Simple to drive and no driving license required, economical, easy to park, environmentally friendly, and fast. These are some of the advantages of bicycles, with more and more urban fans, and with the cities themselves adapting to their characteristics: there are more and more bicycle paths and tax incentives for the purchase of bicycles also emerged.
Using them as a means of transport brings benefits for the environment and for health – after all, there is always physical exercise – even when it comes to an electric bicycle, which comes as a precious help for places with rougher terrain.
If you are considering buying an electric bike from tope-bikes.com, we have prepared a guide on the main points to consider when choosing the one that best suits your case.
What is an electric bike?
First of all, it is important to explain what is, after all, an electric bicycle, or e-Bike. It is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor and a battery, which helps to pedal. It is not an engine that “lives” on its own, but that only works through pedaling. Thus, in the face of a steep climb, there is no longer a need for greater effort, as the engine is activated, making the extra effort for the user.
What types of electric bikes are there?
There are different types of electric bikes: mountain bikes, trekking, city, or folding. In common, they all have pedal assistance, which makes pedaling lighter and easier. The choice of the type of bicycle will depend on its intended use. You can find all the types in electric bike Montreal stores and sellers will be able to tell you more about them and help you decide on what model is best for you depending on what it is meant to be used for.
In which areas of the bicycle are the engines incorporated?
Engines can be located in different areas of a bicycle. It all depends on the manufacturer. There are 3 most common areas for placing the engine on an electric bike:
On the back wheel
Also known as the engine at the back, it is the most commonplace for engines on electric bicycles sold in our country. It is one of the most economical methods, which makes these bikes more affordable. They are silent motors, which can be braked, generating energy. The big downside turns out to be the fact that the weight is on the back of the bike, making it harder to move. Furthermore, as it is “pushed” by the engine, the rider ends up having less control over the bike. And if you have a puncture in the rear tire, help from a professional is needed to change it.
On the front wheel
It is more typical on Dutch and Danish bicycles, as the engines at the front are more resistant and economical, in addition to allowing any type of gear system. The main disadvantage is the loss of some agility of the bike itself since the handlebars become “heavier”.
On the axis of the pedals
Also referred to as the engine in the middle, it has the great advantage of evenly distributing the weight of the engine over the bike, making it more stable and safer. The big drawback of the engine in the middle is that it makes the bike a little more expensive.
What should you consider when choosing a battery?
Knowing how the bike will be used is essential when choosing the battery. But there are other factors:
Be removable or fixed
Batteries can be removable or fixed. The advantage of removable batteries is that they can be taken anywhere to be charged — which can be done even at home. However, they are easier to be robbed on the street. Fixed batteries, on the other hand, have the added value of not being able to be taken with a bicycle (which makes theft less likely, given their dimensions). However, to charge them, it is necessary to find a PowerPoint near the place where the bicycle is stored.
Battery Type
The battery can be lead, nickel, lithium-ion, or lithium-polymer:
– Lead (gel): they are the cheapest, but very heavy, with less energy density and sensitivity to low temperatures.
– Nickel (Ni-MH): the weight is less than that of lead and the energy density is higher, being a little more expensive than the previous ones. They have a “memory effect” — that is, the battery “memorizes” previous charge and discharge cycles, especially those related to partial cycles. This effect can cause a decrease in battery performance — and self-discharge is considerable (30% per month).
– Lithium-ion (Li-Ion): they have a higher energy density, although their weight is much lower. They have no “memory effect” and self-discharge is low (5-10% per month).
– Lithium polymers (Li-Pol): they have a higher energy density and their weight is lower. These batteries are safe, stable, and less sensitive to the most extreme temperatures.
What maximum speed can an electric bike reach?
Like a conventional bicycle, an electric bicycle can reach several kilometers per hour. However, there is an engine help limit up to 25 kilometers per hour. In other words, when this speed is reached, the engine ceases to assist, the speed becoming the result of pedaling alone. With this limitation, it is guaranteed that the bicycle can be used legally in cities or on the trails. A bike with a motor that exceeds 25 km/h or that has an accelerator grip needs a special document.
Is an electric bike too heavy?
An electric bike is always heavier than a conventional one, due to the battery and engine, as well as the materials from which it is produced. It can be steel, aluminum, titanium, carbon, or magnesium. It depends on what the user prefers: pedaling a stronger and heavier electric bike or a less resistant and lighter one? You can browse the site to learn more. However, it is important to remember that the extra weight that the electric bicycle has ended up being compensated for by the support provided by the engine.
Are you now ready to buy one? We recommend this electric bike manufacturer. They provide various high-quality e-bikes at affordable prices. You could also check one of the best bike shops in Toronto.