Earth Day 2024 deals: Our guide to best e-bike deals available now
Earth Day is here and that's got us thinking about ways we can be better to the environment. Enter the electric bike. E-bikes have become all the rage amongst young and old and for good reason: compared to e-bikes from 10+ years ago, today’s e-bikes are lighter, less expensive, impeccably designed, go faster and farther on a single charge, and can even carry a week’s worth of groceries. Being that these handy two-wheel wonders can effectively replace your car in some scenarios, they don't come cheap. You should expect to pay about $1000-$3500 for a quality electric bike, but consider the fuel savings and wear-and-tear on your vehicle. When weighing the pros and cons of an e-bike’s price tag, don't forget to include the exponential health benefits of riding a bike multiple times a week.
One positive is that in honor of Earth Day, there are some great prices on electric bikes. AOL's editors have been scouring the web to find the best e-bike deals for Earth Day 2024 to suit the needs of young and old, commuters and cruisers, and even car-poolers. To know what might be a good fit for your needs, it's important to understand a little background on electric bike "Classes" so you know what to look for.
Class 1, 2 and 3 electric bikes
When considering an e-bike the first decision you should make is which “Class” of e-bike is best for you. The different classes of bikes, were first established by PeopleforBikes.org, and widely adopted by bike manufacturers and global governments. Bikes are categorized based on speed and equipment. While Class 1, 2 and 3 bikes are the standard, there is a need-for-speed Class 4 bike that is essentially a dirt bike with pedals and a throttle that can reach speeds in excess of 60 miles per hour (mph).
The e-bike market is constantly evolving as are the rules and regulations. For this reason, many manufacturers are designing their bikes to fall into all three classes depending on the owner's preferences. That means you can start with Class 1 assisted pedaling and then “unlock” the bike to incorporate the throttle (Class 2) and boost well past 20 mph (Class 3). Class 4 is still in a world of its own, however.
It’s also important to check the laws governing e-bikes in your local city and state since the rules and laws vary slightly from state to state. Also, check the regulations of The Bureau of Land Management, National Park Service, and National Forest Service.
The best electric bike deals for Earth Day
Class 1 E-bike
Class 1 electric bike: Pedal assist up to 20 mph
A Class 1 electric bike is an e-bike that requires you to pedal to engage the motor and keep the bike moving. Once the motor is engaged it helps or “assists” in pedaling up to 20 mph. Of course, you can go faster than 20 mph on these bikes, but the pedal assist cuts off at 20 mph. This class of bike adds more power to your pedals but still requires you to pedal at all times to keep it going. For the rider it feels like for every one full pedal rotation, the bike propels forward as if you’ve made five full rotations.
For those looking to simply cruise around town, ride through parks, enjoy beachside rides, or love the idea of climbing hills with complete ease, a Class 1 bike is a great choice. These bikes are also perfect for beginner cyclists, including beginner mountain bikers. It’s also a great choice if a throttled e-bike sounds too intimidating.
Class 2 e-bikes
Class 2 electric bike: Throttle up to 20 MPH
A class 2 bike is likely what comes to mind when you think of an electric bike, and the majority of e-bikes fall into this class. It is equipped with a throttle that will take over when you are tired of pedaling. The Class 2 regulation also means the throttle will max out at 20 mph, which is quite fast when you consider 25 mph is the standard on most neighborhood and secondary roads. This class is perfect for commuters, errands around town, or when going longer distances and you like the idea of a trade-off between doing the work yourself or having a motor do the work for you.
Class 3
Class 3: Throttle equipped 28+ MPH
Most states and countries have stricter limitations on Class 3 e-bikes due to their 28 mph top speed. These bikes are usually required to have a speedometer and, depending on where you live, may be banned from bike paths, trails and some highways. It’s important to note that e-bikes can change classes after purchase depending on the rider. So, while a bike may be listed as a Class 2, some can be unlocked to hit a top speed of 28 mph, or more. If you are torn between classes or want a bike that can grow with your abilities, look for a Class 2 bike that can be easily modified to reach higher speeds. Class 3 bikes are great for daily commuters or as a substitute for a car since they will get you from point A to B with ease and very little to no physical exertion on your part.