E-Bikes: The Best of Biking with a Boost!
At a glance, e-bikes look a lot like regular bikes—thanks to innovations like in-tube batteries and smaller motors, it can be hard to tell them apart. While some think e-bikes are closer to motorcycles, that’s not the case. E-bikes still need you to pedal, but they give you a boost, making cycling easier and more enjoyable. The only difference? E-bikes have five extra components: a motor, sensor, battery, controls, and a display. Here’s how each one works to make e-biking so fun!
E-Bike Motor
The motor provides extra power as you pedal, and you can use the controls to switch between different assist modes. Motors can be mounted at the front, center (known as “crank-driven”), or rear, depending on the bike.
E-Bike Sensor
E-bikes use two main types of sensors: cadence and torque. Both tell the motor to add assistance as you pedal. A cadence sensor kicks in when it senses the pedals are moving, adding a set level of power based on the mode you choose. Meanwhile, a torque sensor measures how hard you’re pedaling and matches that effort, giving a more natural feel to your ride.
E-Bike Battery
The battery determines how far you can go on a charge. It’s easy to recharge: just unclip it and plug it into a standard outlet. Charging takes about 3-6 hours, with most batteries reaching 50% in around 1.5 to 2.5 hours.
E-Bike Controls
E-bike controls are often small buttons on the left side of the handlebars. These let you toggle between assistance levels to get just the right amount of help.
E-Bike Display
The display shows all the details—battery level, range, speed, trip distance, and which assistance mode you’re in.
What It’s Like to Ride an E-Bike
Riding an e-bike is a lot like riding a regular bike, but with a little extra help. You still pedal, but it feels easier, so hills are less of a challenge, and you can travel farther without tiring out. Starting from a standstill is also smoother, and you can even ride against strong winds with ease.
Weight Considerations: Regular bikes weigh between 10-16 kg, while e-bikes are typically around 18-25 kg. But even the lowest assist setting on an e-bike usually makes up for the extra weight.
Are E-Bikes Faster than Regular Bikes?
E-bikes in the EU can only provide motor assistance up to 15.5 mph. Beyond that, it’s all up to your pedaling power! So if you’re a speed-focused cyclist used to going 25 mph on a road bike, an e-bike might feel slower. E-bikes are really built to make cycling easier, not necessarily faster.
Can You Still Get a Workout?
Absolutely! You still get a solid workout on an e-bike. Studies show that e-bikers are physically active about 95% of the time. If you’re looking for even more of a workout, you can turn the assistance off entirely.
Cost of an E-Bike
While e-bikes are typically more expensive than regular bikes, they’re usually cheaper to run than a car or public transportation. Plus, they’re great for the environment!
Types of Electric Bikes
Most e-bikes are classified as “pedal-assist,” meaning the motor only kicks in when you’re pedaling. Higher power settings will shorten your range, though some e-bikes adjust the displayed mileage range based on your power setting. You can expect to travel around 20-40 miles on a single charge.
Pedal-assist e-bikes are the most common type because, in many countries, throttle e-bikes aren’t legal. In the UK and Europe, pedal-assist e-bikes can have a maximum motor power of 250 watts and stop assisting above 15.5 mph. Throttle use is limited to walking speeds.
When E-Bikes Are Especially Useful
- Commuting: Ride straight to work or combine with public transport. Foldable e-bikes are great for train commutes!
- Delivering: Small business owners can cut down on fuel and noise and save on taxes and insurance.
- Eco-Friendly Transport: E-bikes are low-emission and have low maintenance costs, making them a sustainable option.
- Accessibility: E-bikes help seniors and people with arthritis or recovering from injury keep cycling.
- Recreation: E-bikes are perfect for exploring parks and trails, taking in the fresh air, and getting a low-impact workout.
Why E-Bikes Are Worth It
- Make long rides and hills easier.
- Offer exercise with added ease.
- Economical—no license or insurance needed.
- And above all, they’re a blast to ride!