Electric bikes can be defined as bicycles that are propelled, by battery power or pedal power. When dealing with standard bikes, all you have to generate power and move forward is the power generated by pedaling. The pedaling motion supported by the chains moves the wheels forward in synchronized cyclic motions.
While electric bikes can be powered through the use of batteries. Electric bikes are the new darlings of the cycling world. They come in different unique designs that blend aesthetic quality with speed and accuracy. E-bikes in many ways, edge it when compared to standard bikes.
They are capable of going for long distances, and they stand strong, even when faced with difficult terrains. They are easy to use and maintain, and they are also going for almost the same price as the standard ones.
As a result, sales of ebikes are on the rise, as more people go for the battery-powered type of bicycle than the standard one. This article hopes to examine what E-bikes are, how they work with a detailed guide on how to choose the right electric bike to meet your needs.
What are Electric Bicycles?
Whenever you mention e bikes, some assume you are referring to the gasoline/diesel engine motorcycle or the scooter. Electric bikes are not motorcycles. They are simply a battery-powered version of the standard bicycle.
In September 2021 bike sales reached an all-time high, increasing by a whopping 240% within 12 months. The aftermath of the covid 19 era has people opting for modes of transportation that wouldn’t require making contact with anybody, and more people are buying into the idea of electrical bikes as viable alternatives.
The choice of ebikes, is a result of several factors and the advantages it has, over the standard bicycle. Some of these factors include:
E-bikes are more adaptable to all types of roads
Standard bikes can be quite difficult to ride when moving across rocky or bumpy terrain. In most cases, when climbing a hill, you have to mount off your bike and push it through a hill path. The pain you get from riding through these parts can be quite discouraging. This is not the case with electric mountain bikes as they are packed with enough battery juice to push you through these paths.
E-bikes are faster and easier to pedal
Electric Bikes make pedaling much easier through the help of the PAS(pedal assistant system). Riders only need to apply minimal effort for the pedals to move. When speed is required, the rider only needs to pull on the(usually finger-controlled) throttle and the bike is propelled forwards.
 E-bikes come in different types for different needs
Regardless of your preference and purpose for riding, the best electric bikes come with options for whatever you intend to use them for. There are high-capacity cargo bikes, off-roading bikes, commuter bikes, recreational bikes, electric mountain bikes, and Full suspension bikes. These bikes offer different services and fill different needs.
 They are easy to maintain and last long
E-bikes are easy to maintain and do not require fuel to work. All you need to do is to keep the battery charged to keep it active and functional. Depending on the frequency of use and the type of riding surface it is used on, electric bikes are capable of lasting for up to 10 years.
How do Electric Bicycles work?
Elbikes are composed mainly of similar items as you would find in a standard bicycle. The only difference you will find is the inclusion of a battery to power the throttle-controlled motors. The throttle activates the motors by releasing the power that propels the wheels to move faster.
For clarity, it is paramount to understand the anatomy of the e-bike. Here are the major parts of an electric bike:
Battery:
The battery in use in most electric bikes is the Lithium-ion battery. In Himiway long range ebikes you will come across a 48V 20Ah Samsung/LG battery built to last for long periods.
Display: Most electric bikes come with an LED screen that shows several necessary information on the current status of the bike. Items present include: battery level, miles covered, and in some cases navigation aides.
Tires:
Also included among the components of an electric bike are tires. These tires are of different sizes and dimensions depending on the purpose of the e-bike. The Himiway electric bikes use fat tire types that are rugged and dependable.
Electric Motor:
The electric motor performs the important task of converting electrical energy to mechanical energy for the electric bike to move. The motor helps in generating torque which helps in propelling the rider forward when the pedal is engaged.
Gear and brakes system:
The gear unit helps you pick up the pace as you encounter obstacles on your way, and you can switch between gears in line with your current needs. The brakes system also come in handy, by activating a motor cutoff switch to safely bring your bike to a halt.
Throttles:
Another important components are the throttles. Throttles make riding easier especially when you are going up a hill. Electric bikes are designed with different types of throttles some of which include the finger throttle, thumb throttle, and wheel throttles.
How to choose the right ebikes?
To make the best possible choice when purchasing an electric bike, it is crucial to look out for certain elements. These factors will guide your decision in choosing an electric bike to guarantee safe and enjoyable rides. Some of these elements are listed below:
Purpose:
The first item to consider is the purpose you want the electric bike to serve. You need to identify your commuting demands such as the topography of the land, whether will you need to carry your bike up the stairs, whether will you ride alone, how often will you be going off-road, etc.
Electric bikes come in types such as road bikes, Fat Tire Bikes, mountain bikes, hybrid bikes, folding e-bikes, and cargo bikes.
Range:
You may also want to consider the range of your e-bike before a purchase. How long does it go? Will it be able to cover your journey to and fro?
Knowing the range of your bike on paper can give you an idea of what to expect and how often you may need to charge it.
Weight :
Another factor worth considering is the overall weight of the bike. If you will need to carry the bike over a distance before use, you may want to go for a lighter alternative. Electric bikes also come with different weight capacities hence, it is important to ensure that you get a bike suited to your weight limit.
Battery Size:
The battery size determines how long your ebike will last. It is advisable to go for a battery size within your budget. Most electric bikes use Lithium-ion batteries and they are usually capable of lasting for a long time.
Is a license required to ride an e-bike?
In Canada, a license is not required to ride an electric bike, however, like every other commuter you will need to obey traffic laws. You are also required to use and helmet and other protective items when riding.
Conclusion
Electric Bikes are here to stay and with the current surge in sales, we can expect new and even more amazing designs in years to come.
