Electric Bikes - Defining The Concept And Function
Michael Russell
October 29, 2009
Electric bikes may not necessarily be what you perceive them to be; they are not an electricity driven motorbike or moped, on the contrary, they are far more similar to a normal bicycle. In fact this is precisely what they are! A normal bicycle with no special accessories except perhaps a couple of different speeds! Take a small electric motor, a controller for this and a battery and add it to the bicycle, and you have an electric bike. You are also able to add this electrical kit to your bike yourself if you are handy with DIY.
So basically you have a normal bicycle that functions like one, it has electric power components, but you can still pedal it like a normal bike. It is thought of as a bicycle with electrical assistance, not as a motorbike or moped.
You will not be allowed to participate in the Tour de France with a bike like this, and to be honest, you are also not going to be able to achieve very high speeds. But what will happen is, you receive assistance from the motor if and when you need it. Many people would like to ride bicycle to improve their fitness levels and it may just be a little too tough for them. An electric bike will help to get over the hard riding parts and also help increase your fitness levels in small increments, which is how this should be.
As is the case with normal bicycles, electric bikes come in different shapes, sizes, styles and designs. There are models for a relaxed ride, a more active ride, a sporty rider and they also come in different speeds.
These electric motors can be the chain driven type, or even be fitted in the rear or front wheel hub. The chain driven type is more conspicuously electrical, while bikes with the motor in the wheel hubs are more streamlined.
Motors come in different power ratings and a fitted depending on your potential use. The battery can be one of three different types; lithium ion, nickel metal hydride and lead acid batteries. The more modern the motor it the more modern will be the battery required and some motors allow the user to choose that battery they would want.
The operation of the electric motor depends on a controller which can be fitted as a throttle on the handlebars, or can be activated by pedaling. Again which you choose depends on your needs or likes and dislikes.
So basically you have a normal bicycle that functions like one, it has electric power components, but you can still pedal it like a normal bike. It is thought of as a bicycle with electrical assistance, not as a motorbike or moped.
You will not be allowed to participate in the Tour de France with a bike like this, and to be honest, you are also not going to be able to achieve very high speeds. But what will happen is, you receive assistance from the motor if and when you need it. Many people would like to ride bicycle to improve their fitness levels and it may just be a little too tough for them. An electric bike will help to get over the hard riding parts and also help increase your fitness levels in small increments, which is how this should be.
As is the case with normal bicycles, electric bikes come in different shapes, sizes, styles and designs. There are models for a relaxed ride, a more active ride, a sporty rider and they also come in different speeds.
These electric motors can be the chain driven type, or even be fitted in the rear or front wheel hub. The chain driven type is more conspicuously electrical, while bikes with the motor in the wheel hubs are more streamlined.
Motors come in different power ratings and a fitted depending on your potential use. The battery can be one of three different types; lithium ion, nickel metal hydride and lead acid batteries. The more modern the motor it the more modern will be the battery required and some motors allow the user to choose that battery they would want.
The operation of the electric motor depends on a controller which can be fitted as a throttle on the handlebars, or can be activated by pedaling. Again which you choose depends on your needs or likes and dislikes.
Print
Email
