E-Bike 101
There are many divided opinions out there, but truth be told there’s no vehicle that can offer the versatility of an electric bike. If you are looking to find the best transportation method which will not make you sweat but which will also get you to your destination regardless of the traffic, an e-bike can be the perfect solution.
What is an e-bike?
Before you start learning more about e-bikes, there are a few characteristics which make it stand out from regular bikes you need to know. Basically, an e-bike will not replace the pedaling system but it will enhance it. This is done using a motor and a battery. Thus, you will be able to pedal further and even tackle hill climbs much easier.
Battery placement and power concerns
The battery is usually placed either in the middle of the bike or at the back. The battery can be placed inside the frame, where a water bottle would be normally placed on a regular bike. But it can also sit on a rack at the back of the bike.
The batteries on these bikes are rechargeable and they can typically perform for up to 30 miles. Larger batteries can perform for twice as more in certain situations, depending on the terrain. There are usually three types of performances with electric bikes which influence battery life. Pedal-only performance means that you would use the e-bike just as a regular bike and this does not impact battery life. The pedal assist performance will aid the rider only when pedaling. This means the motor would be in use only when pedaling. The electric-only performance means that the e-bike would work similarly to a moped. This would require the most battery life.
Charging the batteries is easy as you just need to plug them into a wall outlet. The charging time will depend on the quality of the battery and it can vary from 2 hours for premium designs and up 8 hours for the cheaper batteries. For the best battery life, cyclists should follow general best practices guidelines as for any electronic device.
Motor performance
The motor design is the most important characteristic of an e-bike. This represents the transition of electric power to the bike and the methods available today are focused on three main designs. The front hub performance is based on the motor being placed on the front wheel and this creates the pulling sensation. The rear hub motor placement spins the rear tire and it creates the pushing sensation. The mid hub motor designs transmit the power to the drivetrain and this creates a more natural cycling experience which is very close to classic bike performance.
Conversion kits
Many cyclists are wondering if an old bike can be converted into an e-bike. The truth is that many older bikes can be converted into an e-bike. If you want to save time and effort you can purchase a dedicated conversion kit. An e-bike conversion kit will come with all the components you need to add to your old bike in order to transform it into an e-bike. This process can last between 1 and 3 hours and the best part is that you could even do it yourself.
E-bike uses
E-bikes are not here to replace scooters. They are usually limited to a top speed of 20mph due to regulation. E-bikes can be used in the same situations just as regular bikes. Thus, they will work for all types of users. This includes the regular commute to work. Since you will require less effort and you’ll also sweat less, this is one of the most recommended uses for e-bikes. E-bikes are also a great recreation solution. With the potential to cover more distance with reduced effort, your cycling weekends can now be improved with the added help from the motor. Thus, outdoor adventures will prove to be even more fun than before.
E-bikes can also help couriers or people delivering parcels in the city. These cyclists are always on the road and they can also benefit from the added pedaling help. But e-bikes are also a good solution for children. Since you might be cycling with kids to the kindergarten, you could also benefit from the extra power of the motor. This can also represent a great opportunity to introduce children to basic e-bike functionality.
How much does an e-bike cost?
An e-bike can come at various prices. These can vary from $1.000 to $10.000. The price will be largely dictated by the quality of the materials and the components. Thus, a bike with a quality battery and powerful motor will cost more. A durable and lightweight frame might also impact the overall cost of the bike. The good news is that you can choose a bike to suit your needs and budget.
Choosing an e-bike is not very complicated when you know what to look for. You will have the opportunity to choose from some of the most interesting designs and the good news is that this will not mean that cycling needs to be less fun. Although an e-bike will be generally heavier compared to a regular bike, you can still take your time and actually enjoy the cycling experience. With so many designs, you can even have the luxury of only using the motor when you need the extra power.
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Andrew Austin is the founder of Ebikecatalog, a trusted Internet Retailer for e-bikes. Their mission is to offer customers a wide variety of quality products at the lowest price.