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eBike Videos

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eBike FAQs
eBike Ambassadors

Get help affording an eBike!

Ask Our eBike Ambassador Team!

A group of Thetford eBike owners have come together to form our eBike Ambassador Team. These Ambassadors have helped create the eBike content on this website and many have offered to answer your questions as you consider whether an eBike might enhance your transportation and recreation options.

• eBike FAQs: Click on eBike FAQs on the side menu. Our Ambassadors have answered some of the most frequently asked questions from people considering buying an eBike.
• Ask an eBike Ambassador: Click on eBike Ambassadors in the side menu to access a table listing models of eBikes currently owned by residents and eBike Ambassadors. If you don't find an answer to your question(s) on this page or in the FAQs, feel free to email one of our Ambassadors (just click on a name in the eBike Ambassadors table). Or, email the Joint Thetford Energy Committee with your question.

Note, clicking the "+" sign next to the eBike side menu item will reveal the eBike FAQs and eBike Ambassadors menu items.

Why Consider an eBike?

• eBikes tame Vermont hills, making bicycling accessible to more people and all ages. (When was the last time you smiled as you rode up a big hill?)
• When biking is easier, you can go farther and/or faster.
• eBikes are a great equalizer; they allow people of different fitness levels to ride together.
• You get exercise while you travel.
• eBikes are a great way to commute and take shorter trips.
• Sweat-free commuting to work.
• Save money! Replacing car trips with an eBike trip saves on gas, wear and tear on your vehicle, and parking is free.
• eBikes have a small negative impact on the environment, even compared to an electric car (EV).
• eBikes are fun!
• Rebates are available from Green Mountain Power when you buy from a participating Vermont bike shop.

• Vbike offers free consultations for households to choose the e-bike, e-cargo bike, and/or e-assist system that best fits your needs, based on the terrain and distance you intend to ride, what you want to do with your bike, cargo hauling needs, and many other considerations. Email info@vbikesolutions.org; more info at vbikesolutions.org/free-bike-consultations.html
  
  For more information, read this article covering pros and cons of eBikes.

What is an eBike?

An eBike is mostly a typical pedal bike, with an important difference – eBikes have a battery power assist that is activated when you pedal, or on some bikes with a throttle. The pedal-assist kicks in when you pedal, making it easier to climb hills, go faster, or go farther with less effort and sweat. A throttle does the same thing, without pedaling.

Types of eBikes

eBikes, just like regular bikes, are designed for specific purposes: commuting, touring, trail and off-trail riding, road, and even cargo. Keep in mind how you plan to use an eBike when you consider which bike to buy. Our Ambassadors recommend trying out a few different types and models before you buy. You can rent an eBike, try one at the Energy Committee's annual Lending Library offered in partnership with Local Motion, or take a test drive from a bike retailer.

Classes of eBikes

- Class 1 – only assist while you pedal, no throttle – maximum assisted speed 20mph
- Class 2 – with throttle that don't require pedal assist – maximum assisted speed 20mph
- Class 3 – only assist while you pedal, no throttle – maximum assisted speed 28mph

Wired Magazine article: What are eBike 'Classes' and What Do They Mean?

Vermont does not require e-bike licensure and registration.
Vermont law specifies that motor-assisted bicycles are governed as bicycles and have the same rights and duties applicable to bicyclists.

Legislation classifies electric-assist bikes as bicycles, not motorcycles
Summary of the legislation: Act 40 (S.66)

Brands and Models 

There are far more brands and models of eBikes available than there are for Electric Vehicles (EVs). This can make finding the right eBike for you confusing. Electric Bike Review is a good place to look up reviews on specific eBikes or categories of eBikes. Asking an eBike Ambassador or local retailer can help too.

Motors

There are two types of motors, hub motors (usually mounted in the center of the rear wheel) and mid-drive motors (located between the pedals in the center of the bike frame). Hub motors have been around longer, tend to be less expensive (thus are more likely to be found on less expensive eBikes), and are a good choice if you ride mostly on flat roads. (Does Vermont have any flat roads?) Mid-drive motors tend to be smaller and lighter and can provide more torque than hub motors. This makes them a good choice for hilly areas and off-road use, such as for mountain bikes. Additionally, the center position of the mid-drive motor helps create a more balanced ride.

Sensors:

Sensors tell the motor how to deliver the power assist. There are two types: cadence (measures the revolutions of your pedaling) and torque (which senses how hard you are pedaling). More expensive bikes use torque sensors which result in a more natural assist feeling.  Less expensive bikes use cadence sensors and some bikes use both.

How to choose a motor type?

This depends on how you plan to use the bike and your budget. If you plan to ride on hilly terrain or off-roading, a mid-drive motor is likely the better choice. If you plan to ride on flatter terrain, mostly to commute, a hub motor may be the better (and less expensive) choice. Manufactures usually get this right and match the motor type with the intended use of a model. e.g. mountain bikes will most likely come with a mid-drive motor.

Range - how far can an eBike go?

Many variables need to be considered when calculating the range of an eBike battery: speed, assist level and how often you use the assist, your weight, the bicycle's weight, road and environmental conditions. Thus, the calculation is not simple. The watt hours a battery supplies can help you determine an expected range. Here is a general formula:

Calculate the watt hours (WH) of a battery pack by multiplying the voltage by the amp hours (Ah) of the pack. (These values are often printed on the battery or can be found in a spec. sheet for the bike.) For example: a 36-volt 10-Ah battery pack has 360 watt hours (36 X 10 = 360). A typical eBike rider may use 15-35 watt hours/mile. Let's assume that a rider uses 20 watt hours/mile. For this battery, the calculation is 360/20 = 18 mile range. Your mileage (range) may vary!

Here's an article that provides a deeper, but very understandable, explanation of the factors influencing eBike battery range. At the bottom of the page, you will find a range calculator, that calculates the formula in the above paragraph.

Here's a neat range calculator.  It is specific to Bosch motors, but even if the bike you have or are considering does not have a Bosch motor, you can get a sense for how speed, weight, road and environmental conditions can impact an eBike's range. 

Alternatively, if you have a 15 mile roundtrip commute, you don't want to charge the battery at work, and you assume 20 watt hours/mile, you would want a battery that provides at least 15 miles x 20 watt hours/mile = 300 watt hours.

Recommendation: Although it may cost a bit more, consider buying a battery that gives you a reasonable margin over the the watt hours you think you will need on your longer rides. It's unlikely you will ever be upset that you still have some battery left when you end your ride! The alternative is riding a heavy bicycle home.

Accessories

Some eBikes come complete with many useful accessories such as a rack, front & rear lights, fenders, a bell, a water bottle cage. Some manufactures skimp a bit on the seat and pedals to keep their price point down knowing that many people will want to replace these items anyway to customize their bike to their liking.

Depending on the type of riding you plan to do, these accessories may be very useful. Other accessories to consider:

Safety:

• Helmet: Wearing a helmet is not required in Vermont, but it is highly recommended for cyclists of all ages. If you are in an accident, wearing a helmet will significantly lower your risk of brain injury or death.
• Lights: Vermont State Law requires that bicycles be equipped with a white light on the front, visible from 500' away, and a red reflector on the rear, visible from 300' away. A red, illuminated rear light is not required, but it is suggested for added safety. If a rear light is used, it should be in addition to a rear reflector, not a replacement.
• Day running lights: A flashing front white light and flashing red rear light can greatly increase your visibility giving motorists more time to react to your presence on the road if they can see you sooner. 
• Bright clothing to increase your visibility.
• Rear view mirror: To increase your awareness of traffic approaching from behind.
• Bell: To warn others of your presence.
• First aid kit

Other accessories to consider:

• Fenders
• Rack or Basket
• Upgraded seat
• Upgraded pedals
• Panniers or Trunk
• Tools/Multi-tool/Tire repair kit
• Pump
• Water bottle cage and Water bottle
• Suspension seat post
• Cycling gloves
• Lock

Bike Carriers/Racks

eBikes are generally much heavier than traditional bikes, often weighing 50 pounds or more. Thus, the rack one might use for a traditional bike is likely not rated to carry the weight of an eBike, or multiple eBikes. Tip: remove the battery to lighten the load on a rack. Be careful not to let the battery overheat when in the car.

Most experts recommend hitch-mounted platform bike racks. The below links provide additional details on eBike racks.

Bike Exchange: Best Electric Bike Racks & Buying Guide

Evelo Electric Bikes: How to Choose a Bike Rack for Electric Bikes

Ask an Ambassador what they do to transport their eBike.

Where to Try an eBike

Lending Library

In partnership with Local Motion's Upper Valley Lending Library, the Thetford Energy Committee will repeat last summer's successful eBike Lending Library program. This year the program will be run from 7/26/21-8/28/21 in collaboration with the Strafford and Lyme Energy Committees. More information here.

Rental

Vermont Bike & Brew, Thetford, VT
Omer and Bob’s, Lebanon, NH
Pedego Electric Bikes, New London, NH
Hanover Adventure Tours, Norwich, VT

Demo

Drummond Custom Cycles, Enfield, NH
Claremont Cycle Depot, Claremont Junction, NH

Where to Buy an eBike

Green Mountain Power's Electric Bike Rebate Program maintains a list of participating retailers. 

Drive Electric Vermont maintains a list of eBike retailers.

Retailers where the eBike Ambassadors purchased or recommend purchasing eBikes include:

Brattleboro Bicycle Shop
Electric Bikes of New England
Green Mountain Bikes
Liberty Cycling
Omer & Bob's
Onion River Outdoors
Rad Power Bikes (online retailer)
Vermont Bike & Brew
West Hill Shop
ebikes508 (online retailer)

Conversion Kits

On a budget? Who isn't. If you are mechanically inclined (or know someone who is and is willing to assist you) you might consider and eBike conversion kit. Conversion kits can save you money, if you already have a bike.

Conversion kits provide you with several options: front or rear hub motors as well as mid-drive are available. You can choose pedal assist, throttle or a combination of both. After deciding on what you want, the most convenient option is to buy a complete kit.

When purchasing a DIY kit, remember that the limit for on-road use is 750 watts in NH and 1000 watts in Vermont. In general, the smaller 250- to 350-watt kits are satisfactory for light riding within a neighborhood, and 500- to 750-watt kits are better for carrying loads, traversing hills, or covering longer distances. We don't recommend a larger motor in the front wheel hub due to steering effects and front fork strength issues; while it's a bit more work, installing at the rear hub is better than the front hub. A mid-motor in the bottom bracket has the advantage of the bike's gearing for better all-around performance. Kits are easily available online from bike businesses that sell kits or eBay/Amazon. Better quality kits often have UL, CE, TUV, or other ratings.

Reviews of conversion kits

SafeRoad
eBiking.com
Outside Persuits
Byways

The Norwich Energy Committee conducted a webinar on eBike conversions. Watching the video of this webinar will give you a good sense if converting a bike is right for you. And, the video is a great guide if you decide to convert a bike.  The conversion starts at 3:57 in the video.

Additional Information and Resources

How to choose your first electric bicycle: an e-bike buying guide (including what to expect at various price points) 

Types of Electric Bikes: E-Bike Buyer's Guide

Electric Assist Primer (plus other good information from Vbike, in Brattleboro, VT)

ElectricBikeReview.com: Comprehensive eBike review website

Cargo ebike reviews 

If you prefer not to read, this 9-minute video is a good overview of the key things worth knowing about and considering before you buy and eBike.

When shopping for an electric bike many people are confronted with the decision of choosing between throttle or pedal assist. This video, explains the differences in these systems and how they perform.

This video explains some of the major differences between regular and high speed motors on eBikes. There are many things to consider when choosing between 20mph and 28mph electric bikes and this video may help you make the best decision.

Longtime fitness advocate and journalist Jenny Hadfield discusses how she went from eBike hater to supporter. She used to scorn those who would pass her on the road, now she rides almost daily. Many “hardcore cyclists” can learn something from her talk.