Electric Bikes
Little by little, electric bikes have been making their way into the bicycle market. With advances in controllers and batteries, it is becoming easier to find a greater variety, especially better bikes of this type.
If you have heard about electric bicycles or e-bikes but are still unclear about what they are and how they work.
What is an electric bicycle?
Do not confuse electric bicycles with scooters or electric motorcycles. An electric bike is a regular bike, as you know, with pedals and the whole thing, but equipped with an electric motor, a battery, and a controller.
The motor
- Today the vast majority of electric bicycles use internal engines. These canisters go either on the front or rear hub of the bike or the center axle.
- Some bicycles use an external engine that transmits the power through a chain.
Batteries
- The three types of sequences used in electric bicycles are:
- Lithium-Ion
- Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH)
- Lead
Controllers
- It could be whispering that this is the bike’s brain and is responsible for activating and regulating the electric motor. They come in diverse styles; some are more sophisticated than others and are always located on the handlebars for better control.
- The throttle can be twisted, as in motorcycles or a button.
- A pedelec is more sophisticated and monitors the cyclist’s pedaling to assist with the motor.
- Those that use the pedaling system only assist in pedaling. That is, for the motor to activate, you have to be pedaling. Others are autonomous, and it is not necessary to pedal for the engine to propel the bike.
- There are systems in which you can select between both modes of operation. As mentioned above, there are countries where power and maximum speed are regulated, especially for autonomous systems.
- In case of exceeding the regulations, they can be considered electric motorcycles and require a license for their use.
Types of electric bikes
Today it is possible to find almost any type of bicycle in its electric version. There are folding, mountain, road, tandem, and even recumbent. As with conventional ones, it is essential to define your needs before buying your new bicycle.
If you want to know the different bike types, we invite you to read: What everyone should know before buying a motorcycle.
Advantages and disadvantages of electric bikes
Advantage
- They make it easier to pedal uphill
- Assistance for those with joint or asthma sufferers, for example
- They are easier to pedal, so you can encourage new riders
Disadvantages
- They are more expensive than conventional bicycles
- They are heavier
- Electrical and electronic equipment requires specialized service
Who are electric bikes ideal?
- The main advantages of these bikes are their ability to improve your efficiency when climbing slopes or pedaling against the wind (yes, in some parts, the wind is mighty).
- It is a faultless choice for those who love cycling but who, due to health reasons, find it difficult to pedal on a conventional bicycle.
- Finally, you can encourage those who have not yet got on the bike because they feel lazy, find it difficult, or do not want to arrive so sweaty to work.
- And also think that an electric bike could be a good option for you. It is a good experience with these bikes.
Electric bicycles, a sector on the rise
- The figures in the sector speak of the excellent welcome of e-bikes, which in the next five years is predictable to triple their sales. In Spain, the Memory of Brands and Bicycles of Spain (AMBE) has pointed out the electric bike as a lifesaver sector.
- The electric bicycle democratizes the repetition of sports cycling. Here you no longer need to be in optimal shape to go up a mountain with your friends or do a long route that you would not otherwise do.
Where is the motor located?
- When selecting a model, it is interesting to consider where the engine is located. Here are usually two trends, in the axle or the wheel. It is a matter of efficiency and feeling.
- With the motor on the axis, the usual cycling of a bicycle feels more. It is most suitable when we discuss doing sports with the bike, for MTB, or even on the road.
- Also, the electric motor comes into operation by having a torque movement sensor on the axis when pushing the pedal, and the bike goes off. However, it depends on the manufacturer and how it regulates power delivery.
