Reminder: buy that electric-car charging station (or electric motorcycle) this month!
With any new presidential administration comes a certain degree of legislative uncertainty.
Conflicting statements on many issues by president-elect Donald Trump have produced more questions than usual about what policies he and his administration may pursue.
But for present and future electric-car owners considering the purchase of a home charging station, it may be wise to act before the end of this calendar year.
That’s when the current federal income-tax credit for purchase of alternative-vehicle home refueling infrastructure is set to expire.
It was somewhat unexpectedly renewed for 2016 in the Fixing America’s Surface Transportation Act (FAST Act) signed by President Barack Obama last December 4.
An article last week in The Washington Post suggest that this credit, among many others, is not likely to be renewed this month by the lame-duck Congress.
[EDITOR’S NOTE: We are re-running this piece to remind readers that if they’re planning to buy and install an electric-car charging station or buy an electric motorcycle, the income-tax credits for doing so will expire at the end of this year and are unlikely to be renewed.]
Republicans controlling the tax-writing committees in the House and Senate say they have no plans to extend expiring tax-code provisions, the Post writes.
Those include not only mortgage-debt forgiveness for financially troubled owners and mortgage-insurance write-offs used by moderate-income first-time buyers, but also deductions for purchases of energy-saving Windows, insulation and other improvements.
The federal income-tax credit in effect through the balance of 2016 covers up to 450,000 for home refueling equipment and installation at a taxpayer’s private residence.
That includes the purchase of an electric-car charging station, plus any wiring or installation that’s necessary, during the year ending December 31.
2017 Zero SR electric motorcycle
There’s also a tax credit for businesses of up to 30 percent of the cost of installing alternative-vehicle refueling infrastructure, capped at a maximum of 30,000.
Current Federal income-tax credits of 5000,500 to 7,500 for purchase of a plug-in electric vehicle with a battery pack of 4 to 16 kilowatt-hours (or more) will remain unchanged.
But a tax credit of up to 10 percent of the cost of purchasing an electric motorcycle also expires on December 31.
So if you’ve been debating whether to go for that 240-Volt Level 2 charging station, or treat yourself to that electric motorcycle you’ve been eyeing, it’ll cost you less if you do it this month.
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Guide to Charging Stations in NYC
Electric bikes are often seen as a means for taking a nice road trip or hitting a fun off-road trail. While this does make sense given the long range and full suspension of an eBike like the Top 3.0i from Delfast, the commuter power of the eBike should not be underestimated.
Personal and commercial fleet use of eBikes, such as delivery services, is growing each year. As more and more people switch to electric vehicles of all types there inherently needs to be an increase in the charging infrastructure. Charging capacity is often cited as a problem in objecting to the wide use of eBikes and electic vehicles. With that said, most cities are rapidly expanding access to charging stations to accommodate this electric revolution.
New York City is one such city that is rapidly expanding its access to charging stations for eBikes and EVs. Let’s look at what NYC has done to become a friendlier city to eBikes including laws surrounding eBike classification and charging laws.
Electric bike laws in NYC
Starting in 2020, NYC passed laws stating eBikes are completely legal to own and use in the city. The Big Apple also recognized electric bikes as a distinct vehicle class.
The city adopted a three-tier eBike classification system, but it varies somewhat from other states laws. Class 3 eBikes are restricted to 25 MPH instead of the more commonly accepted 28 MPH. eBikes with a Class 3 classification are also only allowed in areas with a population of one million people or more.
You don’t need to have a driver’s license, vehicle registration, or insurance to ride an eBike regardless of its class. Motor power cannot exceed 750 Watts. You must be at least 16 years of age to operate an electric bike. Riders 16-17 years old must wear a helmet at all times, as well as all underage passengers. Class 3 eBike riders must wear a helmet regardless of age. Working cyclists, such as couriers and delivery riders, must wear a helmet regardless of eBike class.
We recommend wearing a helmet and having a helmet for any passengers you may take with you on every ride. It’s not that we don’t trust you, we really don’t trust those other NYC drivers.
eBikes have expanded rapidly in their use in NYC. Everyday New Yorkers, delivery drivers, and police officers are using eBikes. Infrastructure has struggled to keep up with charging needs but is getting better every day. Electric bikes cops in NYC are not anything new of course. New York was one of the first US cities to put eBikes into their fleets. Delfast even has a Top Cop model designed specifically for police departments.
eBikes are becoming one of the most convenient ways of getting around a city like New York.
Pros of using an eBike in NYC
There are so many benefits of owning an electric bike in NYC that we wouldn’t be able to cover them all here. Here are a few of the most widely cited reasons.
- Better mobility. eBikes can maneuver through and around traffic jams that cars are stuck in. The opening of more and more dedicated bike lanes and separate bike paths means a safer and a faster ride.
- Smaller carbon footprint. It’s not even a contest. Manufacture, shipping, and usage of eBikes is way less carbon intense that gas powered cars, or EVs.
- Affordability. Owning, operating, and parking eBikes in NYC is much cheaper than a traditional vehicle. Average charging cost is roughly 24 per year. Parking is usually free, just like traditional bicycles. Maintenance of an eBike is a fraction of the cost of an automobile.
The only struggle you might find is where to charge your electric bike in a big city like NYC. With a few tips you can become an expert on that too.
Where to charge an electric bike in NYC?
Your safest option to charge your eBike in NYC is to use electric bike charging stations that are splattered all across the Big Apple. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYCERDA) has a convenient map of electric bike charging stations in NYC ‒ find the one closest to you and charge your eBike safely.
As of the writing this article, you can use any electric charging station you can find. This includes the outlets in your own apartment or house. Or even outside a local business if given permission to do so. You can also carry an adaptor and charge at an EV charging station.
There is proposal to ban electric bikes from being charged inside apartments or common areas that is under review. The New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) recently proposed that eBikes not be allowed inside public-housing apartments. There was quick backlash against the proposed rule change because of the adverse effect it will have on the livelihood of those using eBikes for work purposes. For now, it is just a proposal. Most advocated don’t think it will go through in full, and have proposed stricter safety standards instead.
No matter what happens with upcoming laws, eBikes will always be a cheaper and more earth friendly way to get to work, to see friends, or get off on that adventure. Looking for the perfect commuter eBike? Delfast California is coming soon. Sign up on indiegogo for more information and to be first in line to own one.
How to charge electric bikes?
A relatively straightforward process, here is a step-by-step guide on how to charge electric bikes:
- After you have decided on a charging station, locate the charging port on your vehicle, plug the charger’s connector into the charging point of your scooter and ensure it is connected securely.
- Depending on the capacity of your battery and the model of your electric bike, your charge time can vary. It is recommended you browse through the user manual to ensure the longevity of your vehicle.
- Once the charging process starts, your bike will display a small green light indicating a complete charge.
- Once the bike has reached its desired charge level, unplug the charger from the power outlet and store in a cool, dry and safe place for your next use.
How do I improve the battery life of my EV?
To ensure the long life of your vehicle, it is important that you ensure optimum charging
practices. Try to avoid frequent full discharges of your battery. Lithium-ion batteries tend to have longer lifespans when they are charged at the right time. Try to charge your bike before the battery levels drop too low.
It is important that you store your battery in a cool dry place. Both, extremely high and low temperatures can affect the battery performance, so it is important you store it at the recommended temperature.
Apart from knowing how to charge electric bikes, it is also important to practice efficient riding habits. Gentle braking and acceleration can increase the overall efficiency of your battery by reducing stress. A consistently moderate speed ensures that your battery is not drained quickly. This in turn gives you the maximum out of your vehicle and its battery.
Once you know how to charge an electric bike, just like a car, you must also FOCUS on the regular maintenance of its battery. Long periods of inactivity coupled with a fully depleted battery can lead to irreversible damage. There is a lot of information available online about the firmware and software of batteries. As an EV user, it is important you stay abreast of the latest in technology.
Where can I charge my battery?
With the advent of green transportation, there is not much you need to do when you think of how to charge e bikes. Many modern residential homes come with charging ports in their parking lots. You could also charge your E-bike at an electric charging station.
AC CHARGE: This is an alternating current source that typically flows from the wall outlet to charge the bike’s battery. This is the simplest way to charge your EV, however, it is still important to look at specific instructions on the user manual of your vehicle.
DC CHARGE: This is probably one of the fastest ways of charging your vehicle. It refers to charging your bike’s battery using a direct current power source. Dedicated DC charging stations provide 50kW power and above. You can top your battery charge anywhere between thirty to forty minutes to ensure a hassle free ride.
DON’TS
A few simple things can go a long way in caring for both your vehicle and your battery:
If you have decided to make the switch from conventional transport, it is important that you take the time to understand the mechanics of your EV. Simple things like knowing how to charge your electric bike can go a long way towards extending the life of your EV.
Charging and Range
Let’s start with the elephant in the room. Nearly every time I park or stand near my bike, at least one person will walk up to me and say something to the effect of, “Cool bike! Electric? What’s the range?” Sometimes I feel like I should walk around with an FAQ card, or a LiveWire spec sheet.
Electric vehicles thrive in the city. My LiveWire One gets nearly 150 miles of riding in city traffic when fully charged, thanks to the low speeds and frequent regenerative braking. Admittedly, things get a little worse on the highway, where I average around 70-80 miles per full charge.
The truth is that sustained high speeds drain the battery faster, while stop-and-go traffic keeps the battery happy and drains it at a slower rate.
With my typical use in city traffic, I only really need to charge the bike once a week. Many parking garages in Manhattan have some sort of EV charging station available. If not, I can still charge the LiveWire using a standard 120-volt wall plug — albeit slowly.
The apartment building I live in has an underground garage where I’m allowed to plug in and recharge. I gain about 11 miles of range per hour when charging on a conventional wall plug, but I can fill a depleted battery in an hour or less if I can find a Level 3 charger.
I take the LiveWire on day trips to places like Bear Mountain, which is around 90 minutes outside the city, to do some cruising. I’ll typically plan to stop and charge somewhere scenic while I eat lunch. As long as I’ve planned ahead, range hasn’t been an issue.
Admittedly, this is not a road trip vehicle. I wish it could be, but it just isn’t made for that. Thankfully, I picked up a MotoTote Max hitch-mounted rack for my Lexus GX470 so I can bring the LiveWire with me on road trips. I’m in Florida on a work project this month, and was stoked to bring my bike with me. I get a lot of questions about how I set up my SUV to haul a 560-pound bike comfortably, but that’s another story that deserves its own post.
Parking and Security
I keep my SUV in the city but use it mainly for hauling gear or traveling outside of Manhattan; parking any car in the city for errands or meetings is difficult and expensive. These challenges almost never apply when you have a motorcycle.
I’ll often just hop on my motorcycle and ride to a meeting anywhere in the city, parking essentially wherever I fit on the street. You’d be amazed how easy it is to fit a motorcycle between parallel-parked cars, even in those neighborhoods where parking is basically a blood sport.
I worry about theft, but the LiveWire One has a fork lock and a built-in GPS tracker with a cellular transmitter that alerts me via text if anyone touches it while I’m away. Its anti-theft technology is certainly not 100 percent secure against a determined thief, but the features are reassuring. Just to be safe, I try not to park it outside overnight in the city.
Performance and Handling
If you’ve watched enough 0-60 mph EV videos on YouTube, then you’re aware that electric vehicles have gobs of torque. Riding an EV motorcycle is like strapping yourself to a very quiet rocketship with no clutch to pull and no gears to shift. The Livewire One will go from 0 to 60 miles per hour in three seconds flat, and is even rumored to have a top speed (locked by the manufacturer) that would give a Lamborghini a run for its money.
Some people ask me if I miss shifting gears and hearing the loud exhaust of a conventional motorcycle. Listen, I’ve owned plenty of American muscle cars from the ’60s, and have a Porsche 964 as a project car. I love rowing my own gears and listening to the music of my car’s exhaust, but there’s something to be said for a motorcycle that offers immediate power, doesn’t transmit any heat to its rider, and is quiet enough that I can easily hear traffic around me.
Atop my LiveWire, I can FOCUS on maneuvering through city traffic instead of shifting gears. I know it’s not for everyone, but if you keep an open mind, you can learn to love the benefits of an electric motorcycle. Not to mention, most EV bikes have adjustable drive modes that change the torque output, throttle response and regenerative brake settings to suit your mood or riding conditions.
One potential issue with electric motorcycles is weight: they are heavy. My current LiveWire One. and the Zero DS I owned previously, both weigh about 100 pounds more than comparable gas-burning bikes. That being said, they both handle really well and love carving corners. These EV bikes carry their weight low in the frame, and at speed, both bikes feel very light on their feet.