What is an electric bike and how does it work?
An electric bicycle is for all intents and purposes a normal everyday bicycle that has been equipped with an electric motor to aid in its propulsion. These motors are limited by federal law to 750 watts of power and 20 miles per hour of maximum speed.
Most electric bikes are designed to meet that specification, but some exceed them. Electric bikes can be built from kits for around $ 500 to $ 800 or purchased new for between $ 400 and $ 3,500. As with any product and especially a vehicle, you usually get what you pay for. Electric bikes run on a rechargeable battery (s), 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 and 20-inch wheels for commuters and apartment dwellers to 28-inch and 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 in electric bicycles is a hub motor. These can be used on the front or rear wheels and do not require chains, belts or gears. Basically, the motor is the axle 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, one caveat. There is no standard for measuring power. Many marketers of these products use their maximum production figures as opposed to operating production figures. A motor with a 1000 watt peak can be a 500 watt motor at its standard operating output. Be sure to find out which one. Only the standard operating output 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 highest amp hours (ah). However, SLA batteries weigh three times as much as a lithium battery and last less than a third. A LiFePO4 lithium battery is the most expensive battery and has a low ah, but it is by far the lightest and most durable. You should purchase, 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. A lightweight lithium battery typically slides out of the battery holder for easy recharging indoors rather than having to locate an outlet to plug the entire bike into. Lithium batteries are by far the most environmentally friendly of all batteries available.
Electric bikes made from kits are usually the 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, better battery, and many other features that 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 a wheel (a front wheel kit is much easier to install), dual brake motor cutout, a rotary or thumb throttle, a motor controller, wiring harness, and a frame Battery mount lockable mechanism.
A really good kit will also have wiring diagrams, mounting hardware, cable ties, and complete instructions. Very expensive factory-made electric bikes tend to look more like motorcycles, they are very heavy and difficult to pedal, but they do not go faster or further than a cheap bike or a kit bike. However, they look great! Also, you’ll want to purchase your kit from someone who can help you through the installation process in the event you have a question or problem. If you are converting your existing bike, make sure it is in good working order and if you are building a bike with a 500 watt or higher kit, use a bike with a steel front fork. Very powerful motors in the front wheels can loosen or damage the suspension and aluminum forks. You don’t need a lot of changes on an electric bike unless you are 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, find one that you can fully control, that you feel comfortable riding, and that has all the options you are looking for.
With an electric bike you can pedal independently of the motor, pedal with the motor for an extended range, and exercise or use just the power. They are nearly silent, require no fuel or adjustments, emit no emissions, and very often can be driven where other motorized vehicles are prohibited. You can take an electric bike anywhere a normal bike is allowed, including on many subway and bus systems, bike paths, and bike lanes. Electric bikes can be stored indoors, something that cannot be done with liquid fuel vehicles.
Anyone who knows how to ride a bike can ride an electric bike and anyone with basic tool skills can install an electric bike conversion kit. For those who have a hard time with two-wheelers, there are also electric tricycles for adults and conversion kits for adult trikes. These work in the same way and can help provide great transportation options for the elderly and disabled.
Electric bicycles are a true ecological transport. They can provide very real alternatives to the car for short-range use and help alleviate traffic congestion, air pollution, dependence on imported fossil fuels, and give you some exercise as you go about your daily life. It won’t solve all of our problems, but it’s a good start.