Electric bicycles are motorized bicycles with a built-in electric motor that assists pedaling. It also has a throttle and works like a moped. Depending on your needs, you can buy an electric bicycle with pedal assist or only with a throttle. Here are some tips for choosing an electric bicycle.
Pedal-assist mode
The pedal-assist mode of pedal-assist bicycles provides optional assistance while pedaling, which is useful for long rides and over hills. This function is almost identical to that of a conventional bicycle. The bicycle gives a boost when you accelerate by pedaling. It is useful for commuting, shopping, exploring new trails, and tackling steep hills. Pedal-assist mode also consumes less battery power than Throttle mode.
In pedal assist mode, the built-in sensor measures pedaling intensity. Based on this data, the required assistance force is calculated. This allows you to pedal longer and save more energy on a single charge. In addition, pedal assist helps extend battery life.
The pedal-assist mode is usually the fastest of electric bicycles and is therefore suitable for commuters and people in a hurry. Pedal-assist bicycles have up to three power levels and five pedaling assistance functions.
Lithium-ion batteries
Lithium-ion batteries have many advantages. They are lightweight, highly efficient, and long-lasting. They are ideal for high and low-power applications. Lithium-ion batteries are made from a variety of materials, including cobalt, manganese, and aluminum. They are lightweight and offer a sleek design.
Lithium-ion batteries are available in different capacities, which vary according to their design. These batteries are usually connected in series to ensure the right voltage and can also be connected in parallel to increase capacity. Different cell sizes and brands have different advantages and disadvantages. Some have a higher capacity and a longer life cycle than others.
Proper maintenance is important to get the best performance from lithium-ion batteries. Deep discharging should be avoided, as it reduces battery capacity and shortens battery life. In addition, lithium-ion batteries should be recharged after use. It is recommended that lithium-ion batteries be recharged every 90 days, but not immediately after driving. Doing so will heat up the battery and accelerate its degradation.
Performance
Electric bicycles are becoming increasingly popular, and consumers are increasingly interested in them. Consumers are interested in two aspects: the support provided by electric bicycles and the performance of electric bicycles. The ability to travel longer distances by bicycle is very important since many consumers only travel about 10 km per day.
In addition, compared with other means of transportation, pedal-assisted bicycles are less noisy and pollute the environment less. However, despite these advantages, there are still a number of performance problems. Of particular concern is the battery performance of pedal-assist bicycles. The pedal-assist bicycle market is currently very competitive, and major bicycle rental companies are increasingly adding pedal-assist bicycles to their fleets.
The wattage of a pedal-assist bicycle’s motor indicates its power. The higher the wattage, the more powerful the motor, which means it has better acceleration, carrying capacity, speed, and maneuverability. However, the efficiency of the motor is not known.
Range
Several factors influence the range of a pedal-assist bicycle. The overall energy of the battery and its efficiency plays a key role in determining the range. A full battery will cover 20 miles. However, the range varies depending on the cyclist’s speed and terrain. Motor power and the way the bike is used also have a significant impact on range.
The Aventon Aventure is powered by a powerful 750 W motor and can reach a maximum speed of 28 mph when pedal assist is activated. The bike’s Class 3 configuration offers a high level of comfort and control. It also reaches a maximum speed of 28 mph when using pedal assist. Another good option is the Ride1Up 700-Series, which has a 750W hub motor and reaches a maximum speed of 28 mph with pedal assist.
The Economic One Smart Urban Crossbar electric bike can go up to 88 miles, but if you want to go farther, the Crossbar Wisper 905 hybrid electric bike is a good choice. With 30 percent more battery capacity, it is suitable for longer trips. Another option is the Wisper 705 Step-Through electric bicycle, which has the instant power needed to tackle steep climbs and pull away from a stop.
