As air pollution rises significantly around the world, governments in many countries are now campaigning to use electric vehicles. At the same time, many developed countries are encouraging startups to build electric vehicles. That is why electric bikes are getting popular all over the world. Especially, people are getting themselves electric vehicles in US and European countries. However, bike-friendly cities such as Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Montreal, etc., are shifting their biking behavior to e-bikes. This kind of bike is becoming popular because it can be used as a regular bike too. Let’s get to know every detail about electric bikes.
What is an Electric Bike
Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are battery-powered bicycles that can be ridden via pedaling and throttle in some cases. For the pedal-assist e-bike, when you push the pedal, a motor will engage and provide you a boost so you can ride faster with less effort. They are similar to conventional bikes, perhaps a better version.
On the other hand, a throttle electric bike works like a motorcycle or electric scooter. Whenever the throttle engages, it produces power and propels the rider, and makes the bike forward. Moreover, it may also allow the user to pedal or kick back.
Types of Electric Bikes
Manufacturers may give different names for different types of e-bikes. But there are four common types of e-bikes you will come across.
Cruiser
Recreational riders use the cruiser bikes mostly to get comfort as they cruise. However, cruiser bikes are designed for flat terrains and can be a ride on the paved road as well as bike paths. This type of bike has wide tires and may also come with a suspension system that reduces shocks in the front seat and fork. Usually, the handlebars are located higher, which helps for a more upright ride and keeps it easy on the back.
Commuter
Commuter e-bikes are widely used for going to work or even running errands. They are usefully faster than the cruiser. So, you need to go somewhere faster than a regular bike speed commuter will be helpful. The commuter bikes have large tires with a narrow build that offers efficiency. Besides, the upright design gives comfortability. The commuter bikes offer comfortable seats. However, seats are not much wider than the cruiser seats.
Mountain E-Bikes
These bikes are not for regular use. Instead, the thrill-seekers use this bike for off-road cycling on trails. Besides, they are also designed to have fun while ascending steep hills fast. Unlike the commuter, mountain e-bikes come with wide tires with flat handlebars that help the riders to tackle the rugged terrain and dirt trails.
Road E-Bikes
It is similar to cruiser bikes and designed to ride on paved surfaces for recreational purposes. But these bikes have narrow tires and drop handlebars which encourage them to ride faster. Further, road e-bikes are lightweight so that the rider can run with speed.
Classes in E-Bikes
Usually, e-bikes come in three different classes. Classes indicate how these bikes should be ridden according to the local laws. The three classes include:
Class 1: The class 1 e-bike allows assistance when you pedal, and the assistance stops automatically when the speed reaches 20 mph. So, Class 1 is helpful for the bike lanes, roads, bike paths, or any places you can take traditional bikes.
Class 2: It has a throttle that offers a boost without any sort of pedaling, and it also stops the assist at 20 mph.
Class 3: It has a speedometer and assists the rider up to 28 mph. Usually, class 3 bikes are mostly loved by the commuters. Most of the bikes fit into class 1 or class 3 as the riders want the pedals in their e-bikes.
Types of Motors used in Electric Bikes
Usually, an electronic bike uses three types of motors which are placed at the wheel hub or even mounted on the bike. Following are the common motor types you will see on different types of e-bikes.
Hub Motors:
This motor stays inside the hub of the rear or the front wheel of the e-bike.
Mid-Drive Motors:
It is placed in the center of the e-bike’s frame in between the bike’s cranks.
Friction Motors:
This type of motor is directly mounted to the seat post. However, you may not find the friction motors on modern e-bikes as they are not as efficient as mid-drive or even the hub motors. But friction motors are still available as kits to transform the regular bikes into e-bikes.
Read Best Motorbikes in the World in 2021
Benefits of Using Electric Bikes
When comparing a bike that uses only pedals for power to an electric bike based on the main source of power, you will see the obvious advantages of electric bikes. One reason is that, although similar in appearance and size, electric bikes are easier to maintain than regular bikes and can accelerate much faster.
You will also find that electric bikes require much less repair; you just need to make sure that the brake pads and tires are in good condition. On the other hand, manual bikes have many parts that need to be repaired regularly to protect them from damage.
Riding an eclectic bike requires less pressure on your joints and legs than a regular bike. Hence, if you have physical issues or injuries, e-bikes will still allow you to have fun riding. Besides, it will not make you feel tired.
Source: United News of Bangladesh