e-bikes work by using throttle or assistance from pedaling. Electric bikes are everyday bicycles with an added battery-powered electric motor. Although capable of pushing you along without your help, electric bikes perform noticeably better when you pedal. The average "couch potato" who normally rides at 10 mph can ride at 15-20 mph using the same effort. He can also expect a range of 45 kms, with a recharge time of several hours. Do you remember that easy pedaling after you get your bike up to speed? Thats the cruising feeling you get all the time with an electric bike.
Power, when activated by a throttle on the handlebar (power-on-demand) or in response to your pedaling (ped-elec), gives you an immediate, nearly silent push. When you release the throttle (or stop pedaling), the motor coasts or "freewheels" - like when you stop pedaling a regular bike. Standard bicycle hand brakes and gearing round out the controls.
"Power-on-demand" means just that - no pedaling required! Although all electric (or "electric-assist") bikes are designed to work with your pedaling, power-on-demand allows you to break the rule. Most systems offer a variable speed control, although some are simply on/off (like the yellow switch pictured). A "ped-elec" wont deliver motor power unless it senses you are pedaling. And its "power output to pedal pressure" ratio is often adjustable. Most people find 400-watt motors adequate for their needs, although folks with steep hills may want more power. Some bikes offer through-the-gearing power assist - i.e. the force of the motor goes through the bikes gearing system - which provides better hill-climbing and top-end speed than direct drive systems with motors of the same wattage rating.
Electric bikes Users enjoy easy acceleration, hill climbing, and cutting through headwinds. Rechargeable batteries , provide power for the electric drive motors. Charging costs less than 5¢ of electricity. Charging times due to charger output and battery capacity, but you can expect to recharge in less than 8 hours with most stock chargers.
Power, when activated by a throttle on the handlebar (power-on-demand) or in response to your pedaling (ped-elec), gives you an immediate, nearly silent push. When you release the throttle (or stop pedaling), the motor coasts or "freewheels" - like when you stop pedaling a regular bike. Standard bicycle hand brakes and gearing round out the controls.
"Power-on-demand" means just that - no pedaling required! Although all electric (or "electric-assist") bikes are designed to work with your pedaling, power-on-demand allows you to break the rule. Most systems offer a variable speed control, although some are simply on/off (like the yellow switch pictured). A "ped-elec" wont deliver motor power unless it senses you are pedaling. And its "power output to pedal pressure" ratio is often adjustable. Most people find 400-watt motors adequate for their needs, although folks with steep hills may want more power. Some bikes offer through-the-gearing power assist - i.e. the force of the motor goes through the bikes gearing system - which provides better hill-climbing and top-end speed than direct drive systems with motors of the same wattage rating.
