Ride an E-bike? Rethink Your Eyewear Choice.
E-bikes have exploded in popularity in the U.S., with roughly half a million sold in each of the last two years. The uptake is changing the dynamic of cycling from a mostly recreational pursuit to a bonafide commuting and transportation alternative. Bike lanes and bike paths are now flooded with e-bikes whizzing down the pavement faster than their non-powered counterparts.
Electric bikes come in several classes. Class 1 e-bikes require the rider to pedal to benefit from the electric motor, which stops assisting once the bike reaches 20 mph. Class 2 e-bikes have a handlebar-mounted throttle that can accelerate up to 20 mph without assistance. Class 3 e-bikes can be operated with a throttle and come with a motor that powers the bike up to 28 mph. While 20-28 mph may not seem fast, it will feel quick on a crowded city street or narrow bike path shared with pedestrians.
With these faster speeds comes the need for better safety gear, starting with a helmet and including performance eyewear, which is the focus of this article. However, it’s worth noting that optical choices for ebiking have more in common with riding mopeds and motorcycles than bicycles. Below are some key features to look for in a high-quality pair of ebiking glasses.
Coverage
One-piece, curved lenses with broad facial coverage are best for deflecting wind, rain, and dust. The curved lens also prevents wind from whipping behind the lens and agitating the eyes. The near 180-degree, unobstructed view of the surroundings gives the wearer the clearest view of the road ahead. Rudy Project’s Astral X or Kelion sports shields do an exceptional job with this quality of coverage.
Protection
Optical Clarity
Anytime Wear
Thanks to photochromic lenses such as Rudy Project’s ImpactX lenses, e-bikers can enjoy the benefits of coverage, protection, and clarity in any light. These advanced lenses become clear at night and dark in bright sun. And since they react to UV rays, not visible light, they stay clear even on a brightly lit street. Riding through a dark tunnel or under a viaduct is no big deal; same with coming out the other side into the light. The switch from dark to clear to dark takes place in seconds.
