Electric Bikes: Fully Automatic Mode, Fact Or Fiction?

Electric bikes are simple to use, ride and maintain, and they require little maintenance beyond that of a standard bike. There are two main kinds of electric cycle: full-power and power-assist. Full-power bikes are designed for minimal pedalling over short distances, while power-assist bikes provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling, and only up to a certain speed. In the US, electric bikes are defined by the California Vehicle Code, which separates them into three classes. Riders require either a certificate to operate a motorized bicycle, a motorcycle license, a motor-driven cycle license, or a license of class A, B, C or D.

Electric bikes are simple to use, ride and maintain

There are two main kinds of electric cycle: full-power and power-assist. Full-power bikes are designed for minimal pedalling over short distances. Power-assist bikes provide assistance only when the rider is pedalling, and this assistance stops when the bike reaches 20 miles per hour.

To get full power out of the motor, you only need a minimal cadence of 15rpm. Electric bikes require little maintenance beyond that which a standard bike requires. However, there are some equipment standards that must be met for operation, including handlebars, brakes, tires/wheels, electrical systems/lighting, mirrors, speedometer, and horns/warning devices.

Electric bikes are defined as having an automatic transmission and a motor of less than 50cc

Electric bikes are simple to use, ride and maintain. They are designed to be very easy to operate and have three modes of operation: you can pedal an electric bicycle just as you would with a regular one; you can use the full power of the motor; or you can use a power-assist mode, where the bike is designed for minimal pedalling over relatively short distances.

In some states, electric bikes are defined as having an automatic transmission and a motor of less than 50cc. For example, in Pennsylvania, a standard class C license, proof of insurance, and registration are required for operation of any motorized pedalcycle. In Louisiana, a motorized bicycle must be registered and titled under state law. In California, a rider requires either a certificate to operate a motorized bicycle, a motorcycle license, a motor-driven cycle license, or a license of class A, B, C or D. Certificates cannot be issued to riders under 10 years of age.

However, the requirement of an automatic transmission is troublesome for those who just want to add an electric-assist motor to a bicycle, for almost all bicycles have transmissions consisting of chains and manually shifted sprockets.

Electric bikes have three modes of operation: pedal, full power, and power-assist

The mode you choose will depend on the type of ride you want and the model of your electric bike. Some bikes have three gears, some have eight, and others have an internal drivetrain that provides unlimited gears. It only takes a minimal cadence of 15 rpm to get full power out of the motor.

Electric bikes require a standard class C license, proof of insurance, and registration to operate in Pennsylvania

Electric bikes are simple to use, ride and maintain. They require little maintenance beyond that which a standard bike requires. Riders have three modes of operation available to them: they can pedal an electric bicycle just as they would with a regular one, with no extra resistance created by the motor; they can use the full-power mode, which is designed for minimal pedalling over relatively short distances; or they can use the power-assist mode, which provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches the speed of 20 miles per hour.

In Pennsylvania, electric bikes require a standard class C license, proof of insurance, and registration to operate. The vehicles must be registered with PennDOT and insured. They are prohibited from sidewalks and bike lanes. However, some sources state that electric bikes do not require a license, registration or insurance in Pennsylvania.

Electric bikes have unlimited gears, depending on the model

Electric bikes have three modes of operation: you can pedal them as you would a regular bicycle, use the motor, or a combination of the two. Depending on the model, electric bikes can have three, eight, or unlimited gears. The NuVinci® N360™ internal drivetrain provides an unlimited number of gears.

Electric bikes are defined by the California Vehicle Code as bicycles equipped with fully operable pedals and an electric motor of less than 750 watts. They are separated into three classes. A 'class 1 electric bicycle' is a bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedalling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 miles per hour.

Full-power electric bikes are designed for minimal pedalling over relatively short distances. The number of gears an electric bike has will depend on the model.

Frequently asked questions