Ebikes have become popular over the past few years as the technology has improved.
They are now more affordable, offer greater range, and are generally a lot of fun to ride.
Ebikes make it easy for people to cover larger distances and climb steep hills without exerting too much.
Most ebikes generally offer pedal assist, where the motor kicks in as you pedal.
This means you use less energy while riding over challenging terrain.
For example, do you plan on using your ebike mainly for commuting?
Are you more of a recreational rider?
In that case, look for ebikes with powerful motors that can handle hilly terrain or off-road trails.
Commuter bikes, for instance, are generally designed to go over long distances on flat surfaces.
Therefore, the first thing to do is to find an ebike that fits your purpose.
Understand Different Ebike Classes
Not all ebikes can be driven on bike paths or general roads.
The electric motor only kicks in when you’re pedaling, so there’s no dedicated throttle.
However, riders have the freedom to choose the level of pedal assist available and switch gears.
These are also relatively cheaper and are mainly designed to help riders on their commute.
So, even if you stop pedaling, the motor helps maintain forward momentum.
Obviously, this consumes more battery.
However, state rules tend to vary regarding Class 3 ebikes having throttles.
Mid-drive motors are mounted on the bottom bracket of your bike frame, usually near the crank.
First, it’s quite expensive since it requires a specialized bottom bracket.
In contrast, hub motors are installed in the wheel hub of either the front or rear wheel.
Understand Ebike Braking
Modern ebikes feature a lot of technological advancements, with some ebikes also offeringABS braking.
Ebikes are generally heavier, so you’ll want to brake early.
Most ebikes offer different parameters, ranging from “eco” to “intermediate” to “turbo.”
This is fairly self-explanatory and generally relates to the level of assistance you’ll get.
Many ebikes have an indicator on the handle, showing you how much battery is left.
Some bikes also provide features such asautomatic shiftingto manage battery life better.
Whenever you hit hilly terrain, you’re able to always shift up.
When riding on the roads, it is essential to pay attention to your surroundings at all times.
They are much better for the environment and offer excellent health benefits.
