To reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the transportation sector, we need to both electrify all the cars, trucks, and buses on our roads and reduce the number of vehicles and vehicle-miles traveled. Electric bikes are a great option to replace car trips, because they can step in where a trip on a regular bike might be a bit much - either because the trip's too long, too hilly, or requires too much cargo. Every time you take an e-bike out instead of a car, you reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the localized air pollution that harms human health, and congestion, not to mention getting some exercise - a win, win, win!
Already riding an Electric bike?
What’s an E-Bike?
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are a great alternative to a vehicle. More and more e-bikes are being put on the market all the time and there are many options to meet your needs. There are two basic types of e-bike:
- Pedal Assist: The electric motor engages only when you are pedaling
- Throttle: The motor engages when you press on the throttle, whether you’re pedaling or not
Most e-bike types will have a throttle or pedal assist option...or both!
Types of E-Bikes
E-bikes come in lots of shapes and sizes. Cost varies from a couple hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Currently, there are no rebates for e-bikes, but that may be changing soon.
Commuter Bikes
$600 - $13,000
- Practical and versatile styles to meet your needs, sturdy and able to withstand daily use
- Can be outfitted with lights, fenders, and other accessories for frequent use
Cruiser Bikes
$450 - $5,000
- Great for leisurely rides, not so great for long distances
- More comfortable than commuter bikes
Performance Road Bikes
$3,000 - $15,000
- Built for speed, so you can cover longer distances and steeper grades with less fatigue
- Riding position may be uncomfortable for some
Mountain Bikes
$800 - $15,000
- May not be permitted on all trails, so check regulations before you go
- Some bikes have long-travel suspension to help with rough terrain
Cargo Bikes
$1,300 - $7,500
- Built to haul bulky items (groceries, packages, and people!); Can add seats or cargo racks and boxes
- Electric motor makes hauling things easier, but keep in mind these bikes are larger and heavier than most
How Far Can I Go?
The range of bikes depends on a variety of factors (regenerative charging, battery size, pedal assist vs throttle, weight, etc.). However, the typical range is somewhere between 20-100 miles.
How Do I Charge?
Charging an e-bike does not require any special equipment. You either plug the bike directly into a regular household outlet or remove the battery pack from the bike and charge it. Either way, the equipment you need – charging chord, charger – comes with the bike. Depending on the bike, it takes 2-6 hours to fully charge the battery.
Incentives
Massachusetts
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has launched their Massachusetts Statewide Electric Bike Incentive Program. The program offers two types of E‑bike vouchers to Massachusetts residents.
- Enhanced Voucher: Up to $1,200 for applicants with an income below 225% of the Federal Poverty Line or those participating in a qualifying program.
- Standard Voucher: Up to $800 for applicants with an income at or below 400% of the Federal Poverty Line or those participating in a qualifying program.
- Equipment Voucher: All selected participants will receive a voucher for up to $150 to cover safety gear and a bike pump.
Applications open the Second Monday of each month at 9AM and close two weeks later at 4PM.
More information and the application form can be found here.
Rhode Island
Rhode Island offers the Erika Niedowski Memorial Electric Bicycle Rebate Program. Rhode Island residents over the age of 18 can apply to receive a rebate of $400 (or 30% of bike value, whichever is lesser) on an eligible e-bike purchased or picked up from a store in Rhode Island. Income-qualified applicants can receive a rebate of $1,000 (or 75% of bike value, whichever is lesser). Rebates are limited to two per household.
...And Remember!
- ALWAYS wear a helmet
- DO NOT ride on sidewalks
- CHECK if e-bikes are allowed on special trails
- LOCK your bike when not in use