An electric bike is an ideal solution for those who want to combine the pleasure of cycling with comfort and speed. It can be a convenient means of transport for trips around town or a vehicle for conquering mountain trails.
Types of electric bikes
How is an electric bike fundamentally different from a regular bike? The answer is simple: the source of energy. If in a classic bike the energy for movement is taken exclusively from the cyclist’s muscles, then in an electric bike part of the work is done by a motor, which is powered by a battery. Let’s highlight what types of electric bikes there are and what purposes each type is intended for.
Initially, electric bikes were created for comfortable travel along city streets. A bicycle with an electric drive allowed you to get to work without traffic jams and physical effort: sit down, press a button and go. Speed, like a moped, but at the same time saving on fuel. In the early 2010s, engineers realized that the potential of electric bikes is much wider. They created a new type of drive – a motor assistant. It only helps the cyclist pedal. This technology has proven especially useful for mountain bikes, where additional effort is required when climbing a slope.
The motor assistant allows you to easily overcome climbs, making cross-country riding more enjoyable. At the same time, the battery charge in the assistant mode lasts for a longer time, because the energy consumption is relatively low. Also, pedaling reduces the load on the motor and battery by 2-3 times, which extends their service life and reduces the overall weight.
Thus, we can distinguish two main types of electric bicycles:
- With a direct drive motor. This means that you can move without pedaling. Usually have more power and, according to traffic rules, can be equated to mopeds.
- With a motor assistant. The motor only helps pedal, increasing your efforts. Lighter, the charge lasts longer.
By their purpose, bicycles with an electric assistant are divided into types in the same way as regular ones: hardtails, dual suspension, city, folding, road, fat bikes, etc. It is impossible to say unequivocally which electric bike is better. You should choose among them based on your riding style and the roads you will be riding on. For areas with a large difference in altitude and steep climbs, it is better to take more powerful models, for long-distance trips – electric bikes with a large battery capacity. Folding models will be convenient for traveling around the city and storing in an apartment.
Types of motors and batteries
Let’s take a closer look at the different types of motors:
- Direct drive hub motor: a simple and reliable motor built into the wheel hub. A bicycle with such a motor can reach very high speed.
- Geared hub motor: a variation of the direct drive hub motor with an additional gearbox that allows you to transmit more torque. It was created to limit the maximum speed and increase safety.
- Motor carriage: is installed in the carriage of the bicycle and helps the cyclist to pedal. Most often used on mountain bikes.
Batteries that are used in electric transport also come in different types. Let’s look at the most common types of batteries:
- Lithium-ion – the most common and affordable type today. Fast charging and long service life make them an excellent choice for active use.
- Lead-acid – this is a classic option, characterized by low cost. However, their significant weight, dimensions and low energy capacity make them less attractive for modern models of electric bicycles.
- Lithium iron phosphate – are characterized by increased safety and a long service life, withstanding a large number of charge-discharge cycles. As a result, they are more expensive.
When choosing a battery, pay attention to the following parameters:
- Capacity – determines the energy reserve that the battery can store. Measured in watt-hours (Wh). The higher the capacity, the greater the distance that can be covered without recharging.
- Charging speed — the time required to fully charge the battery. Modern lithium-ion batteries can charge in a few hours.
- Temperature range — determines the optimal operating conditions for the battery. Lithium-ion batteries have a wide temperature range, but their efficiency decreases at extreme temperatures.
- Charge-discharge cycles — the number of full charge cycles that the battery can withstand before significant loss of capacity.
- Removable design — the ability to remove the battery for recharging.
The capacity of lithium-ion batteries in electric bicycles usually varies from 400 to 1200 Wh. This energy reserve allows you to comfortably move around the city and make short trips. They work effectively in various weather conditions and withstand a fairly large number of charge-discharge cycles.
The best manufacturers of electric bicycles
Bicycles with electric motors are presented in the lines of Russian and world bicycle brands, as well as companies specializing in technology. The best manufacturers of electric bicycles include:
- Merida is a Taiwanese brand that offers modern mountain bikes with an electric drive to help with climbing.
- Specialized – the brand’s line includes mountain electric bikes that are distinguished by modern geometry and wide customization options.
- Giant – the company produces electric bicycles of various types, from city models to mountain and trekking.
- Eltreco – specializes exclusively in the production of electric transport, the range includes a large selection of electric bikes for the city.
- Bear Bike — produces city electric bicycles from folding to road.
- Electra — produces classic city cruisers with electric drive.
Which electric bicycle to choose for the city
Bicycles intended for the city usually have smooth and narrow tires for good rolling on asphalt. If you want to transport a bike on public transport and store it in an apartment, pay attention to the presence of a convenient folding system.
Which electric bicycle is suitable for off-road
For active recreation and trips on rough terrain, it is better to choose models with a shock-absorbing fork and wide tires with lugs.
Which electric bicycle is suitable for a summer house and country trips
It is worth highlighting separately bicycles intended not for aggressive sports riding, but for recreational trips outside the city – on country roads, gravel or clay. Reliability, cross-country ability and ease of maintenance are important for them.
When buying an electric bike, consider:
- Terrain — based on the terrain and quality of the roads, choose the width of the wheels, the presence of shock absorption and the power of the motor.
- Weight — the lighter the bike, the easier it is to control and carry.
- Additional features — some models are equipped with a display, cruise control, anti-theft systems and other useful additions.
- Service — any electronics require special maintenance. Find out about the manufacturer’s warranty obligations and the availability of service centers in your area.
Choosing an electric bike is a process that requires careful study and comparison of different models. Be sure to read other users’ reviews of the selected models to make the final choice. We hope that this article will help you with this.
