An electric bike is, for all intents and purposes, a normal everyday bike that has been fitted with an electric motor to aid in its propulsion. These motors are limited by federal law to 750 watts of power and a top speed of 20 miles per hour.
Most electric bikes are designed to meet that specification, but some exceed it. Electric bikes can be built from kits for around $500 to $800 or purchased new for anywhere from $400 to $3,500. As with any product, and especially a vehicle, you usually get what you pay for. Electric bikes are powered by a rechargeable battery(ies), and the average range is around 20 miles. Range can vary greatly based on bike and rider weight, wheel size, riding style, and terrain. They come in a wide variety of styles and sizes, from small folding electric bikes with 16-inch and 20-inch wheels for commuters and apartment dwellers to 28-inch 700c sizes. Electric bikes do not require licenses or insurance to operate, but many states have age limitations.
The most common type of motor used on electric bikes is a hub motor. These can be used on the front or rear wheels and do not require chains, belts or gears. Essentially, the motor is the hub of the wheel and contains two concentric rings of opposing electromagnets. When battery power is applied to the motor, the opposing magnetic force causes the wheel to turn. This type of motor is almost completely silent and requires no maintenance. The higher the engine power, the more power it provides. However, a warning. There is no standard for measuring potency. Many marketers of these products use their peak production figures instead of operating production figures. A motor rated at 1000 watt peak may be a 500 watt motor at its standard operating output. Be sure to find out which one. Only standard operating production is truly comparable.
Batteries are also very important when it comes to these products. The most common sealed lead acid (SLA) battery is the least expensive and provides the most amp hours (ah). However, SLA batteries weigh three times more than a lithium battery and last less than a third. A Lithium LiFePO4 battery is the most expensive battery and has a low ah, but it is by far the lightest and longest lasting. You would have to buy, install and dispose of 12 12 volt SLA batteries before approaching the life of a 48 volt LiFePO4 battery. Nickel cadmium and other batteries fall somewhere in the middle. Typically, a lightweight lithium battery slides out of the battery mount for easy recharging indoors rather than having to locate an outlet to power the entire bike. Lithium batteries are by far the most environmentally friendly of all the batteries available.
Electric bikes built from kits are usually your best option in terms of price and performance. Most of the bikes that people already own are superior machines to many that have been designed as electric bikes. If you choose your kit carefully, you’ll get a more powerful motor, a better battery and many other features you can’t find on a factory built bike and your converted bike will often weigh less. A good kit should have the motor pre-built on one wheel (a front wheel kit is much easier to install), dual brake motor cutout, a twist or thumb throttle, a motor controller, wiring harness, and a bracket. battery mount with a padlock. mechanism.
A really good kit will also have wiring diagrams, mounting hardware, cable ties, and full instructions. Very expensive factory built electric bikes tend to be more like motorcycles, they are very heavy and hard to pedal, but they don’t go any faster or farther than an economy bike or a kit built bike. They look great though! Also, you’ll want to buy your kit from someone who can help you through the installation process in the unlikely event that you have a question or problem. If you are going to convert your existing bike, make sure it is in good working order and if you are going to build a bike with a 500 watt or higher kit, use a bike with a steel front fork. Very powerful front wheel motors can loosen or damage aluminum and suspension forks. You don’t need a lot of gearing on an electric bike unless you’re going to use it as a mountain bike. For street bikes, six or seven gears are more than enough. If you choose to buy a factory-built bike, look for one that you can fully control, is comfortable to ride, and has all the options you’re looking for.
With an electric bike, you can pedal independently of the motor, pedal with the motor for extended range, and exercise or use power alone. They are nearly silent, require no fuel or tune-ups, emit no emissions, and can very often be driven where other motorized vehicles are prohibited. You can take an electric bike anywhere a regular bike is allowed, including on many subway and bus systems, bike trails, and bike lanes. Electric bikes can be stored indoors, something that cannot be done with liquid fuel vehicles.
Anyone who can ride a bike can ride an electric bike, and anyone with basic tool knowledge can install an electric bike conversion kit. For those who have difficulty with two-wheeled bikes, there are also adult electric trikes and adult trike conversion kits. These work the same way and can help provide great transportation options for the elderly and disabled.
Electric bicycles are a true ecological means of transport. They can provide very real alternatives to the car for short-range use and help alleviate traffic congestion, air pollution, reliance on imported fossil fuels, and give you a bit of exercise as you go about your daily life. It won’t solve all our problems, but it’s a good start.
