When someone hears the words “electric bicycle,” the first thing that springs to mind is an electric motorcycle or scooter; but they are very different. Imagine a regular bicycle with several electrical components integrated into the design, such as a motor, a battery, and a controller.
A motorised bike with an incorporated electric engine for propulsion is known as an electric bike. There are many different electric bikes available worldwide. They generally fall into two categories: bikes that assist the rider’s pedal-power and cycle with a throttle and moped-style functionality. Both are not electric motorcycles because the rider can still pedal them.
How Does an Electric Bike Work?
Electric bikes are similar to regular bicycles in terms of pedalling and handling. For the most part, an electric bike will use the same components. The electric element is suggested to supplement rather than completely replace human power. It creates barriers like hills and headwinds easier to overcome, allowing you to travel further without becoming exhausted.
Features of an E-Bike
On an electric bike, comfort and component quality are just as important as on a regular bicycle. But there are several things to think about.
The engine
Electric bike motors are available in a wide range of power ratings, ranging from 200 watts to 1,000 watts. Although different states can set their limits, the legal limit in Australia is 250 watts, and the maximum assisted speed is 25 kph.
Consider this limit in terms of horsepower. A more increased rating means the bike can pull more weight with less effort – but at the expense of utilising more battery capacity. As a result, a 750W engine will exhaust the battery considerably faster than a 250W engine, though it may be significantly more powerful.
The power source
The battery’s selection is critical because it affects the bike’s weight, style, and range. Electric bikes rely heavily on batteries to function. The majority of batteries available on the market fall into one of two categories:
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Lead Sealed Acid (SLA)
Most electric scooters and electric bicycles used to have these batteries as standard. Maximum electric scooters regardless use SLA batteries, whereas electric cycles have chosen newer battery technologies to maintain the bike as light as possible.
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Lithium
A lithium battery lasts about 2-3 times as long as an SLA battery. Lithium batteries are significantly lighter and require little maintenance.
The controller
The controller, which comes in various styles, allows you to control the electric assistance on your electric bike and is an integral part of how they work. For convenience, the controller is mounted on the handlebar. Pedal-activated and throttle-based controllers are the two main types of controllers.
Pedal-activated systems provide electric assistance when you press down on the pedals. There’s no need to use the throttle; simply pedalling will suffice.
Throttle-based controllers use a simple throttle mechanism to operate. The throttle will be either a thumb-press or a twist-grip type. Pull back or press the throttle to receive electric assistance with a throttle. Some electric bikes only require you to activate the throttle to ride without pedalling.
Conclusion
E-bikes could be the biggest green transportation adoption of the decade. You may argue that cycling is already environmentally friendly, but it is much more. Mainly, electric bikes have battery chargers that allow them to go at speeds of up to 45 kilometres per hour, which is far faster than most people can pedal. This will enable you to arrive at your intended destination in better shape.
