What is an ebike?
What is an ebike? They are a bicycle that has an electric motor fitted to the crank (the bit where the pedals are). This is powered by a battery, either located on the down tube or a carrier at the back of the bike. The battery power will vary, generally between 400w and 725w. If you ever felt tired on a bike ride or wished you could pedal a bit faster, then the motor will kick in to save the day. It’s like having a friendly assistant helping you when the road gets tough. It’s like cycling, only easier.
How do they work?
You’re in control with an ebike. It’s all about how much “assistance” you choose or need. Ebikes come with different modes, like a trusty sidekick. If you are feeling energetic? You can pedal away without the aid of the motor. If you need a breather? Let the motor kick in, and you’ll be gliding effortlessly.
The motor boosts the power that you put through by turning the pedals. You control the various power levels from a computer on your handlebars. I have a Bosch motor on my ebike, and my specific model has four levels. Eco is the lowest and gives me 55% more power, so my 100% turns 155%. If I need help on a steep section, the top level, Turbo, gives me 340% more power.
A common assumption is that you do not have to pedal or that you are somehow lazy because you ride an ebike. This is not the case; riding a bike is riding a bike! As with any bike, how much effort you put into it will define your workout.
Ebikes use different types of batteries depending on the manufacturer and type of e-bike. Therefore, the distance you will get from one charge will vary greatly. It will depend on several variables:
- Your weight
- The terrain
- Level of power you use
- How much uphill you will be doing
- The wattage of the battery
Types of bikes
The main types of e-bikes are City, Trekking, Hardtail and Full suspension. If you are considering buying an e-bike, do your homework to get the most suitable bike for your needs.
City
This bike is ideal for riding on asphalt roads and bike paths with thinner tyres and not such a wide range of gears. The position on the bike is designed for comfort and tends to be fairly upright. It may have a rack to carry panniers or a basket and will have mudguards to protect you in the rain.
Trekking bike
A more robust version of the city bike with all its features is just stronger to deal with gravel paths and more gearing to deal with steeper terrain. It’s a good all-round ebike which you can use daily to go shopping, on holiday for days out or for completing bike tours.
Hardtail
This mountain bike has suspension on the front to soak up the shocks from riding on rougher terrain; the bike frame is solid. The tyres are wider and have a deeper, knobbly tread, so the grip is good on various rough surfaces. The brakes will be hydraulic, which has greater stopping power. The position on the bike is more “sporty”, so you are ready to deal with whatever the terrain throws at you. If you are looking to try some downhill biking on single tracks, then this type of ebike would suit you.
Full Suspension (known as Fullys)
This is an even more beefed-up hardtail with suspension on the back and the front. The fully is designed for riding tougher, steeper terrain. Interestingly, many more people are now riding fullys as they offer a more comfortable ride due to the suspension. The penalty is an increase in weight due to the extra suspension system, plus they come with bigger price tags due to the complexity of the ebike.
In Summary
In conclusion, an e-bike is like your regular bike but with a touch of magic. It’s a pedal-powered adventure with a motorised boost when you need it. Whether you’re commuting, exploring, or just enjoying the scenery, an ebike is a great way to increase your exercise, get some fresh air and give you a sense of freedom as you always know you can get home without running out of puff.
It’s cycling made easier!!