Most Recent: December 31, 1969
Electric bicycles are highly similar to the non-electric bikes you know. Yet, they have a battery and a small electric motor to help you pedal farther and faster. Electric bike technology has evolved at a pace over the years, making them available in various styles, which include mountain bikes, commuting bikes, tricycles, recumbent e-bikes, folding bikes, passenger e-bikes, etc. Meanwhile, the motors on e-bike figures when you are pedaling and therefore provide a boost to propel the bike forward, thereby making pedaling easy. A lot of electric bikes have various levels or modes of assistance which give room for you to adjust the level of boost you obtain. Hence, whether you are ditching the car or just wish to ride to the top of trails, an electric bike can provide the benefits of a non-assisted bike, with motorized power whenever you need it. Let us now look into what electric bikes really are. What Is An Electric bikes An electric bike is a bicycle or tricycle that has an electric motor to assist while pedaling. The motor derives power from a rechargeable battery mounted on the bicycle. To aid in being classified as an electric bike, the motor must be able to assist in propelling, rather than propelling you on its own. Therefore, it is required that you pedal, in order to obtain that help. Meanwhile, the level of power the motor offers is regulated according to the rate at which you are pedaling and how much support you have chosen. Additionally, the systems of electric bikes provide some models to select from, thereby giving room for you to balance the level of power supplied via the pedals with battery life and range. Classes of Electric Bikes Electric bikes are classified into three categories, which usually determine where they can be ridden. A lot of bike producers, local, state, and other entities have also adopted this system, defining electric bikes as a low-speed bicycle or tricycles with completely operational pedals, as well as an electric motor of not up to 750 watts. Class 1 The motor in this category kicks in only when you are in the process of pedaling, and the assist comes to a halt at 20 mph. Class 2 The electric bikes in this class have a pedal-assist mode that reaches 20 mph. They also provide a throttle-powered mode which doesn't require pedaling. Class 3 Similar to a class 1 electric Nike, the bikes in this category kick in just when you are actively pedaling. However, it stops helping the moment 28 mph is attained. Weight of E-Bikes Electric bikes are quite weightier than non-assisted bikes. Besides, there is a large variation in the weight of the motors of electric bike batteries and motors. The lightest systems are available in a weight that is not up to 4kg, while they are usually found on electric road bikes. However, the majority of systems have a weight that falls between 6 to 8kg. Occasionally, more than that. Moreover, the additional points for mounting and reinforcement of the frame needed on an electric bicycle can also add a certain weight in addition. However, it is important to note that your budget and intended use of the bike will be a part determinant of the weight of your system. How to Ride an Electric Bike Riding an electric bike is synonymous with riding a non-motorised bike which is of the same type. You turn on the motor, choose the level of assistance you prefer with the use of the controller, and followed by pedal. The motor will first make acceleration a lot easier, followed by it helping you keep up to speed, especially when you need a hill to climb. Nevertheless, as a result of the additional weight from the battery and motor, an electric bike may handle a little more sluggishly, compared to a non-assisted bike. In addition, it may have broader tires to bear the additional weight and offer increased grip, and it will typically have disc brakes since there is increased mass to slow down and stop. Safety Tips for Electric Bikes In order to remain safe and protected while riding an electric bike, you must be extra vigilant in traffic. Those in cars already underestimate how quickly cyclists can move. For this reason, until electric bikes become commonplace, drivers will not expect you to travel anywhere near their speed. Therefore, ensure you ride defensively, keeping in mind that they can not see you. Also, keep your speed monitored in congested areas. Besides, make sure you make yourself as visible as possible by using daytime riding lights. In addition, stop and drive with caution. Since you are faster and heavier, it would take a longer time to slow down and come to a complete stop. Hence, squeeze your brakes pretty ahead of intersections. Also, do not forget that the electric bike will accelerate faster than usual. Thus, ensure you do not begin pulling out into traffic until it is completely clear. Moreover, since the bike is equipped with some heft, you may feel wobbly the initial times you may begin to move or slow down to a stop. Hence, endeavor to practice mounting, dismounting, and coming to a stop in safe places, prior to hitting heavily trafficked roads. Purchase the Right Electric Bike When deciding which electric bicycle is the most suitable for you, a good number of factors should be considered. However, more importantly, you should be sure of what you intend to use the bike for. For example, electric folding trikes and bikes are easy to pack down and bear, which makes them the best commuting means for those who hop on and off public transport en route to work. Certain e-bikes offer a boost only when you pedal, while others are equipped with a throttle button which will give assistance even when you don't. However, if you know you are no longer as fit or young as you used to be, or the paths in your area have a lot of steep hills, the additional help from the motor is capable of making biking feel much easier and less daunting for cyclists of every style.