An electric bike is for all Intents and purposes a normal everyday bicycle that’s been equipped with an electric motor to help in its propulsion. These motors are, limited by Federal Law, to 750 watts of electricity and 20 mph top speed. Most Electric bikes are designed to meet that specification but a few do transcend them. Electric bicycles can be built from kits for around $500 to $800 bucks or bought new for between $400 to $3500 bucks. As with any item and especially a car, you generally get what you pay for. Electric bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries, and the typical range is about 20 miles. The range can vary greatly based on the weight of the bicycle and rider, wheel size, style of riding and terrain. They come in a vast array of styles and sizes from small electric folding bikes with 16 and 20-inch wheels for commuters and apartment dwellers to 28 inch and 700c sizes.
Electric bicycles require no insurance or licenses to function but many states do have age limitations. The Most frequent type of motor used in electric bikes is a hub motor. These may be used on front or rear wheels or demand chains, belts or gears. Essentially the engine is the heart of the wheel and comprises two concentric rings of opposing electromagnets. When electricity from the battery is placed on the engine the opposing magnetic force causes the wheel to spin. This kind of engine is almost completely quiet and requires no maintenance. The higher the wattage of the engine, the more power it offers. 1 caveat however. There’s absolutely no standard for measuring wattage. Many marketers of those products utilize their peak output numbers instead of the functioning output numbers with affordable e-bikes when short on money. A motor rated at 1000 watts peak might be a 500-watt engine in its normal operating output. Make certain to learn which. Only standard operating output is really comparable.
Batteries are also very important as it pertains to these products. The most common battery sealed lead acid SLA is the cheapest and provides the maximum amp hours ah. But, SLA batteries weigh three times what a lithium battery does and continue less than a third as long. A Lithium LiFePO4 battery is the most expensive battery also contains low ah, but is undoubtedly the lightest weight and longest lasting. You would need to buy, install, and get rid of 12 12volt SLA batteries before you come near the life span of a single 48 volt LiFePO4 battery. Nickel cadmium and other batteries fall somewhere in between. A lightweight lithium ion battery usually slides from the battery rack for simple recharge inside rather than having to find an outlet to plug the entire bike. Lithium batteries are undoubtedly the most ecologically friendly of all of the batteries available.