We’re your e-bike experts
?Starting your journey into the world of electric bikes can be intimidating. And with so many kinds of motors, batteries, and technologies, we’ll be the first to admit that it can get a little confusing. Fortunately, with five decades of development experience, we know the inner workings of e-bikes inside and out. Here, we’ll answer all of your questions, like what is an electric bike and how do electric bikes work, and teach you about the tech that goes into them and what you need to know before you saddle up, so you can ride with knowledge and find the best electric bike for you.
What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes (also known as e-bikes and electric assist bikes) amplify your pedaling power thanks to an electric drive system. There are many different kinds of e-bikes, but all of them use an electric motor and battery to help you power your bike. Most have a remote or controller that lets you choose the amount of power the system provides and turn the system on and off.
The anatomy of an electric bike
1. Bike Frame
Just like a traditional bike, e-bikes all start out with a base bike frame with similar features and functions as their non-powered partners. E-bike frames are typically designed slightly differently from non-electric frames to optimize battery and motor placement.
2. Motor
The motor of your electric bike is what houses the moving parts that give you a boost of assistance when you pedal. Just like a car engine, some e-bike motors can be more powerful, lighter weight, or more efficient than others. While many brands offer e-bike motors, there are just two popular styles of motors on most e-bikes –?mid-drive or hub-drive.
Hub-Drive
Hub-drive motors are encased inside the hub of the rear wheel, near the bicycle’s back gears. They are generally more affordable and lightweight than mid-drive motors, making it easier to find one to fit your budget, so all you have to do is hop on and go.
Mid-Drive
Mid-drive motors are located in the middle of the bike, at the center of where you pedal. They are available in a range of different power capacities and provide a stable center of gravity and smooth support that feels more natural when pedaling.
3. Battery
Every e-bike motor is powered by a battery. However, batteries vary greatly in size, shape, location, and wattage. How many watt-hours a battery holds directly impacts how fast and how far you can ride assisted.
4. Controller
The controller is your interface with the e-bike system. It features buttons that allow you to power on and off your system, change your assistance mode, or toggle through the screen of your e-bike display. Depending on the e-bike system, you may have more control features, like a battery indicator, light control, extra metrics like ride data, or an integrated display.
5. Display
Your display is like the dashboard of your e-bike. It’s standard for the display to show your battery life and currently selected mode, but many offer additional features, like speedometer, ride metrics, activity tracking, and route mapping. Your display may be integrated with your controller, be its own separate unit, or you may even use your smartphone as a display.
Tech & Terms
1.Torque
Torque drives your e-bike forward, measured in Newton meters (Nm). More torque means faster acceleration, ideal for hills but less smooth. Low-torque bikes have under 50Nm, high-torque over 65Nm.
2.Power
Power keeps your e-bike moving, measured in watts (W). E-bike motors are capped at 250W to stay classified as bicycles.
3.Battery Capacity
Battery capacity, measured in watt-hours (Wh), shows how long your battery lasts. Larger capacities mean longer rides but more weight.
4.Charge Cycles
E-bike batteries last for 800-1000 charge cycles, or over 10,000 miles. Store in a cool, dry place to extend battery life.
5.Range
Range is how far your e-bike can go on a charge, affected by terrain, wind, rider weight, and tire pressure. Some e-bikes offer real-time range estimates and can use auxiliary batteries for longer rides.
E-Bike FAQ
Q: What’s the average lifespan of an e-bike?
A: It depends on the e-bike, how often you service it, and how much you use it. Regular maintenance, software updates, and support are key to longevity. When buying an e-bike, always consider where you’ll get it serviced to maximize its lifespan.
Q: What sets quality e-bikes apart?
A: High-quality e-bikes are built for performance, use reliable e-systems like Bosch, TQ, or Hyena, and meet safety standards like UL 2849 for safe charging and storage. Motors and batteries often come with warranties, giving you peace of mind.
Q: Are electric bikes worth buying?
A: Yes! E-bikes let you ride farther and explore more, whether commuting, joining group rides, climbing hills, or just having fun. Check out reviews to see why riders love their e-bikes.
Q: Is it hard to pedal an e-bike?
A: Not at all! E-bikes pedal like traditional bikes, and with the e-system on, they’re even easier thanks to the electric boost.
Q: Do you need insurance for an e-bike?
A: Currently, e-bikes are classified as regular bicycles and don’t require insurance. However, always check your local laws for specific regulations.
Different Classes
Just like other motor vehicles, e-bikes are broken down into classes. These classes are determined by how powerful the motor is, and whether the motor requires a rider to pedal for it to provide assistance. It’s important to know what class e-bike you own, as federal and local regulations may not allow certain classes of electric bikes to be ridden in certain areas.
Class 1 E-Bike
A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
Class 2 e-bikes
A bicycle equipped with a motor that may be used exclusively to propel the bicycle, and that is not capable of providing assistance when the bicycle reaches 20 mph.
Class 3 e-bikes
A bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the bicycle reaches 28 mph.
