Does the question still haunt you about the difference between a “normal” bike and an electric one? Honestly, we were also a little puzzled at first until we got to test it. You knew that you actually no longer have to pedal continuously, the movement being partially or, in some cases, even completely ensured by the source of electricity. Thus, no matter how big the hill you have to pick up is not, what your health would not be that day or the age of the one who is behind the wheel, the electric bicycle will take you from point A to point B, without much effort on your part. Now that you are delighted with the offer, let’s see how you choose such an electric transport correctly!
Types of electric bicycles:
Whether you will use it for long journeys on unfavorable routes or to travel the road to work, most units of this mode fall into the following category of e-bikes, classified according to their usefulness:
Off-road (mountain) electric bicycles are distinguished by a better engine, a high-quality mountain transmission, a fork with air suspension and a displacement of 100-120 mm, hydraulic disc brakes and a large battery. These electric bikes with thick wheels are equipped from the start with a more aggressive tread for covering snowy trails with gravel or sand.
The electric road bike will easily cross the intercity routes and the portions of the road with upward slopes. They often get a motor and a battery with an addition to the downtube.
The hybrid bike is designed for 1 steering with slight bumps, with an 11 mid-level transmission, a suspension fork with an 11submission 60mm displacement and tyres with a 1 thickness of 42mm.
Main features
Engine type
The main component of an electric bike, in addition to the battery, is the motor. Its purpose is to propel the unit and provide assistance to the cyclist while pedaling. Hub-mounted engines are the most common models at present, being classified into the following:
Direct drive – a simple construction, found mostly in cheap electric bicycles, which is distinguished by increased energy consumption. This model consists of a ring with powerful magnets mounted inside the hub that ensures a maximum speed of over 40 km/h. Among the disadvantages of the engine in the direct hub are the size and large weight.
With geared drives – a more complex variant of the engine that is characterized by a relatively low power consumption, low weight and dimensions. The engine in the hub with speeds is extremely efficient especially when climbing slopes. Unfortunately, it cannot boast of reaching an extremely high speed, reaching only 32km/h. It is also much more vulnerable to damage.
Engine power
The power of the electric motor directly determines the maximum speed, charging capacity and acceleration time of a bicycle. Thus, the higher the power, the higher the capacity and performance of the other parameters. In addition to this, however, it increases the size of the transport, its weight and the cost. Moreover, a powerful motor needs a battery to match and a high-voltage system. On general, several models are distinguished in the following power categories:
Electric bicycle 350W (reduced);
Electric bicycle 500W (average);
Electric bike from 1000W (increased).
Location of the engine
This parameter determines the advantages, disadvantages, but also the characteristics of the operation of a particular model. Often, you will find on the market bicycles with the location of the engine on either the front or the rear wheel.
Front-wheel drive – is distinguished by a simple design, balanced weight distribution and stability to the steering action. On the other hand, however, by assuming this choice you will have to deal with the constant deterioration of the front fork, limiting the power of the engine or you will encounter difficulties in disassembling the front wheel. If you emphasize comfort and ease of use more than engine power, this is a good option for you.
Rear-wheel drive– it has reliable grip with the road surface and a homogeneous weight distribution. Usually it is distinguished by the presence of a more powerful motor and the location of the battery in the center of the vehicle frame. Although installing the engine in this case is more complicated, you have the possibility to easily disassemble the front wheel for transportation in the car. This model suits those thirsty for speed and adrenaline, accustomed to a sporty positioning and small weights in use.
However, there are other alternatives to the location of the engine that are somewhat more expensive due to the difficulty of implementation. Therefore, the presence of the engine on the trunk, pedal or frame with a chain transmission is not a widespread extended normality.
Speed
The power of the engine dictates, in turn, the maximum speed of a bicycle. Thus, we distinguish the following segments of its classification:
50 km/h – found on bicycles with a power of over 500-1000W that require an imposing battery capacity;
30-40 km/h – most electric transport reaches this average speed;
10-15 km/h – found on an electric bicycle for children or for teenagers.
Keep in mind, however, that any speed requires an increased dose of attention and care on the part of the driver, and as it increases, the risk of injury increases. Our advice is to travel at an average speed not exceeding 25-30km / h.
Battery type
Make sure you know the type of battery behind the electric bike you plan to buy. Among the most well-known types of accumulators on the market, at the moment, are:
SLA (acid lead) – relatively inexpensive suitable for beginners;
Li-Ion (lithium-ion) – lighter, more resistant and somewhat more expensive;
NiMH (hybrid metal nickel) – occupies a medium position between previous models, being used only in the case of custom-assembled electric bicycles;
LiFePO4 (lithium phosphate) – an advanced type of lithium-ion battery with a light weight and a price to match.
An important role is also played by the capacity of the battery that is measured in Ah (amperes). The higher it will be, the greater the autonomy. For example, for a 10Ah battery it can cope with a distance of 10km. Tension is also a decisive factor. Thus, it can fall into the following segments:
24V (low voltage);
36V (medium voltage);
48-60V (maximum voltage).
Rules for operating an electric bicycle
A new electric bicycle needs proper use and care to be able to serve for a long time. Grab some useful tips related to the correct operation of these vehicles!
Charge the bike only with original accumulators.
Let the unit warm up after a cold trip before charging it.
Even if you’re going to store your e-bike for a long time, make sure it has the battery charged.
It does not allow battery discharge more than 20%.
If the transport does not have a standard of protection against dust and water particles, do not drive it in the rain.
