How does an electric bike work?
To fully understand how an electric bike works, be aware that it is equipped with a battery and a motor.
The battery is the most important part of an electric bike as it allows to store the energy needed for its operation. Lithium batteries are widely used because they are lightweight while allowing the autonomy of several tens of kilometers.
Be careful, avoid storing your electric bike in a cold place as this may shorten the life of the battery. Most of them have between 250 and 400 watts/hours fully charged.
The battery powers a small engine that is placed on one of the wheels or in the pedals. Most often on the rear wheel, it allows you to turn it safely when you do not pedal.
The assistance delivered is more or less progressive depending on the quality (and price) of the electric bike. In most cases, 3 levels of assistance are present depending on your speed. Settings are possible at the handlebars in real-time.
How to recharge the battery of an electric bike?
E-bikes charge from any power outlet. Most recent models are equipped with a removable battery. You do not need to leave your bike plugged in overnight.
A full charge takes about 3 to 4 hours, but the batteries have improved to the point where you can charge them partially in a matter of hours, without damaging the battery pack. So you do not need to unload it completely.
How much does an electric bike cost?
Most e-bikes cost a little more than regular bikes, although the price of batteries, motors, and components is constantly decreasing.
It is now possible to find an entry-level electric bike for 500 $ while professional models can cost several thousand euros.
The good news is that the Ministry of Ecology reimburses you 20% of the purchase price until January 31st (200 $ maximum). Here is the official website to benefit from this bonus:
Another advantage, the cost of running an electric bike is minimal, of the order of a few cents per kilometer (charging the battery on the sector).
How to choose your electric bike?
Are you still hesitating? Here are the important criteria to make the right choice:
Autonomy
The autonomy of an electric bike is between 10 and 100 km depending on the model. The range displayed by the manufacturer is often wide. Indeed, the autonomy varies enormously depending on your size, the number of coasts traveled, the weather and the type of road traveled.
ATV or electric bike?
As for non-electric models, you will necessarily have to choose between an all-terrain bike (ATV) or an all-road bike (VTC). The first is suitable for athletes to pass everywhere while the second is an urban bike for roads and paths
Height and weight
Depending on your use, you may be looking for a foldable, lightweight and compact electric bike for the city. Or, a stable bike with a big battery for long trips. It’s up to you to find the right compromise because an electric bike weighing more than 20kg is difficult to carry!
Speed
All e-bikes have a maximum speed from which the assistance will no longer work. This is not very troublesome since the dynamo is especially useful for starts and in the ribs.
Brakes and derailleur
As always, I advise checking the quality of the brakes for your safety. Similarly, a branded derailleur is a necessity to avoid being stupidly in the middle of the road with an electric bike out of order.
Guarantee
Given the high price of an electric bike, it is important to check the warranty period of the different parts. Generally, the battery has a shorter warranty but it is possible to change without breaking the bank. By cons, the structure itself as the frame and the engine must be guaranteed at least 2 years to be quiet.