Electric bikes, often referred to as eBikes, are surprisingly affordable for the value they bring!

Unlocking the Perfect Ride: Navigating Electric Bike Costs

Embarking on the journey to find your ideal eBike? The cost of your desired electric bike is intricately linked to the kind of riding experience you envision and the level of quality you seek. Whether you’re opting for leisurely neighborhood rides or gearing up for daily commutes, the price tag on your eBike can vary significantly.

Tailoring Costs to Riding Styles: For those seeking a quick spin around the neighborhood, eBikes designed for short rides often come with a more budget-friendly price point. On the other hand, if your sights are set on traversing longer distances for daily commuting, investing in an eBike with enhanced features becomes a priority. Consider models with robust frames, wider tires, and powerful motors to ensure a smooth and reliable ride every day.

Trail Adventures Demand Premium Performance: Venturing into the trails? Trail-ready eBikes with sturdy frames, wider tires for optimal traction, and potent motors are essential for a premium off-road experience. Recognizing that trail-oriented eBikes require specialized components, it’s natural for them to be priced at a higher range compared to their urban-focused counterparts.

Thriving Industry, Diverse Pricing Structures: The electric bike industry is thriving, with a plethora of manufacturers each presenting their unique pricing structures. As you dive into your eBike exploration, you’ll encounter a diverse range of options, each catering to different preferences and budgets. Navigating through this variety allows you to understand the average price range for a quality electric bike that aligns with your needs.

Comprehensive Guidance for Informed Choices: To ensure you make the best choice amidst this diversity, explore our comprehensive ebike Buyers Guide. Packed with unbiased tips and insights, this guide serves as your compass in navigating the eBike landscape. From understanding key features to deciphering pricing dynamics, our guide empowers you to make an informed decision that suits your riding style and

Remember, when considering an electric bike, there are more than just initial costs to consider.

Consider the Maintenance Cost

Electric bikes tend wear out just like a traditional bicycle. But they have far more components in them that can wear out. Motor. Battery. Motherboard. If you are going to use this as your main means of transportation, it will need adequate maintenance to last. Here is a quick list of some of the things you need and the cost.

• A tune up every six months (or after 500 miles) is recommended. That can cost anywhere between $75 to $100.
• Patching a flat tire costs between $10 and $20, depending on the severity of the fix.
• Brake adjustments will cost $20-35.

Some of our electric bikes use a maintenance-friendly design. Our EB8 features power line quick disconnects, making it easier for bike shops to perform general maintenance.

Since the most common repair is fixing a flat tire, keep the necessary tools and parts so you can do it yourself. Again, this is where our EB8’s quick-disconnects will come in handy. You won’t need to find a special eBike shop with a certified electrician just to change the tires. You can easily do it yourself.

Consider the Cost for Charging an E-Bike

One recurring cost associated with electric bikes is the cost of charging the battery. It’s a common question. And it’s one that is easily calculated, if we do a bit of math.

(Don’t worry, we’ll make this simple!)

Find the battery voltage and amp hour rating of the eBike. Use those numbers to get watt hours. For example, a 36V 10Ah battery has 360 watt hours, or 0.36 kilowatt hours (kWh).

Check your local electricity prices. Electricity prices vary widely from state to state, but the average cost per kWh in the U.S. today is roughly 13.45 cents per kWh.

0.36 kWh x 0.1345 = 0.04842

So basically, it takes just under $0.05 to fully charge a 36-volt 10Ah battery.

Most eBike batteries get somewhere between 15 and 20 miles per charge. That means $1 could power an electric bike for 300-400 miles.

That’s definitely more affordable than buying gas!

Additional Important Components for E-bikes

Consider getting additional battery chargers. Keep a spare at your desk or in your backpack and never get caught without power again. If the eBike has a removable battery, you might want to invest in a second battery. Especially if you commute long distances and plan on riding a lot.

If you plan on using a bike rack, you’ll want to grab a bike lock, like the TurboLock Bluetooth Bike Lock or a Kryptonite U-lock. These can run you anywhere from $45 to $150, depending on the model, strength and extra features.

You’ll also want to purchase protective gear, including elbow pads, knee pads and ASTM-certified helmets. In some cities, cyclists riding are required to wear a helmet. Beyond that, you’d want to stay as protected as possible, and minimize any risk of injury.

Finding the Right Price for your Electric Bike

As you explore different electric bikes in the market, the first and most important question to ask yourself is what you will use the bike for. If you are going to use the bike primarily on the road, then your choice should be an electric road bike or hybrid. You really don’t need a mountain bike for that purpose. Aside from this, if you will be making a ride in snow, mud or rugged conditions, you will probably need a fat-tire electric bike.

There are certainly different varieties of electric bikes in different categories. Sporty. Commuter. Racing. Off-road. Determine the type of electric bike you want. Look for reputable brands that sell eBikes with the features you need.

If you need help determining what kind of electric bike would be best for you, check out our completely unbiased eRideables Buyers Guide.

And remember: Look for a brand with a proven track record and excellent reputation.

Moving Forward

The most common electric bikes in the market today range from $400 to $2000. At SWAGTRON®, we leverage years of manufacturing experience to keep costs low while still using premium components and offering a plenty added value.

But as you’ve seen, there’s far more to the cost of an electric bike than its sticker price. Maintenance. Charging. Security measures. These are just some cost considerations you should understanding before buying your first electric bike.

Updated: Nov 16, 2023

Electric bikes, or eBikes, seamlessly blend the convenience of motor assistance with the health benefits and joy of pedaling, offering multiple levels of support to tailor the ride to your liking. In the global market, the acceptance and demand for electric bikes have surged, with China alone manufacturing 27 million units back in 2010. However, a common query often arises among prospective buyers and enthusiasts—can an electric bike conquer hilly terrains?

The succinct response is a resounding ‘Yes’. This article delves deeper into this capability of electric bikes, providing a detailed examination for those wondering about an eBike‘s hill-climbing proficiency or those keen to explore more about the distinctive attributes of these innovative bicycles.

If you’re curious about how an electric bike can navigate inclined landscapes or eager to discover more about this unique feature intrinsic to modern bicycles, read on for a comprehensive insight. Whether you are an avid cyclist considering an upgrade to an e-bike or someone looking to incorporate more active travel in your daily routine, understanding the dynamic versatility of electric bikes can illuminate new possibilities and adventures on the road.

Everything starts with the design

If you live on a steep hill, cycling will be very exciting on the way down but it can be punishing on the way up. While you can get the benefit of a physical exercise, there is a limit to the stress that your legs can bear. The idea of enhancing the failing pedal power by using torque becomes necessary in order to make things comfortable for riders. Today, the electric bikes can be specifically designed towards ensuring that hill climbing is easy. A higher nominal power will give more hill climbing strength but this will reduce the miles that the e-bike can travel. Through the gear systems, the e-bike can be propelled to climb steep hills and when you do this, the average speed will be quite low.

Climb that hill with your e-bike

Many people have chosen to use electric bikes to help them in climbing up hills and against headwinds. The e-bike is only complements the human power, it does not serve as a complete replacement. This is the reason why pedaling is also required when riding an electric bike. This is especially true when going up a hill.

To go up any hill you have in mind, you need to get a power e-bike. In order for you to make a good choice, check the selections we have at Swagtron (www.swagtron.com).

To put this in perspective, an electric bike will effectively reduce the gradient of the hills thereby eliminating the ‘groan’ factor when that you usually sets in when a gradient comes into view. If you give a good amount of effort, you should expect to climb hills of 1 in 10 (10 percent) on an electric bike without any difficulty. At the same time, you can clear a maximum gradient of 1 in 7 (14 percent), or even more. In hilly countries, the effect is nothing short of extraordinary.

Going downhill

It normal that after every uphill, there is always a downhill. With regenerative braking, the battery’s life can be extended when going downhill so that the electric bike can travel more distance. In a nutshell, the electric bike can simply generate back some of the energy that was expended on going uphill.

Generating this power will slow down the bike, and this makes it a good idea if you want to limit the top speed of the electric bike without necessarily using the brakes consistently.

Aside from this regenerative feature, the downhill top speed of an electric bike is lesser than that of the traditional conventional bicycle because of the built-in friction in the electric bike.

How to Climb the Hill

The next thing now is to master how to use e-bike to climb a hill. Basically, there are three key things that you need to consider and they are discussed as follows:

• Body Position
  Your body position depends on the steepness of the hill and the terrain on which you are riding. If you are riding on gentle slopes, a neutral position is okay. However, if are riding on steep grades, it’s is good to shift your body weight forward so as to maintain traction on the rear wheel. Just lower your chest to the bars and bend your elbows.
• Pedaling cadence and line choice
  You need to choose the right line while riding trails so that you can keep the right pedaling cadence. This is particularly important when climbing hills because you can’t afford to stop pedaling and lose your momentum. Therefore, it is good practice to look five meters ahead so that you know what is coming.
• Tire pressure
  The tires also have a great influence on the performance of your electric bike. Proper traction is provided by the tires. You need to find the right air pressure and this depends on the terrain you are riding and your own riding style.

Go Conquer the Hills

What are you waiting for? With an electric bike, the hills have suddenly become a lowland, enjoy yourself and don’t forget to get your favorite e-bike from Swagtron (www.swagtron.com).

Updated: Sept 29, 2023

It’s one of the fundamental truths we lived with for decades: water and electronics don’t mix. But with electric scooters, the temptation to throw caution to the wind and ride out in the rain is too great to ignore. So, this article will answer the question: “Can electric scooters be used in the rain?”.

As is usual with these questions, the definitive answer is . . . maybe.

What Happens When You Ride an Electric Scooter in the Rain

When operating your electric scooter in the rain, here are two things to keep in mind.

First, you have to understand how the water would be affecting the electric components in your electric scooter.

While some low-grade electric scooters in the market may take a splash or two and handle some scattered raindrops, riding such scooters in the rain will definitely be a gamble. Poorly manufactured electric equipment is best sheltered inside when it starts raining.

Another thing to understand is that the handling and performance in wet conditions are more difficult, just like with a bicycle or an automobile. Wet surfaces can dramatically lower the traction of the electric scooter, making it harder to maneuver or stop.

Electric scooters from disreputable brands or unknown manufacturers might have poor handling ability in the rain and poor braking.

What about SWAGTRON® Electric Scooters?

Performance in adverse weather conditions is one of the many areas where shoddy electric scooters do not come close to matching the standards and quality of SWAGTRON. Our electric scooters are water-resistant (IPX4) and can be ridden in short intervals during light rain.

All SWAGTRON electric scooters come with grooved rubber or inflatable tires. These tires offer a firm grip on most of the surfaces, wet or dry. No matter what surface you ride on, riders will have a good grip on the road for proper handling.

When Not To Ride Your Electric Scooter: In The Rain or Low Visibility

Briefly riding your SWAGTRON electric scooter in light rain causes no harm to you or your scooter. But if it’s raining heavily and your visibility is reduced, you probably shouldn’t go riding. Wait for the rains to subside before heading out. Avoid going out on electric scooters during torrential rain.

Chance of High Standing Rainwater

“Water-resistant” is not the same as “waterproof.” So, don’t use your electric scooter in areas where there’s a chance of floods or high water. Extreme conditions such as flash floods, overflowing rivers or streams, and deep puddles will render your electric scooter inoperable. Such conditions may also permanently damage your electric scooter. There’s also a chance that you may be left stranded far away from your home. Use caution. Do not take your electric scooter out for a spin if there is a chance of high standing water.

Again, SWAGTRON electric scooters are water-resistant — also termed as splash-resistant — not waterproof. Never fully submerge your electric scooter in water. That will void the warranty and might damage electric components beyond repair.

Electric Scooters In Freezing Rain

If the temperatures are below freezing and it is raining, it is strongly recommended NOT to ride your electric scooter. Operating your electric scooter in the rain below freezing temperatures causes your battery and motor to overwork. This adversely affects the longevity of the battery and the electric motor. If your electric scooter does happen to get cold, wait until the battery gets warm before trying to recharge or power-up.

If you’re buying a premium electric scooter from a reliable brand, you should be fine if you get caught out in light rain for a brief amount of time. Always check the IP-rating of your electric scooter before buying. They should be well advertised. Avoid risky behavior. Don’t ride your e-scooter in freezing temperatures, during heavy downpours, or through water puddles.

Need help finding the best electric scooter for your needs? Check out our absolutely free eRideable Buyer’s Guide for some guidance and support.

Electric bikes come in many shapes and sizes. Not every body is perfect for everybody.  Pricing an eBike —and determining what you’re willing to pay for one—is a balancing act between form and function, style and substance. Yeah, the latest eBike may look suave. But does it do what you need it to do? Will you end up paying for features that you don’t need, don’t want and will never use? After all, different features can mean different costs; more features, higher costs.

So how much does an electric bike cost? It depends on what you need out of an eBike.

Electric Bikes for Commuter (from $450 up)

Commuter eBikes need to tick a few boxes in order to appeal to commuters. These include:

• Lightweight
• Easy to store
• Enough power to navigate through city traffic

The SWAGTRON® EB5 Pro Plus Folding City and Campus eBike is a great example of an eBike that ticks all these boxes. With a price point of around $500 to $600, it fits comfortably in a mid-range budget. The bike gets around 15.5 miles per charge, which makes for zipping through the city.

At the entry-level, the SWAGTRON EB1 Short Commute Folding eBike is an excellent choice for smaller budgets. If short distances are your thing, you’ll be happy to know this compact model will get you just under 7.5 miles per charge. It also has an attractive price tag that ranges between $300 and $400.

Purpose-Built for the Outdoors (from $550 up)

The SWAGTRON EB7 Plus Electric Bike With 7-Speed Gear Shift is the ideal companion when you need to make a quick transition from your outdoor adventures to city streets. It has a 20-mile range when charged which is great for those meandering adventures. It’s also foldable, making it easier to carry when you’re using multiple modes of transport.

When you think outdoors, two things should come to mind: fat wheels and power. Outdoor eBikes are purpose-built to give you that extra boost when you’re climbing hills and navigating rocks. The SWAGTRON EB8 offers a great solution to your outdoor needs.

All-terrain, fat tires provide that extra bit of grip when the road includes branches, gravel, and dirt. This particular model is also foldable too, and its heavier weight adds a bit more stability on rough terrain. Add to it the Shimano gear shifts and removable battery and you got yourself a trail-riding beast. eBikes like this one start at around $850.

(There’s also a slightly smaller version—the EB6—with much of the same features, only a smaller frame size that some riders find more comfortable.)

Recertified & Budget-Friendly (from $240 up)

You’re ready to get your hands on an eBike, but you’re not quite ready to part with a few hundred dollars. Recertified electric bikes are great for those who want the easy commute an eBike offers on a smaller budget.

Recertified eBikes aren’t relegated to just one type of eBike, from the EB7 Commuter  to the pedal-free swagCYCLE Envy. And SWAGTRON’s technicians make sure all recertified bikes are fully functional and performs good as new. A minor scratch equals major savings.

When Pedaling Isn’t an Option (from $200 up)

Pedaling goes hand-in-hand (or foot-in-foot, as it were) with bicycling. But sometimes, you just . . . don’t wanna. Fortunately, not all eBikes require you to put in effort to keep things moving. Pedal-less bikes are here to let you have fun exploring and engaging without leaving yourself winded or sweaty.

The SWAGCYCLE Classic—our O.G. pedal-less eBike—is a good option for those who travel distances of 12 miles or less. The eBike includes a port for charging your phone and a headlight for those twilight trips. This model costs around $350 to $450.

A great option for those who just want an entry-level runaround that ranges from about $250 to $350 is the SWAGTRON Envy. It has a collapsable neck, a lightweight design, and can reach distances between 9 and 12 miles on a single charge.

The SWAGCYCLE Pro is the ultimate cruiser that gets you between 12 and 15.5 miles per charge. It’s the perfect crossover between a scooter and eBike and boasts a 350W motor. You can expect to pay around $400 to $500 for this one.

Picking an eBike is all about features and cost. Think about what you need from your new ride and how much you have to spend. Then get shopping! Find your SWAG!

Time. It’s one of life’s most valuable resources, and it’s the one people seem to demand from you the most. Long lines, traffic jams, and long-distance treks often take up more of your time than you have to give—and yet you’re still expected to get from A to B with seconds to spare.

A swagster like you needs an electric bike — and a fast one, at that!

You’re not about that rush hour traffic crawl life. You’ve got no time for holdups on your commute—and no interest either. Whether it’s the next class across campus (that you’re apparently supposed to be able to teleport to) or the business meeting you’ll crush if you can ever get there, you need something that will get you there with a speed that’ll match your swag. At SWAGTRON®, we’ve got some of the fastest, affordable electric bikes on the market—along with the range and comfort to cover your entire commute with swag.

WHAT QUALIFIES AS A FAST EBIKE?

We know you’re ready to fly down the road with the wind in your hair, but there are some things you need to know first. The exact speed of your eBike depends on multiple factors, so you’ll need to do some research first. Different classes of bikes exist for the terrain you’re going to master, the range of your ride, and how much help you’d like along the way. To help you find the eBike with the specs and speed to match your swag, we’ve put together this list of our fastest electric bikes, and the features we’ve packed into them.

EXTRA-CREDIT READING: Federal, state and local laws may determine which type of electric bike you’re allowed to ride in your particular area. Brush up on some of these laws here: eBikes—Understanding the Three (Legal) Classifications.

A Note About Performance Specs

It’s easy to get stuck on the numbers when looking at an eBike’s spec list. But there’s more to that spec than just the number. Many factors affect the advertised speeds and range-per-charge—many of which you don’t control, some you do. When it comes to a pedal-only bike, you can go as fast as your legs can take you. Want to go faster? Pedal harder. Even then, something like a steep incline will drastically affect how fast you can go. So even when you’re doing all the work, there are outside forces affecting you.

The same can be said for the motor on an electric bike. Performance-based specs, like speed and range-per-charge for throttle mode, can be impacted by rider weight, pavement incline and other riding conditions.

Bike Class

Even the fastest electric bikes are as diverse as their riders, so bike type is an important factor to consider no matter what you’re looking for. There are three basic eBike classes to choose from, namely commuter, pedal-less and off-road. Here’s an overview of the three:

• Commuter: Modern yet practical, these SWAG eBikes are for owning the streets.
• Pedal-less: Looking for a way to get around without breaking a sweat? These models do all the work for you.
• Off-road: Why stay stuck on the pavement when the whole world awaits? With our rugged off-roadsters, you’ll dominate any terrain.

Some overlap exists between these three bike classes, as a few pedal-less eCycles can be classified as commuters. Our Swagcycle Classic, for example, doesn’t have pedals, but it’s still good for a city commute of up to 12 miles at a max speed of 15 mph.

Specs

So you’ve decided how you’ll be using your eBike, but you still need some info on what every swagster wants: power. How much work will you have to put in to light up the roads? Are you looking to get in some exercise and have the motor give you a boost, or would you rather the bike do it all for you while you enjoy the ride? If you’re not sure what you’re looking for, here’s a breakdown of some specs to help you fly.

Pedal-to-go: With a motor for ease and pedals for exercise, the only speed limit with these hybrids is how fast your legs can take you—and the law, of course. These rides let you get the bike started, and the motor kicks in before your coffee. That’s how our EB5 Pro Plus and EB7 Elite work, letting you reach top speeds up to 15.5 mph and 18 mph, respectively.

Full throttle: Need a breather, or just want to relax? Throttle up at the push of a button and go full speed with no effort at all. The throttle on the EB7 Plus will take you up to 20 miles at a max speed of 18.6 mph, leaving your commute and cares in the dust. (All of our commuter eBikes let you easily switch between pedal-to-go and full-throttle modes.)

Motor size: More power means more swag. Our 250W motors give you plenty of juice for your flight, but why not max out on power and speed? Our EB6 All-terrain fat-tire bike comes with a 350W motor, topping you out at 18.6 mph for 21.4 miles on a single charge. And the added torque and tires—along with the 7-speed gear shift—combine to give you the control you need to dominate the trails.

Mobility

What good is having the fastest electric bike if it weighs you down when you get to your destination? You need an eBike that’s as portable as it is fast, if it’s going to keep up with your on-the-go life. Our compact, foldable eBikes are lightweight enough to carry through your office or on the crowded parts of your commute, and our step-through models offer those with limited mobility the chance to catch some swag too. Campus cruiser or riding rookie, there really is an eBike for everyone.

RECLAIM YOUR TIME WITH SWAGTRON

You’re welcome to keep packing yourself in with the friendly folks on that crowded subway if you want to, but we know you’ve got no time for that. You live your life at a breakneck speed every day, and you need an eBike that can keep up. At Swagtron, we’ve got some of the fastest electric bikes you’ll find. And they all come with the quality and performance it takes to deliver maximum swag. So step up your street speed today, and let Swagtron help you fly!

It’s easy to understand why the air-filled tired was a welcome development for people who regularly used bikes. Early bicycle tires were made of leather or solid rubber. Because of that, riding a bicycle could be rough and uncomfortable. Pneumatic tires made bicycles easier to manage and a lot more pleasant to ride. Undoubtedly this helped increased the bike’s popularity.

But pneumatic tires aren’t all sunshine and roses. They require maintenance—more so than solid rubber tires—which includes inflating the tires properly. And that’s where valves come in. Valves open to let the tire receive air and then remain securely closed, maintaining the correct pressure.

Schrader and Presta Valves

The everyday bike rider may never think about bike valves until it’s time to inflate their tires or the valve needs repair. But knowing a thing or two about valves could be helpful for bike owners. Once you have even a basic understanding, you’ll know how to handle them and what to shop for when purchasing a take-along pump.

Schrader and Presta valves are two valve types used on pneumatic bicycle tires. The valves are part of the tire’s inner tube, but it’s possible to use the valves with tubeless tires, as well. The typical Schrader valve is shorter and broader than the Presta valve, although longer Schrader valves are available. The Schrader valve’s short and chunky appearance is like a valve on a car tire, and for that reason, Schrader valves are also known as “car” valves. The Presta valve is long and thin, with a threaded screw arising from the top. The entire outside of a Presta valve may also be threaded.

The Anatomy of a Schrader Valve

A Schrader valve designed for tires is partially-wrapped in rubber. The top portion of the valve is threaded, allowing it to accept a dust cap. The threaded portion also makes it easy to fit a pump head over the opening. The valve comes with a spring-loaded center pin that serves as a check valve, meaning that it only permits air to flow in but not out.  When filling the tire with air through the Schrader valve, the pump forces the valve open by exerting pressure on the center pin. The Schrader valve is simple to use and constructed so that a typical gas station air pump can serve as an air source.

The Anatomy of a Presta Valve

The Presta valve has a slender threaded metal body. The threaded body makes it easy to secure the valve to the rim using a special nut. The Presta valve requires unscrewing a nut at the top to inflate the tube. Opening the nut requires care to avoid unscrewing the entire core because that will allow air to escape from the tire suddenly.

Special pumps are designed for Presta valves. It’s essential to follow instructions when using a take-along Presta valve pump because when the tire is unstable, it’s easy to damage the valve. Attaching a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible for a bicyclist to pump air from a gas station air pump. Since Presta valves come in different lengths, it’s crucial to consider rim depth when purchasing a tube with Presta valves. When a bicycle has deep rims, it needs tubes with longer Presta valves.

Is a Schrader Valve Better Than a Presta Valve?

In the end, the decision of which valve you use may come down to the manufacturer’s preference. Presta valves have some advantages that make them complement high-end and performance bikes. The air pressure in the tire itself creates a strong seal, so there is no need for a check valve. Presta valves allow for higher tire pressures and are lightweight, contributing to a smoother ride. A Presta valve’s slim size means that the hole where it fits inside the rim is smaller, making the rim stronger.

However, Schrader valves are standard on many bicycles and scooters, including SWAGTRON’s® eRideables. They’re much more convenient for the casual or occasional rider, letting them add air pressure at any gas station without worrying about adapters or losing the valve core. The sturdy construction of a Schrader valve makes it a good choice for children’s bikes. Schrader valves also work well on mountain bikes, although you might find some mountain bikes with Presta valves. The typical air pressure gauge is designed for use with the Schrader valve but adding a Schrader adapter to a Presta valve makes it possible to use the gauge with a Presta valve.

You’re going on your next out-of-town vacation—either going to another city, state or even country. And of all the things you feel you absolutely must take with you, your electric scooter or electric bike is high on that list. Understandable. After all, it’s become such a crucial part of your daily routine now, and it would be so convenient for sightseeing excursions. Your next few thoughts might turn to carrying the battery with you, too. But can you waltz onto your flight, battery in hand (or in the luggage)?

Unfortunately, in almost all instances, you can’t carry your eBike or eScooter batteries onto an airplane. That’s especially true if they’re lithium-ion batteries. In the U.S., the FAA lets passengers carry along Li-ion batteries at or under 100 watt-hours (Wh) each.

That restriction applies to both carry-on luggage and checked baggage. And it’s not one enforced by the FAA alone; nations all over the world provide airlines with similar guidelines.

Let’s dive into these rules a little deeper and discuss some new technologies already in circulation and under development.

Lithium-Ion Batteries

There are overwhelming odds that your eBike or eScooter is fitted with a lithium-ion battery. Smaller types of this kind of battery, such as those you’d find in cameras, handheld games and laptops, are generally fine to carry onboard a flight. However, when it comes to your eBike or eScooter, the battery understandably is much bigger — to make those long riding hours and high speeds possible.

A consequence of that is greater regulation by airlines, mainly for safety reasons, and that’s where the 100 Wh limit mentioned above comes in.

While some eScooter models for children can have Li-ion batteries with watt-hours that meet the maximum guidelines, those are very rare exceptions. Your average eScooter or eBike battery, especially with enough power to carry a teenager or adult, will go far beyond that.

You can find the exact amperage for your particular model on the battery pack.

Just for reference, SWAGTRON’s® EB6 eBike battery comes in at 280 Wh, and the readings for most eBike and eScooter batteries play at around that region. Way above the FAA limit.

New Technologies in the Works

As battery technology evolves, it’s possible that hopping onto a flight with your eBike or eScooter battery won’t be an issue anymore.  The most significant advancement in that direction is LiFePo batteries.

While still a type of lithium-ion battery, LiFePo batteries have some key differences from those we previously mentioned, making them more flight-friendly. They have a lower operating voltage and greater long-term stability, which helps them to bypass the reasoning behind the FAA’s restrictions.

New Swagtron® hoverboards come fitted with LiFePo batteries, and some airlines and officiators may have different rules and regulations in place for them than for the Li-ion kind.

Future eBike and eScooter models may start to carry LiFePo batteries, so keep an eye out as product lineups change. Implementation of LiFePo across the board may very well allow you to take a battery with you on your cross-state and international trips.

Always Check Before Packing

We can provide you with a general sense of how likely it is that you’ll be able to travel with your eBike and eScooter battery, but it’s the exact airline you’re flying with that can give you a rock-solid answer.

You can reach out to the airline’s staff via email or with a call and ask them what their official line is on the type of battery you’re hoping to bring along. To make sure you get an informed answer and make it easier for them to give one — give as many crucial details as you can on the battery.

You can find the information written on the battery, and your user manual will explain in greater detail. Most likely, the data they’ll need includes watt-hours, voltage and mAh. Have that information handy when you reach out to them, so you’re able to get an answer that factors in all the important details.

Possible Workaround

If you’re aware of the time and date of your trip, you can always have the eScooter or eBike battery shipped to your destination ahead of time. Freight restrictions are far looser than those airlines have to enforce, so the possibility of shipping your battery wherever you’re headed may be entirely plausible.

Settling the question: you’re not going to be taking your eBike or eScooter battery with you on a flight in the near future. That said, new LiFePo tech may come to eScooters and eBikes, making flying with your battery entirely possible.

Over the last several years, electric bikes have become increasingly popular. For many, these eBikes are the perfect combinatio­­n of a standard bicycle and a motorbike. They are small and convenient like a bicycle, yet still provide the luxury of electric power that reduces the physical effort required.

Despite the growing popularity of electric bicycles, some potential riders might have concerns about their safety. After all, almost everyone’s heard about the situation that British music mogul Simon Cowell “broke his back” after falling off an electric bike (we’ll get to this in a bit). And no one wants that for themselves or a loved one!

But the reality is that just as with all motor vehicles, the safety level of eBike greatly depends on the operator — think Grandma vs. Evel Knievel.  In fact, you can do many things to significantly reduce the risk of an accident or injury while electric biking.

Here’s a look at some great tips for staying safe on the road. But first . . .

That Wasn’t an eBike

Media outlets called Cowell’s vehicle an “electric bike.” But what he was actually riding was an electric motorbike—more specifically an imported SWIND EB-01 electric motorbike. And that distinction is very important. Typical, those vehicles have a top speed of 60mph—most e-bikes in the U.S. are pedal-assisted and limited to providing power up to 20mph. Even in the EU, the top speed for most eBikes is 15.5 mph. And SWAGTRON eBikes usually stay in that area, for safety reasons. After all, no one looks good with a bad case of road rash.

Difference Between a Standard Bike and Electric Bike

To stay responsible while riding an electric bike, it’s crucial to understand the distinct differences between an eBike and a standard bike. Of course, the major difference is that eBikes have electric drive systems that include a motor and battery. Yep, no more climbing hills on pedal power alone!

This electrical component can also cause the eBike to accelerate at a faster pace than a standard bike. Hitting the acceleration too quickly right from the start can cause the rider to lose control. Never apply full throttle until your electric bicycle is in motion.

In addition, the brakes on electric bikes can be touchy. If you’re not careful, pressing too quickly on these brakes may cause your bike to stop while you keep moving forward. Not a pleasant prospect! You can avoid this issue by applying pressure slowly to the brakes until you and your bike come to a full stop. And always get a feel for your eBike’s controls and response times before riding.

Follow the Rules of the Road

Before you start electric biking, learn the rules of the road. Many states and local jurisdictions don’t have specific rules and regulations for eBikes, so it can be difficult to determine if you should follow standard bicycle traffic rules or motorcycle laws. Study up on your region’s regulations if available, and obey all roadway signs and signals, including traffic lights, stop signs and speed limit signs.

Additionally, always ride with traffic and never against it. This step can protect you and other riders on the road, as well as pedestrians. You can also improve your safety on the road by using designated bike lanes when available. If your eBike doesn’t have turn signals, be sure to use appropriate turning hand signals at all crossways.

Practice, Practice, Practice

As with any new experience, the more you ride your eBike, the more capable you’ll become. Start by riding in areas that are relatively flat with only slight turns, such as designated biking paths. Use this time to practice starting and stopping your electric bike to familiarize yourself with its acceleration and brakes.

This practice time is also a good time to adjust your seat and handlebars and customize the bike’s settings, so you’re comfortable as well as looking cool. The more you ride your bike, the more accustomed you’ll become to its power and the better able you’ll be to make quick safety decisions while riding.

Safety First

The best way to reduce the risk of an accident or injury is to make safety a priority. Always wear a helmet to protect your head in the event of an accident. Secondly, ensure your eBike is safe for the road. For example, if your electric bike doesn’t already have headlights and reflectors, install them. This step ensures other drivers and riders can see you clearly no matter what time of the day or night it is.

It’s also a good idea to have a horn or whistle attached to your bike. EBikes are so quiet that other riders and pedestrians may not hear you coming up behind them. Using a horn or whistle can help alert them to your presence and avoid scaring fellow citizens.

Proper Maintenance

While you may have heard stories of lithium batteries catching on fire, the vast majority of these cases involved homemade battery packs. You should never build a DIY battery pack for your electric bicycle unless you have experience or have done extensive research. Protect yourself on the road by only using high-quality batteries made by reputable manufacturers, such as SWAGTRON’s® replacement packs.

You should also check the air pressure in your tires and the bike’s brakes before every ride and have your electric bike professionally inspected on an annual basis.

Using these tips can help keep you safer on the road and reduce the risk of an accident. Join numerous others who are enjoying all the fun and excitement an electric bike has to offer. Start shopping for your new eBike today.

The best way to choose the right eBike is to start by thinking about how you’re going to use it. eBikes come in a variety of styles and with different features. So finding the best eBike for you depends on your needs and what you want to get out of the eBike.

Here’s the quick and dirty.

RECOMMENDED eBIKE USAGE/AGE GUIDE

Recommended Electric Bike Guide by Age and Usage.

• Young children: Not recommended, until the parent feels they are responsible and able to handle the speed.
  • Swagcycle Classic
  • Swagcycle Envy
• Teens
  • Swagcycle PRO, EB5 Plus
  • SWAGTRON EB5 Plus
  • SWAGTRON EB6
• Commuting
  • SWAGTRON EB7 Plus
  • SWAGTRON EB12
• Seniors
  • SWAGTRON EB9 Step-Thru
• Off-roading
  • SWAGTRON EB6
  • SWAGTRON EB8

Now, let’s look at these eBikes in more detail.

YOUNG CHILDREN

We don’t recommend eBikes for young children. However, if you think your child is ready, you can get them the pedal-less SWAGTRON® Swagcycle Classic or the Swagcycle Envy. Your kid can sit back and enjoy the Swagcycle Classic, working on balance without having to worry about pedals. They can also learn to ride using the Swagcycle Envy, which features a foldable design for easy storage.

The swagCYCLE Pro pedal-less eBike.

SWAG TIP FOR PARENTS: If your young one is too young even for the pedal-free swagCYCLE models, maybe something as simple as a K5 3-Wheel Kick Scooter is the way to go. It’s a manually powered kick scooter with wheels that light up. Sometimes that li’l bit of electric excitement is all a young tike needs.

TEENS

Teens can use eBikes to navigate to school, visit friends or commute to their summer job. They need easy-to-handle eBikes with intuitive gear-shifting. Here are a few great options for them.

SWAGCYCLE PRO, EB5 PRO PLUS, EB6

The Swagcycle Pro has no pedals, so it operates like a scooter. It’s easy for teens to ride, and it has a tough aluminum frame, making it ultra-sturdy.

The SWAGTRON EB5 Pro Plus makes regular trips to and from school and to meetups with friends easy thanks to a 250W motor and speeds of up to 15.5 mph. It also folds for easy storage in the trunk of a small car.

With the SWAGTRON EB6, you get the power you need to off-road, along with the fat tires to handle the terrain. It comes with a high-torque, 350W motor and three modes: pedal-to-go, pedal-only and throttle-only.

The EB6 Fat-Tire Off-Road eBike

COMMUTING

The best commuting eBikes have a relatively long range and are comfortable to ride over long distances. For your long rides, we recommend the SWAGTRON EB7 or the SWAGTRON EB12.

SWAGTRON EB7 PLUS & EB12 ELECTRIC BIKES

The SWAGTRON EB7 Plus makes taking the long way home an easy and comfortable choice with three modes: pedal-only, full-throttle or pedal-to-go electric-assist. You can fold it into a small package, making it easy to take to work or school.

The EB7 Plus electric bike — perfect for commuting riders!

The SWAGTRON EB12 is a modern full-size eBike that uses a powerful motor, Shimano gears and removeable battery to bolster the versatility of this classic-styled 700cc road bike.

The SWAGTRON EB12 Commuting Road electric bike.

SENIORS

When choosing the best eBike, you want to make sure it’s “sized” right. Part of sizing means ensuring that you can get on and off the bicycle easy. If you have mobility or flexibility issues, an electric bike with a lower frame can be a lifesaver. A low frame (or “step-through” frame) makes it easy to mount and dismount. This feature also helps make the bike more manageable to those with limited agility. One great option for seniors is the “true comfort” SWAGTRON EB9 Step-Thru.

SWAGTRON EB9 STEP-THRU

For riders requiring special mobility considerations, the  SWAGTRON EB9 is a solid choice. It’s like a traditional bike, just with a low, step-through frame that makes getting on and hopping off the bike easier on the hips and knees. The EB9 is also a good choice for older adults who may be new to the eBike experience. The powerful Li-ion battery lets you cruise the street with ease, and the layout of the center bar and pedals allows for easy handling.

The step-through frame of the EB9 eBike.

OFF-ROADING

Off-roading eBikes let you use minimal effort to cover long distances. The throttle mode on these can come in handy. If you get injured and can’t pedal, the bike will get you back to safety. SWAGTRON EB6 and EB8 “Fat-Tire” eBikes are great for hitting the trail.

SWAGTRON EB6 and EB8

Conquer and explore the outdoors with the SWAGTRON EB8, which comes with thick all-terrain tires for riding rough terrain and Shimano® gears to shift with precision at the push of a button. The EB8 also features a full suspension system and a reinforced aluminum frame for a sturdy build and smooth ride.

The EB6 eBike is slightly smaller than the EB8, but it has a lot of the same features: 4-inch thick, all-terrain “fat tires,” powerful 350-watt motor, 7-speed Shimano gear shift with MF-TZ21 freehub, dual disc brakes and more. The EB6 is built for younger adventurers and riders who don’t need a super large bicycle. (We may refer to it as a “youth” eMTB, but trust us: plenty of adults are loving their EB6!)

Plenty of SWAGTRON options for every rider. Find yours!

As you can see, there’s an eBike for every kind of rider. Once you pinpoint your main use for an eBike – commuting, casual riding, off-roading – then finding that perfect eBike becomes as simple as heading over to SWAGTRON. So what are you waiting for?

If you’re young at heart but feel that pedaling might have become too challenging, perhaps the motorized assistance of an ebike might entice you to get back in the saddle. SWAGTRON® has senior-friendly eBikes that offer a comfortable, secure and enjoyable experience. But don’t take our word for it. Let these research-backed findings convince the free spirit in you that it’s never too late to ride a two-wheeler again.

eBiking Strengthens Your Heart and Muscles

Seniors might be hindered from eCycling by physical concerns such as bad knees, joint pains, aging-related fatigue, limited mobility and previous injuries. But because cycling is gentler on the knees, feet and hips than running, riding an electric bike offers a practical solution. An eBike’s pedal-assist and throttle features can give your legs a break during uphill rides and when you just want to relax and enjoy the scenery and fresh air.

For people who have used stationary bikes for cardiovascular rehabilitation, transitioning to an electric bike after therapy helps maintain a healthy heart, good balance and muscle strength. In fact, eBiking is seen as a promising solution for telerehabilitation programs. Just like the flexible resistance level of an indoor cycling machine, an electric bike lets you ride with less effort and strain so you can take it easy outdoors while maintaining proper posture and feeling young, wild and free.

Aside from the fact that eBiking helps lower risks of obesity and heart disease, did you know it’s also thought to alleviate arthritis and Parkinson’s symptoms? A Journal of Rheumatology publication reports improved function and reduced pain in osteoarthritis patients. Similarly, Pedaling For Parkinson’s founder, Dr. Jay Alberts, discovered the wonders of cycling after tandem biking with a patient. Davis Phinney, a retired road bike racer diagnosed with Parkinson’s, said that eBiking brought his life back, and he now enjoys uphill biking with his family.

Still not convinced? The Arthritis Foundation and Davis Phinney Foundation for Parkinson’s have their respective fundraiser rides involving diagnosed participants on eBikes!

eBiking Helps Boost Brain Function and Well-Being

So much for the physical benefits. But did you know, cruising on an eBike also has a positive impact on the cognitive and psychological well-being of older adults? A research study by the University of Reading and Oxford Brookes University compared the effects of traditional and electric biking to senior non-cyclists aged 50 to 83. It turns out that the eBike group demonstrated the same improvement in executive function and mental health as the manual pedal group did.

Do you know what makes it even better? The eBike participants spent more time cycling than the pedal riders did! During the study, each rider kept a daily diary to record their cycle times, and the eBikers added valuable comments on how eCycling made them feel good. This study points out that because eBikes require less physical exertion, they let people cover greater distances in less time. This encouraged the participants to increase their cycling time, and they felt more confident and independent on their eBikes.

This incredible discovery makes eBiking an awesome way for seniors to get around and de-stress, helping reduce the risk of depression and serious memory loss. If you think you’re becoming forgetful and might have forgotten how to ride a bike, chances are you didn’t. Thanks to our procedural type of memory, even someone with amnesia can still ride a bicycle!

eBiking Can Rejuvenate Your Immune System

The risk of getting different infections and diseases increases naturally through aging, and this kind of gradual decline in the immune system is called immunosenescence. A study published by the Anatomical Society saw the antiaging effects of cycling in amateur cyclists aged 55 to 79. They appeared to be generating higher amounts of certain immune cells than inactive elders, and these amounts are surprisingly the same with younger adults aged 20 to 36!

These senior cyclists may have pedaled their way to the fountain of youth, but it’s not too late for non-cyclists to follow suit. For beginners, electric bicycles are the way to go. Start slowly on pedal-assist mode to get yourself warmed up and comfy until you’re ready to roll on pedal-only mode. If you’re a retired cyclist and believes that cycling is a lifelong sport, a mountain eBike can be your new best friend.

eBiking Is Practical, Accessible and Fun

Now, here’s the exciting part! In a recent survey on North American electric bicycle owners, a significant majority of respondents aged 55+ and those with physical limitations feel safer on eBikes than on standard bicycles. The top reasons that motivated the 55+ adults to purchase an eBike are:

• For recreational purposes (36.9%)
• To ride with less effort (32.5%)
• To increase fitness (31.6)
• Because I live or work in a hilly area (25%)

The respondents with physical limitations share the same reasons with the 55+ respondents. Still, nearly half of them (48.4%) ticked the box for “a medical condition that reduced my ability” as their motivation for purchasing an eBike.

Almost all respondents (96%) answered that they enjoy their overall riding experience with electric bikes. For them, eBikes are more fun and let them go farther than with standard bicycles. But with all the health benefits seniors can reap from eBiking, the fun factor is just icing on the cake.

Step-Through eBikes Are Great for Older Adults

Can’t wait to get your hands on an eBike? Our SWAGTRON® step-through bikes don’t just impress with vintage-style charm. You’ll love their comfort features even more!

The EB9 electric city bikes and EB10 electric cruiser bikes both have 250W motors and Shimano® gear speed systems, so you can breeze through steep inclines. Their low step-through frames and adjustable seats not only make it convenient for those with limited mobility, but also for ladies in skirts and gentlemen in trousers. Whether you’re in your comfy casuals or Sunday best, getting fitter and feeling younger is as stress-free as a relaxing eBike ride.