Electric Bikes Expand Possibilities for Riders

Pro Bike + Run

E-bikes, or electric bicycles, have grown exponentially in popularity over the past few years. For those not in the know, Jordan Cherry, General Manager of Pro Bike + Run, explained, “An electric bike has a motor that assists the rider, making it easier to pedal—especially on hills or longer rides. We like to call them equalizers because they allow riders of all skill levels to ride together and enjoy the experience. Whether you’re keeping up with a faster friend or just want to ride without worrying about the terrain, e-bikes make cycling more accessible and fun for everyone.”

Cherry’s explanation dispels the belief that e-bikes are only for older or less-fit riders. “Living in Pittsburgh, with all of our hills, electric bikes are a game-changer. They make it possible for people of all skill levels to ride comfortably—whether you’re climbing a steep hill, carrying groceries or kids, or just trying to go farther than you normally could,” he said. “They open up parts of the city that might otherwise feel out of reach and make everyday biking more practical and enjoyable.”

Cody Pivirotto

According to Cherry, e-bikes are available in just about every style imaginable. “Any bike you can think of, you can put a motor on it—mountain bikes, road bikes, hybrids,” he said.

And every age group enjoys e-bikes—from younger casual riders to professional cyclists, including Cody Pivirotto, a pro racer who also works with Cherry at Pro Bike + Run. “Cody races all over the country on a specialized e-mountain bike,” Cherry said. Pivirotto also competes on a “regular” analog bike.

Cherry himself owns an e-bike and uses a “tag-a-long” to bring his 5-year-old daughter along for the ride. “She loves it,” he said.

Kathy Giegel

For Kathy Giegel, an e-bike made it easier to ride with her husband, Mike. “He is an avid bike rider, and he has always been much faster than me on the rail trails we ride. For years, I struggled to keep up. We bike because we love being in nature and outdoors, and we also like getting the exercise. My electric bike allows me to pedal on my own or use battery power to assist my pedaling,” she said. “My reasoning was that an electric bike would allow me to get exercise but also help me catch up to my husband on the trails.”

E-bikes are more expensive than conventional bikes. “Prices are coming down as technology improves—motors and batteries are getting better and more efficient—so owning an e-bike is becoming more affordable,” Cherry said. E-bikes are still an investment, usually starting around $1,200, but you can try one before buying.

“If you’re not ready to commit or just want to try one out, renting is a great option. We rent e-bikes to people who want to experience the ride for a day, a weekend or longer. It’s a great way to test it out before buying—or just enjoy the convenience without the long-term investment. You can take it for a test drive, just like a car,” he said.

While you can purchase e-bikes online, Giegel recommended a brick-and-mortar shop. “I purchased my bike two years ago at Biketek in Squirrel Hill. There were all kinds of deals online, but you had to assemble them yourself or take them to a shop and pay someone to do it. I decided I wanted a knowledgeable person to assemble it, and I wanted a store I could go back to if I had any issues,” she said. “Let the employees explain the different features and models. Look at the ratings of different bikes online.”

Giegel is quick to list all the advantages of her e-bike. “You have options on how you want to ride—pedal using your own power or use the battery to assist. There are five levels of battery power assistance, and I’ve only ever used level one or two. It’s crazy how fast you can go at level four or five. It’s too fast for me,” she said, laughing.

“For me, the big advantage is being able to keep up with my husband. A huge advantage is that people who were intimidated to ride longer trails can now do so with ease. There are such beautiful trails in PA, and the bike gets you out there to see parts of the state you wouldn’t necessarily see otherwise. With an e-bike, you can cover so much ground so quickly. We’ve also found that many quaint towns have sprung up around the trails, and it’s an adventure to visit them and grab a bite to eat.”

The Giegels did have to buy a new bike rack since e-bikes are heavier than traditional bikes—and of course, they are more expensive. “You also have to remember to charge the battery and take it with you,” Giegel cautioned.

Cherry explained the maintenance. “The upkeep is pretty similar to a regular bike. You’ll want to regularly check tire pressure, keep the chain oiled, and get a yearly tune-up from a trained mechanic. Some e-bikes may need occasional software updates, kind of like a newer car or motorcycle—but it’s nothing too complicated. With a little routine maintenance, they stay in great shape and last a long time.”

Giegel plans on her e-bike going the distance. “I would say I ride about twice a month on my e-bike and plan to be able to use it the rest of my life,” she said.