EBike

Electric Bikes

An EFFICIENT, FUN, and GREEN way to get to work, run errands, or pick up the kids

Electric Bikes

EBike

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: 

  1. Pedal Assist: The electric motor engages only when you are pedaling 
  2. 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

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

Cruiser Bikes

$450 - $5,000

  • Great for leisurely rides, not so great for long distances 
  • More comfortable than commuter bikes 
Performance Road 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

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

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

In Massachusetts, there is no rebate available for electric bikes. However, we are advocating for the state to implement one - particularly for low- and moderate-income consumers.

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