On Your e-bike

What makes an e-bike so great? We answer some commonly asked questions about the latest eco-friendly revolution hitting the streets in New Zealand and around the world.

Why two-wheeled transport is taking off

It sometimes feels we are living at such a fast pace that the need to get things done in record time is at an all-time high. Pair this with more traffic on the roads and an increased awareness of climate change and conscious living, and it’s no wonder e-bikes have become a real revolution in recent years.

Imagine getting to work in half the time it normally takes (goodbye peak hour congestion), or running errands sans car – and minus hefty petrol bills, too. This is what tens of thousands of Kiwis and millions of others around the world are now opting for – simply getting things done on two wheels.

The latest Electric Bike Worldwide Report states there are 200 million e-bikes around the world, and predicts this will grow to 2 billion by 2050. Currently, around 40,000 of these are in New Zealand, up to half of which were imported in the year to October 2017, indicating real customer demand for a more convenient, environmentally friendlier way of getting around.

“E-bikes are growing really fast in popularity right now, and it’s because the price, quality and look of e-bikes has dramatically improved in the last few years,” says Michael Tritt, founder and CEO of e-bike importer and retailer Electrify NZ. “We are seeing people seriously looking at e-bikes as transportation options – they’re sick of sitting in traffic, they want to do something a bit healthier, a bit greener, so they’re getting on an e-bike.

“People who haven’t been on a bike in perhaps a long time, are now back on, because e-bikes enable them to take on terrain they might not have been able to do previously,” Tritt adds.

Going electric has never been so affordable, trendy or maintainable. But where to start when looking for your new ride?

What’s the main difference between a regular bicycle and an e-bike?

Put simply, an e-bike is complete with a batterypowered motor, which assists with pedalling (so you won’t turn up to work a sweaty mess) and more challenging terrain (you can go off-road and ride with ease up those nasty hills which previously deterred you from riding in the first place). You still have to do some work, says Tritt, “but the motor on the bike supplements your effort, so you sort of become a superman or a superwoman. You can go faster, further, and you can take on terrain without necessarily breaking out into a huge sweat.”

How does the battery work?

The battery usually sits in the middle of the bike and provides the energy to power the wheel to help pedal you along. “The cool thing about e-bikes is that you can choose how dependent you are on the motor,” says Tritt. If you want to go it alone, you can, or if you need a little help, you can have it.

The duration of an e-bike battery depends on a

“We are getting people telling us it’s the best thing they’ve ever bought in their lives. They’re telling us they are using them four, five, six, seven times a week sometimes, whereas the bicycle they might have used before is often sitting in the garage gathering dust.” Michael Tritt, Electrify NZ

few things, like the size of the battery and how much the rider relies on the bike to power them along. A typical e-bike battery might carry you 50-70km, using assisted riding. And the best thing is, when the battery needs charging, simply take it off the bike (they’re usually removed with a key) and plug it into a power socket for four to six hours.

How fast do e-bikes go?

Speed varies with each brand and model, as well as the rider. Some European brands will often come limited to 25km an hour, while some American brands can get up to between 40-50km an hour.

“There’s generally a bike for everyone, and the other factor is you – if you pedal hard on a bike you can go faster. If you just want to pedal casually, you can cruise along at about 20-25km an hour no problem,” says Tritt.

E-bikes usually have a screen which shows you speed, remaining battery and power level. “More sophisticated bikes can even be paired with apps, which can do anything from analysing your ride data to providing anti-theft features and GPS tracking,” adds Tritt.

How much are they and what’s the maintenance like?

E-bikes start at about $2000 and go up to more than $8000. E-bikes don’t need any more maintenance than a regular bike and the electronic components generally don’t need servicing.

Are they road legal?

In New Zealand, e-bikes fall under the banner of a “low-powered vehicle”, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency. Legally, the motor must be 300W or less for them to be considered bicycles. That means they aren’t classed as cars, and can be ridden without a licence, unlike a motorcycle. E-bikes should be ridden in the same capacity as bicycles, using bike lanes or along the side of the road, rather than in the middle.