The humble bicycle has seen many iterations since it was first introduced, and it is probably one of the most iterated and innovative forms of transportation that are incredibly and increasingly versatile. In this article, we will be exploring what is an e-bike.
It seems like there’s almost always a new fad to get into when it comes to bikes, whether it’s new gearing, air forks, new wheel diameters, new frame materials, or even revivals of older componentry and geometry.
While all this is enough to sustain even the most dedicated bike nerd, there has been a true innovation in recent years that has massively usurped the bike market, and what people thought bikes to be capable of.
So, what is an E-Bike? This is the E-bike.
For people who need a little extra help, or want to go even further on their bike, the E-bike is like a dream come true and makes it possible for you to get even more use out of your bike, while actually reducing the stress and strain that cycling often comes with.
It’s a revolutionary development and the concept has blown up, with almost all manufacturers looking to capitalize on this new development, but to new cyclists, or traditionalists, the E-bike may seem like a blasphemous break with the purity of cycling under your own power.
In this guide, we’re going to delve into the E-bike and look at why this innovation is so exciting, as well as why you should consider getting in ahead of the curve and taking advantage of these developments.
But first, let’s look at what an E-bike actually is, as well as how they work and the pros and cons of using them.
What Is An E-Bike?
An E-bike is essentially a bicycle that has an electrically powered motor attached to it, that is able to assist with propulsion and help make cycling much easier, faster, and enjoyable.
There are many styles of E-bike, and bikes of various disciplines use them, from commuters to mountain bikes and even enduro bikes, as everyone seems to take advantage of the considerable performance benefits E-bikes provide.
Generally, there are two types of E-bikes.
Bikes that are able to augment and assist with the rider’s own pedaling and make pedaling easier, and bikes that add a throttle control which is integrated similar to a moped or motorcycle that allows propulsion to be controlled independently of pedaling.
Both styles are very popular and as battery technology becomes ever more powerful and longer-lasting, it seems that E-bikes will only continue to become more dominant and popular, allowing people to cycle further and faster.
However there are some downsides to these bikes which we’ll touch on later, so don’t go throwing your old horse out to pasture just yet.
How Do E-Bikes Work?
After looking at what is an E-bike, we will now look at how they work. E-bikes are essentially very similar to standard pushbikes, except they have a few extra components to facilitate the extra power and range that batteries can provide.
These extra components are the electric motor, the battery that powers the motor, and the throttle or electric display that helps you manage your system and monitor its charge as well as your speed.
Bikes that are pedal-assist simply use the motor to help support the riders own pedaling power, which is great for people who don’t want to deal with throttles.
Bikes with throttles allow you to use the motor without pedaling, which can be great for commuters or those who want to help reduce the strain of cycling on their bodies.
What Are The Benefits Of E-Bikes?
Now we have looked at what is an E-bike and how do they work, it is time to look at their benefits.
The benefits of E-bikes are plentiful.
They allow riders to ride further and faster, which is a hugely beneficial development that allows more people to take advantage of cycling for commuting and reduce the number of people using cars for short journeys.
They can also help people who are looking to build fitness gain confidence, as well as help people with injuries to enjoy cycling without taking all the strain of powering the bike solo.
These bikes also help develop positive mental health by getting you out on the bike more often.
E-bikes are also arguably easier to ride than standard bikes as the assistance of an electric motor can really reduce the strain cycling puts on your joints and muscles, which can reduce fatigue and injury.
What Are The Disadvantages Of E-Bikes?
While there are significant benefits, there are also downsides as with any new development and technology which is still in its early stages and being actively improved and developed.
The first important thing to note is that E-bikes are quite a bit heavier than standard bikes, and while the powered assistance of the motor makes this unnoticeable, it can make your bike more difficult to maneuver and handle and can make cycling harder should you run out of battery.
Additionally, E-bikes can be expensive, and will often be more expensive than a standard pushbike in the same class of bike.
E-bikes of course need to be charged which costs money, unlike standard pushbikes, and they also require more maintenance, and this can be more costly should something break down.
E-bikes can also require regular battery replacement and have relatively low resale value, which are all valid concerns to think through before you buy.
Should You Get An E-Bike?
It really depends on your own needs. It’s best to weigh up the pros and cons of these bikes and carefully consider whether these work to your benefit or not and decide accordingly.
It’s likely that these bikes will continue to innovate and become progressively more reliable and stronger as time goes on, however, the old-fashioned pushbike still has its place due to its sheer value and reliability.
If you’re a regular commuter or need the extra help, however, an E-bike can go a long way to making cycling massively more enjoyable and is definitely worth considering as your next upgrade.
Final Thoughts
E-bikes are undoubtedly the future, but the concept is still in its adolescence.
Hopefully, you have a better understanding of what is an E-Bike and what they can offer you, and even if you’re unconvinced, you’ll be able to keep track of the developments and can have a good idea of what they are capable of should you eventually decide to make the switch.
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