Roam Farther, Faster
E-BIkes
E-bikes are rising in popularity and we’re here for it. Naturally, they’re great options for commuters. But they’re also great for folks with mobility issues, who want to keep up on social rides, or for mountain bikers who save their energy for bombing down the hills!
E-Bikes are not created equal.
Choose a trusted brand with quality components to bolster your safety!
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Class 1 e-Bikes, or "low-speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles," are equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that stops providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph. Generally speaking, Class 1 e-Bikes are legally allowed to ride anywhere bicycles are permitted, including bike lanes, roads, multiuse trails, and bike-only paths.
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Class 2 e-Bikes, or "low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycles," have motors that can exclusively propel the bicycle but that stop providing assistance when the bike reaches 20 mph. As the application of the throttle can be damaging to trails, some municipalities and states have restrictions on Class 2 e-bikes. Because class 2 e-Bikes can reach high speeds without any rider input, they can be unsafe on trails where the limitations of the rider might otherwise ensure a safe speed.
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Class 3 e-Bikes, or "speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles," are equipped with motors that provide assistance only when the rider is pedaling and that stop providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph. Generally speaking, Class 3 e-Bikes are restricted from bicycle trails and multiuse paths. Class 3 bikes can contribute to degradation of trails and can propel riders to speeds unsafe for their skill level or terrain.
HUB DRIVE VERSUS MID-DRIVE
Mid-drive bikes have a smooth and natural feeling assistance. They generally have higher performance and torque compared with similarly powered hub-drive bikes and they are generally easier to service. Since the mid-drive motor is isolated from all the other components, adjusting brakes or changing a flat tire is a breeze. Mid-drive bikes were designed from the ground-up as e-Bikes, so you know they'll withstand the rigors of heavy use. Durham Cycles sells mid-drive bikes with motors from Bosch and Shimano - industry leaders with a network of trained and certified technicians.
Hub-drive bikes represent the best value in e-Bikes. Because no special bicycle frame is needed, they tend to be less expensive than mid-drive bikes and can often be lighter. Hub-drive motors also have a "punchier" application of torque, which some riders like. Maintenance can be a bit more complicated on a hub-drive bikes, so Durham Cycles only sells traditional wheel, class 1 e-Bikes, which are the most reliable and easiest to service.