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E-Bike FAQ

New to electric bikes? These are the questions we answer every single day. Pull up a chair.

Range varies depending on battery size, terrain, rider weight, assist level, and wind. Most quality e-bikes deliver 25–60 miles per charge in real-world conditions. Premium models with larger batteries can exceed 80 miles. Come in and we'll match you to a bike that fits your actual riding habits — not just the spec sheet.
Most e-bike batteries take 3–6 hours for a full charge on a standard charger. Fast chargers can reach 80% in about 2 hours. We recommend charging after every ride rather than letting the battery fully drain — lithium batteries prefer partial charges and it significantly extends their lifespan.
Class 1 — Pedal-assist only, motor cuts off at 20 mph. Allowed on most trails and bike paths.

Class 2 — Has a throttle (no pedaling required), motor cuts off at 20 mph. Slightly more restricted on some trails.

Class 3 — Pedal-assist only, assists up to 28 mph. Faster, but restricted to roads and bike lanes in many areas. Not permitted on shared-use paths in Georgia unless posted otherwise.
In Georgia, e-bikes do not require a driver's license, registration, or insurance. Class 1 and 2 are treated like traditional bicycles. Class 3 tops out at 28 mph motor-assist and riders must be 15 or older. Always wear a helmet — it's smart regardless of what the law says.
E-bikes need the same care as regular bikes — keep the chain clean and lubed, check tire pressure, and inspect brakes before rides. On top of that: store your battery between 20–80% if not riding for a while, keep the motor area clean and dry, and bring it in annually. We'll catch anything developing before it becomes a real problem.
Hub motors sit in the wheel and push or pull the bike independently of your pedaling. They're simpler, less expensive to maintain, and great for flat terrain and casual riding.

Mid-drive motors sit at the crankset and work through the bike's gearing system — so the motor and your legs work together efficiently. They handle hills better, feel more natural, and tend to offer better range. Cost more and require more specialized service, but for serious riders it's usually worth it.
Tune-ups at Blackbeard Bikes typically cost $60–$100 depending on what your bike needs. That includes a full safety check, gear and brake adjustment, and lubrication. We give you a free estimate first — no surprise charges.

A basic tune-up covers brake and derailleur adjustment, chain lubrication, tire pressure check, and a safety inspection. If your bike needs new cables, brake pads, or a chain, we'll quote those parts separately before doing any work. Most tune-ups are done the same day. We work on all bike types — road, mountain, hybrid, cruiser, and e-bike. If you're not sure what your bike needs, bring it in and we'll assess it for free.
Yes. Most repairs are completed the same day you bring your bike in. No appointment needed — walk in during business hours and we'll assess it on the spot. Complex overhauls or special part orders may take longer; we'll always tell you upfront.

Same-day service is our standard for common repairs: flat fixes, brake bleeds, cable replacements, tune-ups, and minor adjustments. If your bike needs a part we don't stock, we'll order it and get it done as fast as possible — usually within a few days. E-bike diagnostics and motor servicing may take longer depending on the issue. We'll give you an honest timeline before we start.
We carry Specialized, Velotric, and a curated selection of other top brands. Inventory changes as new models arrive. Come in and we'll match you to the right bike based on how and where you ride — not just what's on the floor.

Our selection focuses on brands we trust for quality, reliability, and serviceability. We don't stock every brand that exists — we stock the ones we're confident backing with our service. That means if your e-bike ever needs work, we know it inside and out. Current inventory varies; call us at (912) 349-1747 or stop in to see what we have in stock. We also do special orders if you have a specific model in mind.
Yes. We do full custom bike builds — you choose the frame, components, and spec, and we build it. Bring a parts list you've already researched, or start from zero; we'll guide you through every decision.

Custom builds are one of our favorite things to do. Whether you want a gravel bike dialed for touring, a commuter with specific gearing, or a one-of-a-kind setup built around your riding style, we can make it happen. We'll help you balance budget against performance and source the components at fair prices. Builds typically take 1–2 weeks depending on parts availability. Come in for a conversation — no commitment required.
Yes. Our work is backed by a satisfaction guarantee. If something we repaired isn't right, bring it back and we'll fix it at no charge. Ask us about coverage specifics when you drop off your bike.

We stand behind our labor. If a repair we performed fails under normal use, we'll make it right — no argument, no charge. Parts warranties depend on the manufacturer and vary by component. We'll let you know what's covered when we quote your repair. Our goal is for every bike that leaves our shop to perform exactly as it should. If it doesn't, we want to know about it.