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Having a fully charged battery is important to an electric bike. The most expensive component is the battery and the motor. Today most ready-to-go e-bikes use a lithium-ion battery pack, and the size of the bikes makes a difference in the price you will pay.
These lithium-ion batteries are now used in all types of applications. So it’s no surprise to find them powering electric bikes. What you will discover is that more expensive e-bikes have lighter higher-tech batteries that charge quickly and last longer. Batteries degrade over time, holding less charge as they age.
The quality of an electric bike battery makes a difference
A better battery will help you maximize the distance (range) you expect to achieve, so look for a reputable named battery manufacturer. Then make sure the warranty covers the battery for at least two years. Conservatively lithium-ion batteries are typically said to last for 1,000 full charge cycles. That’s about three years daily with five to seven weekly charging periods. With careful use, the battery can survive longer, so you could possibly double its life with half-charge cycles. In practice, a battery life of several years is quite easy to achieve, depending on how often you charge and store the battery.
A center post battery unit for an electric bike
To maximize the life of your electric bike battery
Ride your bike a lot and charge it often
If your bike comes with a smart charger, faithfully disconnect the charger within 24 hours.
When not in use for a week or more, please charge the battery to only 40% to 70% of its capacity
Then store the battery or bike and battery in a cool, dry place, above freezing, Checking the charge every two to three weeks to keep it in that range.
As consumers gain an ecological awareness of greener transportation, alternatives to electric vehicles (EVs) are becoming more attractive. Especially with battery and solar technologies speeding forward, encouraging micro-mobility. Using a human-powered bike or trike, combined with an electric assist motor, can make for an eco-friendly option when looking at EV’s. Please find a short list below of some of the e-bikes and trikes options you can test ride at the E-bike Challenge Minneapolis.
Find a vast selection of electric-assist EVs at the E-bike Challenge.
Why an e-bike and the advantages when buying your next vehicle
Those who haven’t had the pleasure of test-riding an electric bicycle or e-trike will find they are perfect for many local trips. While not everyone can replace a car entirely, most trips within a 10-mile range can be less expensive with an e-bike. And, in many cases, quicker than a four-wheeled vehicle.
These micro-mobility transportation units make it easy to run errands, meet, or visit the local coffee shop. Also, using an e-bicycle allows you to pedal peacefully and sweat-free to your destination. Then, enjoy a fun cardio workout on your return trip. Below, discover many examples of e-assist bikes around the E-Bike Challenge test track on March 11 & 12, 2023.
Cargo bikes to haul kids and freight.
Also, the perfect rehabilitation tool for riders facing physical limitations or recovering following surgery.
The types of e-bicycles and their movement towards micro-mobility
It’s a vast and diverse industry with something for everyone, from adaptive, cargo, folding, fat, and long-tail bikes and trikes ready for you to test ride. The common thread is that all e-bikes and trikes use an electric motor to assist in human-powered activity or micro-mobility. They are replacing car miles, especially gas-powered ones, to create a cleaner environment.
Shop and compare at E-bike Challenge
Bikes to see at the E-bike Challenge
As we work with the E-bike Challenge team, here are some of the brands to expect at the March 11 & 12 event:
Aventon Aventure (fat tire bike)
Aventon Aventure Step-Thru Electric Fat Bike
This e-bike with four-inch fat tires and front suspension ensures you will be comfortable cruising the pavement or enjoying the challenges on the off-road trail. Especially with the 80mm of travel in the front suspension absorbing all the bumps in your path. Equipped with a powerful 1130W (peak) motor and 720Wh batt, any adventurer can go furthermore. See more on the Aventon line of e-bikes here.
Catrike eCat (recumbent trike)
Catrike eCAT 5.5.9 Recumbent Electric Tadpole
With seventeen years of engineering and experience, Catrike has created the eCat. Go farther, faster with greater ease aboard this recumbent e-trikThethe latest electric assist system from Bosch mot is at the heart of this trike. The result is a recumbent trike offering maximum efficiency, comfort, and riding enjoyment.
Gocycle G4i (folding bike)
Gocycle G4
A folding e-bike perfect for transit and ease of storage in tight city living spaces, on boats, or in motorhomes. With a streamlined chassis, enjoy Gocycle’s all-new G4drive that offers extra torque. And the iconic stowable magnesium frame, with a fast-folding handlebar and carbon wheels, creates a genuinely helpful urban folding bike with a 50-mile range.
IZIP Tristar Plus (trike)
IZIP Tristar Plus
This versatile electric three-wheeler has the power to handle your cargo load with every pedal stroke. With its easy handling and responsive TranzX M16 center motor, it’s easy to run errands, deliver goods, or take your pup for a ride. The easy-entry frame has a 3-speed drivetrain with a large rear cargo basket, offering an average range of 30 miles per charge. Many are finding this electric-assist trike a welcome member to mobility.
Magnum Scout (fat tire bike)
Magnum Scout
An all-terrain fat tire e-bike built for comfort year-round, this large frame model is perfect for five-foot-six and taller riders. Add in the 17.5Ah battery and 750w motor. The Scout will get there within a 35 to 65-mile range per charge. Other features of the Scout include high-tread fat tires, front fork suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes. They make it easy to pedal away on your next remote hunting, ice fishing, or backwoods adventure. See more on the Magnum line of e-bikes.
Pedigo Stretch (long-tail bike)
Pedigo Stretch
This cargo bike is complete with everything you need and more. It is fully loaded with user-friendly features that make riding even more fun and practical for hauling people and cargo of all shapes and sizes. With a premium drivetrain with five levels of pedal assist for full power on demand, the Stretch is a complete package with everything you need and more. See more on the Pedego line of e-bikes here.
Riese & Muller Load 75 (long-tail bike cargo bike)
Riese & Muller Load 75
Its full suspension makes it a noteworthy cargo bike, a comfortable ride when hauling packages or children. The Load 75 may be the ultimate family bike for hauling up to four toddlers. This e-bike now offers a Bosch 4th generation motor system for more get-up-and-go. Now with more torque, it’s lighter and sleeker than ever before. And like the Load 60, the 75 is also highly reliable, thanks to its high-grade components. See more on the Load 75 line of e-bikes here.
Serial 1 E-bike powered by Harley Davidson
Serial 1 power by Harley Davidson
They were inspired by the creation of their first motorcycle, the “Serial Number One,” back in 1903. Today this new line of e-bikes offers fun, freedom, and instant adventure for those looking for a pedal-assist electric bicycle. Powered by the advanced bicycle technology at Harley Davidson, enjoy the freedom of a bike with the effortless joy of electric power to change how the world moves again. See more on the Serial 1 line of e-bikes here.
Specialized Creo SL Electric (Road/Gravel Bike)
Specialized Creo SL Electric
If you are looking for an adventure both on or off-road, the 2021 Specialized Turbo Creo SL Comp Carbon EVO Electric Road Bike is here to assist you. The features of this bike come with the same motor, battery, and frame as the Vado SL. Only this bike is faster! And the cycle allows you to take advantage of the tire clearance with Creo’s adventure-ready components. Now you can go wherever your heart desires. See more on the Specialized line of e-bikes here.
SYKL Xplorer X1000 MD Series (fat tire bike)
SYKL Xplorer X1000 MD
This e-fat bike is designed for rugged terrain and is perfect for climbing hills, long-range hunting trips, and all-terrain exploration. Whether that means getting quickly and quietly to your duck blind; climbing mountains to see what is at the top; or powering along a sandy beach to watch a sunset, the Xplorer bikes will get you where you want to go. See more on the SKYL line of e-bikes here.
Tern GSD S10 LX (long-tail bike cargo bike)
Tern GSD S10 LX
It’s the same length as a regular bike and easy to carry two kids, groceries, or a lot of cargo. And the GSD S10 LX is ready to replace your car. The bike has a handling capacity of 440 lb (200 kg) and a Maximum Gross Vehicle Weight. Plus, the built-in dual-battery technology lets you ride all day. And with space-saving features of the FlatFold and Vertical Parking makes the GSD easy to own and use. See more on the Tern line of e-bikes here.
Urban Arrow Family E-Cargo Bike
2022 Urban Arrow Electric Cargo Bike
This bike is the newest member of the famous European cargo bike family line. The 2022 Urban Arrow Electric Cargo Bike can easily transport you and your children or wherever you want to haul. No more worries about your busy schedule, fetching groceries, shopping trips, or delivering a payload. Now zip through the city effortlessly, or enjoy a trip to the country using trails and roads. See more on the Urban Arrow line of e-bikes here.
Mark your calendar! This is just a sample of some of the bikes you may be able to test ride at the E-bike Challenge coming to the Minneapolis Convention Center on March 11 & 12, 2023. Then, check back often as more e-vehicles signup, and we do total reviews on the models you want to test out.
As more Minnesotans search for fun, eco-friendly transportation options, several communities around the state are updating or developing their bike share infrastructure to make micro-mobility happen. Apple Valley, Bemidji, Duluth, Rochester, and St. Cloud are just a few examples of the towns upgrading their bike-friendly programs. Minneapolis is collaborating with neighboring communities to make the Twin Cities area the perfect place to practice micro-mobility. Especially with the E-bike Challenge and the global initiative of 30-Days of Biking returning.
30 Days of Biking promotes the micro-mobility experience.
30 Days of Biking works with E-bike Challenge for micro-mobility
Encouraging more people to consider riding a bicycle, especially for short errands, the 30-Days of Biking pledge runs through April. With the E-bike Challenge back at the Minneapolis Convention Center on April 2nd & 3rd. This year’s event will again offer visitors a comfortable setting to compare and ride the latest in e-bike technology on a mammoth test track there. Demonstrating carbon-free options for running those short errands, hauling cargo, or commuting to work without working up a sweat. So, what exactly is micro-mobility, you ask?
The term micro-mobility broadly refers to individuals who use any type of human-powered vehicle, including bicycles, roller blades, scooters, etc. And now, with the rise of EV technology, the definition has evolved, accepting electric motor assistance for bicycles and scooters. Though it still excludes devices with internal combustion engines or top speeds above 28 mph. or 45 km. Making this mode of transportation perfect for health and ecological purposes.
About the Minneapolis Transportation Action Plan
Enjoy the micro-mobility experience for those short trips.
According to Minneapolis and their Transportation Action Plan, over 30% of the trips people take in the city are less than three miles. Sometimes these trips feel a little too far to walk but are not long enough where it is practical to take the bus or drive. Bicycles and other low-power micro-mobility options, such as electric-assist bicycles and scooters, are ideal for these short trips. This MPLS plan also shares that over two-thirds of residents report that they often or sometimes ride a bike to get to school, visit parks, or run errands.
Minneapolis’s commitment attracts European bicycle fair organizer
And Move Minneapolis says, “With the popularity of e-bikes soaring, they are some of the best sustainable commute solutions today. Bicycles, including e-bikes, allow for adequate social distancing and provide a great way to travel while taking in some much-needed fresh air.” This commitment from the city’s leaders is what attracted Hicle, Inc., the organizers of hike and cycle fairs in Europe, to bring the first E-bike Challenge to Minneapolis in 2019.
Compare and test ride many brands at the Challenge.
E-bike Challenge returns the first weekend in April
Now, with the Omicron-fueled surge, on the decline, the E-bike Challenge returns the first weekend in April. Offer consumers a comfortable environment to compare and ride the latest e-bikes. There are several social distancing procedures around the exhibit area next to the enormous indoor test track. Visitors will also discover why most trips within a 10-mile range can be less expensive with an e-assist vehicle, even if they can’t replace a car entirely. And, in many cases, taking less time than a carbon-fueled vehicle for the same journey.
Enjoy the E-bike Challenge, a micro-mobility experience.
E-bike brands at the Challenge
Some e-bike brands already registered for the E-bike Challenge include Giant, GoCycle, Serial 1 by Harley Davidson, Pedego, Riese & Muller, and Skyl Power Bikes. Along with Erik’s Bikes, Now Bikes, Power Bikes, and Trailhead Cycle, to name a few of the local bike shops with brands they carry. The event will also feature several breakout health and tech sessions, a kids’ bike test track, and other fun family activities. Plus, visitors will receive a complimentary 2022 Minnesota Bike/Hike Guide, full of bicycling maps of popular Minnesota destinations to explore, at the door.
For more information about the E-bike Challenge in Minneapolis on April 2 & 3, visit www.ebikechallenge.com.
From ice adventures, getting out to an ice fishing hot spot using e-fat bikes can extend the winter fishing season or other shoulder season outdoor activities. These are topics the “godfather of ice-fishing,” Minnesota native, Dave Genz will cover at the E-Bike Challenge Minneapolis, this weekend.
If the idea of using an electric bike or electric fat bike, called an e-bike had piqued your interest, you are in luck. Coming to Minneapolis, the E-bike Challenge is March 23–24, 2019. On Saturday, March 22nd, at 2 p.m. Dave will be on stage with John Schaubach, from Crosby, MN. The two of them will share their story using e-fat bikes, in the True North. Covering the adventures of John’s winter fat biking experience up near Cuyuna that led to the eventual use of a pedal assist fat bike for ice fishing.
At their Saturday presentation, learn from Dave how by using an e-bike he has discovered many advantages for ice fishing, with the motorized fat bike. Like his intro video, demonstrates, the pulling power of an e-fat bike makes it easier to haul sporting gear in off-road terrain situations. So, during early winter or late in the season when the ice isn’t thick or safe enough for an ATV or truck, Mr. Ice Fishing got to thinking. There has got to be a better way to reach distant hotspots with his lightweight, portable shelter and other gear? And the electric assist fat bike solved his problem which he will share.
Recently Dave and John completed a side-by-side comparison of a traditional fat bike to a pedal assist fat bike. On stage, this coming Saturday they will share their findings, many fun stories of adventure and successes.
Mark your calendar and page through the pre-event E-bike Challenge Guide to prepare your questions when looking at the latest e-bike models. Then, get a feel for the bike or bikes you like the best at the Challenge’s indoor test track.
