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Your First Electric Bike - Tips for Buying Kits, Batteries, and Fully Assembled Electric Bicycles

As gas prices rise across the globe, so does the interest in electric bicycles and other Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs). These LEVs are perfect for those who are tired of sitting in traffic or being cramped into crowded public transportation. But like any major purchase, it's worth doing right. Here are three things you should keep in mind before making your purchase.

Bike or Motor Kit?

One of the first questions you'll face when upgrading to an electric bicycle is whether to buy a separate bicycle or upgrade your current one. To upgrade your current bicycle, you can purchase a motor kit designed for this purpose. This might seem intimidating - but don't let it be. All the best electric bicycle motor kits come with easy-to-follow installation instructions. Installation is quick, too. You could get your kit and be riding your new bike in the same day. For those who prefer to be hands off, there are plenty of options for buying ready-to-go bicycles. Both of these options function just like a normal bicycle except with some extra battery assistance. You won't be getting the same speed and power as you would from a motorcycle.

Know Your State's Law

If you're planning to purchase an electric bicycle to use in the United States, you need to be aware of your own state's laws. Most states hold up the national policy that electric bikes must operate under 20 mph and have a limit of 750 watts. However, the companies who produce these bicycles are not regulated. This means they could produce a bicycle or motor kit that could be illegal. Also, most states don't require you to get special insurance for your electric bicycle. But you'll want to check the Internet for any changes in policy that might occur. Since electric bicycles are relatively new, the laws and regulations around them could change very quickly.

Choosing a Battery

When purchasing an electric bicycle or a motor kit, you'll come across various options for the battery power. More than anything, the choice of battery depends on how you will be using your bicycle. Riding in hilly areas or adding additional weight by pulling a trailer will drain battery power faster. Your best selection would be a Lithium Ion (Li Ion) battery as it surpasses all other battery types in the number of recharge cycles it can go through. Basically this means that you can go longer without having to purchase a new battery. Also, just like all other batteries, these batteries come in different voltages. Though the higher voltages will cost you more money, they will last longer and perform better.

Purchasing an electric bicycle for the first time can be a confusing experience. However, deciding whether you want a new bike or a motor kit, knowing your local laws, and choosing the best battery for your needs will help you make the best purchasing decision possible.

Explore more options for Electric Bike Kits and Electric Bike Batteries.

About the Author

Jacob Mathews is a writer and entrepreneur based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

2012 Eastern Battery Freestyle BMX Bike $279.99 2012 Eastern Battery Freestyle BMX Bike. Make no mistake, the entry-level Eastern Battery BMX bike is nothing like the cheap BMX-style bikes you'll find on the floor of your local big box discount store. Instead, the Battery is a beginner's freestyle BMX bike that's designed and manufactured with the same quality and attention to detail that goes into Eastern's pro-level bikes. Because first-time riders can actually be harder on their equipment than expert riders, the Battery uses heavier steel tubing than pro BMX bikes. Components are heavier and more rugged, too. Rugged, fun, well-made and affordable, the Eastern Battery is the perfect bike for young riders who want to take a stab at perfecting jumps and tricks or who want to cruise the neighborhood in style.

Wahoo Fitness Extended Battery for Wahoo iPhone Bike Case $59.99 Wahoo Fitness Extended Battery for Wahoo iPhone Bike Case. Your iPhone battery usually dies when you need it most. But thanks to the Wahoo Fitness Extended Battery with 2.3 AmpHours, you can add 5+ hours to your iPhone battery and lengthen your ride times. Attach it the back of your Wahoo Fitness Bike Case or Bike Pack and mount it to your bike.

Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bike $999 Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bike. For less than what it's going to cost to fill up the family minivan over the next six months, you could be cruising to work and around town on the Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bike. The Tailwind's Toshiba battery charges in less than 30 minutes and has a range of up to 20 miles or more. Equipped with fenders, dynamo-powered front and rear lights and a rear lock, the Schwinn Tailwind can help you shed the gas-guzzling habit, increase your fitness and save money at the same time. pa href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/Schwinn-Electric-Bike-Assembly.pdf target=_blankSPECIAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS/a/p

Schwinn Tailwind Women's Electric Bike $899 Schwinn Tailwind Women's Electric Bike. For less than what it's going to cost to fill up the family minivan over the next six months, you could be cruising to work and around town on the Schwinn Tailwind Electric Bike. The Tailwind's Toshiba battery charges in less than 30 minutes and has a range of up to 20 miles or more. Equipped with fenders, dynamo-powered front and rear lights and a rear lock, the Schwinn Tailwind can help you shed the gas-guzzling habit, increase your fitness and save money at the same time. pa href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/Schwinn-Electric-Bike-Assembly.pdf target=_blankSPECIAL ASSEMBLY INSTRUCTIONS/a/p

Schwinn Searcher e8 Women's Electric Bike $999 Schwinn Searcher e8 Women's Electric Bike. Leave the car in the garage. If your destination is no more than 20 miles away, getting there on the Schwinn Searcher e8 electric bike makes a lot more sense than driving. It's healthier, a lot more fun and considering today's gas prices, it's a lot more economical, too. The front wheel-mounted motor churns out 250 watts of continuous power and 450 watts of peak power. As you pedal, the powerful motor gives you an assist that propels you faster on the flats and takes much of the effort out of climbing hills. The Toshiba battery pack is cleanly integrated into the rear rack and charges fully in only 30 minutes. If you're looking for a way to end the pain at the pump, it's time to connect with the Schwinn Searcher e8.

Shimano Ultegra Di2 Battery Mount $134.99 Shimano Ultegra Di2 Battery Mount. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/Ultegra_Di2_.pdf target=_blank style=font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; color:#5F752F; text-decoration:underline;What you need to know: Ultegra Di2 Conversion/a br /br / This lightweight mount secures the battery for the Ultegra Di2 system to your bike's frame. The long mount attaches between the bottle cage and frame. Short mount is designed for use on frames with dedicated Di2 battery mounting location on chainstay or down tube and is compatible with internal or external wiring kits.

Sigma Sport CR2032 Battery $2.99 Sigma Sport CR2032 Battery. This lithium battery won't jump start your car, juice up your laptop, or give you a jolt when applied to your tongue. But it will power most cyclocomputers!

Shimano Di2 SM-BCR1 Battery Charger $79.99 Shimano Di2 SM-BCR1 Battery Charger. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/Ultegra_Di2_.pdf target=_blank style=font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; color:#5F752F; text-decoration:underline;What you need to know: Ultegra Di2 Conversion/a br /br / Maintain the shifting performance of your Di2-equipped road bike system with the powerful Shimano Di2 SM-BCR1 Battery Charger font color=#ff0000(Di2 SM-BCC-12 Power Cable not included-please see item #50-7482)./font

Contour Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery $29.99 Contour Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery. The Li-Ion Rechargeable Battery lets you continue recording the action on your Contour HD or Contour GPS camera, in the event that your main battery dies.

GoPro Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery $19.99 GoPro Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery. Use the GoPro Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery as a spare or a replacement in your GoPro HD HERO camera.

Shimano Di2 SM-BTR1 Battery Pack $84.99 Shimano Di2 SM-BTR1 Battery Pack. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/Ultegra_Di2_.pdf target=_blank style=font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; color:#5F752F; text-decoration:underline;What you need to know: Ultegra Di2 Conversion/a br /br / This 7.4V, high-performance Lithium Ion battery will keep your Di2 system supplied with power no matter what. Field tested and proven to deliver reliable performance in even the worst weather conditions, the rechargeable Di2 battery holds a 1000km charge, regardless of how often you shift. Lithium Ion technology is lighter, more compact and better performing than other power sources. Mounting bracket easily adapts to all road bikes and allows Di2 battery to be removed easily for charging.

CygoLite Pace 300 USB LED Headlight $79.99 CygoLite Pace 300 USB LED Headlight. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/18hIVlDs4Zg?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/divbr /br / The Pace 300 USB bike headlight with breakthrough LED technology projects 300 lumens of intense light onto the bike path, road or trail. USB rechargeable Li-Ion battery stick runs for 3-15 hours on a single charge and lets you swap batteries quickly for longer runtimes. Four light modes, low battery/charging indicators and super-compact design give power and portability to commuters and cyclists who love riding at night.

Sigma Sport BC 1609 STS Wireless Cyclocomputer with Cadence $84.99 Sigma Sport BC 1609 STS Wireless Cyclocomputer with Cadence. If you've recently kicked your training routine in to high gear, then the BC 1609 STS cyclocomputer is just what you need to track your progress. Large display puts all your bike stats within easy view and adjusts for two wheel sizes. Includes a stopwatch, temperature display, backlight, plus cadence. Low battery indicator and integrated storage chip prevents the loss of set values during a battery change.

iBike Dash CC Deluxe Cycling Computer $269.99 iBike Dash CC Deluxe Cycling Computer. ulThe iBike Dash CC Deluxe has all the same features of the iBike Dash CC with the addition of cadence and heart rate measurement. Comes with iBike rechargeable battery, battery charger, combined speed/cadence sensor and heart rate strap./ululReinvent your cycling experience with the iBike Dash Deluxe. This ground-breaking, state-of-the-art dashboard for your bike converts your iPhone or iPod Touch into a revolutionary cycling computer. Secure phone booth mount, large vivid touch screen, extended battery life, customizable dashboard, wireless transmission and plug 'n play setup guarantee first-rate capability, durability and reliability. Check maps for location and weather, use preprogrammed workouts, make or take a hands-free call, download iBike app, store multiple bike profiles, analyze your ride, and so much more./ul

Shimano Di2 SM-BCC-12 Power Cable $9.99 Shimano Di2 SM-BCC-12 Power Cable. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/Ultegra_Di2_.pdf target=_blank style=font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; color:#5F752F; text-decoration:underline;What you need to know: Ultegra Di2 Conversion/a br /br / Don't forget the power cable! Keep your Di2-equipped road bike charged and shifting with the Shimano Di2 SM-BCC-12 Power Cable (SM-BCR1 Battery Charger not included-please see item 50-7481).

Lezyne Mini Drive 150 LED Headlight $69.99 Lezyne Mini Drive 150 LED Headlight. With a compact design and a super-bright Cree LED, the Mini Drive 150 bike headlight keeps you safe and visible on the road or trail. Uniform Power Beam reflector and lens assembly produces a dual purpose beam pattern which illuminates objects near and far without sacrificing visibility in either field of vision. Three steady modes and two high-visibility flash modes provide up to four hours of clear light. USB rechargeable, Li-Ion battery makes life easy for cyclists on-the-go.

Lezyne Power Drive 300 LED Headlight $89.99 Lezyne Power Drive 300 LED Headlight. The Power Drive 300 bike headlight is constructed with a high efficiency Cree LED, machined aluminum body and four light modes to keep commuters, road cyclists and trail riders visible at night. Uniform Power Beam reflector and lens assembly produces a dual purpose beam pattern which illuminates objects near and far without sacrificing visibility in either field of vision. Three steady modes and one high-visibility flash mode provide up to six hours of bright light. High-capacity, Li-Ion battery charges via USB port with included cable.

CygoLite TridenX 750 OSP LED Headlight $289.99 CygoLite TridenX 750 OSP LED Headlight. Perfect for 24-hour races and competitive night rides, the TridenX 750 OSP LED headlight with programmable technology lets you customize the light settings, and uses the latest Cree XPG LEDs to project intense illumination. Power button at the top of the Bicycle Helmet allows access to eight light modes for customized output. Ultra-compact Li-Ion battery last for 2 hours on the brightest setting and easily stows under the bike stem. Lightweight, compact design won't weigh you down or get in the way of your phenomenal ride. See our a href=/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuideBike Headlight Buyers Guide/a for more info...

CygoLite Explorer 400 OSP LED Headlight $139.99 CygoLite Explorer 400 OSP LED Headlight. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/DluoOIxj-bQ?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/divbr /br / The top-of-the-line Explorer 400 OSP bike headlight with Dual High-Brightness LEDs emits 400 lumens of brilliant white light, closely resembling daylight. Crossfire projection spreads the beam wide and deep to maximize riding visibility. On-Site Programmable Technology puts you in control of the light intensity and flash tempos. Six light modes, three power indicators, and ultra-slim Li-Ion battery provide optimal output and convenience. Low-profile design takes up minimal space on your handlebar.

NiteRider Pro 1500 Race LED Headlight $299.99 NiteRider Pro 1500 Race LED Headlight. Imagine the sun at your fingertips. That's what riding is like with the Pro 1500 Race LED headlight. Cree LED sets the trail ablaze with 1500 lumens of brilliant light while minimizing heat build-up and power usage. Borofloat lens and new triple reflector illuminate everything directly in front of you, plus the surrounding area. Three light settings provide 1 to 6 hours of runtime and there's even a Flash mode for safety. Fuel gauge and QR battery system make on-the-bike charging a cinch. The sun never sets when you're riding with the Pro 1500 Race. See our a href=/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuideBike Headlight Buyers Guide/a for more info...

Blackburn FLEA 2.0 USB Front Headlight $24.99 Blackburn FLEA 2.0 USB Front Headlight. The lightest, brightest, bicycle headlight with a USB charger has been updated for 2011 with an LED battery fuel gauge/charging indicator. Now you don't have to guess how much battery life is left; just follow the three-step color system.

Blackburn FLEA 2.0 USB Rear Tail Light $24.99 Blackburn FLEA 2.0 USB Rear Tail Light. The lightest, brightest, bicycle tail light with a USB charger has been updated for 2011 with an LED battery fuel gauge/charging indicator. Now you don't have to guess how much battery life is left; just follow the three-step color system.

Blackburn Mars 3.0 Tail Light $14.99 Blackburn Mars 3.0 Tail Light. This bicycle tail light is so bright; you'll swear it's on fire. Upgraded for 2010 with tool-free battery installation.

Contour Carrying Case $29.99 Contour Carrying Case. The compact and durable Carrying Case is perfect for stashing your Contour camera, an extra battery, a USB cable and up to 4 microSD cards.

Lezyne Super Drive 450 LED Headlight $109.99 Lezyne Super Drive 450 LED Headlight. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/4E9z4N3yM6A?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/divbr /br / Need to find your way through the dark? The Super Drive 450 bike headlight can help. Designed for cyclists who can't get enough of the night, this headlight uses an extremely bright Cree LED which projects more light with less power for longer runtimes. Uniform Power Beam reflector and lens assembly produces a dual purpose beam pattern which illuminates objects near and far without sacrificing visibility in either field of vision. Three steady modes and one high-visibility flash mode provide up to five hours of brilliant light. Lens hood directs light away from your eyes. High-capacity, Li-Ion battery juices up in four hours via wall outlet or computer USB port. See our a href=/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuideBike Headlight Buyers Guide/a for more info...

Sigma Sport BC 1009 STS Cyclocomputer $59.99 Sigma Sport BC 1009 STS Cyclocomputer. With a large display, easy-to-use buttons and tool-free setup, the BC 1009 STS cyclocomputer is all about simplicity. View essential functions like average speed, maximum speed, current/average speed comparison and total trip time. Low battery indicator lets you when power is low and integrated storage chip saves your settings and total values during a battery change.

Axiom Spark 4.0 USB Tail Light $19.99 Axiom Spark 4.0 USB Tail Light. With four ultra-bright LEDs, four different light modes, battery/light setting indicators and tool-free mounting, the Spark 4.0 LED tail light is the perfect companion for commuters, road cyclists and trail enthusiasts.

Axiom Ultra Spark LED Headlight $39.99 Axiom Ultra Spark LED Headlight. The Ultra Spark LED headlight is the perfect option for commuters or late night trail riders. Five Nichia LEDs project powerful white light onto the road or trail. Choose from four light modes and get between 3-8 hours of illumination. Low battery indicator lets you know how much power you have. Headlight charges in only 2 hours via USB port and attaches to your handlebar without the use of tools.

Axiom Zap USB Headlight $24.99 Axiom Zap USB Headlight. Strike back at the night with the Axiom Zap USB headlight. This compact headlight projects an incredible amount of light, despite its small size. Three output modes, low battery indicator and USB charging make life easy for commuters or day-trippers. Bendable silicone wraps around your handlebar, fork, stem or seatpost.

NiteRider MiNewt Mini.300-USB LED Headlight $84.99 NiteRider MiNewt Mini.300-USB LED Headlight. The MiNewt Mini LED headlight just keeps getting better with time. The 2012 model generates an amazing 300 lumens from a Cree LED, producing more light with less power. Commuters will love the 65g headlamp with its nearly weightless feel and the convenience of a Li-Ion battery which charges via wall outlet or USB port.

Axiom Zap USB Tail Light $24.99 Axiom Zap USB Tail Light. Strike back at the night with the Axiom Zap USB tail light. This compact tail light projects an incredible amount of light, despite its small size. Two different modes, low battery indicator and USB charging make life easy for commuters or day-trippers. Bendable silicone wraps around your handlebar, fork, stem or seatpost.

NiteRider MiNewt.350 Cordless LED Headlight $89.99 NiteRider MiNewt.350 Cordless LED Headlight. Tired of getting tangled up in cables when mounting your headlight? So are we. That's why we love the self-contained design of the MiNewt.350 Cordless LED headlight. Not only is it free of battery cables, it gives off a blinding 350 lumens from a Cree LED, producing more light with less power and less heat. Five light modes, wall/USB charging and compact size give you flexible performance. See our a href=/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuideBike Headlight Buyers Guide/a for more info...

CygoLite MityCross 480 OSP LED Headlight $189.99 CygoLite MityCross 480 OSP LED Headlight. Take control of your lighting system with the MityCross 480 OSP LED headlight. On-Site Programmable Technology lets you customize brightness settings and flash speeds with the simple push of a button. Dual Cree LEDs project stunning light on the road or trail, and are powered by a Li-Ion battery which mounts under the stem. Palm-sized design takes up minimal handlebar space and is suited for competitive applications. See our a href=/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuideBike Headlight Buyers Guide/a for more info...

SRAM S975 Quarq CinQo Power Meter 53/39T GXP Crankset $1794.99 SRAM S975 Quarq CinQo Power Meter 53/39T GXP Crankset. Measure your power AND performance with the S975 Quarq CinQo -- the lightweight leader in wireless power devices. ANT+ technology syncs with any display unit for ultimate flexibility. Easily pairs up with third-party units from Garmin, iBike, CycleOps and more. Compatible with all of SRAM's road gruppos and features the SRAM integrated carbon crankarm and SRAM RED chainrings for incredible strength, stiffness and shifting performance. Battery is easy to install/remove and lasts for 400+ riding hours. Bottom bracket not included.

CygoLite Pace 350 OSP LED Headlight $99 CygoLite Pace 350 OSP LED Headlight. The Pace 350 OSP LED headlight projects some serious light onto your favorite road or trail. Dual High-Brightness LEDs emit 350 lumens of brilliant illumination while On-Site Programmable Technology puts you in control of the light intensity and flash tempos. Crossfire projection spreads the beam wide and deep to maximize riding visibility. Six light modes, three power indicators, and ultra-slim Li-Ion battery for optimal output and convenience. See our a href=/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuideBike Headlight Buyers Guide/a for more info...

Shimano Ultegra Di2 Wire -- Long $29.99 Shimano Ultegra Di2 Wire -- Long. Slimmer, and featuring smaller connectors than their Dura Ace Di2 counterparts, these waterproof, plug-and-play cables for the Shimano Ultegra Di2 digital electronic shifting system tie all of the Di2 components together for the easiest, most precise shifting you've ever experienced. The Ultegra Di2 system requires five wire kits--junction box to front derailleur, junction box to rear derailleur, junction box to battery, junction box to front wiring kit and front wiring kit. Choose from 9 available lengths to fit your frame. See Item #50-8599 and Item #50-8600 for additional sizes. Wires can be run internally or externally.

SRAM S975 Quarq CinQo Power Meter 53/39T BB30 Crankset $1844.99 SRAM S975 Quarq CinQo Power Meter 53/39T BB30 Crankset. Measure your power AND performance with the S975 Quarq CinQo -- the lightweight leader in wireless power devices. ANT+ technology syncs with any display unit for ultimate flexibility. Easily pairs up with third-party units from Garmin, iBike, CycleOps and more. Compatible with all of SRAM's road gruppos and features the SRAM integrated carbon crankarm and SRAM RED chainrings for incredible strength, stiffness and shifting performance. Battery is easy to install/remove and lasts for 400+ riding hours. Bottom bracket not included.

SRAM S975 Quarq CinQo Power Meter 50/34T GXP Compact Crankset $1794.99 SRAM S975 Quarq CinQo Power Meter 50/34T GXP Compact Crankset. Measure your power AND performance with the S975 Quarq CinQo -- the lightweight leader in wireless power devices. ANT+ technology syncs with any display unit for ultimate flexibility. Easily pairs up with third-party units from Garmin, iBike, CycleOps and more. Compatible with all of SRAM's road gruppos and features the SRAM integrated carbon crankarm and SRAM RED chainrings for incredible strength, stiffness and shifting performance. Battery is easy to install/remove and lasts for 400+ riding hours. Bottom bracket not included.

NiteRider MiNewt.Pro 750 LED Headlight $199.99 NiteRider MiNewt.Pro 750 LED Headlight. div align=centeriframe width=350 height=208 src=http://www.youtube.com/embed/9Fs6jlPgGgk?rel=0 frameborder=0 allowfullscreen/iframe/divbr /br / NiteRider teamed up with Cree, the world-leader in high-power LEDs, to create the first compact LED headlight system with 750 lumens, the MiNewt.Pro 750. High-efficiency LED produces an amazingly high output while minimizing heat build-up. Runs from 1 hours on High to 10 hours in Walk mode and features five different light modes. Redesigned headlamp controls all power settings instead of the battery pack. This package even has one of the best power-to-weight ratios available on the market, tipping the scales at a mere 215g. See our a href=/bikes/Content_10052_10551_-1_HeadLightBuyersGuideBike Headlight Buyers Guide/a for more info...

Shimano Ultegra Di2 Junction Box $34.99 Shimano Ultegra Di2 Junction Box. a href=/images/performance/web/PDFs/Ultegra_Di2_.pdf target=_blank style=font-family:Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size:13px; color:#5F752F; text-decoration:underline;What you need to know: Ultegra Di2 Conversion/a br /br / Shimano's simplified, modular wiring system for its Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting system is an improvement over the Dura Ace Di2's wiring setup. Mounted to the cable guide beneath the bottom bracket shell (for externally wired systems), the junction box neatly and securely connects the wires running from the front derailleur, rear derailleur, shift levers and battery, powering and integrating the entire system.