Electric Bike FAQs – For Everything You Need to Know

E-bikes are becoming popular day by day, with more and more people inquiring about what they are and whether they should get one for themselves. But there’s more to electric bikes than that, as selecting the right one requires you to ask many more questions. There is electric bike for adults, an electric motorcycle for kids, there is fat tire electric bike, a fast electric bike, a road electric bike, and don’t even get me started on electric bike accessories.

Yes, all of this may get a bit overwhelming but fret not, we are here to make your e-bike experience a smooth and seamless one. By the end of this blog, you will have a decent idea of what an e-bike is and what kind should you go for. Well, be having a look at some FAQs that people are asking before they venture into the vast expanse of e-bike verse.

Starting simple and easy, let’s just discuss what is an e-bike. An E-bike, or electric bike is a bicycle that is fitted with an electric motor that aids the rider when they are pedaling. Due to the electric motor, they can help you go further and quickly for longer than you could otherwise. They can also help you carry bigger loads, making them perfect for shopping trips when you don’t want to stay stuck in traffic for half and hour. As for the weight they can support, this depends on the type of setting you have selected. But for it to work, you need to keep pedaling. Remember, it’s a bike, not a motorcycle.

An e-bike works by adding to your pedaling force. When you are pedaling, the type of sensor you are using senses either your pace or pedaling force and matches it equally, making it easier for you to travel longer distances with half the energy spent. The power is either supplied to the wheels or crank depending on the e-bike. The battery needs to be charged and even if it runs out, you can still use your e-bike as a bicycle. 

If you think about it, an e-bike is almost the same as a bicycle, so why would someone opt for them when they are more expensive? Well, there are several key differences:

• E-bikes are heavier.
• They travel longer distances.
• They are ideal for carrying loads.
• They make riding easier and a fun experience.

The motor of an e-bike can be located at one of the three positions:

• At Front Wheels: This is the case for most affordable bikes that are used for getting around town and work with derailleur and hub gears.
• At Rear Wheels: More powerful than the front-wheel motor, it is quieter and has a conventional feel. It works only on derailleur gears and is ideal for both, urban and trail riding.
• At Crank (Mid): Located at pedals, this is the more sophisticated of the three and is ideal for mountain riding. It also works with both, derailleur and hub gears, giving a natural riding feel.

A very valid and logical question. Let’s count all the same benefits as bicycles, such as no licensing or insurance fees, improved health, and a green alternative to carbon-emission vehicles. But the real advantage lies in the assistance they offer, such as allowing the users to efficiently climb a steep surface, such as uphill. Not to mention they offer a better range while combating the wind. They are also good for people with medical conditions that limit their mobility, such as joint pain or asthma. With e-bikes, they can once again enjoy riding along scenic routes with a little assistance.

This is a tricky question and the answer needs to be understood carefully by anyone thinking of getting an e-bike soon. They are waterproof to a certain degree, but not entirely. If you are riding your e-bike in the rain, that’s fine, but if you are riding it through a stream, that can damage it. Similarly, when cleaning your bike, try not to point the jet at the connection points. 

Recommend: Dancing in the Rain with Your E-bike: Tips and Insights

This is again a tricky question, as there are several factors that affect how far you can ride your e-bike. Some of them include:

• Terrain (plain or hilly area)
• Wind
• Pedaling speed
• Type of setting

With assistance, you can go as fast as 20 to 28 miles per hour (up to 45 km per hour). There are laws that prevent e-bikes from going any faster, but you can pedal to exceed the limit. Although you can achieve even greater speed, the point of an e-bike is not to have high speed, but to have high average speed for your entire journey. It is best to use the assistance when you need to, such as on complex terrain, long distances, or when climbing steep slopes. 

The starting range for an e-bike can be anywhere from $1000 to $2500. As for the higher end, you can expect to pay as much as $10k or even more. These are the customized high-end bikes that are usually for high performance, such as riding on rough hilly terrain. But there is more to cost than the upfront price. The batteries need to be replaced every year, which can be a few hundred dollars. Then there are maintenance and electricity costs for charging. You will also need to invest in a good-quality lock (or security fitting) and just to be on the safe side, having your e-bike insured. 

These are but a few FAQs that we hope will help you in making up your mind about getting your first or next e-bike. They are wonderful things that are making the lives of people a little easier and making commuting a breeze for them.