What’s The Difference Between An Ebike Vs Regular Bike?

If you’re deciding between investing in an ebike or a regular bike, you might want to read this post first. Below, we discuss the most important aspects of both bikes and give you all the pros and cons so you can choose the right one for your needs, preferences, and budget.

An electric bike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor and a rechargeable battery, which helps power the bike’s movement. Think of ebikes as the middle spot between a traditional bike and a motorcycle.

Electric bikes have key features that distinguish them from traditional bikes, such as pedal assistance and throttle control, which can be adjusted to offer more or less power as needed. In simple terms, pedal assist gives you an extra boost but only when you pedal, whereas throttle control allows you to use the bike’s motor independently, without pedaling.

Finally, there are many different electric bike models such as fat tire ebikes, off-road ebikes, and more, which cater to different needs, preferences, and budgets.

At first sight, electric bikes and traditional bikes might look almost the same, but they have key differences that set them apart. In this section, we’ll go over the most important distinctions of each one.

The main difference between the two bikes is the power source. As mentioned above, an electric bike uses a rechargeable battery and motor to assist, while a regular bike relies solely on the rider’s physical effort.

With an ebike, you can cover distances faster with less physical effort, which is perfect for those who commute or have to ride on hilly terrain.

Thanks to motor assistance, electric bikes can reach higher speeds with less effort, compared to traditional bikes. Ebike speeds can range from 20 mph (32 km/h) to 28 mph (45 km/h), on average. This depends on the model and level of pedal assistance.

Fat tire ebikes offer a much lighter workout than common bikes. This doesn’t mean you won’t be able to exercise, on the contrary, you won’t get tired as quickly. If you plan on using your bike for daily commutes without excessive physical strain, investing on an ebike is a wise choice.

On a regular bike, you’re fully responsible for every pedal stroke, which can be good if you’re looking for a more physical cycling experience. 

Ebikes allow you to go farther without too much physical effort, however, their range depends on their battery life, which generally lasts between 20 to 70 miles per charge, depending on the type of battery and how you ride. If you use more throttle assistance than normal pedaling, you’ll consume more battery.

Regular bikes, on the other hand, don’t have a specific range limit. They’re only limited by the rider’s energy and endurance.

Both bikes require maintenance, but electric bikes tend to need more attention due to their additional components. The battery, motor, and electronic controls require specific care and may need occasional repairs. Common bikes have a simpler design and, therefore, are generally easier and cheaper to maintain.

If you’re not sure which bike is best for you, we listed the pros and cons of electric bikes vs normal bikes to help you make the right choice.

- Pros: They make commuting easier and can be used by riders of all ages, from kids to elders, and by people with physical limitations like back or knee pain. Plus, they’re perfect for uphill climbs and covering long distances without much physical effort.

- Cons: Fat tire ebikes are often more expensive and tend to be a bit heavier than regular bikes. They also require frequent charging and in some areas, they’re subject to specific regulations, such as restrictions on bike paths or trails.

-Pros: Regular bikes are affordable, lightweight, and require less maintenance. They offer a full-body workout and don’t have any legal restrictions, meaning they can be used in a wide range of areas.

-Cons: Riding a regular bike can be challenging for long distances and difficult terrain thus it requires consistent pedaling and can be very tiring.

Now that we’ve discussed the key differences and pros and cons of both models, it is time to help you decide which one you should choose based on your budget, needs, and preferences. 

- Choose an electric bike if you’re looking to get to your destination quicker and with less physical effort. Plus, you don’t mind spending a little more money or charging your battery frequently.

- Choose a normal bike if you like the physical challenge and have a limited budget. Regular bikes are still a great choice and will get you to your destination without an issue.

Switching from a traditional bike to an ebike is one of the best things you can do, and if you need some recommendations of ebikes to choose from, we’ve got you covered.

These are the two most recommended fat tire ebikes that will change the way you commute:

- HappyRun Tank G60 Pro: Perfect for beginners who don’t need much power but still want to enjoy assistance every now and then. It has a 48V 25Ah battery and a 1000W motor, which will give you plenty of power in your daily rides. With this bike, you can cover over 80 miles.

- HappyRun G100 Pro: The go-to ebike for those looking to tackle all obstacles and travel more than 78 miles with all the assistance you want. It has a powerful 3000W motor and a long-lasting 72V 36Ah battery.

Now you know the differences between an electric bike and a normal bike and are ready to choose the best one for your goals and budget.

Take a look at other HappyRun fat tire ebikes and find the perfect companion for your adventures, or invest in some quality ebike accessories to make your rides more enjoyable.