Browse our lineup of premium ebikes at our Chicago bike shop

Ready for an Ebike?

If you are interested in ebikes you are not alone. Ebikes are more popular than ever today, with two wheel electric vehicles outselling electric cars 2:1. They are huge in Europe, but even in the US, which traditionally has a solid gasoline powered auto centric culture, their popularity has exploded with over 500,000 units sold in 2021 and expected to gain 13% by the end of 2022.

Ebike popularity is attributed to several factors:

Advances in technology, especially lithium-ion batteries, which offer a way to power gentle propulsion in a relatively lightweight, clean, and compact package.
Increased awareness of the negative effects of transportation using carbon-based forms of energy and the effects of greenhouse gases on the environment.
Recognition that an ebike represents a new form of micro mobility to help people get around cities using a small footprint.
Addresses issues raised by geo-political events that have led to foreign dependence and the high price of gasoline used in traditional autos.
Offers benefits to people with physical limitations, who are older, and/or heavier while still providing an opportunity for exercise and to be outdoors.
They are absolutely fun to ride.

Benefits of an Ebike
Ebikes are regular bikes with the addition of a motor, battery and display to aid in propulsion. They offer the rider varying levels of assistance to make it possible to ride farther and faster without getting exhausted or sweaty. Proponents claim they can cover more distance and ride up hills easier. Because they are so much fun to ride and requires less exertion, people tend to take more and longer trips which adds up to the same or greater workout than using a non-assisted bike. Of course, ebikes are a more active form of transportation compared to sitting in an auto or on a train which makes them a better choice for people who want a little physical activity to help maintain or enhance their fitness level. Other benefits of ebikes include:

* Riding an ebike is more of a workout and raises your heart rate more that walking according to a University of Bristol study.
* The electric assist helps less active riders get started moving and you can use the motor less and less as you get more fit.
* Mobility helps you lose weight, sleep better, and have better concentration.
* You can save money by not having to pay for gas and in many cases the trip is quicker.
* Your carbon footprint can be reduced by not using fossil fuels for transportation.
* An ebike can be your default mode of transportation. Families may decide they do not need a second car.

Buying an Ebike at a Bike Shop
It's a good idea to purchase an ebike at a bike shop. That is because there are advantages to be able to see the ebike and make sure it is the right purchase for you. Benefits include:

1) Premium brands - Some, but not all, premium ebike brands sell exclusively in a bike shop. A premium brands such as Gazelle is designed to incorporate the latest styles requested by consumers and they specify components that are finely machined and tested. Premium brands stand behind their products with generous warranties and spend the time and money for independent testing of the frames, motors, and batteries to assure your safety. When you buy a well known brand you can be confident your purchase will last for years to come and not just end up in a landfill after a short period of time.

UL2849 (from Underwriters Laboratories) is the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) accredited safety standard for electrical systems and covers safety requirements of ebikes powered by lithium-ion or other rechargeable batteries. It provides requirements for the electrical drivetrain, battery, and charger systems, interconnecting wiring, and ebike power inlet. UL2271 is another certification for lithium-ion batteries used in light electrical vehicle applications. Although independent testing is currently not required by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) which is responsible for regulating ebikes in the US, this may change in the future as they take a stronger stand in 2023 to protect consumers from unreasonable risks of serious injury and death while using ebikes. In the meantime it is up to the industry to provide and consumers to request that brands have adequate product liability insurance and are quality tested or certified to standards set by third parties.

2) Professional assembly - Ebikes are shipped in a box with varying amounts of assembly required at the receiving end. Usually an ebike assembly requires putting on the front wheel, installing the handlebars and pedals. Sometimes brake calipers need to be installed. Adjustments include truing the wheels, adjusting the wheel hubs, adjusting and centering the brakes, and adjusting the headset. Finally, all bolts need to be greased and torqued to specifications. If any defects are identified during the assembly process steps can be taken to remediate them or make a warranty claim with the manufacturer. A bike that is properly assembled will operate efficiently and be safe to ride.

3) Fittings - Some ebikes are one-size fits most, accommodating all but the very short or tall riders, but premium ebikes come in a variety of frame sizes for rider comfort. Most bike frames have size specific geometry, that is the frame is not just optimized for a rider's leg length, but also their reach and arm span. Manufacturers publish sizing charts as a gross measure of what bike size to choose, but sometimes a person will be on the limits and fit on two different sizes, or have longer legs or torso than average. This is where an ebike fitting comes in, to help select the proper size. An ebike fitting includes selecting the correct size frame, adjusting the saddle height, and how high your handlebars are set from the ground and from the saddle.

4) Test rides - Even if you've narrowed down the style of ebike your want and have consulted a size chart riding it will be the ultimate indicator of whether it is the right ebike for you.  It's a large purchase that you will spend many hours with so it is worth being sure it will give you plenty of pleasure and comfort.  Even if you find an ebike you love, test ride other options for comparison. When test riding different ebikes, ride the same route so you can compare how different bikes handle. Make sure the tire pressure is the same for tires of the same width, or comparable pressures for tires of different widths.

5) Post sale support - All bikes, whether an ebike or non-assisted variety, will need service at some point. With over 200 parts on an average bike, components will wear out or cables will stretch requiring adjustments or eventual replacement with a new part. On an ebike there are two areas of service. 1) The mechanical portions such as tire punctures, brakes bottoming out, rough shifting, and a need to lubricate all pivot points and cables is routine service required on all bikes, and, 2) the electronic portions, specifically the motor, battery and display which is found only on ebikes. While it should not be difficult to get service on the mechanical portions of an ebike at most bike shops, there is no standardization in the industry on the electronic portions. These require training, diagnostic tools, and spare parts to properly service. Unless a bike shop has a relationship with the manufacturer, these will not be available and in this case the consumer will be on their own and need to seek service direct from the manufacturer. When you purchase a brand from a bike shop, they will have your back and assist with service.

For more than 130 years Gazelle has produced bikes of unique quality and appearance. Their focus on thoughtful design and technical innovation is inspired by a love of cycling and a belief that bicycles should be a part of daily life. They focus on safety and comfort in an attractive design fitted with the latest innovations. The “Royal” title was awarded to Gazelle by Princess Margriet in honor of their 100th anniversary in 1992. This distinction further serves to cement Gazelle's commitment to innovation, and their pursuit to make cycling more enjoyable and accessible for everyone.

Gazelle ebikes feature powerful and reliable mid-drive Bosch motors and batteries to get you where you need to go, quality components, and come complete with everything you need such as fenders, racks, lights, bells, locks, and kickstands. Their mission is to make cycling easy and fun for everyone. This is why they strive to continue to promote smart Dutch design and technical innovation. Come into Earth Rider for a test ride of a Gazelle ebike and experience what it is like to be out and about like the Dutch.

Gazelle Ebikes are Made for Everyone

Serial 1 Ebikes Powered by Harley-Davidson for Urban Adventures

Serial 1 ebikes rolled on the scene in 2020 and have been creating a buzz ever since. Developed by the engineers at Harley-Davidson, this premium brand of ebikes features many advanced features not found with any other ebike today. It is designed from the ground up to provide a comfortable, safe, and stylish way to get around.

The quality and technology in the Serial 1 ebikes are top notch and there are multiple models and sizes available. The single speed Mosh/Cty offers simplicity while the automatic transmission of the Rush/Cty offers unparalleled ease of use and efficiency. Both models have a Brose mid-drive motor. You can't appreciate the features by reading about them, so we invite you to come in for a test ride so you can experience first hand how special they are.