Electric Bikes

Get ready to ride!

Electric bikes are a fast-growing segment of the cycling world - and they should be! Electric bikes (or E-bikes) allow just about everyone to experience the joys of bike riding. Riders can select their desired comfort and exertion levels, and have a wonderful, relaxing day. At 5 Rivers Bike Shop, we think everyone should experience a bike ride. E-bikes can help make that happen!

But exactly what is an E-bike? Think of an e-bike as a power-assisted bicycle. You pedal, and an electric motor adds to your effort. You can adjust the "boost" level as you ride. This assistance allows less-experienced riders to enjoy riding longer distances, and navigate hilly terrain.

Aventon Aventure.2 on the Virginia Creeper Trail

Come in and take a test-ride!

Aventure 3 and Level 3 (Click to enlarge)

At 5 Rivers Bike shop we now have three of the newest and most-popular E-bikes ready for you to take a test-ride: the Aventure 3, the Level 3, and the Sinch 2.5, with its unique folding design. These bikes feature the latest design, advanced geometry, and well-thought-out touch points to give you a safe, comfortable ride. There are simply too many features to list here. You need to come and experience these bikes for yourself! Click here to see the latest Aventon models.

Sinch 2.5 (Click to enlarge)

Sinch 2.5 - folded for easy transport (Click to enlarge)

And don't forget - at 5 Rivers Bike Shop we will expertly assemble your E-bike and adjust it to fit your body and your riding style.

Watch these videos! We'll see you soon.

Class 1? Class 2? Class 3? What does that mean?

Click to enlarge. Infographic credit: THEROUNDUP.ORG

When you start learning about E-bikes, you will quickly see the terms Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. But exactly what does that mean? Glad you asked! The "class" of an E-bike tells you how the E-bike uses the motor, and the top speed it can achieve.

Class 1 E-bikes are pedal-assisted. When the rider pedals, the electric motor provides a boost. Typically the bike will allow you to change the boost level - higher or lower. The maximum speed for the pedal-assist is 20 miles per hour.

Class 2 E-bikes are also pedal-assisted, like Class 1 E-bikes. But a Class 2 E-bike adds a throttle control - typically as a thumb-lever or a twist grip. You can "go" at a top speed of 20 miles per hour without pedaling on a Class 2 E-bike. Or, you can use the pedal-assist feature. Two advantages of the throttle are (1) you can easily ride up hills, and (2) you can rest and ride at the same time.

Class 3 E-bikes are just like Class 2 E-bikes - pedal-assist and throttle - with one important exception. A Class 3 E-bike has a top speed of 28 miles per hour. That's a pretty quick pace for a bicycle. For that reason, many bike paths do not allow Class 3 E-bikes, and some states have age and helmet requirements for Class 3 E-bikes. Some Class 2 E-bikes can be set as a Class 3 E-bike using an app.

At 5 Rivers Bike Shop, we want to talk with you about E-bikes! We can help you select an E-bike that truly fits your needs and desires. Stop by the shop. We usually have an E-bike that you can take for a test-drive to experience the pedal-assisted power of electric cycling.

E-bike Frequently Asked Questions

I see E-bikes on Amazon for about half the price of the bikes linked on your web-site. Shouldn't I just save money and buy online? No. While it's fine to save money and buy some things online, we don't recommend buying an E-bike online. Shipped from China, via a port in California. Third-party Amazon seller. Assembly required. Limited or no support. An off-brand with no replacement parts. We've even heard of "bargain" E-bikes with parts welded onto the frame, and permanently-installed batteries. No chance for replacement there. Buy your shampoo and socks online. Buy your bicycle from a professional.

We want you to be a happy cyclist! At 5 Rivers Bike Shop we will help you select an E-bike from an established, reputable company. We will expertly assemble your E-bike, and make sure the battery charges. We will go over the features of the E-bike with you (make a phone video if you want!) and adjust the E-bike for maximum comfort. Ask our satisfied customers - it's worth it!

Do I pedal an E-bike? Oh yes. Most E-bike riders pedal as much as riders of regular bikes. The difference is the result of your effort. You will go farther and faster in the pedal-assist mode. With Class 2 and Class 3 E-bikes, you will likely have the opportunity to keep going without pedaling using the throttle. This is a nice way to rest while you keep moving. Most E-bike riders will use the throttle for a minute or two, then go back to pedaling. But the choice is yours.

How long will a charged battery last? As you can imagine, the life of a battery charge is based on the level of pedal-assist that you select. More assistance uses more battery. Using the throttle uses more battery. Most E-bikes have a mileage estimate based on average use. That is range is usually around 50 or 60 miles on a single charge - more than enough for a typical day's ride. Extra batteries are available for purchase, and easily swapped on most E-bikes.

Aventon Aventure.2 on the Mendota Trail in southern Virginia.

How about charging the battery? How long does it take? Do I need a special outlet? Depending on the model, your E-bike battery will likely be able to charge overnight. The charger uses standard household current, and the charger is included.

Is it hard to learn to ride an E-bike? If you can ride a regular bike, you can ride an E-bike. Most riders get comfortable with adjusting the controls after a few minutes.

Am I allowed to ride my E-bike on bike trails? Most bike trails allow Class 1 or Class 2 E-bikes on designated bike trails. Of course, those trails are usually shared with walkers, runners, and traditional cyclists. We recommend a bell to politely let others know that you are passing them, especially if you are using the throttle. Class 3 E-bikes are often prohibited on recreational trails and paths. But really, Class 3 E-bikes aren't designed for that type of use.

Do E-bikes have gears/speeds? As with non-powered bikes, it depends on the manufacturer and model. For example, the popular Aventon Aventure 2 is an 8-speed bike. Please let us know your desires for shifting when talking to us about your E-bike purchase.

Can I transport my E-bike? Yes, and we sell several high-quality racks. Please realize that E-bikes are typically heavier than non-powered bikes. Fortunately, there are racks designed specifically for transporting E-bikes. You don't want to skimp on this!

Is E-bike riding "cheating?" Ah, we get that question a lot. No, you're not cheating by riding a pedal-assisted bike. You can still get a great workout on an E-bike. The pedal-assist and throttle features let you stay on the bike longer. You'll experience more beautiful scenery and cover more distance expending the same energy. Over a million E-bikes were sold in North America in 2023 - and that number has grown every year. So no, you're not cheating. You're blazing a new trail, and it's all your own!

Aventon Sinch

E-bike brands we sell and recommend...

Aventon We are dedicated to inspiring adventures, big and small, in all terrains of life. Whether it’s on mountain trails or rolling through urban neighborhoods. It’s that simple. Take the ride that moves you.

Cannondale Electric bikes: The power for more - more rides, more speed, more distance, more fun.

Kona Bicycles Cover more ground, carry more stuff, do it faster. Our growing range of electric bikes elevates your riding to the supernatural, whether your goal is to bang out more laps without a shuttle or haul the kids and groceries home before dark.

Salsa Cycles Salsa electric bikes are all about more per hour: more miles, more experiences, more fun. With e-specific design and our proven adventure-ready features, you’ll do more by bike than you ever thought possible. Charge Your Adventure with Salsa electric.

Surly Bikes We're firm believers that you can and should spend as much of your day on a bicycle as possible. Our electric cargo bikes can be used for commuting, kid-hauling, or grocery shopping.