Bicycles have always been considered an essential element of our transportation culture. Motor vehicles might have eclipsed them for a while, but electric bikes have come along to right this balance.
Electric bikes, also known as pedelecs or E-bikes, are considered a transportation alternative that’s cheaper, faster, healthier, more convenient, and more environmentally friendly than transport modes reliant on fossil fuels.
If you’re not aware of what E-bikes are and what makes them so popular, then you’ve come to the right place. Here, we’ll lay out the definition of E-bikes and highlight the mechanisms and features that make them work.
Let’s dive right in.
What Are Electric Bikes?
In the simplest terms, an E-bike can be described as a regular bicycle that has an electric motor attached to it. The latest technological advances have enabled us to fuse powerful batteries with strong motors and use them to complement our own pedaling power.
These bikes are steered and ridden just like normal bikes, with the difference here being that you have an extra store of power that you can use to increase your speed, mileage, and freedom. Whether you’re facing winds, hills, traffic, sand, or tarmac, there’s an electric bike out there with the configuration that will get the job done for you.
How Do E-bikes Work?
To understand how E-bikes work, we need to examine the parts they comprise and how they combine to deliver the numerous advantages that come with E-bikes. These include:
The Motor
Electric bikes come equipped with motors whose function is to provide the torque required to turn the pedals around. A motor may be placed in the mid-drive, rear hub, or front hub area of the bike, and deliver different levels of power depending on the quality of the motor in question.
As you pedal using your legs to move forward, you can also choose to draw on additional electric power at the push of a button or turn off a knob.
The Sensors
In order to perform as designed, E-bikes incorporate torque sensors and cadence sensors. The highly responsive torque sensor lets the bike’s computer know how much effort you are exerting so that the motor can act in tandem with it (this is essential for acceleration, deceleration, and maneuvers).
The cadence sensor is there to prompt the bike computer to engage the motor as soon as it senses any pressure is exerted on the pedals.
The Batteries
Electric batteries come in various types that vary according to their materials, durability, longevity, charging time, weight, and cost. The type of battery will have a great impact on the performance of your E-bike, especially with regard to the mileage, torque, and speed your bike is capable of attaining.
Like a good mobile phone battery (they’re made out of many of the same materials), all you need to fully charge up your E-bike battery is to plug it into your wall socket for a couple of hours (5-6 hours on average).
FAQs
Here are a few of the most common questions people have regarding E-bikes:
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What is the Top Speed of an Electric Bike? The legal limit for E-bikes in the United States is set by the Federal government at 20 mph, while in the United Kingdom, it is 15.5 mph. This is when operating under motor power alone. Remember that you do not need a license to operate an E-bike.
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Is it Harder to Brake on E-bikes? While E-bikes are significantly heavier than regular bicycles, this doesn’t have any real impact on its stopping distance and responsiveness. Once you aren’t pedaling any more, the motor propulsion will no longer be a factor, allowing you to brake just as you would on a normal bike.
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Do E-bikes Work Without Pedaling? Yes, of course, but it depends on the type of bike in question. Throttle-controlled E-bikes are designed to run independently of pedal power.
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How Long Do E-bike Batteries Last? Electric battery longevity is an important factor to consider. A good E-bike battery should last for an average of 1,000 charging cycles, which is more than enough to provide you with many years of utility and enjoyment.
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Final Thoughts
If you’re concerned about the state of your health, your wallet, your environment, and society, then an E-bike should be at the top of your wish list. E-bikes offer excellent performance in all conditions and are only getting better as new technologies and solutions are brought online.
If you’re thinking of making the smart voice and investing in an E-bike, then make Ridstar your first choice. Place your order today. You won’t regret it!