Electric bikes are designed in such a way that they provide the biker with extra power when they’re peddling. Most modern electric bikes use the 48v bike battery. However, most of them do not have a throttle so you cannot go up a hill without peddling at all. This means that the motor does not function if it runs out of power. They are constructed using special frames and components that are built for durability. An e-bike is more costly, more complex than a regular bike, and much heavier.
Electric bikes give us the promise of riding much further and for longer periods. The bikes are also excellent at carrying heavier loads compared to the regular bikes.
The Conversion…
In a nutshell, electric bikes are winning; most bikers are already making the switch from regular to electric bikes. If you would like to convert your regular bike into an electric bike, all that you need to do is swap out one of the wheels or mount a drive unit onto the rear wheel.
The battery is usually placed on either the pannier rack just above the rear wheel or on the down-tube.
Speed…
These motorized bicycles have the potential of moving at a speed of up to about 30mph. The amount of power depends on the battery’s wattage. Electric bikes are can neither be categorized as scooters nor can they be categorized as motorbikes. Due to the high speed, it’s required in some places that one obtain a license and insurance before they can operate the electric bikes.
Charging…
Electric bikes are usually charged via the main power sockets. Some of the modern bikes allow you to remove the battery and charge it separately so that you don’t have to leave the bike plugged in overnight.
The battery takes about 3 to 4 hours to be fully charged. Newer versions allow you to partially charge the battery for a couple of hours without damaging the battery cell. These can partially be charged and discharged without causing any problems.
The period for which the battery lasts depends on depends on its capacity, the terrain’s technicality, and your weight as well as that of the bike. In terms of the lifetime of the battery, it all depends on its overall usage.
Different Types of E-bikes
Electric bikes allow you to ride all day long and can handle almost any type of terrain. While some of the electric bikes are powered from the front hub, others are powered by an electric motor that is mounted onto the bottom bracket. There are electrically assisted versions of different bikes that are available in the market. These include:
- Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric Mountain bikes are powerful and expand one’s riding range considerably over a wide range of terrain. These bikes let you speed up the climbs and get more riding especially if you’re pushed for time, leaving you more hours to spare.
These bikes allow you to get a full suspension so that you’re covered no matter what your biking style is and whatever terrain you ride on.
The main disadvantage of electric bikes is that they’re quite heavy and pricey especially for the newer and more “good-looking” versions. Some models have specific components such as display units, single front chain-rings, and strong disc brakes.
- Electric Road Bikes
Electric road bikes are mountain-munching machines that let their riders “feel the burn” when they’re on the road. Some models have the electric motors on their sleeve while other models hide the motors and batteries.
These machines are incredible tools that you can use to hit the road with your friends and go sight-seeing.
- Electric Hybrid Bikes
Electric hybrids are the greatest invention of all time. They’re green and lean machines that are mainly used by commuters. These bikes will get you from one part of the city to another very conveniently; eliminating the problems that come with unreliable public transport in congested cities.
These bikes allow you to commute for considerably long distances without breaking a sweat. In addition to them being super convenient, these bikes are also reasonably priced and have a high battery range enough to let you get to and from your destination without the need for recharging.
- Electric Folding Bikes
Folding bikes are a dream-come-true for most commuters. Electric folding bikes can be compacted down to occupy less space for easy storage in smaller spaces. Basically, they bring all the benefits of an electric bike in a smaller package.
- Electric Utility Bikes
This last category holds massive promise for people who transport loads of various sizes. With electric utility bikes, you do not require a car to carry your kids, your weekly shopping, and any other kind of load such as furniture.
Since these bikes carry massive loads, they’re constructed using stronger materials and feature stronger motors. They’re also larger in size and weigh more compared to other types of electric bikes.