Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes or motorized bicycles, are becoming increasingly popular. They work wonderfully as sustainable commuting alternatives, and they combine sport and outdoor recreation with an electric motor for easier cycling.

There are three common classes of electric bicycle. Class 1 e-bikes use pedal assist technology. Pedal-assist (or electric-assist) combines human and electric power simultaneously. Class 2 motor bikes offer an optional throttle so that you can take a break from pedaling altogether. And Class 3 bikes use only pedal assist, like Class 1, but engage electronic assistance up to higher speeds than Class 1 bikes do.

Choosing the best electric bike for you involves considering the mileage you’ll be covering, the speeds you want to achieve, and the weight you want to carry around. You can also decide whether or not you want a foldable electric bicycle for easy storage. And commuters can benefit from an e-bike with speed capabilities of 15+ mph to get where you’re going more quickly.

You can use an electric bike for commuting, taking long rides along the beach, cycling dirt roads and trails and just about everything else you could do with an ordinary bike. And, just as you would with any bike, you should always use safety gear, like a helmet, as well as accessories such as bike lights. These will increase your visibility on the road and reduce your chances of injury. Meanwhile, bike locks and bike GPS will keep your property more secure and help you find your way around town while riding.

Along with the exercise advantages of traveling by e-bike instead of by car, there are also environmental and financial advantages to using green transportation. You’ll save money in the long run by investing in an e-bike instead of spending money on gas, a parking spot or transit rides. 

Finally, whether you’re choosing the fastest e-bike or the best e-bike for commuting, it’s up to you to know and comply with state and local electric bicycle-related laws, including whether a class I, II or III e-bike is best suited for your needs.