Have you ever been intrigued by the magnificence of electric bikes? If you have, I don’t blame you. These bikes have stood the test of time and continue to do so. But have you ever thought to yourself, “How do E-Bikes work?”
Get ready to have your mind blown as we delve deep into how electric bikes work, their components, and everything else about this spectacular creation.
What Are E-Bikes
Before going any further, let’s talk about what electric bicycles bring to the table. E-bikes are just a refined version of standard bikes that offer an eclectic range of features.
In essence, electric bikes have a motor that assists the movement of the pedals. This means you don’t have to worry about going too fast and jeopardizing your well-being.
You may have also noticed that they seem to have something in common with regular motorbikes. However, these are a much more eco-friendly mode of transportation as they don’t emit any dangerous fumes or smoke that pollute the environment.
What are Electric Bicycles Made Of?
An ebike must have three main components for it to be functional. These components come together to produce a well-oiled machine that reaches your destination and protects the planet simultaneously. Let’s discuss these components and their respective roles.
The Battery: Your E-Bike’s Core
The battery is the heart and soul of the operation as it helps power your electric bike motor. It is usually mounted on the handlebar of your bike and stores all the electricity needed by your motor.
It’s also chargeable, akin to the battery of a phone or a laptop. So, whenever you aren’t on the road, make sure to charge it up for your next expedition.
The Motor: Your E-Bike’s Muscle
Like the battery, the motor is an integral part of your E-Bike as well. This can either be a mid-drive motor that’s located centrally on the bike or one that’s located on the front or rear hub.
You’re bike can also have a hub-based motor that pushes the wheel directly or an axle-mounted one that deals with the chain and gears. When you start cycling, the motor gets activated and assists you until you reach a certain speed.
The Sensor: Your E-Bike’s Brain
The third component your bike needs is a sensor. There are two main types of sensors in e-bikes: speed and torque sensors.
A speed sensor detects how hard you pedal and switches the motor off once you reach a set maximum speed.
A torque sensor is a more advanced and vital part of your bike that calculates the force of your pedaling. Think of it as a way of achieving coordination between your bike’s pedals and the motor.
Moreover, these three components are paramount to the functionality of your bike and come together to provide you with a smooth and effortless ride. Now that we’ve discussed the three parts of your bike, let’s see how electric bikes actually work.
How Do Electric Bikes Work?
One thing that distinguishes an e-bike from a traditional one is its pedal-assist feature. This means that riders receive some assistance from the motor when they pedal. This is ideal as it helps prevent over-exertion and keeps things fun.
When a bike user starts pedaling, the torque sensors detect the force of the pedaling. Then, it proceeds to match it with the motor’s power output (which is only possible if it is powered with a battery). The key is to maintain a balance between the motor’s involvement and your effort.
You can also see a display screen, also known as a controller, integrated into the bike’s handlebar. This allows you to determine how much power assistance you need and select from five different levels. This depends on whether you’re going off-road or zooming down a highway.
Some bikes even have a throttle. This feature allows cyclists to start the motor without actually pedaling. Your bike may also have a “boost” feature that offers you short bursts of extra power with the press of a button. Some even have a walk-assist mode that makes it easier to push the bike when you’re not riding it.
Energy-Related E-Bike Terminology Every User Should Know
When you own an E-Bike, it’s important to be aware of a few important energy-related terms. If you haven’t been paying much attention in physics class, this section is for you. Let’s acquaint you with some terms that you should know when you begin your cycling journey.
E-Bike Wattage: Calculating the Motor Power
The force that you feel when the motor of your E-Bike pushes you forward comes from something called wattage.
So, why does wattage matter? Well, the higher the wattage, the more power the motor can provide. Generally speaking, an E-Bike motor of 250 to 750 watts tends to be incredibly powerful, which often translates to a more fun and controlled riding experience.
An electric motor with a wattage that’s within this range is powerful enough to propel the bike to a speed of 15-16 miles per hour.
Voltage: The Speed of Power
Voltage in electrical devices is defined as the pressure that pushes electricity from the battery (a power source) to the motor. This is measured in volts (V).
As expected, the more the volts, the higher the pressure at which electricity reaches the motor will be. Electric bike batteries typically come in three voltages: 52V, 48V, and 36V.
A 52V battery provides optimum performance. This is because of its higher efficiency and ability to generate plenty of power. This helps your bike go faster, which can earn you a rapturous and satisfying ride.
Amp-Hours: The E-Bike’s Endurance
The Amp-Hours, or Ah in short, measures the maximum battery capacity and endurance during a certain period. It is calculated by multiplying the amperes with hour.
It can also show the rate at which your E-Bike’s battery can provide current to your motor. For example, a fully charged battery of 4 Ah can produce 4 amperes of current every hour.
So, to get the most out of your battery, make sure to recharge it after its usage. This ensures that it’s ready to roll the next time you’re on the road with your bike.
Let’s Pedal Our Way To The End
So that’s everything you need to know about riding an E-Bike, how they work, their various electric components and features, and some battery-related terminology you should be familiar with.
All E-Bikes provide you with an option to alter the level of assistance you want to better suit your comfort levels, earning you a safer and more enjoyable riding experience. You could even use a throttle whenever you feel like resting and want your bike to take over.
However, the availability of some of these features depends on the bike and the model that you end up choosing. You have to buy the bike that is best for your needs. So pick wisely, and happy biking!
