Why are e-bikes better than conventional bikes?
Electric bicycles have revolutionized the cycling market for all the right reasons. You might wonder what sets them apart from conventional bikes. E-bikes combine conventional cycling with electric technology by incorporating a portable electric motor. Users get an extra kick when climbing steep inclines and travelling lengthy distances.
E-bikes offer a clean cycling experience with zero pollution and a sustainable approach to both recreational and commuting activities.
There are three broad categories of E-bikes:
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Pedal assist: Your pedaling is assisted with a compact electrical motor that senses your pedaling and provides live feedback by aiding your efforts. It brings convenience to travelling through tough inclines and long distances. These E-bikes do not require a driver’s license, and their max speed is 20 mph.
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Throttle assist/only: The electric motor is regulated by a throttle, allowing users to engage the throttle and accelerate through tough terrain without needing to use the pedal. They drain the battery quicker since there is no physical padeling. They also do not require a driver’s license, and their max speed is 20 mph.
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Pedal assist to 28 mph: This is the fastest E-bike that money can buy. Since it is still considered a bicycle, you do not need a license or registration. This swift E-bike type is ideal for commuters who are 17 years or older.
E-bikes are better than conventional bicycles due to several reasons:
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Unmatched assistance: Commuters find E-bikes helpful in preventing fatigue and sweating, as their cycling commute is easier and more practical with E-bikes. Most commuters travelling with cargo, for example, going to work with heavy briefcases, are delighted with electric assistance from E-bikes.
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A ton of modern features: The best E-bikes, such as the ENGWE EP-2 Boost, come with a plethora of features that add immense versatility and practicality to the cycling experience. Feeling tired? Hit the boost button for propulsion up that hill. Going to the country? The comfortable front suspension and one-piece wheels have you covered. Want to track your travelled distance and speed? The detailed information cluster will show you every bit of information.
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Ease of usage: E-bikes minimize hassle, as there is no need for licensure or registration since they are classified as bicycles. The number of urban dwellers shifting to E-bikes from automobiles has skyrocketed due to their effortless commute and parking — they are foldable, and the battery is detachable to protect against theft.
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Stellar fitness application: While E-bikes are designed to decrease the effort associated with cycling, they can take you the extra mile, which means more exercise with increased pedaling. When pedaling is this easy, E-bikers tend to pedal plenty.
E-bike sub-types: which type of e-bike is best for you?
Manufacturers have developed numerous types of E-bikes suiting different purposes, so there’s something for everyone. Here are the sub-types of E-bikes and their intended purposes:
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Electric Mountain/Off-road Bikes: These E-bikes are designed to be robust yet agile. Their common features include comfortable and reliable suspensions to tackle harsh terrains, durable wheels, abundant battery range, reliable disc brakes, and cargo storage. The ENGWE EP-2 Boost hits the bullseye when it comes to off-road E-bikes.
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Electric Commuter/Hybrid Bikes: These multi-purpose E-bikes cater primarily to commuters in urban areas. They possess the longest range, highest performance figures with 25kmh average speeds, cargo storage, lights, and foldable frames with detachable batteries. Rest assured, since they are hybrid, you can use them for any purpose, be it exercise or off-roading.
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Electric Comfort Bikes: These E-bikes are mostly all-rounders with stylish and practical designs made for urban exploration and casual trips to the store. They have a comfy saddle, often with a ‘step-through’ frame that makes mounting easier.
Factors to consider when buying e-bikes
To make the best purchase, you need to know what makes a good e-bike. You need to be aware of the following intricacies surrounding E-bikes:
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Torque (Nm): In layman’s terms, torque is the electric motor’s output/power. It is the driving force of the electric motor, and controls power off the line. Torque also provides boost assistance to your pedaling.
- Lighter bikes intended for casual commuting will have torque figures ranging from 20 to 40 Nm. Heavier bikes used for outdoor and cargo purposes will have around 70 Nm of torque to provide sufficient hauling power.
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Watt-Hour (Wh): A watt-hour is the energy stored in a battery. A higher number provides more range. Commuter bikes usually have higher Wh ratings to combat range anxiety.
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Compact and Detachable Batteries: E-bikes resonate with classic, traditional bicycle designs to add relatability. Batteries are made compact to be out of sight and add to the sleek and aerodynamic design for greater agility. Batteries are detachable to allow users to charge them at home. Detachable batteries also prevent theft.
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Stability: With agility and swiftness comes a need for control. So, the best E-bikes come with wide, up to 4-inch in width, wheels alongside comfortable suspensions. Dependable disc brakes are a must to control high-speed maneuvers in busy traffic while commuting.
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Integrated Lights: The best E-bikes come with lights to signal your presence. It is a commendable safety feature.
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Warranty and Parts Availability: Motors, batteries, and displays are technical parts owned by an E-bike manufacturer. Ensure your chosen brand has a steady supply of these electrical components in the market, as you do not want to use parts from other brands.
Your chosen manufacturer should offer at least a 1-year warranty on the electrical components of your E-bike since these parts are expensive.
Since E-bikes are faster and heavier than traditional bicycles, they need more maintenance and repair of running parts like tires and brakes.
Concluding remarks
E-bikes are the future, which has arrived. They are better than traditional bicycles in terms of performance, practicality, and application. E-bikes come in various types — you should be aware of them to make a purchase according to your needs.
