Electric Bike Guide
There’s nothing quite like a challenging bike ride. Getting a good workout can be extremely rewarding, but some days we all find ourselves wishing it were just a little bit easier. That’s probably why electric bikes also called E-Bikes have been getting increasingly popular throughout the last several years. An E-Bike with pedals assist can expand your riding possibilities. As E- Bikes have become more popular the types have expanded. You can find an E-Bike for road, gravel, and mountain biking. E-Bikes are fun to ride and bring some unique benefits to the hobby of cycling, so now is a great time to learn about them if you haven’t already.
What Are Electric Bikes?
An E-Bike is very similar to a normal bicycle except that it also has an electric motor that can help move the bike forward. Even though there are many options on the market right now, there are two primary types of electric bikes:
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- Pedal-Assist E-Bikes – Many electric bikes are designed so that the electric motor engages while the rider pedals. In other words, you still control the speed by pedaling your feet, but you’ll accelerate more quickly and get more power out of each stroke. Expect your E-Bike to assist your pedaling until you hit a certain speed, at which point the motor will disengage for safety’s sake.
- E-Bikes With Throttles – Some e-bikes have a throttle-only mode in addition to pedal assistance. By using the throttle, a rider can control the speed of the bike without pedaling at all.
Some paths and trails have restrictions on which types of electric bikes are allowed. If you’re interested in riding yours anywhere but on the street, make sure the class you select is approved for your favorite riding spots. If you’re having a hard time finding the information you need, just reach out to us and we’ll try to answer all of your questions.
Benefits of E-Bikes
There are many reasons you might decide to buy an electric bike, but the following are some of the most popular:
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- Electric bikes are great for commuting. Many people who choose this kind of bike are doing it to rely less on their cars. You won’t show up to work or the grocery store drenched in sweat as an added benefit. This is nice if you need to bring a heavy bag, get up a hill, or just get around in Phoenix’s oppressive heat.
- You can still get some exercise. Riding an e-bike will still help you burn about the same amount of calories you would walking. This makes them ideal for when you just want a light workout or want to tackle an exceptionally long route.
- The technology is improving quickly. The first E-Bikes didn’t have very long ranges, which meant people had to recharge them all the time. Now that batteries are getting better, you can recharge less frequently and go further on a single charge.
- They’re more comfortable to ride. If you have trouble keeping up with your cyclist friends or completing longer rides, you can immediately add speed and distance by switching to an electric bike. Pedal-assist bikes allow people to conquer long, demanding rides even if they aren’t in fantastic shape.
How Electric Bikes Work
The pedaling and handling will be just like it is on a regular bicycle, except that the pedaling will be much easier. Your electric bike’s motor will help you rotate the pedals, adding more power to every stroke. To make this happen, your e-bike will rely on a battery and an electric motor.
The battery is there to store power that can be sent through the motor. You can recharge an electric bike by plugging it into the wall, just like you do with all other electronics. The battery sends power to the motor, which can help propel your bike in three ways.
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- Front Hub Electric Bike Motor – When the motor is on your front tire, it spins that wheel to pull the bike forward. Some people say the feeling of being pulled is a little bit unusual at first, especially compared to riding a traditional bike.
- Rear Hub Electric Bike Motor – Motors on the rear hub push the bike forward by spinning the wheel, which can feel more natural for the rider than being pulled from the front.
- Mid-Drive Electric Bike Motor – This type of bike offers the most natural feel for most riders. It sends its power directly to the bike’s drivetrain, so the riding and handling feel almost identical to how you would pedal yourself.
E-Bike Technology Options
Even beyond the different motors, there are a few things to think about when you’re buying an E-Bike. One of the biggest things to consider is how much torque and power you’ll need. If you just want a little bit of an extra boost, you won’t need much. If you plan to climb massive hills or haul a lot of gear with you, it will have more torque.
The next thing to know about electric bikes is that they’re slightly heavier because of the battery and motor. The added weight can make bikes feel a little bit harder to maneuver, so look for a light frame if you still want to be nimble. Most importantly, though, make sure you’re investing in a quality frame that can handle the weights and speeds you’ll subject it to without breaking.
Finally, it’s time to pick your accessories. Some E-Bikes can integrate with your smartphone, which opens up a whole world of possibilities. Engage an e-bike’s integrated lock from anywhere, or connect with GPS to track your ride. Other accessories include the following:
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- Mounted Displays – If you aren’t connecting your electric bike to your phone, a display screen can help you see some stats along the ride.
- Security – Electric bikes can be pricey, so you’ll want to make sure you protect it.
- Lighting – If you are riding on the road at night, good lighting can keep you safe.
- Racks – Since e-bikes can carry a lot of weight, give yourself spots for your gear.
How to Operate an E-Bike
If you already know how to ride a bike, transitioning to an electric bicycle will be easy. Just make sure you understand the type you buy so you can tune all of the settings appropriately. For example, some bikes have different levels for you to select. It may feel slightly unusual at first since there’s so much less resistance when you pedal, but you’ll get used to it. A lot of people say they fall in love with their new e-bikes almost immediately.
Electric Bikes for Sale in Phoenix
If you’re ready to try a high-quality electric bike, you can find it here at Curbside Cyclery. Before you leave, let’s make sure you have all of the information you need to enjoy an e-bike to the fullest. Stop by today to check our selection
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Featured Image: Shutterstock / Stockphoto-graf