Electric bikes, or ebikes as they're commonly known, seem to be everywhere these days. What some might call a less annoying (albeit more expensive) upgrade to the electric scooter, ebikes have found their way onto the streets of most cities across the US. With their ability to get you where you need to go at a much faster pace than a regular bicycle, all while providing an environmentally-friendly transportation option, it's not hard to see why the electric bike industry is booming.
Whether you use your electric bike for commuting to and from work each day or your just like it for riding around your neighborhood on a Sunday afternoon, product protection is necessary for ensuring your ebike is there when you need it. When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage for your ebike and more under the same product protection plan. Ebikes are expensive enough, and you don't want to be stuck with an expensive repair bill because you forgot to add product protection. Mulberry Unlimited covers repair and replacement costs for you, so you can ride your ebike with the ultimate peace of mind.
Electric bike vs. regular bike: Which is better?
Electric bikes are relatively new to the biking scene, and the high price tag might have you wondering if they're the right option for you, and how exactly they differ from regular bicycles.
Electric motor
Of course, the most obvious difference with an electric bike is the fact that it has an electric motor attached to it, while a regular bike does not. The motor provides additional power to the bike when you pedal, and some bikes even come with controls so you can change the motor's functionality.
Weight
Due to the motor, ebikes are also much heavier compared to regular bikes, which can make them more difficult to maneuver for some. If the battery runs out and you have to pedal, this can make it a lot more difficult to get the bike going. That said, as long as you have a fully-charged battery, with the pedal assist you're expending a lot less energy than you would with a regular bike.
Range
With an ebike, you also have to keep in mind the range of the battery. For example, if your battery can only go for 40 miles, once you hit that limit, it'll be up to you to manually power the bike. However, for those 40 miles, you're getting a smooth and easy ride that requires no pedaling. Running out of battery isn't a worry for regular bikes, as they have to be manually powered no matter what.
Maintenance and repairs
The maintenance required for an electric bike is typically going to be more than that of a regular bike. Between the motor and battery alone, there's a lot that needs taking care of. Also because of this, repair costs are going to be considerably more expensive with an ebike, making an extended warranty truly helpful.
What are the best ebikes?
Let's take a look at some of the best electric bikes on the market, so you can discover which one is right for you.
Jetson electric bikes
Jetson is a popular name in the electric bike market, and for good reason. These ebikes are small and compact, making them easy to maneuver and zip around. They also have the ability to fold and come eqipped with a built-in handle, so you can carry them anywhere. Plus, with models like the Jetson Bolt Pro starting at $699, a Jetson electric bike is very affordable when compared to the rest of the ebike market.
Pedego electric bikes
Pedego is another well-respected name in the electric bike industry. From their fat tire bike options like the Pedego Element to beach cruisers like the Pedego Interceptor and more, Pedego electric bikes have tons of different models to suit every style. A Pedego bike starts at around $1,995, which certainly puts them on the pricier side, however they come with so many great features and stellar customer reviews that you're guaranteed to get a quality, high-performing electric bike.
Ride1Up electric bikes
Ride1Up electric bikes are all about speed, with most of their models topping out at 28 miles per hour with pedal assist. While this doesn't make it the fastest electric bike, it is at the top end of speed for many of the available ebikes on the market.
Ride1Up has something for everyone, from lightweight road models that can navigate busy streets to fat tire all-terrain bikes that are ready for anything. The Ride1Up 700 series comes as a great mix, serving as a commuter bike that can handle several different terrains. And, with options starting at $1,095, they are squarely in the middle of the price range for the ebike market.
Propella electric bikes
Propella is another affordable ebike option, with four different models, the cheapest of which starts at $849. These bikes all top out at around 19 miles per hour, and have about a 40 mile range per charge. Each Propella ebike model is more for roads, so if you're looking for an electric mountain bike, you might want to go with a different brand.
LeMond electric bikes
LeMond bikes come from the mind of Greg LeMond, a former Tour de France champion. Although they only have two models of ebikes, their clean, carbon fiber design has made them popular among ebike reviewers. It also doesn't have the bulky look and visible battery packs of many electric bikes currently on the market, which only adds to their classic look. That said, with both models starting at $5,495, you're certainly paying a premium.
Get the ultimate protection with Mulberry Unlimited
When you subscribe to Mulberry Unlimited, you'll get coverage on your electric bike and more under the same product protection plan. That means if your ebike ever gets scratched, dented, cracked, or otherwise damaged, we'll take care of the repair and replacement costs for you, so you can spend your hard-earned money on the things that truly matter.
