Electric bikes are becoming more popular as a greener option for riding. Slowly, but surely, more people are realizing the many benefits of electric bikes. They can help save money and the environment. The rising fuel prices and depleting fuel reserves are another factor. It is amazing to see that there are now a lot of e-bike makers, compared to a few years back.
As usual, confusion is the result of choice. People don't understand much about e-bikes, which is a new category of transportation. And because of the lack of knowledge, they end up buying the wrong one. This is how you can make informed decisions when buying an electric bicycle.
Electric bikes also known as E-bikes are a hot trend at the moment. E-bikes offer a great option for cyclists who need a little assistance on hills and commuters who want an affordable, comfortable mode of transportation. Recently, I have seen many curious people stop by the bicycle shop to see these beautiful bikes. How do electric bikes work?
How do Electric Bicycles work?
First, an electric bike uses a rechargeable battery to power a small engine that provides some "go" when needed. Some bikes have a pedal sensor which determines how much assistance you will need based on your effort. Some models have a throttle that looks like a motorcycle and allows you to choose how much power you want.
This is great if you need to transport groceries uphill or arrive at your destination without being drenched in sweat!
E-bikes are actually bicycles. They can only travel at a speed of 15 mph when the motor is running. The average power of e-bikes is 200W.
These are some things to keep in mind when choosing an electric bike.
Electric Bicycle Weight
An electric bike's motor, frame, and battery are its most heavy parts. E-bikes that are less expensive will have more powerful motors and larger batteries. For commuters from China who are smaller and weigh between 50-60 kg, this might work well. However, it may not be so for Western adults who average 70-90kg. It is more difficult to pedal an electric bike unassisted if it is heavier than you are.
Electric Bike Motor
The motor's power determines the speed of an e-bike. There are many other factors that affect speed, such as the weight of the rider or the diameter of the wheel base. Many e-bike manufacturers indicate the motor's capacity in Watt and RPM. A higher wattage equals more power, which in turn means that you will have more speed.
Batteries of Electric Bikes
Different manufacturers of e-bikes use different batteries. The most popular being sealed lead acid batteries. Every battery has its advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on what you need and how much money you have. Lead acid batteries are the best choice due to three reasons: they are low-cost, easy-to-reach, and maintenance-free. This is true even for other types of batteries, particularly in terms of availability and cost.
Cost
Cost is an important factor in any purchase. This is true for electric bikes as well. The key is to find the right balance between quality and price. It is not a wise decision to buy dirt-cheap electric bikes, but it is advisable to invest in a high-quality ebike. As the Buddha said, "adopt the middle path."
The Decision
These three factors are difficult to understand. A test ride is the best way to buy an electric bike. This will allow you to get an idea of how the bike handles, its power, and the distance it can cover in one charge. It will also help you determine if it is right for you.
Enjoy the ride, then decide. Happy green commuting!