Media post: How Do Electric Bikes work

Comparing electric bikes like to regular eBikes is the best way to understand how they work. Electric bikes differ from regular eBikes because they have a battery and motor capable of providing pedal-assist, which makes commuting easier. However, that’s the simple explanation, and they’re much more complicated than that.

This article will answer the question, “how do electric bikes work?” You’ll learn in detail what they are, their main components, types, and how they combine to make the electric bike work.

What are Electric Bikes?

Electric bikes assist you with your rides because they have components like batteries, motors, sensors, and control systems. You can set it to a pedal-assist mode, where a sensor detects that you’re pedaling and, with power from the battery, signals the motor, which assists you with your ride. Hence, you get to go faster than your pedaling strength.

Electric bikes in the USA and other locations also let you go throttle only. In the throttle-only mode, the bike moves by itself with power from the battery and zero pedaling from you. Understand that this mode drains more battery and reduces range.

Aside from the features mentioned above, electric and regular bikes don’t differ much. You can go non-electric and pedal your electric e-bike manually if you want.

What are the Main Components of Electric Bikes?

Electric bikes need some main components to function optimally, and this section covers these essential components and their functions.

1. Battery

The battery is responsible for powering all the electrical components on the bike. It is usually incorporated into the bike’s frame and can be either built-in or removable.

You should pay attention to the bike’s battery, as it affects things like the range because it gives power to the motor. You can charge electric bike batteries, and they come with a charger. Electric bike batteries are measured by Wh, with higher watt-hour indicating a better battery.

2. Motor

The motor is the component that provides the power for pedal-assist or throttle-only mode. It gets power from the battery when you activate the electric mode, and it can either be hub or mid-drive.

Hub motors can be at the front or back, and the front hub motors are popular because they provide weight balance and function effectively on flat terrains. Rear hub motors are more powerful and give you a better experience. Mid-mount motors are usually used in the best electric bikes and let you cruise through the most challenging terrains because they use the bike’s gear to deliver power.

3. Sensors

Sensors engage the motor when you ride the pedals in the pedal-assist mode. They are either cadence or torque sensors. Cadence sensors engage the motor during pedaling, while torque sensors offer more resistance to better regulate speed. Torque sensors are the most common among top-quality eBikes and comfort.

4. System

The control system of your e-bike is what brings all the electrical components together. It lets you turn on and off the electrical system and switch between the different bike modes. You can also use it to turn on and off the headlights and perform other tasks that the manufacturer affords it.

A manufacturer like Fiido lets you pair your e-bike with its smartwatch and other devices in its ecosystem. You can remotely turn your bike on/off and perform other functions. The control system also shows you details like the speed, distance, and battery level.

What are the Types of Electric Bikes?

eBikes have different types, like cruiser, commuter, and mountain electric bikes. Here’s a brief outlook into these types.

1. Cruiser eBikes

Cruiser e-bikes are designed for you to get the maximum comfort during your leisurely rides. It features a well-built frame, carefully positioned seat, and higher handlebars to ensure you don’t experience any discomfort. This bike type also has a good suspension system for added comfort.

2. Off-Road eBikes

These are also known as fat-tire electric bikes. Their tires are usually two or more inches wider than regular e-bike tires. They also have a full-on suspension that works like magic on challenging terrains. Off-road e-bikes have bigger batteries and powerful rear-hub or mid-mount motors to ensure the best ride experience.

3. Road e-Bikes

Road e-bikes are light and more agile because they’re for flat roads. Their lightweight nature enables them to cruise through city traffic. They have thinner tires, and their components are usually less advanced than cruising and mountain e-bikes.

What are the Classes of Electric Bikes?

E-bikes have three main classes, class 1, 2, and class 3 e-Bikes. Understanding these classes is integral to staying on the right side of the law.

1. Class 1 Electric Bikes

Class 1 eBikes require pedaling to use the motor. It doesn’t need to have a throttle-only mechanism. Once you start pedaling, the pedal assist comes into place. The maximum speed required for a class 1 eBike is 20 mph, and you don’t need a driver’s license to use it.

2. Class 2 Electric Bikes

Class two electric bikes have a combination of pedal-assist and throttle-only modes. They have a control system that you can use to switch between both, and a top speed of 20mph. Anyone can ride this e-bike, and you don’t need a driver’s license to ride it.

3. Class 3 Electric Bikes

Class 3 e-bikes are similar to class 2, but they are faster. They can reach speeds of up to 28mph. You don’t usually need a license to use them, although some areas require them. Therefore, you must check your jurisdiction for whether or not you need a license to ride a class 3 eBike.

Helmets are also compulsory for some when riding these types of eBikes, and you must be at least 17 years old to mount one. They’re perfect if you want to do a long daily commute on your electric bike.

Conclusion

Electric bikes like the one by Fiido are regular bikes with added components like batteries, motors, sensors, and control systems. These components work together when you activate the electric mode to give you pedal power or go throttle only if you have such type. They’re a great and popular option for commuting through city roads, although variants you can use off-road exist.

It’s imperative to note that there are three classes with different legal specifications to ride them. Understand the class the eBike you want to buy falls into so you can use it better. Also, understand your usage requirements to help you make better decisions among the different types.