Electric bikes are ideal for transportation, adventure, or exercise. There are some options to choose from according to your needs. But to choose the best one, you must understand everything about electric bikes. Make sure you pick the right motor, battery, and frame for your needs. Here’s what an electric bike is and how it works.
How Do Electric Bikes Work?
An electric bike consists of three components that differentiate it from a traditional bike:
- Motor: It powers the bike and assists you in pedaling.
- Battery: As we know, this part stores energy for the motor to use
- Controller: Allows you to control how much assistance the motor provides.
As you pedal, the motor starts and kicks you. Most e-bikes have different levels of pedal assist. You can ride without ever putting your feet on the pedals. The harder you pedal, the less battery you use, so it's a nice balance of work and relaxation.
Choosing the Right Electric Bike
What is an electric bike? When you start shopping for an e-bike Canada, something you’ll notice right away is that there are a variety of types. The right one for you will depend on how and where you hope to ride. Here are the points to keep in mind.
Motor
In a sense, the motor is the heart of the e-bike. It decides how fast you can go and how much of a push you’re going to get on hills.
- 250W to 500W: Best for city use, on flat or slight inclines.
- 750W and up: Ideal for hilly rides, off-road jaunts.
- Motors are usually located in two spots:
- Hub Motor: Located in the front or rear wheel. It’s simple and quiet.
- Mid-Drive Motor: This powerful motor is located in the middle of the bike. It also feels more natural unless you're pedaling into the wind.
Battery
It all comes down to the battery and how far you can travel before you have to plug in again. It is measured in volts (V) and, in the case of capacity, amp-hours (Ah). The more miles, the higher the voltage, the higher the amp-hours.
Standard battery is (36V or 48V) and (10Ah to 16Ah). You have to buy a higher-capacity battery for everyday life.
Battery Types
There are two main types of e-bike batteries:
Sealed Lead Acid (SLA)
This type is less expensive and heavier. It has a shorter battery life and takes longer to recharge.
Lithium-ion
These are lighter and charge more quickly. They recharge faster than other rechargeable batteries. Most modern e-bikes are of this variety.
Controller
The controller is hooked up to everything: the battery, the motor, and the display. It lets you determine how much assistance you get from the motor. Some displays also indicate your speed, level of battery power, distance, and ride mode. Seek one that you can read, even in sunlight.
Frame Design and Bike Types
Electric bikes come in all shapes and sizes. Proper frame selection can truly affect your ride quality and performance.
Step-Through vs. Step-Over
Step-through frames have small or no bars. You can also take them on and off more easily, perfect for commuters or those looking for a laid-back ride.
Step-over frames are more traditional and robust. They’re preferable for bumpier roads or mountain trails.
Folding Electric Bikes
Folding electric bikes are also the ideal solution for limited storage space or commuters who drag their bike onto a train. You can fold them up and tote them around. They are perfect for city living and take the hassle out of your daily commute.
Other Types
Cargo Bikes: These types of bikes are filled with groceries.
Mountain E-Bikes: Best for trails and the great outdoors.
Carve: A Kind of city commuter bike that is fast and light.
Fat Tire Bicycles Cycling: Wide tires for riding in snow, sand, dirt, and rough terrain
Maintenance Tips for Electric Bikes
E-bikes require regular maintenance to run smoothly. Here’s how you can do that:
Keep the battery charged; don’t let it completely die. If you’re going to store them, keep them between 20-80%.
Wash it down now and then (But be sure to keep water away from the motor and battery)
Tires that are too low can suck your battery dry faster.
Ensure they grip sufficiently, including when going down hills.
You have to lubricate the chain.
You have to protect it from rain and excessive heat
Recommended Models and Brands
If you're looking to buy your first e-bike, here are two great options to consider.
GOTRAX F3V2 Fat Tire Folding E-Bike
The foldable fat tire e-bike is designed for comfort. You can use it and ride it any way you’d like.
- Motor: 500W
- Battery: 48V, 13.6Ah
- Range: Up to 98 km
- Top Speed: 32 km/h
- Tyres: 20"x4" fat tires work very well and grip the road rocks.
- Other features: Front and rear shocks, luggage rack, front and rear LED lights, color digital screen
It conveniently folds down and can carry riders up to 265 lbs.
GOTRAX TUNDRA All-Terrain Mountain E-Bike
The GOTRAX Tundra is ideal for both city streets and off-road mountain paths. It is tough, dependable, and up for anything.
- Motor: 750W Bafang motor
- Tires: 26x4 fat tires, treads with good traction on snow, sand, or dirt
- Suspension: Front shocks are adjustable
- Sensor: Provides a smooth ride by automatically adding power to your pedaling.
- Gears: Shimano 7-speed gear set
- Brakes: Powerful hydraulic disc brakes
If you love adventure but still want to be “spoiled” with an easy ride, the Tundra is the ticket.
Conclusion
Hope you got a complete idea about what an electric bike is and how it works. You can use it for different purposes. Whether you need a folding city bike or a fat-tire e-bike for off-road adventures, there’s something for you. Choose the right motor, battery, and frame based on your needs.