Are ebikes "worth" it?

[QuarterMillionMan]

I have a possible buyer for the old ebike but I know it's not over and can't count my chickens before they hatch. This is on FB marketplace.

[ua_guy]

One thing I learned today... most ebikes are excluded or coverage is severely limited under homeowners/renters and umbrella policies, at least in our state. Most companies do not classify them as bicycles but recreational vehicles or motorized bikes, same as a motorcycle. She said up to Class 2, you may have some coverage but very limited, Class 3 almost definitely not, go read your existing policies. Biggest thing is liability, if you collide with someone on a bike path or another rider, or if you're flying along in the city and collide with a car because you were ignoring traffic signals/laws, you might be on your own.

I honestly had no idea and never thought that an ebike could be specifically excluded. Bicycle with no motor, you're almost always covered. eBike, nope. Off to read my own policies...

[QuarterMillionMan]

California classifies e-bikes into three classes with specific speed, power, and age requirements, and no registration or license is currently required, though new legislation may change this. E-Bike Classes and Requirements

California law divides e-bikes into three classes:

• Class 1: Pedal-assist only, assistance up to 20 mph, motor ≤ 750 watts, throttle not allowed, no minimum age, helmet required for riders under 18.
  
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• Class 2: Throttle-assisted up to 20 mph, motor ≤ 750 watts, can be used without pedaling, no statewide age restriction (some local restrictions apply), helmet required for riders under 18.
  
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• Class 3: Pedal-assist only, assistance up to 28 mph, motor ≤ 750 watts, throttle not allowed, riders must be 16 years or older, helmets required for all riders, and bike-path access is limited to paths within or adjacent to roadways.
  
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  All e-bikes must have fully operable pedals; removing pedals may reclassify the bike as a motor vehicle, triggering licensing, registration, and insurance requirements.
  
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Where You Can Ride

E-bikes are generally allowed on roads, bike lanes, and many multi-use paths. Class 3 e-bikes have restricted access to certain bike paths unless the path is within or adjacent to a roadway. Local ordinances may impose additional restrictions, so riders should always check posted signage and city or county rules.

thecyclistchoice.com Safety and Equipment

• Helmet rules: Required for all Class 3 riders and for riders under 18 on any class.
  
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• Motor limits: Maximum 750 watts for all classes.
  
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• Throttle: Only Class 2 e-bikes may use a throttle; Class 1 and 3 are pedal-assist only, except for walk mode/start assist up to 3.7 mph.
  
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Recent and Pending Legislation

• SB 1271 (2025): Updated e-bike laws clarifying speed, power, throttle limits, and battery safety.
  
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• AB 1942 (pending): Proposed bill that would require registration and license plates for Class 2 and 3 e-bikes, along with proof of ownership. If passed, operating these e-bikes without registration could result in fines. This bill is still under review and has not yet become law.
  
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Key Takeaways

• E-bikes under 750 watts and within speed limits are treated like bicycles: no license, registration, or insurance required.
  
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• Riders must follow class-specific rules for speed, age, and helmet use.
• Local regulations may impose additional restrictions on trails and paths.
• Pending legislation could introduce registration and license plate requirements for higher-speed e-bikes, so staying updated is important.
  
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  By understanding these rules, riders can safely and legally enjoy e-biking throughout California.

[QuarterMillionMan]

36 volt (old) vs 48 volt (new).

[QuarterMillionMan]

This nice little detail is very important to me. You can see where they drilled holes in the frame in order to run the cables inside the frame vs running the cables exposed usually under the frame. My bike rack has protruding forks which the ebike's frame sits upon which would crush the cables. This very nice attention to detail protects the cable very nicely which I appreciate very much.

[ua_guy]

Important to note, there are your state's requirements for registration/licensing and carrying insurance on an e-bike, at least ones they classify as a motorized vehicle. In our state, it's unclear and no requirement exists...yet. As always, it's the bad examples and people who take advantage of the situation that will bring additional legislation and expense to the sport and cause us all a huge headache.

But the state's legal requirements regarding ebikes really don't translate to what your insurer decides to cover or not when it comes to your homeowner's policy. I did read my policy last night and had hoped my ebike would be covered like a bicycle, many ebikes are. It most definitely is not and is specifically excluded from both my homeowner's and umbrella policies for everything including personal liability, theft and damage. Mine is a Class 3 and is capable of speeds higher than 20mph. So now I'll need to call my agent on Monday.

[QuarterMillionMan]

Sold the old e-bike for $60, I’m happy.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I was about to try online sell your e-bike to us;


Glad you're interested in selling your bike to us!

There's another department that reviews bikes submitted for sale.

If your bike brand is NOT LISTED (or could not proceed with the upload/submission), you can instead send an email to our team (helpdesk@upway.shop) with the following information:

- Brand:
- Model:
- Year:
- Mileage:
- Color:
- Size:
- Conditions/Notes: (ex. scratch on left seat)
- Please attach pictures as well

PLEASE NOTE: (1) Your bike needs to be properly functioning in order to be eligible for sale and must come with a charger, keys, and battery. - (2) If you're submitting multiple bikes, please use a separate form or email for each, and include the serial number in the notes/subject line to help us track them properly.

Once we receive your form or email, our team will review everything and reach out within 24–48 business hours.

Let us know if you have any questions in the meantime!

Best,
Zee - Upway

[QuarterMillionMan]

Dual motor e-bikes offer enhanced power, torque, and off-road capability by using two motors, typically one on the front wheel and one on the rear, providing superior acceleration, hill-climbing, and stability. What is a Dual Motor E-Bike?

A dual motor e-bike is equipped with two electric motors, usually positioned on the front and rear wheels. This setup delivers more torque and power than single motor bikes, allowing for faster acceleration, better hill-climbing, and improved traction on rough or slippery terrain. Dual motor e-bikes are particularly useful for off-road riding, hilly areas, or carrying heavy loads, as the power is distributed to both wheels for enhanced stability and control.

Discerning Cyclist+1 Key Advantages

• Increased Power and Speed: Dual motors can reach higher top speeds, with some models achieving 35–52 MPH depending on motor wattage and battery capacity.
  
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• Enhanced Range: High-capacity batteries, often 48V–60V with 22–32Ah, allow for long rides of 26–100 miles depending on terrain and pedal-assist mode.
  
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• Off-Road Capability: Fat tires, dual suspension, and hydraulic disc brakes make these bikes suitable for mountain trails, sand, mud, and snow.
  
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• Stability and Control: Power to both wheels improves traction and handling, giving riders confidence on uneven surfaces.
  
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[anhtuvp]

I picked up a RadPower commuter for about $1,200 last year, and honestly, it’s the only reason I don’t arrive at work looking like I just ran a marathon in a sauna.

The "worth it" part really kicks in when you realize you're actually choosing the bike over your car for quick errands. I still use mine daily, mostly because it turns hills that used to make me quit into a complete non-issue. If you’re on the fence, just make sure you have a secure place to lock it up, because they are unfortunately massive magnets for thieves.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I clocked an escooter going 35 mph today on the flat level streets which is faster than my ebike at 22 mph on the flat level streets. Males 20's no helmet wearing a backpack. I would never get on one of those things. My cousin 60's in Hawaii flipped over and almost got paralyzed on one of those things. Not worth it to die on it.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I use my ebike about 5 days a week and get my money's worth. The old ebike that I sold 2 days ago lasted 4 years which I bought in 2022 for $589 so if calculated per year $150 a year it costed me to ride 5 days a week. I hope this new ebike which I bought for $332 last another 4 years but even if it only last 1 year, I'll just buy another one without sweating it.

[ua_guy]

How many miles are you putting on your ebike per year?

[QuarterMillionMan]

I have no idea. This new ebike is the first one I have that came with an odometer.

[QuarterMillionMan]

I've had this new ebike for exactly 1 week now and the odometer displays 15 miles x 52 weeks = 780 miles, if extrapolating out for the entire year.