Electric Bike Basics

One of the questions we get asked most here at Charge is whether you can ride an electric bike without pedaling. The quick answer is, yes! Both our City and Comfort models are equipped with a 418WH Lithium ion battery with Samsung cells and incorporate a throttle, while our XC Mountain Bike boasts a Shimano E8035 504WH integrated battery to flatten out the rough stuff. Of course, pedaling does increase the battery’s range and offer a better workout, but for many, the option of not pedaling is also appealing. On the City and Comfort, you can use the throttle to get a little boost when you need it most (like cycling up hills!), and with all three models of Charge electric bikes, you can pedal if you want or coast if you don’t up to 20 MPH. But...what makes ours the best electric bike battery?

What Makes Ours the Best Electric Bike Battery?

In addition to offering up to a 50-mile range on a single charge, our batteries are also removable (yet lockable), allowing you to fully charge them at home, at work, or wherever there’s a power outlet. You’ll need at least some battery life in order to continue receiving electric assist, but thanks to our handlebar display, you’ll always be aware of how much power you have left.

What’s more, all Charge e-bike batteries are water resistant, designed to be used for riding in wet conditions. (However, batteries should never be submerged in water or stored in a humid environment, and you’ll want to refer to the battery manuals from the manufacturer that came with your bike for complete use and care instructions.)

If the thought of a sweaty back has ever deterred you from biking to work, or a hilly route makes you think twice about going out for a ride, then a battery-operated bike is the solution for you. By adding an electric motor, we’ve removed many of the barriers to cycling, making bikes even better and more accessible—and not to mention, fun!

New to electric bikes? Take one for a spin by scheduling a test drive, or chat with a team member to find out which model would be best for you.

Did you know that in the United States, over 47.5 million people report cycling on a regular basis? As battery-powered (or electric) bike enthusiasts, this number makes us smile, though we are always looking for more ways to bring electric biking to more people.

Charge first came onto the scene in 2004 with a mission of making cycling accessible to everyone, and we quickly reached widespread acclaim in the cycling community for our offering of well-priced, durable road and off-road bikes that are also a lot of fun to ride. After many years of research and consideration, we decided to pivot operations to focus solely on battery-operated bikes.

This pivot allows us to reach even more cyclists and break down many of the barriers associated with traditional cycling, from biking up hills with our electric mountain bikes, to working up a sweat on the daily commute to the office with our city bikes. Nearly two decades later, we are proud to have revolutionized the electric bike experience.

What does Riding a Battery-Powered Bike Feel Like?

The experience of riding an electric bike is just like riding a traditional bike—only better. With a battery-operated electric motor that boasts long battery life, an e-bike provides proportional assist based on the amount of effort you choose to put into the pedals, as well as the level of assist.

With five settings to toggle between, you can make your ride as easy as you like, or simply coast up to 20 MPH! In addition to the powered pedal assist, Charge e-bikes have easy-to-use, manual shifting systems that enable you to change gears just as you would on a regular bike.

From the makers of Cannondale and Schwinn, all Charge electric bikes provide a smooth, fun ride with less fatigue. And with a powerful battery that can last up to 50 miles on a single charge, you can go faster and further. Plus, it flattens hills and helps you zip past traffic with ease. When it is time to recharge, the easily removable (yet lockable) batteries can plug in wherever you have power.

With three models to choose from, you can find the best electric bike for your lifestyle. Whether you are looking for a carefree urban commute, a leisurely jaunt around town, or a passport to on and off-road adventures, finding the best electric battery bike is as easy as riding one. 

Find out more or get in touch with a team member today—we would love to hear from you!

When we first started Charge in 2004, we were determined to make cycling easier and produced an assortment of well-priced, durable bikes that were also a lot of fun to ride. After observing and listening to customers about the challenges and issues that prevented them from riding bikes more, we set out to create the perfect electric bike. Nearly two decades later, we’re proud to have created an even better and more accessible bike by removing many of the common barriers to cycling. With an electric motor, suddenly hills aren’t a problem, and you can cruise effortlessly to work without needing a shower or change of clothes. Whether you’re a city fella, suburban guy, or off-road dude, there’s a Charge electric bike for you.

If the idea of a sweaty dress shirt has ever made you think twice about commuting to the office, then the City Electric Bike is for you. With pedal assist with a push-button throttle, puncture-resistant tires, and built-in front and rear lights, you can get around town faster and easier—and without any of the fuss or fatigue associated with traditional cycling. Made for urban life, the City e-bike features folding handlebars and a lightweight design, so it’s easy to store even in tight spaces (aka, when your apartment is also your bike garage). Available with either a low-step or standard frame, the City is efficient outdoors, compact indoors.

All work and no play is never fun, and the Comfort Electric Bike is the perfect choice for guys looking for both ease and activity; think of it as the driving range of electric bikes! Its front suspension fork ensures a comfortable ride on all surfaces, and the low-step frame makes it easy to get on and off. Our best-ever seat and bump-proof shocks bring relaxation to every ride, and the easy-to-use thumb throttle puts you in total control of how much you want to pedal—if at all! And with four cool colors to choose from, you can customize your Comfort.

When it’s time for an adventure, the XC Electric Bike lets you take on any terrain. Rugged enough for trails and gravel, the XC features a mid-drive motor that can flatten steep hills, and its fat Goodyear tires and tough shocks keep you comfortable for the long haul. With quick fold-flat handlebars and folding pedals, you can bring your cross-country electric bike wherever the road takes you. Plus, the XC is available in two sizes (small and large), so you can find the right fit.

From the makers of Cannondale and Schwinn, all Charge electric bikes provide a smooth and exhilarating ride with less fatigue and come equipped with these premium features:

• Powerful motor that provides electric assist (up to 20 MPH) as you pedal. With 5 levels of assist, you can make your ride as easy as you like, or totally effortless!
• Powerful battery with up to 50 miles in range and a display that shows miles to go, not just a percentage. And when it’s time to recharge, easily removable (yet lockable) batteries can plug in wherever you have power.
• Folding handlebars and pedals save space and make it easier to move and store.
• Integrated front and rear lights and reflective tires provide better visibility in all light conditions.
• Automated tire pressure sensors turn red when you need air or green if you're good to go.
• Built-in, rugged racks make it easy to attach crates or bins—so you can bring along the essentials, no matter where you’re headed.

Ready to ride? Every Charge electric bike ships nearly fully assembled in 100% recyclable packaging, so you can hit the road in under 10 minutes. To learn more about which model would be best for your lifestyle, test ride a Charge bike or get in touch with a team member today.