With all new and exciting technologies, there is bound to be some misconceptions about it, especially when the new technology seems too good to be true. Everyone wants to be an expert and have an opinion on hot products, but very few people want to spend the time researching how the product actually works. This is understandable because people want quick and convenient answers. But facts are important. So, when it comes to correcting misconceptions and busting myths about e-bikes, we’ve got what you need.
We here at Himiway want to make sure we are giving out the best and most useful information for the e-bike community. We’ve consistently been doing the hard work so you don’t have to! Let’s keep that trend going by correcting some e-bike myths. In this article, we debunk the top 6 e-bike myths and set the record straight with fun and informative facts that you can share the next time you are discussing the growing electric bike trend.
Myth #1: “E-bikes are only for seniors.”
False!
Although seniors will get many benefits out of e-bike ownership, those same benefits are just as relevant to younger riders. In fact, younger riders are making up more and more of the e-bike market because many of the reasons to own an e-bike are relevant to younger generations specifically. Lots of younger riders enjoy expressing their values such as being environmentally conscious, budget-friendly and having a convenient way to commute without the added stress of car ownership and maintenance. Ebicycles.com expects that we will see 130 million new e-bikes sold worldwide from 2020-2023, and 30% of them are big wheel bikes. With this increase in popularity, you will see more and more people of all ages riding e-bikes.
Myth #2: “You cannot get fit on an e-bike.”
False!
One of the main reasons people have this misconception about electric bikes is because they don’t realize that riders can have complete control over whether to pedal or not while using their e-bike. You can use as much or as little assistance from the electric motor as you desire. That’s the great thing about all Himiway E-bikes – they all come with this option. The less assistance you use from the motor, the more strength you will build as you pedal. If you get tired from a tough workout, you can always rely on more of the throttle-assist. It is the perfect way to tailor a workout specifically to your needs.
In fact, in a recent study, it was found that consistent e-bike usage met the requirements to reduce sedentary lifestyle disease. Part of this reason is that e-bike owners may be more likely to get outside and get moving simply due to the fact that they own an e-bike. Health is all about overall lifestyle and e-bikes contribute to a lifestyle that values being outdoors, adventuring, and exercising.
Myth #3: “You cannot ride e-bikes in the rain.”
False!
Many people may tell you that you cannot ride an e-bike in the rain. This is simply not true. As with all outdoor activities in the rain, you will want to exercise a bit more caution on a rainy day rather than on a dry, clear day, but our e-bikes are perfectly capable of operating in the rain as they are water-resistant. For additional peace of mind, there are lots of easy tips for maintaining your e-bike in rainy climates such as using rust protection spray, covering your electric bike’s LCD screen, and adding mudguards.
Himiway Bike batteries are sealed well enough to protect them against light to moderate rain. As with traditional bikes, if you are riding in a torrential downpour, you will generally want to get yourself and your e-bike to a dry location until the rain slows down. Electric bikes should never be ridden through deep pools of water or put underwater. This type of environment would damage all bikes, including e-bikes.
Myth #4: “E-bikes are noisy.”
False!
Another e-bike myth is that e-bikes are noisy. But unlike loud motorcycles and mopeds, electric bicycles are almost silent. Regardless of if you are riding in pedal-assist mode or throttle mode, the electrical system of the bike only supports you as needed, and the sound is hardly noticeable. Thanks to new product technologies, the throttles in many e-bikes these days are incredibly quiet. The system consists of a hub motor, battery, and controller, none of which contribute to any meaningful noise. With an electric bike, your neighbors won’t be disturbed, and you’ll be able to hear any approaching vehicles for your safety.
Myth #5: “E-bikes are expensive.”
False!
One common mistake consumers make when shopping is forgetting about the total cost of ownership. The total cost of ownership refers to all the related costs of a product. For example, when you purchase a car, you also need auto insurance, oil changes, regular maintenance, unexpected repairs, annual registration fees, title fees, and parking fees. These expenses all contribute to the total cost to own a car.
With an electric bike, you will be able to avoid many of these fees because they simply aren’t needed. Himiway Bike batteries are durable, the frame is solid, and with proper maintenance, you will be able to enjoy many years of your e-bike with a very reasonable total cost of ownership. If you buy a cheap e-bike, there is always the chance that the parts could break or it could be uncomfortable, leading you to need to purchase another one which would cost you twice as much! Therefore, we recommend always choosing high-quality products with a low total cost of ownership such as our line of premium electric bikes.
You may be able to make up for the purchase price of your electric bike if you use it instead of a car for some or all your trips. The United States Census Bureau estimates that the average commute to work is 26 minutes one-way. That’s almost an hour every day of running your car and using gasoline which is becoming more and more expensive all the time. Save money by switching to an e-bike for your commute.
Myth #6: “E-bikes run out of power quickly.”
False!
Recent breakthroughs in battery and charging technology have allowed for huge improvements in electric modes of transportation, including electric bikes. By spending money to get a high-quality product, you can ensure high performance, and a long life span when it comes to your battery power.
For example, the Himiway Cruiser comes with a Samsung/LG 48v 17.5Ah battery which will give you over 60 miles per charge on pedal-assist mode and about 35 miles per charge on pure electric power mode. This will be plenty of power to get you where you need to go. Most rides will not require more power than this, but even if they do, you can always use the pedal-only option to get somewhere you can recharge your bike. Recharging the bike all to full will only take 8-9 hours so you can be sure you are always ready to go in the morning if you charge your bike overnight.
Even if you want to take a very long ride and you require extended battery life without charging, one of the best parts about our bikes is you can keep an extra battery pack fully charged and swap it out when you need to, but again, because our e-bikes do not run out of power quickly, it is unlikely you will need to keep an extra battery unless you have a specific need for it.
There may be other myths and stereotypes which we haven’t discussed, but now you have the truth about the top e-bike misconceptions and are better equipped to discuss the benefits of e-bikes for a wide range of uses.
