E-Bikes
Electric bikes are starting to become all the rage. Bicycles were already the world’s most popular form of transportation, and now it’s been upgraded! No longer will you be stuck pedaling up steep hills, or worried about your extra load. An electric bike can help with carrying people, and things!
An electric bike is a simple bicycle with an attached electric motor. It sounds basic but there’s a little more to them than just that.
Electric bikes are a relatively new technology. Due to its newness, you may feel tentative about purchasing one. You probably have dozens of questions. Well, we’re here to help guide you along and make the most economic decision possible. Not only will e-bikes save you money, but they’ll also help save the environment.
What is an e-bike? Are there different types? What are the pros and cons of an electric bike? Is it really worth the cost? These are all questions you probably have. Don’t worry, in the following, we’ll tackle everything you need to know before buying one of these bad boys.
I’ll go over the basics of what an electric bike is and does. The different types. I’ll also highlight the advantages and disadvantages of an e-bike. Finally, we’ll answer the question you came here looking to get answered. Are e-bikes worth the money?
Related Article: How Much Does An E-bike Cost? What Affects Its Price?
What is an e-Bike?
First off, electric bikes may seem pretty self-explanatory but there is some complexity involved. As noted above, an electric bike is just a regular bicycle with an attached electric motor. E-bikes have the convenience of cars and combine it with the simplicity of a bicycle. They are considered zero-emission vehicles. Even with the environmental cost of disposing of electric batteries, electric bikes have a far lower environmental impact than cars.
What Makes an E-bike?
An e-bike is made up of several components. This includes a traditional cycling system, controller, electric motor and battery, as well as a pedaling sensor. You can charge your battery at traditional charging stations or at home through the electrical grid.
E-bikes are also known as power bikes or booster bikes. E-bikes utilize rechargeable batteries and can reach speeds up to 45 KM/H. E-bikes are closing in on the conventional bicycle market, more and more people are opting for electric bikes.
There are more and more sought after as people look towards a more environment-friendly alternative. Powerbikes are classified depending on the power of the attached motor. E-bikes will differ between two main classifications: pedal-assist and power-on-demand.
Next, we’ll get a bit more detailed on the different types of electric bikes.
Pedelec bikes, the e-bike’s most popular form, requires you to constantly pedal. This is great as it constantly forces you to exercise while still providing that motor assist. A lot of e-bikes allow you to change the level of assistance the motor gives you. This means you can bike with minimal assistance as well as have it provide you with that crucial boost when necessary.
The E-bikes Motor
As noted above, electric bikes can range from pedal assist to being full on electric-powered. They will never really top 45KM/H, most electric motors are designed to hit a certain speed limit and never surpass it. Most electric bike motors will start when you begin pedaling and will stop automatically once you apply the brakes.
Most e-bikes have different settings that typically range from low to high. Sometimes you’ll want that turbo boost when climbing a steep hill or running late to your next doctor’s appointment.
Electric bikes are highly customizable. I suggest starting off with a factory model to gain a sense of familiarity. It’s important to become comfortable and ensure that an electric bike is for you before going overboard with customizations.
E-bikes are undoubtedly more complex than regular bicycles. This requires further maintenance, more chances of something going “wrong”. Just be sure to keep up with your e-bike maintenance, and to regularly take your bike for maintenance appointments.
Unfortunately, with the attached the motor, e-bikes can be quite heavy. Pedaling a pedelec bike can be difficult if the battery is dead. In that case, pedaling the full weight of an e-bike without assist can be strenuous.
If you’re already a bike enthusiast and feel like you take out your bike all the time, then an e-bike is perfect. Studies show that owning an e-bike substantially increase the amount you bike.
The Pros of E-Bikes
They are far more cost-beneficial and environmental friendly when compared to fuel powered cars and motorbikes/scooters. The money that you’ll save in the long run really make an e-bike a great economic selection. It’s truly a money-saver. E-bikes are also cheaper than buying an electric car. They are becoming more popular in cities and places with a lack of public transportation.
Even for individuals that aren’t on the cycle circuit, e-bikes are excellent to build confidence and stamina. You’ll find a definite improvement in your health. Cycling is a great way to exercise while living your everyday life. Electrical bikes allow less fit people to bike where they want to go.
They can also aid seniors that miss feeling the rush of the open road. The assistance you receive pedaling up steep hills can make all the difference. You may not be initially fit to ride 10-15 KM at a time, but on an e-bike, the sky’s the limit!
Unfortunately, as e-bikes aren’t as widespread as we like you may have some issues locating spare parts from time to time. E-bike parts are not always completely interchangeable.
E-Bike Batteries
Battery maintenance is really vital, it’s advisable to regularly run your e-bike to keep your battery in good shape. Without consistent use, your battery’s charging capacity will decrease with the lack of activity. E-bike batteries tend to have a life of 2-5 years before needing replacement. This is why it’s so key to stay on top of your battery maintenance and extend its “life”.
The electric revolution is here to stay. The electric bike industry was worth nearly $65 million in 2017 and shows no signs of slowing down. I feel like they are definitely worth the money when you consider an e-bike’s cost-savings, environmental impact, and health benefit.
Environmental Impact of E-Bike
Electric bikes definitely have a more positive impact on the environment than cars. The batteries are where e-bikes do “damage”. The disposal of electric bike batteries can be hazardous. Also, you have to keep in mind that the energy powering your electric motor comes from SOMEWHERE. Whether it be solar panels or coal energy, you never can be quite sure.
E-Bike – A Real Money-saver
Electric bikes are being adopted by people around the world as an alternative to cars and buses. Right now, China is the world’s largest producer of e-bikes. They are also rapidly gaining popularity in Western Europe and North America. They are especially useful in big cities where car transit can be inconvenient.
Bicycles have the ability to go everywhere, and on an e-bike – you can go even farther! Electrical bicycles are an excellent alternative to traditional forms of transportation.
They can be especially beneficial for your health, and save you money on automobile costs. They’re great for cyclists of all ages and fitness. You don’t need to be an experienced cyclist to enjoy an electric bike, they’re for everyone!
It’s a great way to get back in shape and maintain your wellbeing, but you’ll also be doing good by the environment. If you’re living in a big city an e-bike will safely and reliably take you to where you need to go. E-bikes are the transportation of tomorrow, available for you today,
