| As gas prices rise across the globe, so does the | | | | regulated. This means they could produce a bicycle or |
| interest in electric bicycles and other Light Electric | | | | motor kit that could be illegal. Also, most states don't |
| Vehicles (LEVs). These LEVs are perfect for those | | | | require you to get special insurance for your electric |
| who are tired of sitting in traffic or being cramped | | | | bicycle. But you'll want to check the Internet for any |
| into crowded public transportation. But like any major | | | | changes in policy that might occur. Since electric |
| purchase, it's worth doing right. Here are three things | | | | bicycles are relatively new, the laws and regulations |
| you should keep in mind before making your | | | | around them could change very quickly. |
| purchase. | | | | Choosing a Battery |
| Bike or Motor Kit? | | | | When purchasing an electric bicycle or a motor kit, |
| One of the first questions you'll face when upgrading | | | | you'll come across various options for the battery |
| to an electric bicycle is whether to buy a separate | | | | power. More than anything, the choice of battery |
| bicycle or upgrade your current one. To upgrade your | | | | depends on how you will be using your bicycle. Riding |
| current bicycle, you can purchase a motor kit | | | | in hilly areas or adding additional weight by pulling a |
| designed for this purpose. This might seem | | | | trailer will drain battery power faster. Your best |
| intimidating - but don't let it be. All the best electric | | | | selection would be a Lithium Ion (Li Ion) battery as it |
| bicycle motor kits come with easy-to-follow | | | | surpasses all other battery types in the number of |
| installation instructions. Installation is quick, too. You | | | | recharge cycles it can go through. Basically this means |
| could get your kit and be riding your new bike in the | | | | that you can go longer without having to purchase a |
| same day. For those who prefer to be hands off, | | | | new battery. Also, just like all other batteries, these |
| there are plenty of options for buying ready-to-go | | | | batteries come in different voltages. Though the |
| bicycles. Both of these options function just like a | | | | higher voltages will cost you more money, they will |
| normal bicycle except with some extra battery | | | | last longer and perform better. |
| assistance. You won't be getting the same speed and | | | | Purchasing an electric bicycle for the first time can be |
| power as you would from a motorcycle. | | | | a confusing experience. However, deciding whether |
| Know Your State's Law | | | | you want a new bike or a motor kit, knowing your |
| If you're planning to purchase an electric bicycle to | | | | local laws, and choosing the best battery for your |
| use in the United States, you need to be aware of | | | | needs will help you make the best purchasing decision |
| your own state's laws. Most states hold up the | | | | possible. |
| national policy that electric bikes must operate under | | | | Explore more options for Electric Bike Kits and Electric |
| 20 mph and have a limit of 750 watts. However, the | | | | Bike Batteries. |
| companies who produce these bicycles are not | | | | |