The Internet Won’t Fix Your eBike
What looks like a bargain may be a risk to you—and to us.
In recent months, we’ve seen a noticeable influx of kids riding “affordable” or inexpensive electric bikes around Tenafly and greater Bergen County. And when we say “affordable,” we’re being a little generous—many of these are full-powered Class 3 eBikes with throttles, priced around and under $1,500.
We get 2–3 inquiries daily asking if we sell these bikes, and even more asking if we service them. The answer in most cases? No. Except for basic repairs—flat fixes, brake pad replacements, chain adjustments—we won’t touch them. Here’s why.
1. Safety: The #1 Concern
Many of these low-cost eBikes cut corners—especially in areas that affect safety. It’s common to see bikes with 500+ watt motors paired with weak, single-piston cable brakes. That’s a serious mismatch of power and stopping capability.
Suspension is another issue. Instead of controlling bumps and terrain, the suspension acts like a pogo stick, making the ride unpredictable and unsafe—especially for kids who may lack experience.
And let’s not ignore the most dangerous issue of all: the batteries. Reports of cheap eBike batteries overheating, exploding, or catching fire are becoming more common. We can’t safely store, charge, or repair these unvetted systems in our shop without putting our employees and neighbors at risk.
2. Illegal in NJ and NY
In New Jersey, Class 3 eBikes (over 750W or capable of speeds over 20 mph) are legally classified as motor vehicles. They must be registered, and riders must be at least 15 years old. But we regularly see kids far younger riding them—often without helmets, training, or an understanding of basic bike safety.
By servicing or selling these bikes, we could unknowingly be supporting the use of illegal and unsafe vehicles. That’s a liability we’re not willing to take on.
3. Quality and Repairability
Many of these eBikes are simply not built to last. Components are inconsistent, proprietary, or poorly made—making even routine repairs a time-consuming challenge.
Simple jobs like fixing a flat or adjusting brakes can take two to three times longer than on a quality bike. That drives up labor costs, and understandably, customers are frustrated when the repair bill seems higher than expected. But the real issue is the poor design and low manufacturing standards.
4. Responsibility to the Community
We’ve built our business around bikes that are safe, legal, and serviceable. We believe bikes—especially electric ones—should empower riders and elevate the riding experience, not compromise safety or skirt regulations.
There’s also an important developmental element. Many kids riding these high-powered bikes haven’t fully learned how to ride a pedal bike. Pedaling teaches control, awareness, reflexes, and responsibility—skills that can’t be skipped by twisting a throttle.
In Summary
We’re not against eBikes—in fact, we love them and ride them. But we stand behind well-built, thoughtfully designed models that meet safety standards and local regulations. We owe that to our customers, our staff, and the community we ride in.
If you're considering an eBike for yourself or your child, we encourage you to ask questions, do your research, and prioritize safety over speed or price. And if you're looking for a reliable eBike that we do sell and support, we’re always happy to help.
