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Fitness
APRIL / MAY 2021 • IDAHO SENIOR INDEPENDENT PAGE 23
Electric Bikes Booming Among Baby Boomers
traditional bike styles, they meet different
BY JIM MILLER needs. They run on rechargeable lithium-ion
batteries, and their motors are either hub-
(SAVVY SENIOR) Electric bikes became driven and mounted on the wheel, or
popular among baby boomers over the past mid-drive motors mounted to the frame at
few years because they’re fun to ride and the bottom bracket between cranks.
easy on the body. The only downsides of e-bikes are weight
Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are and cost. Because of the battery and motor,
conventional bicycles with a battery-powered e-bikes are much heavier than traditional
pedal assist. Pushing the throttle engages a bicycles, weighing 50 pounds or more.
small, electric motor for a boost up hills, into Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are conven- E-bikes are expensive, typically ranging
headwinds, or over challenging terrain. tional bicycles with a battery-powered pedal assist. between $2,500 and $3,500.
Most e-bike owners ride more frequently Pushing the throttle engages a small, electric motor E-bikes are made by many of the same
and go further than they would with a tra- for a boost up hills, into headwinds, or over challeng- established companies that make tradi-
ditional bike. Here’s what to know about ing terrain. © Andrey Popov, Bigstock.com. tional brands, such as Specialized, Electra,
e-bikes, along with some tips to help pro- Speed pedal-assist e-bikes are similar Schwinn, Trek, Giant, Cannondale, and Felt,
spective buyers choose one. to normal pedal-assists, with speeds up to along with a number of upstarts like Juiced
WHAT TO KNOW 28 miles per hour. Faraday, Pedego, Elby, and Hi Bike. To shop
E-bikes are more complicated and expen- Because they’re electrically powered, for an e-bike, look at local bike shops to test
sive than regular bicycles, so it’s worth states and local communities have different ride a few.
researching available options. There are three regulations regarding their use. In many Ebike kits are available at several locations
different types of e-bikes to choose from. states, pedal and throttle-assist e-bikes are across Montana and Idaho check ebikekit.
Pedal-assist electric bikes provide assis- allowed wherever a traditional bike goes, com where you can have your regular bicycle
tance when the rider pedals, accelerating while speed pedal-assists are generally only converted in to an ebike for a few hundred
up to 20 miles per hour. These are the most allowed on streets due to their higher top dollars. Buy local if possible. ISI
common type of e-bikes. speed. For more information on your state’s Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O.
The throttle-assist e-bike enables use e-bike laws, visit PeopleForBikes.org/e-bikes. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior.org.
of an electric motor without pedaling, like E-bikes come in many different styles, Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and
a motorcycle or scooter, but only up to 20 such as the commuter, cruiser, mountain, author of the book The Savvy Senior.
miles per hour. road, and folding varieties, and, just like
