Are Electric Bikes the Next Hot Tech Toy for RVers?

By Peggy Dent

An electric bike (e-bike) is really just a traditional bicycle with a battery-powered motor that assists the rider with propulsion. There are two types of e-bikes—pedal assist and throttle. Pedal assist e-bikes augment the rider’s pedaling effort. In many models, the amount of extra propulsion added to the rider’s effort is adjustable and can be preset by the rider, so the cyclist still gets some exercise when riding. With the throttle variety, a simple push of a button or turn of the handlebar creates forward motion without the rider applying any pressure to the pedals. The throttle variety more closely resembles a moped or motorcycle than a bicycle, since the rider doesn’t add any effort to create forward motion.

Different Styles of E-bikes

There are several distinct styles of e-bikes. Some look more like a 10-speed touring bike, some look like heavy-duty mountain bikes, and some have been adapted to carry a variety of loads (from an extra person to an extra 500 pounds of inert cargo). The cargo carrier e-bikes have an extended frame and low center of gravity. Some e-bikes have foldable handlebars or are fully foldable so the bike can be carried or stored flat.

Katelyn Newstate @newstatenomads

Specs to Consider

Just because an e-bike can be folded into a less awkward shape doesn’t mean carrying it will be easy—weights range from 20 to 90 pounds.

The power level of an e-bike is expressed in watts, and the typical wattage options are 250, 500, 750, or 1,000. This sounds like a definitive description, but there’s a great deal of ambiguity around how watts are calculated, and a lack of standardization for measurements makes the wattage designations less meaningful.

Allison & Nick Bracken @rollingwithophelia

Watts are also directly linked to more meaningful attributes of e-bikes, like maximum speed, the distance it can travel, and the hours of operation before the battery needs to be recharged. Higher watts generally equal faster speeds and longer distances, but there are also other variables. So while the sales literature will describe a maximum distance—say, 40 or 50 miles—you should read that as a rough estimate. A heavier rider, extra cargo, and/ or steep terrain will translate to less battery life.

E-Bike Pricing

The range of prices for e-bikes is quite broad when you consider there are only two basic types and three general styles. Prices start around $500, and the most expensive e-bikes can be more than $6,000. Reviews tend to indicate e-bikes priced below $1,000 to $1,500 aren’t really a bargain, as you’re getting what you pay for. That’s not to say your satisfaction with a $6,000 e-bike will be three times greater than your satisfaction with a $2,000 e-bike! But buying one at the bottom price point will probably lead to problems down the road—pun intended.

Patty Gill @gills_on_wheels

Things to Consider

E-bikes are sold with a published distance range from 25 to 50 miles, but read reviews from people who own the particular e-bike you’re interested in purchasing to see what they have to say about their actual distance experience. Just like with cars and miles per gallon, the range listed in the sales materials for e-bikes is a performance standard that is hard to replicate in real life. Additionally, you should consider the weight of each model. A 90-pound bike might feel sturdier, but extra weight will add to the overall load on the battery and motor and ultimately impact the e-bike’s speed and distance. On the other hand, if you plan to ride your e-bike through rough off-road terrain, you might need the heavier mountain-bike style to safely ride in that environment.

Consider where you will stow your e-bike in/on your RV, truck, or tow vehicle. Removable batteries may be a critical feature if you intend to ride for long periods of time. Taking extra batteries with you on a long ride can keep you from having to stop at a charging station. Additionally, consider safety features like headlamps, taillights, or a horn. Some models come pre-equipped with these features, and some models allow them to be added later. Some e-bikes come with convenient accessories like a cargo rack and fenders. Another feature you might want to consider is the number of gears. Some models only have one fixed gear, while others have as many as twelve. Extra gears can be important for different types of riding conditions and terrain and make the e-bike more versatile.

In addition to the unique features listed above, there are a few finer technical points that can affect your enjoyment. Several reviewers remarked on the following technical features of e-bikes:

☐ ease of assembly

☐ location of the battery pack

☐ position of the motor relative to pedals or gears

☐ comfort of the seat and suspension

☐ ability to adjust the level of power assistance

☐ readability of the control panel

☐ ease of shifting

☐ how securely a connected smart phone mounting bracket holds the phone in place

Samantha Gardiner @toasteronwheels

An Alternative Mode of Transportation

These new bicycles offer RVers a unique alternative mode of transportation. Many RVers like to travel with a golf cart, but golf carts are heavy and require a trailer, so they’re not an option for everyone. E-bikes are portable, affordable, and fun, making them the probable next hot tech toy for RVers. ■