The concept of an E-bike is something unique for the world. People often mistakenly consider E-bike to be an electric motorbike. However, this is not the case since E-bikes are very different from motorbikes. In a layman’s terms, consider a conventional bicycle and add certain electric features to it. In this way, the end result will be similar to a bicycle but a lot different also since the addition of electrical parts make it convenient in difficult terrain.
The demand of E-bikes have increased a lot since the post pandemic because they provide numerous advantages to the customer. It has made commute easier and is also a great help for those which have difficulty in using conventional bikes. Electric bike technology has progressed rapidly in recent years especially after Covid-19, and you can now buy almost any form of motorized bike from the market easily.
You may be wondering what are E-bikes then? What makes them different from motorbikes? E-bikes are a type bicycles that contain an assist which is powered by the battery. Also, in some of the E-bikes, a throttle is present for the same purpose. When you pedal gradually, it powers up the battery and then starts the small motor present. In this way, you can additional speed and power to move through different areas easily. Like a conventional bike, you regulate your speed with your feet. However, in the case of E-bikes, you just feel really powerful and are able to accelerate quickly.
Working of E-Bike
The motor of an E-bike is present in between both the tyres. It is present at exactly the center of gravity of the E-bike. This type os E-bike is the mid-drive motor since it’s driven by the crankshaft. Additionally, there are axle-mounted and hub-based motor as well. An axle-mounted motor works through the e-chain bike’s and gears, whereas a hub-based motor directly pushes the wheels of the 26 inch mountian bike hot E-bike.
The power that the motor of an E-bike can offer varies from country to country. Generally, the output is about 200 to 250 watts. When the motor reaches this output, it stops and the cyclist have to pedal by themselves similar to the conventional bicycles. When it comes to standards, the restrictions varies in USA and the rest of the world with USA giving a little more leniency in speed. Of course, you may go quicker, but you have to pedal yourself in this case as discussed earlier. The bike’s motor will be shut in this case.
Apart from the motor, an E-bike also contains a sensor that monitors torque. When you constantly pedal the cycle, this sensor calculates the torque produces and tells the motor when to start or stop. As a result, you will also reserve your energy and whole experience will be a good one.
Also, E-bikes are incomplete with the battery. It stores power when you pedal and provides it to the motor when it is needed. There are portable batteries also available which you can charge externally. The choice is upto to the user completely.
Finally, there is a controller present at the handle of the E-bike. The user controls it and takes the help of the motor when the need arises. There are some restrictions ofcourse, but you can enable or disable the functionality of motor through this controller. Futhermore, a screen with navigation and other features is available in some of the models.
Regulating the power of the motor in an E-bike
The power regulating functionality of an E-bike differs throughout the models. It is comprised of levels ranging from three to five. With each level the power through the motor increases and with it the speed as well. You can increase levels if you are going up a slope and or moving through such a terrain which takes a lot out of you. In this way, E-bikes are a blessing!
In some of the modern models, there is a boost button present as well. This is used in such cases where the user needs high amount of power bursts. Moreover, some of the bikes contain an additional functions that assists in walking. If you are not riding a bike, you will not need to push it extremely hard, the E-bike’s motor will assist you in this case.
Are E-bikes heavy?
Due to the presence of electrical components and bigger tyres, E-bikes are heavier than the conventional ones. Also, the overall weight of the E-bike will also take into account the model of the bike you have bought. It is because the more expensive and powerful model you choose, the more weight it will have due to larger motor and battery.
Weight is an important consideration when you choose to buy an E-bike. If your house is up some floors, you have to see the weight of your model. If that’s the case, think about how much more weight you can take comfortably.
Riding an E-bike
Riding an electric bike is similar to riding a motor bike. You turn on the motor of the E-bike, use the controller to pick the level of assistance you may require, and then pedal. The motor will make initial acceleration much simpler and then assist you in maintaining pace. It is especially helpful when you are moving up a slope.
However, one drawback of such a bike is its weight. You will have to balance it in a proper way. The tyres are bigger and the added components such as battery and motor make E-bike difficult to handle and maintain. Still, its advantages outweigh disadvantages since it is such a charm using these!
Range of an E-bike
The range of an E-bike solely depends upon its capacity. It can provide a range of 20 to 100 miles or more on a single charge. One of the factors that determine the cost of an E-bike is its battery. The costly the battery is, the more you will have range. To increase range, some e-bikes allow you to put in a second battery. It is a smaller one and can take the place of the primary battery when it runs out of power.
Thus, E-bikes are the ride of the future and they are constantly making it easier to travel long distances!