THAT’S HOW THEY ROLL

from Shaw Media_Fox River Trail Guide_2022

FESTIVALS ON THE FOX

E-bikes take cycling to the next level

By Vicki Martinka Petersen Photos provided by BOJ-E-BIKES

When you hear about electric bicycles, or e-bikes, visions of motorcycles or mopeds might come to mind. But Steve Boje, owner of BOJ-E-BIKES in Batavia, stresses they’re just like regular bikes with the addition of a motor, battery and display panel. “E-bikes can help make a ride easier if, say, you’re going up a hill so you won’t be so out of breath,” Boje says. Another misconception is there isn’t any pedaling involved, but Boje says riders still pedal 100% of the time. “The power level of the bike is adjustable. When the power is set to zero, you ride it like a regular bike. Or you can turn it on just for a little help going up hills,” Boje explains.

CHECK OUT THESE BIKE SHOPS, WHICH ALL OFFER E-BIKES!

All Spoked Up 14 W. Downer Place, Aurora BOJ-E-BIKES 60 N. Island Ave., Batavia Mill Race Cyclery 11 E. State St., Geneva Oswego Cyclery 57 Main St., Oswego Prairie Path Cycles 160 W. Wilson St., Batavia The Bike Rack 2930 Campton Hills Road St. Charles

For any e-bike repairs, head to Cykel Cycles, 427 Stevens St. in Geneva! Typically people looking to buy an e-bike fall into one of three camps: • A first-timer who heard about e-bikes and wants to get back into riding; • A dedicated cyclist who rides on hills and for longer durations and wants the motor to help keep up with their friends; or • People who can balance on a bike but might need the motor to help them ride due to medical or mobility issues. People have the option to buy an e-bike or the equipment to add to their current bike. If buying an e-bike, Boje recommends going to a local bike shop where you can take it out for a test drive and ask questions.