E-bikes represent a great alternative for urban transportation. People around the world follow this trend and consider purchasing an e-bike for different reasons: to protect the environment, reduce their commuting time, exercise, or simply to relax.
Thanks to the latest technology, e-bikes rezolve most of the problems people usually face when riding a normal bike: effort, speed, distance, engagement and so on. If you ever tried an e-bike you know what I am talking about. It just gives you a better, unexpected experience, far different from the feeling you get when riding a classic bike.
Are you considering getting an electric bike, but you don’t know how to choose one?
Table of Contents
Electric bikes basics
This article lists the main characteristics of an e-bike you should take into consideration, so you do not get confused the next time you walk into a bicycle warehouse.
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E-bikes classes
- Class 1 e-bikes have a top speed of 20 miles per hour. Their motor works only when the rider is pedalling, also known as pedelec. Do not worry, you do not have to pedal very hard.
- Class 2 e-bikes also have a top speed of 20 miles per hour. However, they have throttles that work whether the rider is pedaling or not.
- Class 3 e-bikes are strictly pedal-assist, just as Class 1 e-bikes. However, they are faster, more effective, and more powerful, with a top speed of 28 miles per hour.
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Types of batteries and quality
Just as anything else that works on a battery, an e-bike has a limited number of hours it can run. This is mainly influenced by the balance between the power of the motor and the power of the battery.
There are very powerful electric bikes which can climb heights and support heavy loads, however they also use up their batteries very fast. Therefore, these types of bikes might run for shorter distances. To give you an example, a 1000-watt battery will last longer with a 250-watt motor, compared to a 500-watt battery.
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Types of motor
- Mid-drive motors: situated on the bottom bracket. This mid-drive motors’ pedal assist has a natural feeling, keeping the bike balanced and comfortable.
- Hub drive motors: situated inside the hub of the rear wheel. This type of motor gives its rider the feeling of being pushed. Please note that it is harder to change a flat on the wheel carrying the hub-drive than it is on a mid-drive e-bike.
Conclusion
As soon as you understand these key features of electric bikes, it will be easier for you to decide what type of e-bike is the most suitable for you. Make your decision based on what you want to get from an electric bike: whether you want to ride it for long distances or at high speed.