The electric bicycle is the passion of the moment. In recent years it has become the object of desire for many.
Thousands of people, thanks to pedal assistance, are rediscovering the pleasure of moving on the most environmentally friendly two-wheeled vehicle available; all this can only translate into benefit of personal health.
The electric bicycle (or e-bike) can be a very comfortable and useful tool. It is for those who are already passionate about two wheels, and for those who are looking for a more ecological and environmentally friendly solution. Let’s take a closer look at how e-bikes are made and how they work; what motors they have, how the batteries work and how many kilometres they can cover.
Which electric bike to choose?
The pedal-assisted bicycle, now known as an electric bicycle (e-bike) or pedelec (pedal electric cycle), is a bicycle equipped with a system consisting of an electric motor, control unit, display and battery, with the aim of assisting the cyclist while cycling. In order to be defined as such, an e-bike must have a motor that is only switched on when you are cycling.
The electric motor does not replace physical effort, but facilitates it by assisting the cyclist while cycling. This reduces the cyclist’s fatigue by allowing long distances to be covered without the same effort as normal cycling. This can be useful in many contexts, it will be possible to cover more ground with less fatigue or tackle climbs more easily.
The motor must have a nominal power of 250W and must only operate up to a maximum speed of 25 km/h. Beyond this threshold, the electric assistance stops and if you want to go faster, you will have to rely on your own legs.
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Composition
There are two main components of an electric bike. These are the battery, which stores energy, and the motor, which provides power to the wheels. Battery is one of the elements that can be found in different parts of the bike; the most used ones are the down tube, the area under the rack or under the saddle. The one in the down tube is the most advanced solution because it integrates better into the design of the bike and allows better weight distribution. It is almost always removable, and it is an essential feature of an e-bike; for safety, when transporting the bike by car, but also for ease of recharging, maintenance and cleaning.
If the battery is the organ that makes the bike breathing, the motor is its beating heart, the one that physically takes care of pushing the bike assisting the cyclist. Depending on the type of e-bike, the motor can be located centrally, between the two pedals, or on the wheel hub (usually located on the rear wheel) and affect the performance of the bike. Let’s take a look at the advantages and benefits of the different solutions, and how they affect the riding style and agility of the e-bike.
Electric Bike Ebike Cruiser Custom 250W RKS XR6 Shimano -
Central engine
This solution offers a more even and balanced weight distribution, with the bike’s centre of gravity lowered for the benefit of stability and ease of riding. The motor acts directly on the pedal rotation mechanism, offering a more natural pedal stroke similar to that of a traditional bicycle; this means that if you do not push the pedal well, the motor does not deliver the power needed to move the bike forward and will never take you to 25km/h, resulting in a more tiring pedal stroke.
With this type of motor, therefore, a more or less intense effort on the part of the cyclist is always required: mid-engines are more suitable for sporting use, which is why they are recommended for those who have a predisposition to consider cycling as physical exercise. However, this does not exclude the fact that there are also mid-engined city bikes, which can be appreciated if you don’t mind a little exertion for the sake of your health.
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Rear engine
The power transmission in this case is direct to the wheel, making the ride more dynamic and quieter with minimal effort. Located on the hub of the rear wheel, the motor is activated by simply turning the pedals. This solution is suitable for people who use an e-bike instead of a moped or car to get around town or on cycle paths, for example. The advantage of the motor in the wheel hub is that you have two bikes in one: you can use the bike with the motor switched off on the flat and enjoy it like a normal bike, as well as switch it on when going uphill or to avoid fatigue. The power delivered by the motor in the hub is always flat and constant, allowing, by activating the rotation of the pedal, to reach the legal 25Km/h in total relaxation and enjoy cycling, without a drop of sweat.
Compared to a central motor, the motor in the hub is therefore particularly suitable (better at the rear if you’re riding uphill) for urban or extra-urban routes, for those who want to use their e-bike to go to the office, take the child to school, or even for some white road or light dirt road, but also with demanding climbs. To make it easier for you to understand, here are a few examples. Are you of a certain age and want to go to work without having to change before entering the office? A motor in the hub of the rear wheel is the most recommended choice. Do you want an e-bike that you can use both for work and for leisurely outings and healthy exercise? Then both hub motor and mid-mounted motor are suitable. Do you like to ride on hill and mountain trails or are you a sporty person? The mid-mounted motor is the obvious choice. Depending on the motor housing, both solutions are valid but suitable for completely different uses and for different target groups.
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Typology
When you want to buy an electric bicycle you have to be aware and always ask yourself what use you intend to make of it and what needs you are looking for.
Will it be used to go to the office every day instead of public transport or the car? In this case, it’s best to opt for a city urban, the most classic and most popular on the market. It comes in two versions, with the traditional horizontal tube, or with the low-slung frame that makes it easier to get on the saddle and put your feet up when you stop. On board you’ll find everything you need in the city: luggage rack for your bag and/or front basket to avoid carrying a rucksack on your back, mudguards so you don’t get stained if you step in puddles, position lights both front and rear and a standard display that keeps you informed of every aspect of the route. The riding position is relaxed and the seat is padded for comfort. City e-bikes are also great for outings or longer than normal journeys.
Ebike Electric Bike Fatbike MTB 250W MT8 Shimano Do you often travel by train or bus and the stop is far from your workplace? Do you have no alternative to a car, but can never find a parking space? A foldable is the right solution for commuters: they are very comfortable and compact, the best for moving around safely and usually have the motor mounted in the hub of the rear wheel.
As the name suggests, their main feature is that they can be folded and stored in the boot of your car, or carried on trains and public transport, and once you’ve reached your destination they unfold in seconds, ready to help you cover the last bit of road quickly. Foldables are perfect for getting around the city and for relatively short distances. The procedure for folding and unfolding the bike always takes a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, it only takes a few seconds to switch between the two configurations. The main advantage is that once locked, you can take them with you and not leave them in the street for the thieves to find.
Do you prefer a more versatile bike that can do all these things? Perhaps an e-bike that is good for a bit of everything, without wanting to overdo anything? There are a number of models that combine the features described above: good engine power, a large battery with the right range, a robust frame, a comfortable riding position even for longer journeys, a good braking system and extra city equipment.
Conclusions
If you want to buy an e-bike, our advice is to know what you are going to use it for. Whether it is for comfort, fun or sport; depending on this you will opt for a bike that is more or less light, robust and transportable. Maybe it will have a higher or lower autonomy and with specific characteristics for certain routes.