An electric bike, or ebike, is a battery powered bicycle. An electric bike allows you the option to pedal or to sit back and let the battery and electric motor do the work. Many riders like to pedal most of the time but let the motor kick in while climbing hills, starting from a stop, or riding against the wind. There are a wide variety of electric bike models to fit your needs, many of which take advantage of the newer battery technologies, such as lithium ion packs. In addition to purpose-built electric bikes, there are also add-on kits available that can convert a standard bike to an electric bike. An electric bike is generally light weight, and some models even fold for easy storage. Top speeds are typically about 18 to 20 mph, with ranges of rough 12 to 25 miles per charge. Recharging the battery typically takes a few hours, using only a few cents worth of electricity.
