The key components on an electric bicycle are very similar to the key components on an electric car. The different types of electric bike come with different battery sizes and power. Here we’ll cover the main aspects of an electric bicycle.
What Is An Electric Bicycle?
An electric bicycle is a human-powered two-wheeled vehicle. It’s classified as a bicycle because it was created with the use of pedal power only. However an electric bicycle differs from these traditional bicycles in many ways. Electric bikes are sometimes called e-bikes or ebikes, but the terms are used interchangeably.
Electric bikes don’t have pedals and therefore don’t need to be pedaled like a regular bike. They get their power by transferring energy through electrical components on the bike. Just like an electric car gets its power by converting chemical energy into electrical energy.
Electric bikes can also be categorized into different types:
- Pedelecs: These types of electric bikes are also known as pedal-assisted or turbocharged electric bicycles. These types of e-bikes typically have between 250 and 500 watt motors. Meaning they’re more powerful than typical battery-powered bikes, but not as powerful as other pedelecs that use brushless DC motors.
- PAS models: These types of electric bikes come with fully automatic functions. Allowing them to ride without having to pedal at all.
- Mountain bike style: This type of e-bike has a heavier frame and bigger wheels for off road riding. They are powered by bigger electric motors and therefore need a larger battery.
The Electric Motor
Electric bike motors are available in both hub-mounted and rim-mounted versions, with the majority of models being hub-mounted. The most common type is the DC brushless motor and it’s the most efficient type of electric bike motor.
The average power for a hub-mounted DC brushless motor ranges from 200 watts to 500 watts. However this will vary depending on the speed at which you’re riding.
The Lithium Battery Pack
The battery pack for an electric bicycle is comprised of lithium-ion batteries. The amount of power and size of the battery pack varies from model to model.
Lithium-ion batteries have a high capacity, charge quickly, and can be recharged multiple times. They are also more reliable than lead-acid or nickel-cadmium types. However, lithium-ion batteries can degrade in time with usage. They also require charging with a specific charger that is used for the type of battery used by your bike.
Some models use a removable battery pack while others use an attached one. In either case, the battery pack is charged separately from the bike itself. Usually through a port on the frame or bottom bracket. Not through a directly connected cable like in cars.
The Charging System
The electric bike charging system is the most important part of an electric bike. As it is what allows the bike to be charged. The two main types of electric bike charging systems are lead-acid and lithium ion or nickel-cadmium batteries. With a lead-acid battery, a charge cycle can take up to 14 hours. On the other hand, lithium ion or nickel-cadmium batteries do not need to be fully charged. This is because the battery does not lose its charge capacity over time. Instead, lithium ion or nickel-cadmium bikes need to be charged every 10 days to prevent damage from occurring.
The Display Panel
The display panel is the part of the electric bike that displays information, such as speed and battery life. The screen is usually backlit, which makes it easier to read during low light conditions.
An electric bicycle may also have a speedometer on its display panel. In addition to or instead of the speed displayed on the speedometer. The speedometer can also be used as a GPS device and/or as a pedometer.
Try using our buyers guides to help you find the right electric bike for you. Best Electric Bikes On The Market.
The Advantages Of Having An Electric Bike
The advantages of having an electric bicycle are many. Electric bicycles can go places that cars can’t go, they’re much more affordable, and they offer a lot of versatility.
However, there are some key differences between an electric bicycle and other types of vehicles. These include the cost of batteries and what type of power is used in these batteries. As well as the range.
With an electric bike, you’ll be able to enjoy your ride without worrying about getting stuck in traffic. Or finding parking spaces near your destination. You’ll also be able to ride with your family or friends for a quick trip. Without worrying about gas prices or the cost of parking.
In addition to these benefits, electric bikes offer simple maintenance. Making it easy for anyone who doesn’t have any experience to learn how to fix small issues on their own.