Popular Questions

Find answers to common questions about our e-bikes, return policies, warranties, contact, specification definitions and customer support. Browse our FAQ section for quick solutions.

Do I need to make an appointment to see the e-bikes?

Yes, it is recommended to make an appointment to be sure that all the e-bikes are in stock prior to your arrival. We strive to have a representation of the four most common e-bike models. You are certainly welcome to stop at one of our displays anytime, but we cannot guarantee all the demo model e-bikes will be available at the time of your visit.

Do you offer delivery?

Yes, we offer Delivery & Final Assembly options right to your front door or garage!  See our Services and Delivery tabs for pricing details.  If you prefer, you can also choose to pick up your e-bike after assembly providing you have an appropriate size vehicle, trailer, folding e-bike or e-bike hitch rack on the back of your vehicle.  Finally, you may also select to have the e-bike shipped directly to your front door or garage with FREE SHIPPING to perform your own final assembly.

Do you offer pick-up?

Yes, if your ebike needs basic Service or annual Maintenance, we offer Pick-up and return Delivery to our customers.  See our list of Services and Delivery tabs for pricing.  Customers also have the option to drop off and pick up their e-bikes for any Service needs.

Do you offer test rides?

Test rides are available! All customers are welcome to test out the four most common models of e-bikes.  This way, you can try it before you buy it!  Arrange for your test rides today at the bottom of our Contact page. All test rides and rentals require the customer to provide: valid ID, credit card and signed waiver. We also strongly recommend that you wear the appropriate safety equipment when test riding or renting.

Do you sell your demo e-bikes that are used for test rides and rentals?

Yes.  They may have some minor cosmetic blemishes or scratches, but each still comes with a warranty.  A great way to go home with an assembled e-bike today and save even more! All e-bike demo units come with $220 in Services included!

Do you service all brands of e-bikes?

Any e-bike needing service that was not purchased through Trail Blazers must first get approved prior to any service commitment.  Not all e-bikes are created equal when it comes to servicing. There are hundreds of unknown brands and some of those related parts are not available on the lower quality e-bikes.  It is for these reasons and others, that we have a 30% upcharge on e-bikes not purchased through Trail Blazers for servicing needs.  Trail Blazers only sells Top Rated Brands of e-bikes that most often only require annual basic maintenance. 

Does an e-bike with step-through design imply a female/girls e-bike?

In the wolrld of e-bikes, there is no such thing as mens/womens or boys/girls. The step through design has a purpose of allowing people to get on an e-bike simply by stepping through the frame rather than leaning the e-bike or swinging a leg over the seat to get on. With age or injury, an e-bike can become one of your best friends to gain back your mobility.

Where are the best places to follow Trail Blazers online for weekly updates?

Trail Blazers can also be found on Facebook and Instagram where you can follow us for the latest updates and the weekly trailhead display locations on the Jane Addams Trail. You can find our links for Facebook and Instagram at the bottom right corner of each page. We also have a Facebook page for e-bike riders called the: Jane Addams Trail Blazers. This link is also located there.

Does Trail Blazers offer financing?

Yes, through Shopify, you can purchase with the option to finance through “SHOP”. Monthly payments plus interest.

How long does it take for my e-bike to arrive?

Most e-bikes ship within 2-3 days and arrive within 5-10 days typically.  If you are having your e-bike assembled through Trail Blazers, you will be notified once it is ready to schedule Delivery or customer pick-up. 

How long does it take to charge my battery?

Charger Size * Charge Time

2A charger * 7–8 hours

3A charger * 5–6 hours

Fast charger (4A) * 4–5 hours

Best battery life comes from not charging past 80–90% every time. Also, allow a 30-45 minute cool down period after riding before charging.

Charge Time Calculation: Amp-Hours ÷ Charger Amps = Hours to charge
15Ah ÷ 3A = ~5 hours

How many miles will the battery last per charge?

Real-World Range Estimates (720Wh battery)

Riding Style * Avg Power * Use Estimated Range

Light pedal assist: * ~15 Wh/mile * 45–50 miles

Moderate assist: * ~20 Wh/mile * 35–40 miles

Heavy assist / hills: * ~25 Wh/mile * 28–30 miles

Throttle-only: * ~30–35 Wh/mile * 20–25 miles

Rule of thumb: Expect 25–40 miles depending on rider behavior.

Battery range calculation: Battery Wh ÷ Wh per mile = Miles per charge
720Wh ÷ 20Wh = ~36 miles

How much is shipping for each e-bike?

For any customers that want to complete the Final Assembly at their home (most ebikes ship 80-85% assembled) Trail Blazers provides our customers with FREE SHIPPING to IL, WI and the remaining 46 continental states! You may also choose for Trail Blazers to complete the Final Assembly, where you can pick up the assembled e-bike or you can choose to have Trail Blazers Deliver your assembled e-bike to your home (see Services and Delivery tabs for more details). 

How old do I have to be to take a test ride or rent an e-bike?

All e-bike insurance companies require dealers to only allow adults 18 and over to test ride or rent and e-bike. This is because you need to have a valid ID, bank credit card and legal authorization to sign a liability waiver contract.

What does it mean to have 720 watt hours?
Watt-hours = total stored energy.
This is the most important number for range.
(48V × 15Ah = 720Wh)
Positives 👍
Very good range for recreational riding
Enough for most daily rides and rentals
Ideal for trail and mixed riding
Negatives 👎
Not a “touring” battery for all-day riding
Throttle-only riders will drain it quickly
Bigger batteries cost more to replace
Easy memory trick:
Wh = miles per charge
Watt Hours Calculation: Volts × Amp-Hours = Watt-Hours
48V × 15Ah = 720Wh
What does it mean to have a 750 watt motor?
Watts = power.
A 750W motor is like a strong, steady helper that makes hills and headwinds easier.

Positives 👍
Good climbing ability for most hills
Strong enough for heavier riders or cargo
Legal in many states as a Class 2 or 3 e-bike
Smooth, controllable power
Negatives 👎
Uses battery faster than smaller motors
Not as powerful as 1000W motors for steep hills
Slightly heavier motor

Easy memory trick:
750W = plenty of power without being crazy
What does it mean to have 1000 watt peak power?
This is the temporary burst of power, not what it runs all the time. Think of it like passing gear in a car.
Positives 👍
Extra punch when starting from a stop
Helps on steep hills
Better acceleration when loaded
Negatives 👎
Drains battery faster during hard riding
Can cause more wear on drivetrain
May push legal limits if used continuously
Easy memory trick:
Peak power = short bursts, not constant use
What does it mean to have a 15 amp hour battery?
Amp-hours = fuel tank size.
15Ah tells you how long the battery can supply power.
Positives 👍
Solid mid-to-large capacity
Good balance of range and weight
Works well with 750W motors
Negatives 👎
Not ultra-long range for throttle-only riding
Heavier than smaller batteries
Range drops with hills, speed, and rider weight
Easy memory trick:
Amp-hours = how long you can ride
What does it mean to have a 48 volt system?
Voltage = how hard electricity is pushed.
Higher voltage means stronger, more efficient power delivery.
Positives 👍
Stronger acceleration than 36V systems
Motor runs more efficiently
Better performance at higher speeds
Common and easy to service
Negatives 👎
Slightly higher cost than 36V
More power = easier to drain battery if abused
Easy memory trick:
48V = smoother, stronger, more modern
What happens if I need to return my e-bike?

Each manufacturer has their own set of policies for any returns, but here is what to expect; paying for shipping both ways ($160 X 2 = $380), must have less than 10-15 miles on the odometer, must be returned within 10-15 days, must utilize the same packaging the e-bike arrived in, must not have any physical or water damage.  Restocking fees can range from a flat fee to a range of 10-30%+ (in addition to the shipping fees).  See your specific manufacturer under the Contact/Returns tab for more detailed information.

What is the difference between a torque sensor and a speed/cadence/assist sensor on an e-bike when pedaling?

Torque sensors offer: Smooth riding experience - motor assistance aligns smoothly with pedaling effort. Motor power adjusts with pedaling force and it generates a force proportional for the controller. Speed/cadence/assist sensors offer: Motor provides consistant power as long as you pedal, based on pedal speed and stops when you stop pedaling. This style activates with crank rotation once you start pedaling. Sends speed based signals to the controller; does not measure force.

What are the differences between the four e-bike classes?

Class 1 - Pedal-assist only, max speed of 20 mph. Class 2 - Pedal-assist AND throttle, max speed of 20 mph. Class 3 - Pedal assist only, max speed of 28 mph. Class 4 - High power e-bikes exceeding 28 mph

Where is Trail Blazers located?

Trail Blazers is a unique business, in that we have mobile trail displays in four different locations rather than a single retail store location (see the Contact tab for map & addresses).  Our home base is Freeport, IL on the Jane Addams Trail trailheads.  As your local source for e-bikes, we strive to make accessibility available to our customers on most days of the week. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for our weekly locations! You will find those icons on the bottom right corner of every page.