The most striking difference right off the bat is the manufacturing process. NVIDIA is throwing everything at Drive Thor, using TSMC’s cutting-edge 4N process (a custom 5nm-class node). This allows them to pack in the new Blackwell architecture, which is essentially the same tech powering the world’s most advanced AI data centers.  

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Tesla, on the other hand, pulled a move that might surprise spec-sheet warriors. Teardowns confirm that AI4 is built on Samsung’s 7nm process. This is mature, reliable, and much cheaper than TSMC’s bleeding-edge nodes.

When you look at the compute power, NVIDIA claims a staggering 2,000 TFLOPS for Thor. But there’s a catch. That number uses FP4 (4-bit floating point) precision, a new format designed specifically for the Transformer models used in generative AI.  

Tesla’s AI4 is estimated to hit around 100-150 TOPS (INT8) across its dual-SoC redundant system. On paper, it looks like a slaughter, but Tesla made a very specific engineering trade-off that tells us exactly what was bottling up their software: memory bandwidth.

Tesla switched from LPDDR4 in HW3 to GDDR6 in HW4, the same power-hungry memory you find in gaming graphics cards (GPUs). This gives AI4 a massive memory bandwidth of approximately 384 GB/s, compared to Thor’s 273 GB/s (on the single-chip Jetson config) using LPDDR5X.  

This suggests Tesla’s vision-only approach, which ingests massive amounts of raw video from high-res cameras, was starving for data.

Based on Elon Musk’s comments that Tesla’s AI5 chip will have 5x the memory bandwidth, it sounds like it might still be Tesla’s bottleneck.

Here is where Tesla’s cost-cutting really shows. AI4 is still running on ARM Cortex-A72 cores, an architecture that is nearly a decade old. They bumped the core count to 20, but it’s still old tech.  

NVIDIA Thor, meanwhile, uses the ARM Neoverse V3AE, a server-grade CPU explicitly designed for the modern software-defined vehicle. This allows Thor to run not just the autonomous driving stack, but the entire infotainment system, dashboard, and potentially even an in-car AI assistant, all on one chip.

Thor has found many takers, especially among Tesla EV competitors such as BYD, Zeekr, Lucid, Xiaomi, and many more.

Electrek’s Take

There’s one thing that is not in there: price. I would assume that Tesla wins on that front, and that’s a big part of the project. Tesla developed a chip that didn’t exist, and that it needed.

It was an impressive feat, but it doesn’t make Tesla an incredible leader in silicon for self-driving.

Tesla is maxing out AI4. It now uses both chips, making it less likely to achieve the redundancy levels you need to deliver level 4-5 autonomy.

Meanwhile, we don’t have a solution for HW3 yet and AI5 is apparently not coming to save the day until 2027.

By then, there will likely be millions of vehicles on the road with NVIDIA Thor processors.


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Velotric e-bikes get up to $750 increased Black Friday savings with new lows + extra battery bundles from $999, EcoFlow, more

Published

8 hours ago

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November 25, 2025

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Velotric e-bikes get up to 0 increased Black Friday savings with new lows + extra battery bundles from 9, EcoFlow, more


Taking the lead in today’s Green Deals is Velotric’s Black Friday Sale that has switched into a higher gear with increased savings and expanded FREE bundle sizes for a limited-time window, offering plenty of returning and new low prices. One notable standout is Velotric’s T1 ST Plus Lightweight Urban e-bike getting a FREE range extender battery ($400 value) at $1,299, among many others. Behind that, we have EcoFlow’s latest 24-hour Black Friday flash sale that is giving us some new low prices on various units, like the DELTA 2 Max hitting a new $799 low or a DELTA 3 Ultra solar home backup bundle, and others. There’s also Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 e-bike bundles that are close to selling out, holiday savings roundups on Worx and Husqvarna tools, and much more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about the hangover deals that are collected together at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s Anker SOLIX 4-day Black Friday flash sale with new lows or the brand’s PowerCore Reserve at $80, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Velotric’s Black Friday Sale switches gears with up to $750 increased savings and new lows starting from $999

Velotric has switched its Black Friday Sale into a higher gear with increased savings, new low prices, and expanded bundle packages on its e-bike lineup for a short-term window through Cyber Monday – plus, the option to save 30% on three accessories. One notable expanded package is the Velotric T1 ST Plus Lightweight Urban e-bike, coming with a FREE range extender battery ($400 value) for $1,299 shipped. You’d have to pay $1,649 for the e-bike on its own without any discounts, with that extra battery running that price up to $2,049. The brand’s early Black Friday deal only offered $350 savings (with the bundle being a rear cargo rack), but for this short-term change-up, you’re getting $750 in total savings that returns the tag to the lowest price we have tracked in 2025. Head below to check out the full lineup of Velotric’s expanded Black Friday Sale savings.

One of my favorite options from Velotric’s lineup, the T1 ST Plus e-bike, is a lightweight commuter that weighs only 39 pounds, and if you’ve read any of my e-bike reviews, you know I often lean towards models that can be easily handled up and down my rather large stoop. It brings a more European-style minimalist elegance to your travels, though keep in mind this model doesn’t possess a throttle, so it’s all PAS action. The 350W rear hub motor (with a 600W peak) is paired with a 352.8Wh battery for up to 70 miles of assisted travel at up to 20/28 MPH top speeds, depending on your local laws. What’s more, with the range extender battery, which connects right to this bike’s frame, boosts your pedal-assisted travel up to 100 miles in total, giving you serious commuting power.

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It comes with a nice lineup of features, too, but of course, I have to shout out the Apple Find My inclusion for the added peace of mind. From there, you’ll also be getting double hydraulic disc brakes, puncture-resistant tires, an 8-speed Shimano derailleur, an integrated LED auto-on headlight, a 3.5-inch LCD screen for setting adjustments that also has a USB port to charge up devices, and more.

Velotric’s new Black Friday Sale e-bike deals:

  • Fold 1 Step-Thru Folding e-bike (new low): $999 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • comes with FREE suspension seat post upgrade ($120 value)
  • Nomad 1 Plus Off-Road e-bike (new low): $1,249 (Reg. $1,899)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 55 miles
    • comes with FREE rear cargo rack ($69 value)
  • T1 ST Plus Lightweight e-bike: $1,299 (Reg. $1,649)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 70 miles (100 miles with battery bundle)
    • comes with FREE range extender battery ($400 value)
  • Fold 1 Plus Folding e-bike: $1,399 (Reg. $1,499)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 68 miles
    • comes with FREE suspension seat post and rear rack pannier bag ($195 value)
  • Breeze 1 Cruiser e-bike (back at low): $1,699 (Reg. $1,799)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • comes with FREE rear cargo rack, fender set, and front basket ($270 value)
  • Discover 2 Step-Thru Commuter e-bike: $1,799 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 75 miles
    • comes with FREE suspension seat post and front basket ($240 value)
  • Summit 1 Versatile e-bike (back at low): $1,799 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 70 miles
    • comes with FREE rear cargo rack and fender set ($160 value)
  • Nomad 2 Fat Tire e-bike (new low): $1,799 (Reg. $1,999)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 65 miles
    • comes with rack top bag ($96 value)
  • Nomad 2X Multi-Terrain Full Suspension e-bike (back at low): $2,299 (Reg. $2,399)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 75 miles
    • comes with FREE rack top bag ($96 value)

You can browse Velotric’s upgraded Black Friday Sale deals on the main landing page here.

man enjoying coffee while camping with EcoFlow DELTA 2 max power station

EcoFlow Black Friday flash sale drops DELTA 2 Max power station to new $799 low ($600 off) + other bundles from $698

As part of its phase 3 Black Friday Sale event, EcoFlow has launched a 24-hour flash sale that is taking up to 61% off four offers, with a notable deal on the DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station at $799 shipped, which beats out Amazon’s pricing by $100. While it carries an $1,899 MSRP, you’ll more often find it going for $1,399 these days, with the discounts we’ve been seeing in the latter half of 2025 regularly dropping things lower between $999 and $899. Now, for only 24 hours, you can pick it up $100 lower than we’ve ever tracked, giving you a total $600 off the going rate ($1,100 off the MSRP) for the lowest new price we have tracked.

***Note: some of these flash sale offers might start at higher prices, but for this 24-hour period, they have been given automatic discounts to these rates that activate in your cart.

EcoFlow’s 24-hour Black Friday flash sale offers:

man and woman riding Lectric XPeak 2.0 e-bikes down trail

Upgrade off-road commutes and adventures with Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 e-bikes and up to $583 in FREE gear from $1,499

As part of its ongoing Black Friday Sale, which is starting to show models running out of stock from the offers of up to $893 in savings across e-bike bundles. During this sale, Lectric’s XPeak 2.0 Long-Range Off-Road e-bikes are seeing the largest bundles of the year with $583 in FREE gear joining your purchase at $1,699 shipped. You’ll also find Lectric’s standard XPeak 2.0 Off-Road e-bikes coming with $434 in FREE gear at $1,499 shipped. These packages would normally cost $2,282 and $1,933 in full if not for the discounts on the bundles, which are the largest we’ve seen for the long-range models. The standard e-bikes come with a rear cargo rack, fender set, Elite headlight upgrade, a suspension seat post, a bike lock, and a phone holder, while the long-range counterparts get those, as well as a 5A fast charger that “is 250% faster, allowing you to power up in approximately 4 hours or less.” Head below to more on these all-terrain e-mobility solutions.

Lectric’s Black Friday XPeak 2.0 e-bike bundles:

Be sure to also check out Lectric’s full Black Friday Sale e-bike lineup with up to $893 in savings starting from $999, which, as I mentioned, is already seeing models go out of stock.

Worx Black Friday banner with different tools
woman trimming grass with Husqvarna tools

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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