Technology is influencing every aspect of our lives. You can easily see the difference in our lifestyle to work due to the influence of technology. Now riding e-bikes is one of the most common scenarios on the road instead of using a regular bicycle.
The electric versions of bicycles are more realistic and futuristic for the generation and they are getting quite popular in the last few years. But before riding one it is important to know how e-bikes work? And if you need to pedal them or not while riding.
The answer is e-bikes work by draining electricity from batteries used in the motors. Which leads the rider to decide if they want to pedal or not.
Without going any further, let’s get started to dig more details about e-bikes and their working method.
What is an E-bike?
An e-bike is also formed with two tires, gears, chains, handles, a seat, and the basic components a regular bike comes with. The skill to ride an e-bike is no different from a regular bike. If one cannot control a regular bike, they will possibly face the same problem with e-bikes.
The only difference you can see in regular and e-bikes is the electric motor aiding in the bike’s body.
E-bikes are manufactured with a small electric motor which is usually placed near the pedals or in some cases in the hub of a bike.
Some e-bikes come with a small monitor settled in the handlebar where the rider can select options of riding style or see the power and other basic info of the bike.
Now in the market electric bikes under $700 also come with sensors that can detect the rider’s paddling energy to adjust the force it needs from the motor.
How Does an E-Bike Work?
In simple terms, e-bikes are transportation where the motor, batteries, and sensor work all together to push along the rider.
Components play a bigger role in e-bikes than it plays on a regular bike. The batteries and the motor are the most crucial part that will help you to drive along. Apart from producing electricity, battery and motors weight also influence e-bikes performance.
Here’s how these components work inside an e-bike:
The variety in the power range of the motor gives a different performance. The more power range a motor has, the more the bike can pull weight with smooth rides.
The usual battery range of bike motors is limited between 200W to 1600W. But some countries have set their own power limit to avoid accidents such as the USA. US law states that the legal power limit can not exceed above 750W.
Along with the power a motor can produce, placement is also important for e-bikes. Motors placed in the front wheel have disadvantages if you are traveling in a hill. The placement of the motor changes the efficiency of e-bikes while riding.
The majority part of e-bike manufacturer uses two types of batteries which are given below:
- Sealed Lead Acid(SLA) Batteries
SLA Batteries are known as the conventional batteries for e-bikes. Manufacturers still depend on SLA batteries for scooters, but when it comes to e-bikes; they opt for different types of batteries.
The key disadvantage of SLA batteries is that they weigh a lot more than usual batteries and the sustainability is not worth the money.
- Lithium Batteries
Nowadays Lithium Batteries are in demand for e-bikes in the market. The lifespan of lithium batteries is 2/3x life cycle longer than any SLA battery. They are also lightweight and low-maintenance batteries for regular use.
The average price range of lithium batteries is a bit higher than the others, but buying them for e-bikes is totally worth it as they last for up to 3-4 years.
Do I have to Pedal An E-bike?
If you want to know whether you have to pedal or not ride your bike, you need to know the types of e-bikes first. Usually, you can find three types of e-bikes in the market. Pedaling assistance depends on the type you’re using for riding.
The first type is known as Class 1 or Pedal-assist e-bikes. This type of bike requires pedaling to use the electric motor. Pedal-assist bikes are no different from usual bicycles except for the fact that the sensor can detect when you are kicking the pedal to move forward.
The sensor signals the system to activate the motor to assist in the peeling effort.
Next is known as Class 2 or Throttle only e-bikes. When you stop pedaling class 2 bikes, the throttle starts working and pushes the bike forward. The motor will control the throttle when you decide to not pedal.
And the last is Class 3 or Pedal assist with 28mph maximum speed. A pedal-assist bike where the motor stops working when it reaches the maximum speed. You can find a speedometer that keeps track of speed to alert the system when it reaches maximum speed.
After discussing all the classes of e-bikes, we can say that all types of e-bikes need pedaling. As the rider, you’ve full freedom to choose if you want to pedal or not.
Benefits of E-bike
Riding e-bikes can offer some precise benefits that normal bikes can not. Let’s take a look at the key benefits:
You can consider e-bikes as one of the best forms of transportation for daily up-downs. It saves your time and money in daily traveling. Usually, big cities tend to have traffic on working days which causes a lot of time. But e-bikes can help you in taking different routes that cars and buses can to save time.
An e-bike doesn’t produce any kind of harmful emission that can possibly harm the environment. As e-bikes run on batteries, they can be charged anytime and anywhere. Charging e-bikes don’t require gasoline or a source that produces harmful emissions.
So just like a regular bicycle, e-bikes are also eco-friendly transportation.
Traveling with e-bikes is super fun. You don’t even have to worry about getting tired or looking exhausted from riding a bike. The motor produces electricity to make pedaling easier for you while riding.
You can also carry them anywhere or ride any road on them. From hill track roads to city roads, you can undoubtedly depend on your bike.
Almost every other person knows how beneficial cycling is for cardio health. Riding an e-bike regularly can help your heart to pump more blood. Not only cardio helt, cycling can also improve your muscles.
Burning calories, losing weight, and building stamina, almost every part of your body can gain benefits and be fit all time from daily exercise on your ebikes.
And there you’ve all the key benefits of e-bikes. Now trusting you’re an e-bike can’t be as confusing as it was for you before
Difference between E-bikes and Standard Bicycle
You can find many common features in e-bikes and regular bicycles. The only difference one can find between these two types of bikes is e-bikes come with motors and batteries and regular bicycles don’t.
Because of the motor, an e-bike rider can move along without pedaling. But a regular bike rider has to pedal without any assistance to move along.
The electrical driving system is the key difference between regular bikes and e-bikes.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a city dweller or live in an urban area, an e-bike has a lot to offer if you know how to use it. Wandering around your beautiful neighborhood without draining any energy is a wish for almost everyone. And an e-bike is here to fulfill that wish.
So without any hesitation, just grab your e-bike and start your journey to unfold the beauty of your city. We assure you that each safe journey with your e-bike will benefit your health and mind.
So now that you’ve your answer for the big question of how e-bikes work and if you have to pedal them or not, feel free to share your experience with us.
Last Updated on February 22, 2022