eBike FAQ

Electric bikes enable new capabilities for you;

• Travel greater distances, with less effort.  Many people choose electric bikes for commuting so they don’t perspire on their commutes, or because the eBike allows them to traverse hilly terrain with much less exertion, in less time.
• Carry cargo.  Electric cargo bikes can carry up to 440+ lbs of people and things – eliminating the need for many car trips.  Even standard eBikes carry more cargo with less effort.
• Fun and recreation. eBikes are just plain fun to ride. They make getting outside a blast.
• Extend your “bike riding career”.  Electric bikes allow people who may have had to stop using a bike (perhaps due to an injury or age) to access the great outdoors.

Current eBikes offers free test rides of eBikes so you can truly understand how they will work for you.

Sorry, no we do not rent eBikes.

No you don’t.  Per California law, all of our eBikes are legal bicycles – they are Class 1, 2, or 3 eBikes and are considered “bicycles”.

In California (and many other states), legal electric bicycles (the only kind we offer)  are regulated like bicycles for use on paved surfaces – they don’t require a license, registration, or insurance.  Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes (which provide assistance up to a max of 20MPH) can go anywhere on pavement that a regular bike can go – unless a local jurisdiction establishes otherwise.   Electric bikes that assist up to 28 MPH are called a “Speed Pedelec” or a Class 3 eBike.  In California, these eBikes also do not require a license, registration, or insurance. But, they are typically restricted to use the road or bike lanes (and are restricted on multi-use pathways, etc.) For more information on eBike regulations, consult these bike advocacy links below. PeopleForBikes – California Electric Bike Law – Info For Riders PeopleForBikes – Main Page on Electric Bikes (loads of articles here)

Yes, we offer a wide selection of eMTB’s in the area with over 20 different styles of electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) from Bulls, Orbea, Riese & Muller, and Yamaha.

Our local California State Parks (Wilder Ranch, Forest of Nisene Marks, Henry Coe, etc.) and our local Santa Cruz City bike trails allow legal eBikes on trails designated for bike use.  UC Santa Cruz allow eBikes anywhere conventional bikes are allowed.   Check with your local land manager to get the latest guideline.  Many eMTB users ride their bikes around town, on private land, on dirt roads indicated for motor vehicles, or on Off-Highway Vehicles (OHVs) trails, etc.  There are thousands of miles of OHV designated trails in the State.

On the contrary, people who own an electric bike are more inclined to ride more frequently and for longer periods.

Current eBikes offer a wide selection of bikes that start from around $2,000.  We also offer 12 Month No Interest Financing.  With over 70 models available from the brands we carry, we have a selection of modern, quality bikes as well as bikes with the very latest technology and high end components.  Candidly, you can acquire an electric bicycle for less.  Yet, the experience you have during purchase, set up and longer term support may not meet your expectations.  Every bike purchased from Current eBikes includes Free Lifetime Standard Tune-ups to help keep your ownership costs down and your bike in tip top shape – this can save you up to $450 or more, within 3 years.

A quality eBike has been designed to be used frequently.  Its components will work well, day in day out, and it will come with support to keep it that way. Premium models offer additional features, and corresponding benefits – like longer range batteries, lights, cargo racks or bags, reduced weight, and even integration with your smartphone!

Unlike many “internet or direct to consumer” bikes which have a throttle and operate like a scooter or moped, all of the bikes we represent only use “pedal assist” technology. This means the electric assistance from the motor activates only when you pedal the bike.   They allow you to control how much assistance you get.  On the fly (while riding), you can adjust the assistance from zero to a lot. If you want to get more exercise and/or conserve your battery capacity, select a low level of assistance. If you’re approaching a hill and/or you’re tired, select a high level of assistance.

No, the batteries we use are lithium-ion batteries which do not suffer from ‘memory effect.’ This means that there is no need to discharge a battery completely before you recharge it again. Most people recharge the battery after every use, regardless of how far you rode.

If the battery were completely discharged, it may take 4-5 hours to completely re-charge it.

The tires on our bikes are the same as conventional bicycles. Simply replace the tube with a tube of the right size and inflate it. No special tires or parts will be needed.

Yes, just ensure the rack is rated for the weight of the eBike. Tray-style racks are generally preferred.

It is recommended to remove the battery when transporting eBikes on a rack.

If you purchase your bike from Current eBikes, lifetime Standard Tune-ups are included – saving you perhaps as much as $450 in three years. eBike electric drive systems are essentially maintenance free. Aside from regular bike maintenance, a few wear components (chains, brake pads) tend to need more frequent replacement due to the higher levels of force accelerating and decelerating an eBike.

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