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An electric commuter bike is for all the purposes a regular bicycle that has been equipped with an electric motor to help in its propulsion. These motors are restricted by Federal Law to 750 watts of power and 20 miles per hour top speed.
 
Most of the electric bikes are built to meet the specification but some do surpass them. Electric bikes can be built from the kits that may cost you hundreds of dollars or bought new. Just like any product and specifically a vehicle, you generally get what you pay for. Electric bikes are powered by a rechargeable battery and the average range is almost 20 miles. The range may vary tremendously depending on the weight of the rider and the bike, wheel size, riding style and terrain. They come in different sizes and styles from small electric folding bikes for commuters and apartment dwellers to 28 inch and 700cc sizes. Electric bikes need no licenses or insurance to work but many states do have age restrictions.
 
The most common type of motor used in terrain touring bikes is a hub motor. These can be used on either the rear or front wheels and don’t need gears, belts or chains. Essentially, the motor is the hub of the wheel and have two concentric rings of opposing electromagnets. When power from the battery is applied to the motor, the opposing magnetic force makes the wheel to spin. This motor type is almost completely silent and needs no maintenance. The higher the wattage of the motor, the more power it offers. However, there is a caution. There is no standard for measuring wattage. Many marketers of these products use their peak result numbers in respect to the operating output numbers. A motor rated at 1000 watts peak might be a 500 watt motor in its standard operating out. Make sure to find out which. Only standard operating output is really comparable.
 
Batteries are also quite vital in respect to these products. The most common battery sealed lead acid (SLA) is the least costly and offers the highest amp hours (ah). Nonetheless, SLA batteries weigh three times what a lithium battery does and last less than a third as long. A lithium battery is the costliest battery and has low ah, but is by far the lightest weight and most durable. You would have to buy, install, and dispose of 12 volt SLA batteries before you come close to the life span of one 48 volt battery. Nickel cadmium and other batteries fall somewhere in between. A lightweight lithium battery generally slides out of the battery rack for simple recharge indoors instead of having to find an outlet to plug the entire bike. Lithium batteries are possibly the most eco-friendly among all the batteries available. A geared electric bike won’t solve all your problems but it is a good start.