Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are becoming a common site on our roads, particularly on commuter routes, as they open up cycling to a larger demographic.
An electric bike combines the power of a moped with the functionality and convenience of riding a bicycle. They can be used for business, such as your daily errands and commuting, or pleasure out on the trails on a mountain bike.
These bikes may have the advantage of motor power to help you up the hills but they are weighed down. As a result, you will find that their rudderless, carbon-fibre counterparts are much lighter to carry.
So, you’ve seen them around, and, if you’ve clicked on this article, you’re interested in finding out exactly what goes into an electric bike before you purchase.
To explain, we’ll go through all the different components of an e-bike. Then, we’ll discuss how those components send that extra power to the wheels.
The components
What goes into an e-bike? Well, first things first, they aren’t too different from your bog standard bicycle. It comes with two wheels, brakes, a saddle and some pedals.
Frame
What differs is the bike frame and the gears (and sometimes hubs). The bike frame will look pretty similar to a normal bike. But there is a difference. The downtube at the centre of the bike will be wider as that is the part of the frame which houses the battery pack.
However, some electric bikes use an external battery pack which is externally mounted in the frame.
As mentioned earlier, this addition to the bike’s frame makes it much heavier to carry.
You might think storing it may pose a challenge. But not with a wall storage mount like this bike rack that can carry a heavy e-bike. It is made of tough steel and is wall mounted, making it simple to mount, and is perfect for your garage.
Battery Pack
Common and modern e-bikes use Li-Ion batteries. Voltage differs with every brand but can range from 12V to 52V. A bike with higher voltage can generally go longer between charges.
For example, the Samebike Electric Folding Bike has a battery pack integrated inside the body, which is common in folding electric bikes. Its electronic cables are connected directly to the motor installed in the rear hub. It has a 48V battery that can power the rider for more than 70km on a single charge.
Motor
The motor is the heart of an e-bike. This is powered by a battery pack. This then cranks the pedals making steep ascents simple or speeding you along the flat.
The motors vary with each bike manufacturer. Some have motors installed on the wheel, also known as a hub-drive motor. However, most modern electric bikes have a motored crank, also known as a mid-drive motor.
Gauge
The last component to note on an e-bike is the gauge. This is a digital display mounted on the handlebars where you can turn the motor on and off. It also displays the battery status and has the necessary controls to set the speed of your motor.
How do the motors work?
The motors are powered in two different ways: throttle-activated and pedal/torque-activated.
Throttle-Activated
Throttle-activated motors work with a grip twist or a push button. Added to the handlebar, the throttle is used to control how much power is sent to the motor. Think of it as if you’re driving an electric scooter or a motorcycle but with the frame of a bike.
Torque-Activated
Torque-activated motors are common in modern bikes, such as road bikes and full-suspension electric mountain bikes.
This is also called a pedal-assisted motor, which only activates when the torque applied to the pedals is high (usually on uphills). This is activated by a sensor in the motor. It will engage the motor when the torque limit has been reached which can be set on the gauge.
Ticket to ride
Now, what are you waiting for? If the additions of motors, batteries and gauges mean a bicycle is more alluring then take the plunge and get out there on the roads! Even with a motor attached to help, the health benefits of taking to the saddle are obvious and endless.
But before you do, don’t forget to wear a helmet when you ride. We’d recommend this Lazer Century road bike helmet perfect for your everyday riding. It is built with the toughest materials and is designed to fully protect your head.
Coming soon to Yavolo in September 2023, are even more ways to explore the great outdoors.
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