What is an Electric Bike and How Does It Work?

Powered by an electric motor and battery, ebikes have a pedal assist mode. This allows riders to accelerate and maintain speed with minimal effort. This makes them ideal for riders with limited physical capabilities. These include the elderly, the disabled, and those recovering from injuries.

Understanding how an electric bike works can help you learn not just how to ride them, but how to choose the right model for you. In this article, you will find out what an electric bike is and how it works.

What is an Electric Bike?

An electric bicycle works like a regular one but has an electric motor and a battery. The battery supplies power to the motor, which assists the rider during pedalling. When the rider engages the pedals, the motor kicks in to accelerate and maintain momentum.

Some electric bikes have a throttle on the handlebars. When engaging the throttle, the electric bike propels forward without use of the pedals.

Electric Bike Laws in the UK

The UK has various laws in place to regulate the use of electric bikes. If you’re over 14 years of age, you can ride an electrical bike as long as it meets regulations.

In the UK, electric bikes are called ‘Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a license to ride an ebike. It also does not need to be registered, insured, or taxed. To be classified as an EAPC, the e-bike must:

• Display the power output, motor manufacturer, battery voltage, and maximum speed
• Have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• Not be able to propel when travelling faster than 15.5 mph

How Do Electric Bikes Work?

Electric bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries and electric motors. The motor draws power from the battery, which propels the e-bike forward via the controller unit.

The controller unit acts as the brain of the e-bike. It determines how much power the motor delivers to the pedals. It also regulates the flow of power during charging, to prevent overcharging and preserve battery life.

Sensors detect when the pedals are engaged. This ensures the motor only supplies power when the rider is pedalling. Torque sensors provide the most natural ride feel, as they measure when and how hard the rider is pedalling.

Key Components of an Electric Bike

Below are the various components that make up a battery-powered electric bike. These include the:

Motor

The motor gets power from the rechargeable battery. It uses this power to help propel the rider forward when they use the pedals. The motor also powers the throttle function, if the electric bike has one.

Battery

Modern e-bike batteries are made of lithium-ion. They supply power to the motor. They are installed either directly into the frame (and cannot be removed) or they can be inserted into a slot and be removable.

Sensors

Sensors detect when the rider is pedalling. Upon detecting movement, the sensor tells the motor to kick in.

Controller

The unit controller acts as the ‘brain’ of the electric bike. You can use the controller to determine how much pedal assistance you want. The controller also displays the battery level.

Types of Electric Bikes

There are many types of electric bikes to choose from. These range from off-road and hybrid to folding and commuter e-bikes. Each type has its unique advantages. Let’s quickly cover those now.

Commuter Ebikes

Commuter ebikes are great for daily commuting. This includes riding to work or school, to the store, or special appointments. The pedal assist helps you climb steep inclines and conserve energy. This leaves you less sweaty and more energised when you arrive at your destination.

Further Reading: How do I ride an electric bike for the first time?

Off-Road Ebikes

Off-road ebikes are designed to handle tough terrain. This includes surfaces like dirt, gravel, sand, and even snow. They have large frames, a sturdy suspension system, fat tyres, and powerful motors. These characteristics help riders remain comfortable and stable on uneven terrain.

Electric Hybrid Ebikes

Electric hybrid bikes combine the qualities of mountain and road models. They typically have a simple geometry with sturdy suspension and wide tyres. This makes hybrids suitable for riding on flat surfaces and light off-road surfaces.

Folding Ebikes

Folding ebikes have a foldable frame design. By unlocking the latch in the middle of the frame, you can fold it in half sideways. This enables you to store the ebike in compact spaces. These include offices, apartments, and certain vehicles.

What is the Range of an Ebike?

Various factors influence the range of an electric bike. These range from rider weight to wind conditions to tyre size to battery capacity.

How heavily you use the pedal assist, or the throttle, will determine the travel range of an electric bike. Naturally, the higher the pedal assistance, the faster you drain the battery. Applying the throttle at maximum is the fastest way to drain the battery.

Also, refer to the manufacturer’s estimated range. This information will tell you how many miles the electric bike will go under optimal conditions.

How Do You Ride an Electric Bike?

To ride an electric bike, you use it just like a regular bicycle. You get on the saddle, get comfortable, and use the pedals to push you forward.

Depending on the pedal assist setting, the motor will kick in and assist you with the pedalling process. This means you do not have to do all the work to accelerate and maintain speed, as the motor is helping out for you.

Does your electric bike have a throttle? If so, you can use it to accelerate without moving the pedals.

Final Thoughts

Now that you understand the basics of electric bikes – it’s time to choose one! There are various models, ranging from commuter to off-road to folding electric bikes. Each one has their unique advantages. So it’s important to pick one that meets your unique requirements.

Ready to elevate your riding experience? Explore the electric bike range at Heybike today.