From our gear experts
What are electric city bikes?
Electric city bikes are a specific style of ebike designed for urban riding. In addition to the standard features found in any electric bike, electric city bikes typically feature wide, cushioned tires, relaxed frames and comfortable grips, a robust battery life and operating range, head and tail lights, and a rear rack for storage.
What are the benefits of electric city bikes?
Electric city bikes offer many advantages. For one, traveling by bicycle becomes effortless. With electric pedal assist, hills and headwinds are a breeze, and you arrive at your destination fresh, sweat-free, and ready for the day.
You’ll also get an increased range, covering longer distances without getting tired (perfect for exploring the city), and reduce stress on your knees and joints compared to regular bikes. Our electric city bikes feature a rear rack for storing groceries, school textbooks, a gym bag, or anything else you need to take with you on your daily ride.
Are electric city bikes difficult to ride?
Electric city bikes are designed for ease of use. Most models feature pedal-assist systems that kick in when you start pedaling, providing a natural and intuitive take-off and riding experience. You can toggle through varying levels of assist as you ride, adding more assist for hills and less for flats.
How fast do electric city bikes go?
Our electric city bikes can reach speeds of up to 20 miles per hour (mph). You can achieve faster speeds by riding downhill or pedaling quickly, but 20 mph is the top speed the assisted pedal will reach. (Retrospec also offers ebike models that can go even faster, like the Abbot Rev Commuter, which can reach up to 28 mph.) Keep in mind that in some cities and states, ebikes are restricted to a certain speed limit to ensure safety both for riders and pedestrians.
What is the range of an electric city bike on a single charge?
The range of an electric city bike on a single charge depends on several factors, including battery capacity, terrain, and the level (and duration) of pedal assist you choose to use while riding. Our electric city bikes can ride anywhere between 28 and 38 miles on a single charge. Some ebikes are available with different batteries, which will influence range. Our Beaumont Rev City Electric Bike, for example, is available with either a 500W battery (37mi) or 350W battery (28mi).
How long does it take to charge an electric city bike battery?
Charging times for electric city bike batteries vary depending on the battery size and charger. Most batteries take 5-6 hours to charge from empty to full.
Is an electric bike eco-friendly?
As a mode of transportation, an electric bike is extremely eco-friendly. Unlike most buses, cars, motorcycles, and other methods of land transportation, electric motors produce no carbon emissions, and with proper care, the lithium-ion batteries on an electric bike can last five years or more. You’re also taking up less space on the road, and in parking lots, and emitting no smog or other pollutants into the atmosphere.
Can I replace the battery on an electric city bike?
Yes, most electric city bikes have removable batteries that can be easily swapped or charged when not in use. Be sure to store your electric battery properly, in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, preferably at temperatures below 20°C (68°F).
Are electric city bikes safe for commuting in traffic?
Electric city bikes are a safe and efficient way to navigate city traffic. Most electric city bike models come equipped with features like front and rear lights, fenders, bells, and reflectors to enhance visibility. Remember to always follow traffic regulations and wear a helmet. As with any vehicle, your safety will vary depending on the city you ride in, weather and traffic conditions, and your personal level of experience and caution.
Can I lock my electric bike?
Yes, you can lock your electric bike just like a regular bike. Just about any bike lock will be compatible with your electric bike, but because ebikes are much more expensive than traditional bikes, it’s best to use a high-quality lock. We recommend our new Fortitude Folding BikeLock, which features 5mm steel bars, a 180º rotating disc cylinder lock head, a retractable keyhole cover to keep out debris, and 37” total length.
What are some maintenance tips for electric city bikes?
Regular maintenance is essential for any bike. Keep your tires inflated, chain lubricated, and brakes adjusted, and store your bike in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight. At least twice per year, you should remove, clean, and lubricate your chain, derailleur(s), cog set, and all cables. Beyond this, consult your owner's manual for specific recommendations related to your electric bike's motor and battery. All Retrospec electric city bike owner’s manuals are available to download for free on our website.
How do I clean my electric bike battery?
In general, you should avoid tampering with your electric bike’s battery. If the exterior of your battery becomes dirty, you may wipe it down with a damp, non-abrasive cloth, but avoid using harsh chemicals or submerging it in water. Never disassemble the battery for any reason. Consult your owner's manual for specific instructions.
Do electric city bikes require special storage?
It's best to store your electric bike in a cool, dry place out of direct sunlight, preferably below 20°C (68°F). You should also charge your electric city bike’s battery every two to three months during storage. Lithium-ion batteries will slowly deplete when not in use, and long-term storage without periodic charging will reduce battery life.
While it’s not the end of the world, it’s best not to store the battery fully charged or empty. Ideally, ensure your bike has between 80% and 40% charge. When charging, both battery and charger should be a minimum of 4 inches away from the wall in a well-ventilated environment.
What features should I look for in an electric city bike?
Not sure what you’re looking for? Take our 30-second quiz to find out what ebike is best for you! Electric city bikes are designed for casual urban riding, so look for features that prioritize performance on asphalt and promote safety on roads and paths with pedestrians, cars, and other cyclists. Consider factors like frame style (step through vs. step over), grips, handlebar height, seat height, levels of pedal assist, battery life and range, brakes, and integrated accessories such as lights, bells, fenders, and racks.
How much do electric city bikes cost?
Electric city bikes vary in price depending on features and brand. At Retrospec, we pride ourselves on offering a perfect blend of quality and value. Our electric city bikes range in price from $800 to $1,000, and sometimes lower, depending on seasonal sales and promotions.
Where can I buy an electric city bike?
You can purchase electric city bikes from local bike shops or online retailers, like Retrospec. We offer over 20 unique electric bike models, and have designed an intuitive online quiz to help you decide which electric bike is best for your needs and goals. Try it out! It’s free and only takes 30 seconds…
What are the different types of electric bike motors?
There are two main types of motors on electric bikes: hub motors located in the wheels and mid-drive motors positioned near the pedals. Hub motors offer a simpler and more affordable option, while mid-drive motors provide a more natural riding experience with better weight distribution.
What is pedal-assist, and how does it work?
Most electric city bikes use a pedal-assist system. This means the motor does not power the bike on its own, like an electric scooter or moped. Instead, it only engages when you begin pedaling, providing a “boost” to your effort. The level of assistance can be adjusted to suit your needs. Add more assist when pedaling uphill, for example, or turn the feature off completely when cruising downhill.
(Some of our electric bikes, like the Abbot Rev Commuter, also have a traditional throttle. This means you can power the bike forward from a stop without pedaling at all.)
Electric bike vs. regular bike: Which is right for me?
If you want to conquer hills, sweat less on commutes, or cover longer distances with ease, an electric bike is a great choice. However, if you enjoy a more traditional workout, lighter bike, and lower price point, a regular bike might be sufficient.
Electric bike vs. scooter/moped: What are the differences?
The differences depend on where you live and the specific brand of electric bike, scooter, or moped, but the biggest difference is that electric scooters and mopeds usually require a license or registration to operate, while electric bikes do not. Electric scooters and mopeds also require some form of insurance, which can be quite expensive.
Overall, electric bikes are far more versatile. You can take an ebike indoors, store it in a stairwell or lobby, ride it on a greenway path, trail, or sidewalk, and in general take it almost anywhere you want. Most mopeds and scooters, meanwhile, are legally only allowed to operate on roads. Ebikes also offer the benefit of exercise and are cheaper, lighter, more environmentally friendly, and more maneuverable in tight spaces.
