Electric bike expert Doug Canfield, president of EV Tech Inc. in Addison, says some of his customers don't even own a car anymore. “Electric bikes turn you into a human hybrid,” Canfield says. “It's you, the motor and any combination in-between. You can ride it like a regular bike, using only your own energy; you can ride it like a skinny motorcycle using just the battery power; or use both.” EV Tech can turn almost any 21-speed mountain, commuter or crossover bicycle into an electric bike by installing their technology.

An electric bike has the same standard equipment as a regular bike—chain, brakes and tires. But EV Tech adds a rear-hub motor in the back and a thumb throttle or grip-twist throttle on the handlebar. A 36-volt motor gives a tremendous amount of torque for a small motor, and the throttle lets the rider control the power and speed, with capabilities up to 20 miles per hour.

The standard battery is a 10 amp/hour lithium iron phosphate design, safe and stable compared to lead acid and lithium-ion alternatives, with a six-year estimated lifetime, and minimum 20-mile range per charge (longer if the cyclists helps by pedaling). The charger is small and works by plugging into a wall outlet, charging the bike completely in five to six hours. Charging from empty to full costs only about a nickel’s worth of electricity usage. Maintenance costs are about the same as any other bike, mostly keeping the chain, tires and brakes in good condition.

Canfield states, “I can make it from work in Addison to home in Frisco in just two or three minutes longer than it would take by car during rush hour,” noting that he also avoids the bumper-to-bumper hassle. With gas prices only going up, he says using an electric bike for at least partial transportation needs might not just be smart, it may soon become necessary.

EV Tech maintains an electric bike showroom at the Bicycle Exchange, 1305 S Broadway St., in Carrollton. For more information, call 972-851-9990 or visit GoingElectric.com.