Have you ever pictured yourself commuting to work, flying by traffic as you smile? Or how about cruising uphill on the mountain bike trail on your way to explore further terrain than you ever have? E-biking might just be the activity that takes your dream and makes it a reality. E-bikes help new and experienced riders alike accomplish their goals of going further, lowering their carbon footprint or just enjoying a sunny afternoon.

There are many reasons to ride an e-bike. For starters, it’s a great way to exercise. Studies have shown that e-biking provides a near equivalent to riding a bicycle over the same time and distance. It acts as a great option for those who are recovering from injury or looking to get into shape while having fun. Not only is e-biking an excellent way to exercise, your body releases endorphins during your ride making you happier- it’s a win-win! Just when you didn’t think it could get any better, e-biking compared to driving significantly reduces your carbon footprint. A typical passenger car emits 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year (yikes!). If you biked for just 3 months of the year that’s 1.15 metric tons of carbon that you are preventing from getting into the atmosphere. 

Now that we agree that e-bikes are a good thing, where do you start? Purchasing an e-bike doesn’t have to be a scary experience, that’s why we’re here. We offer a variety of e-bikes so that you can try them out before sealing the deal. Here are a few tidbits, tips and tricks so that when you’re ready to change your life, you know exactly what to do. And if you still aren’t sure what options work for you, give us a call! Our friendly staff of experts will get you on the e-bike of your dreams and out riding in no time!

• What is an e-bike?
  • An e-bike is pretty simple: it’s a bike with a small electric motor built in! There are three different classes of e-bikes:
    • 1. Class I
      • A “Class 1” e-bike has a motor that tops out at 20mph and only works when the rider is pedaling. This is called “pedal-assist” which simply means that if you aren’t pedaling, it ain’t moving. This concept is like a traditional bicycle but with a little extra boost.
    • 2. Class 2
      • A “Class 2” e-bike works almost the same as a Class 1 but has a throttle added to it. The bike tops out at 20mph and if you get tired, you can turn the throttle and the motor will turn without pedaling. You get all of the same features as a Class 1 but with a little extra juice when your legs stop turning.
    • 3. Class 3
      • A “Class 3” e-bike kicks things up a notch with a top speed of 28 mph and may or may not have a throttle. This is where things vary a little bit from state to state. In Idaho, this law varies by city but as a general rule, e-bikes are allowed anywhere bicycles are.
• What to expect from your first ride:
  • You can expect a lot of things: joy, elation, happiness, a sense of purpose, constant smiling, a healthy workout, and those are just a few. E-biking is very similar to riding a traditional bicycle but with that little boost you need to get out there. Picture it like walking up an escalator that’s also going up. At EVolve, we only work with the best industry partners so our bikes are smooth and reliable. Pedal-assist features only work when pedaling so don’t worry, you won’t zoom off if you stop pedaling the bike. The bikes are weighted appropriately and easy to handle when stopped or when using its motorized features.
• How do I know which bike to rent?
  • Choosing your bike is first determined by where you are taking it.
    • Commuting:
      • Serial 1 
      • Tern GSD 
    • Leisure Riding:
      • Serial 1
      • Riese and Muller 
    • Trail Riding (Mountain Biking)
      • Haibike FullFatSix
      • Pivot Shuttle
  • Now that you’ve narrowed down your activity (maybe you’re trying something new!) You’ll need to know what size of bike fits you.
  • And last but not least, it’s time to gear up! You always need to wear a helmet- this should be a no-brainer. We also recommend close-toed shoes and comfortable clothing. We offer a variety of bike gear, equipment and everything you need to feel confident on your e-bike.
• Is it worth investing in an e-bike?
  • Our answer may be biased but we think it is. Beyond lowering your environmental impact, living a healthier life and being happier, there are many other little benefits you might not think of. E-bikes can be parked anywhere a bike can and often taken into your home or workplace. They require servicing but the costs are significantly lower than a vehicle. Cargo racks can haul groceries, kids, pets and pretty much everything you need from town. And, as if that wasn’t enough, they look really cool.

If we didn’t cover everything yet, here are some FAQ’s that we hear a lot:

FAQ’s:

• Are e-bikes allowed on the trails?
  • Depends, e-bikes in Idaho are currently allowed on any trail that motorized vehicles are also allowed on. Check signs and trail maps before going down anything you are unsure of.
• Where do you get your bikes?
  • We get our bikes directly from the manufacturers. Currently, we are the only rental company in the U.S. offering Harley-Davidson’s Serial 1 e-bike.
• Why choose EVolve
  • Our team consists of bike experts who have a passion for helping people get out and ride. We are friendly, knowledgeable and focus on educating everyone about the joys of e-biking!
• How far is my bike battery range?
  • It depends on the bike and how much you want to pedal! Well, there are many factors that influence the range such as weight, road conditions and elevation. The more you pedal the longer range you get from your bike. Talk to our staff to help determine what bike meets your needs!
• Does pedaling charge the battery?
  • Pedaling does not charge the battery but it does reduce the rate at which the battery loses its charge.
• What are the bike laws in Boise?
  • https://www.cityofboise.org/programs/bike-safety-and-education/safety-and-rules/
• Do I have to wear a helmet?
  • You should always wear a helmet when biking! 
• How does bike delivery work?
  • Select the delivery option and give us your location and a bike will magically appear. 
• What is “pedal assist”?
  • Pedal assist is when the bike motor activates upon pedaling your bike. Pedal assist will top out at 20mph on a Class 1 e-bike and 28mph on a Class 3 e-bike.
• Do you sell bike stuff at your store?
  • We do! Not only do we rent and sell bikes but all of the gear you need to get on one. 
• What happens if my bike breaks during my rental?
  • Please contact us right away