Every E-Bike Feature You Need to Replace Your Car

Why are so many people swapping their cars for electric bikes?

One obvious reason: $2,700, the average amount Americans spent on gas in 2022. Now, compare this staggering number to $24, the average amount Americans spent on electricity to charge an e-bike in 2022. Factor in the continually skyrocketing cost of routine car maintenance, insurance, and registration, and you’ll understand why an e-bike is a massive cost saver and legitimate car replacement for many drivers!

Serious savings aside, drivers across the country are making the switch because e-bikes produce zero emissions, provide ample opportunities for low-impact cardio exercise, shave time off of congested urban commutes, and offer a more exciting, efficient, and convenient way to get around. 

Now that you know all the reasons why e-bikes are viable car replacements, you may be ready to start shopping for your own electric bike. But it’s important to remember that not all e-bikes are created equally. If you’re serious about ditching your car or reducing car miles with the help of a new e-bike, you’ll want (and need) a model that can stand up to the rigors of the road. Here is a handy checklist of essential features your e-bike should have to be an effective transportation alternative.

1. High-Capacity Safety-Tested E-Bike Battery

Probably the most important buying tip we can offer to any new customer: buy an e-bike with the biggest battery you can afford! Battery size ultimately dictates how much power, speed, and, most importantly, riding range you can expect from an e-bike. Most electric bikes on the market right now have 36-volt or 48-volt batteries delivering underwhelming power, speed, and range; however, all Juiced Bikes models sport a huge 52-volt battery capable of supporting massive power, breathtaking speed, and a vast range of up to 100 miles on a single charge. If you want to replace car miles with an e-bike, you’ll want as much riding range as possible to avoid the anxiety of limited battery power. It’s also critical that your battery and charger can be safely charged in your home, office, garage, or any place along the way. Unlike many other e-bikes, all Juiced bikes boast battery packs that are SGS certified to UL-2271, meaning they earned the industry’s top safety rating for fire protection.

2. Powerful E-Bike Motor

If you’re planning to ride with or around cars, it’s important to find an e-bike with enough get-up-and-go to confidently move through traffic. A larger motor means you'll get more power for quicker speeds, faster take-offs, and better hill climbing capabilities. Many e-bike brands list the motor’s peak power because it’s the bigger number, but you can only use this power for short periods. Nominal power, on the other hand, can be continuously applied without damaging the motor. That’s why Juiced Bikes lists the nominal power of e-bike motors because it accurately represents the power you’ll always get while riding. All Juiced Bikes pack the most powerful motors available — either 750 or 1,000 watts of nominal power with peak power ranging from an impressive 1,000 watts to 2,000 watts!

3. Essential Safety Features

The explosive popularity of electric bikes has unfortunately flooded the market with cheap models that lure unsuspecting riders in with an attractive price at the expense of essential safety features. Electric bikes are high-performance adventure vehicles capable of rapid acceleration and maximum speeds up to 30+ mph, so buy an e-bike that comes fully loaded with safety features. Juiced Bikes models offer class-leading safety gear in every model. The most important of these is, without question, hydraulic disc brakes for superior stopping performance at higher riding speeds (a signature of most e-bikes). For an added layer of rider safety, Juiced bikes are also equipped with ultra-bright headlights, and many models include dual rearview mirrors, turn signals, integrated brake lights, and a loud horn to let car traffic know you’re nearby.  

4. Anti-Theft Protection

Here’s a scary statistic — a bicycle is stolen every 30 seconds in the U.S. Your electric bike is a valuable possession worth upwards of thousands of dollars, so investing in an e-bike alarm or chain lock is excellent insurance against bike theft. These simple anti-theft measures are affordable, easy to use, and effective in thwarting baddies from stealing your e-bike. You can easily add an alarm to your e-bike or get a high-end electric bicycle like the HyperScrambler 2 and HyperScorpion, which feature a standard anti-theft alarm to help deter would-be thieves. 

5. Cargo Racks

One of the most common arguments in the e-bike vs. car debate is that electric bikes aren’t a viable alternative to cars because they lack sufficient storage space. Cargo racks are an excellent way to expand the utility of your e-bike by providing convenient and roomy storage for your gear. Riders add spacious baskets, crates, and even insulated grocery bags to their e-bike cargo racks to securely transport everything from food to laptops. 

6. Smooth, Comfortable Ride

OK, an e-bike will never be as comfortable as a cushy full-size luxury car, but you’d be surprised how much thoughtful creature comforts add to your overall enjoyment of each ride. Juiced Bikes models like the CrossCurrent X Step-Through bump up the comfort quotient with nice touches like upgraded gel bike seats, ergonomic lock-on grips, and step-through frame designs to make mounting and dismounting a breeze. If your car trips often involve pothole-riddled roads or other less-than-desirable surfaces, opt for an e-bike with dual suspension, like the HyperScorpion. The adjustable front and rear suspension on this best-selling bike effortlessly absorbs bumps in the road for a much smoother ride. To enhance your ride quality further, look for an electric bicycle with fat tires. These wide, meaty tires deliver extra cushioning and help soak up bumps on rough and smooth terrain for an unflappable riding experience wherever you go. 

7. Puncture-Resistant Tires

Flats happen — but with puncture-resistant tires on your electric bike — you can make them happen less often. All Juiced Bikes models come equipped with ultra-durable puncture-resistant tires to give you the ultimate peace of mind riding around with one of the best safeguards against flats. We recommend picking up a portable air pump to keep your e-bike tires inflated at the proper PSI wherever you ride. 

8. Front and Rear Fenders

Let’s be real — dirt, dust, or mud will inevitably get kicked up during your rides. Without front and rear fenders on your e-bike, this nasty grime will end up all over your clothes. Save yourself the embarrassment of showing up to work in a mud-spattered outfit and ride an e-bike featuring full fenders. 

9. Premium Upgrades & Accessories

Just like a car, you can enhance the functionality, utility, and versatility of your e-bike with a host of accessories and upgrades. Juiced Bikes models come loaded with essential comfort, safety, and performance features, but you can still boost your bike with awesome accessories like a phone mount with an integrated charger or even a passenger kit so you can bring a buddy along for thrill rides on your HyperScorpion.

10. First-Class Rider Support

Nothing is worse than dealing with an e-bike company that shortchanges riders with subpar customer support. Juiced Bikes proudly stands behind the world-class bikes we build by offering riders friendly and knowledgeable U.S.-based support straight from our headquarters in sunny San Diego, California. Our in-house e-bike experts are always happy to help our riders get the most out of their Juiced bikes, from finding the right model to keeping bikes performing in peak condition.

Make Every Day Earth Day With an Eco-Friendly E-Bike

Replacing your gas-guzzling and often inconvenient car with an eco-friendly, efficient, safe, functional, and super fun electric bike is arguably the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day! Not only will your wallet appreciate the savings in gas and maintenance costs, but you’ll reap the benefits of increased heart-healthy cardiovascular exercise while massively reducing your carbon footprint. All while riding a super-powered thrill machine ready to blast up hills and spark sheer joy you haven’t felt since childhood!