One of the most exciting, fast-paced, and quickly growing sports of the modern day is electric biking, allowing you to get exercise, have fun, and see the sights of your city at your own pace. Electric bikes are a big purchase with a lot of different components and functions, so it’s important to make sure you look at all available options and information before you take the plunge. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make sure that you spend your money wisely, and end up with an amazing electric bike that will last a lifetime of fun.
Why Electric Bikes?
While at first the concept may seem like a toy or an impractical mode of transportation, electric bikes are actually an incredible way to quickly navigate city streets, save money, and get more fit all at the same time. Electric bikes are the perfect synthesis of human and mechanical power, where you can supplement the battery by pedaling normally. This turns the ebike into a symbiotic machine that takes your body’s natural energy and boosts it to the next level, allowing you to go further and faster than ever before.
There are many tangible and immediate benefits to purchasing an ebike, such as:
- Better for the environment
- More affordable repair costs
- Save gas money
- More versatile
- Fewer regulations
- Enhanced fitness
It’s easy to see why an ebike is a perfect choice for those looking for a new way to exercise, recreate, haul cargo, or get back and forth from work. But are they really practical? For those who go into the purchase fully informed and knowledgeable about what they are looking for, an ebike is a practical and economical purchase that can provide a strong return on your investment in the form of years of enjoyment, money saved, and better health.
Components of the Electric Bike
Before taking the plunge and pulling the metaphorical trigger on an electric bike, it’s a good idea to make sure you understand the various options and components you will be deciding on. Like all mechanical things, some issues can be avoided by making an informed purchase and ensuring that you aren’t getting cheap or low-quality materials.
While the frame and shape of an ebike are important, it takes a backseat to the motor and the battery. These are the two most critical components of your bike, and it’s worth it to spend a little extra to make sure that you have a motor and battery that won’t die when you need it, which can leave you stranded with a heavy battery pack. Let’s look at the basics of these two components, which will help you make a smarter and more informed purchase of your bike.Â
eBike Motor
Ebike motors come in a variety of sizes and power ranges, with the lower range at about 200 watts, and the higher ranges at 750+ watts. A more powerful motor will give you more speed and torque when going up hills but will lead to a heavier weight and a higher draw on the battery which reduces battery life.
In most areas, electric motor-powered vehicles over 750 watts are subject to further traffic regulations, so it’s a good idea to make sure that your ebike is under this limit. Most ebikes utilize what is called a hub motor, which is built into the wheel itself. This means there is no need for an axle, creating a simpler engine with fewer points of failure.Â
eBike Battery
The battery is another critical component of the ebike, and it’s important to make sure that you choose a bike with a battery that will go the distance. There are two choices for ebike batteries: Lithium or Sealed Lead Acid (SLA).
SLA batteries are an older type of technology that weigh more and take more room than lithium batteries. SLA batteries have some major downsides, such as a shorter overall lifespan, but are substantially cheaper than lithium batteries.
On the other hand, lithium batteries can go further and will hold a charge better than SLA batteries, along with having a much longer lifespan and easier maintenance. However, lithium batteries aren’t cheap, and can end up costing from $1,500 to over $3,000 for the bike. Which type of battery is best for you depends on your budget and what you intend to use the bike for.
Electric bikes are a mode of transportation unlike any other. This is proven in the explosive growth of the ebike market, which is about a $40 billion industry at the moment and is expected to double by 2029 to over $90 billion in revenue globally. This wouldn’t be possible if there weren’t some incredible and exciting benefits ebikes can bring to your life.
Check out an electric bike retailer online or near you today, and take your fitness, recreation, and transportation to the next level. Ebikes are here to stay, and you can be a part of the movement too!
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