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E-bikes are wooing Americans
Electric bike sales in Europe have seen double-digit growth, with the Netherlands experiencing a 24% surge. In 2015, around 350,000 electric bicycles were sold in the U.S., but this number is still just a small fraction of the 17.4 million total bikes sold that year. What exactly are e-bikes, and why should you care?
E-bikes, or electric-assisted bicycles, are a type of bike equipped with an electric motor. The motor can either assist the rider’s pedaling or provide full power, allowing for longer distances and easier climbing without breaking a sweat. These bikes are still considered bicycles because they can be ridden with or without the motor. They use rechargeable batteries, emit no CO2, and typically travel between 20 to 30 mph.
Pedal-assist e-bikes are popular among commuters and seniors in Europe and are gaining traction in the U.S. as a healthy and sustainable transport option. According to Ryan Citron, an e-bike commuter from Boulder, Colorado, "90 to 95% of people in the U.S. don’t even know what an electric bicycle is, making mainstream adoption very challenging." Unlike Europe and China, where cycling infrastructure is well-developed, the U.S. is primarily built for cars.
E-bikes offer several advantages over cars:
- Small enough to store in an apartment, eliminating the need for a garage
- Cheaper than a car
- Eco-friendly, as they don’t burn gasoline
- No insurance or license required
- Easy to pedal, so you arrive at work without being sweaty
Despite these benefits, the U.S. e-bike market is still relatively small compared to Europe or China. One reason is the cultural perception: in the U.S., bikes are often seen as fitness equipment or recreation, not transportation. This mindset has limited the marketing and availability of e-bikes. Additionally, there's a stigma that e-bikes are for "lazy" people, which isn't true—e-bike riders actually tend to ride more than traditional cyclists.
Another challenge is the lack of clear regulations. While federal law allows e-bikes under certain speed and power limits, state and local laws vary, creating confusion. Some areas even ban them, citing safety concerns.
However, as cycling infrastructure improves and awareness grows, e-bikes are becoming more accepted. They’re ideal for commuting, delivery services, and even public transportation systems. Models like the Rad Power RadCity, Xtracycle EdgeRunner, and Stromer ST1 are popular choices.
Switching to an e-bike is straightforward, but it's important to test ride one before buying. E-bikes are heavier and less agile than regular bikes, and their performance depends on battery life and motor power. Prices can range from a few thousand dollars, and maintenance can be more complex.
Before purchasing, consider storage, ease of pedaling without power, and your riding habits. With growing popularity and improved infrastructure, e-bikes are poised to become a major part of urban mobility in the U.S.