12 Common Misconceptions About Electric Bikes

With all the exciting new technology, there are bound to be some misunderstandings, especially when the new technology seems too good to be true. Everyone wants to be an expert and have an opinion on hot products, but few want to take the time to research how a product works. This is understandable since people want quick and easy answers. But facts matter. So when it comes to correcting misconceptions and busting myths about electric bikes, we've got you covered.

We at Shengmilo want to make sure to provide the best and most useful information to the electric bike community. We've been working hard, so you don't have to! Let's keep this trend going by correcting some electric bike myths. In this article, we debunk the top 10 electric bike myths and break the record with interesting and informative facts that you can share next time you discuss the growing electric bike trend.

Electric bikes are hard to ride

Having a motor on your bike can solve many of the problems associated with transporting heavy bikes. For example, there are electric cargo bikes that can carry large amounts of cargo. Their long, heavy wheelbase made maneuvering through intersections challenging.

Adding a motor makes cycling more enjoyable because less effort is required to keep up with the bike. Electric bikes are heavier than traditional bikes because they have extra parts, but you wouldn't know it if you'd ridden one.

electric bike maintenance needs are greater

Aside from the obvious addition of a motor and battery system, there is not much difference mechanically between a conventional bike and an electric bike. For the vast majority of riders, keeping their bike in good working order doesn't take much effort. However, if you ride an electric bike more than a conventional bike, it will require more maintenance.

Maintenance should be done on each motor and battery system at the times recommended by the manufacturer or a reputable bike shop.

Poor battery life

How far you can go on a single charge depends on the bike and the rider. Most of the time, the range is said to be between 30 and 50 miles, with the biggest batteries giving the most range. While it won't travel like an EV, a full charge should be enough for multiple trips for most people. On long rides, you may want to bring an extra battery or two if your electric bike has less range than you'd like.

You won't use an electric bike

When someone slides past you on a 25% incline, it may not seem like much effort is being put in, but that couldn't be further from the truth. On an electric bike, you can go as far as you want, but you must not use more than 250 watts or go faster than an assisted 15.5 mph. On an electric bike, you can still ride as far as you want, but now you can travel greater distances more easily. Anyone who disagrees hasn't experienced having to take a 25-pound bike home after the battery died.

You must buy insurance and pay taxes for your electric bike

Most electric bikes sold in the UK have a top speed of 15.5 mph and require the rider to pedal to activate the motor assist. These are known as "electrically assisted bicycles" and can be ridden without paying taxes, buying insurance, or showing a driver's license. They are legally equivalent to conventional bikes, so you can take them anywhere you would normally ride a conventional bike.

Batteries can catch fire and explode

Despite what you may have read in the news, battery fires are extremely rare when electric bikes are stored and used properly. However, lithium-ion batteries are not to be taken lightly. The key to long battery life is the proper use and avoiding damage. You should be fine if you install the battery according to the manufacturer's instructions and use the recommended charger.

Electric bike batteries drain extremely fast

Electric bikes and other forms of electric transportation have grown quickly thanks to recent improvements in battery and charging technology. Invest in a high-quality product to ensure optimal performance and long battery life.

The Shengmilo MX03 has a 48-volt, 17-amp-hour lithium battery that can go more than 50 miles in pedal assist mode and about 30 miles in pure electric mode on a single charge. There's enough juice here to get you where you want to go. Even if you need more power while riding, you can always switch to pedal mode and ride to the charging station. Charge your bike overnight and be ready for tomorrow; it only takes 8–9 hours to reach full capacity.

Because the batteries on our electric bikes don't drain quickly, it's unlikely you'll need an extra battery unless you have a special need, but if you want to ride long distances without recharging, one of the best features of our bikes is that you can keep the extra battery pack fully charged and replace it when needed.

We may not have talked about all of the myths and stereotypes about electric bikes, but we hope you now have a better idea of how the most common electric bikes work and can talk about the many ways they can be used.

Electric bikes cost a lot of money

Shoppers often overlook the total cost of ownership. When we talk about the "total cost of ownership" of a product, we mean everything you have to pay for it. In addition to the cost of buying a car, there are many other costs associated with maintaining your car on the road, such as registration fees, title fees, parking fines, and oil changes. All of these costs add up to the real cost of owning a car.

If you ride an electric bike, you don't have to worry about constantly paying for gas or maintenance. Thanks to the long-lasting battery and strong frame on Shengmilo bikes, if you take care of them, you can look forward to years of enjoying your electric bike while paying a low total cost of ownership. If you buy a poor-quality electric bike, you may have to replace expensive parts or experience a frustrating riding experience. So, we always suggest choosing a high-quality product with a low total cost of ownership, like our high-end line of electric bikes.

If you ride an electric bike instead of driving for most or all of your commuting needs, you may be able to recoup the cost of buying an electric bike. According to the Census Bureau, the average U.S. weekday commute is about 26 minutes. The average American spends close to an hour a day in traffic, driving up gas prices. Save money by using electric bikes as your primary mode of transportation.

Electric bike generators can make a lot of noise

The second myth about electric bikes is that they are noisy. On the other hand, electric bikes are significantly quieter than motorcycles and mopeds. Whether it's pedal-assist or throttle modes, the bike's electrical system provides silent but timely assistance when needed. Thanks to improvements in manufacturing technology, the throttle on many modern electric bikes are very quiet. The system consists of hub motors, batteries, and controllers, all of which operate quietly. With an electric bike, you don't have to worry about disturbing the tranquility of your neighborhood, and you'll still hear any oncoming traffic.

Simply put, electric bikes should not be used in the rain

Many people will probably tell you that riding an electric bike in the rain is impossible. It's not, I assure you. While riding an electric bike in the rain requires extra care, like any outdoor activity, our bikes are built to withstand the elements. There are some simple things you can do to relax. Covering the LCD screen, spraying it with anti-rust spray, and installing fenders can help protect your electric bike from the elements.

The lithium-ion battery of the Shengmilo bike is waterproof in light rain. If you're on the road, it's best to find shelter from the rain and wait on the electric bike, just like you would on a normal bike. Never ride an electric bike in water, especially deep water. No bicycle, electric bike, or otherwise, is immune to saltwater corrosion.

Electric bikes are only for the elderly

Even though there are many benefits to owning an electric bike for older people, the same is true for younger riders. Younger riders are taking over the market for electric bikes because many of the benefits of owning an electric bike are especially useful to them. Many young riders love the chance to show how much they care about things like sustainability, frugality, and ease of life by giving alternatives to driving. According to ebicycles.com, between 2020 and 2023, global sales of new electric bikes will reach 130 million units, with big-wheel bikes accounting for 30% of total sales. As electric bikes grow in popularity, we'll see more people of all ages riding them.

You can't exercise on an electric bike

One of the main reasons people have this misconception about electric bikes is that they don't realize that the rider has full control over whether or not to pedal while using an electric bike. You can use as much or as little motor assistance as you want. This is the beauty of all Shengmilo electric bikes—they all come with this option. The less assistance the motor provides, the more power is produced when you pedal. If you're tired from a tough workout, you can always count on more throttle assistance. This is the perfect way to tailor your workout to your needs.

In fact, in a recent study, consistent use of electric bikes was found to be consistent with a reduction in sedentary lifestyle diseases. Part of the reason is that electric bike owners may be more likely to be outdoors simply because they own an electric bike. Health is about an overall lifestyle, and electric bikes can help create a lifestyle that values the outdoors, adventure, and exercise.