Electric bikes: types and features, how to choose

Electric bicycle externally similar to the usual and differs in the fact that it is powered by a battery. The wheels are driven by a motor. Its peculiarity is that it is not necessary to actively pedal. All the features of a classic bicycle are preserved: you can ride measuredly on city streets or quickly go off-road and in the mountains.

What electric bikes are available?

There are different types of electric bicycles, differing in purpose, motor arrangement, power, frame design and other factors. Equipment options give your options for speed and maneuverability of this type of transport.

Types of electric bicycles by purpose:

• Urban or highway bicycles are designed for movement on hard asphalt pavement. They are fitted with slick tires without a tread pattern on the tires.
• For dirt roads, semi-slick bikes are suitable. The tread has grip treads on the sides and a slightly embossed pattern in the center.
• Mountain models for rough terrain have off-road tires with very embossed rubber.
• For winter, deep pattern tires with spikes are used.

Motor types:

• External chain-driven motor - gives good torque, but makes noise when running.
• Wheel motor or hub motor are mounted in one or both wheels. Gear models are powerful when accelerating, work steadily on the rise, but do not allow the vehicle to reach high speeds. Direct-drive motors have slower acceleration, require more energy, but the electric bicycle develops high speed.

Most often, electric bicycles are equipped with a motor-wheel. Such a motor has a large range of speeds. He is easy to maintain, it is easy to replace.

Drive options:

• Rear-wheel drive gives you high cross-country capability, more speed modes, and ease of operation. Rear-wheel drive electric bike is suitable for riding on stony and uneven terrain at high speed, you can quickly accelerate and climb the hill. Minus - it skids on turns because of uneven weight distribution. On snow, sand and slippery road it is difficult to control it.
• Front-wheel drive gives easy control on a level road, the bike does not skid on turns, even in icy areas. When the rider begins to pedal, the effort of the feet set in motion the rear wheel and the motor the front - it's almost all-wheel drive. Minus - on front-wheel drive bicycles put low-powered motors, so you can not ride on off-road and mountainous terrain.

How to choose an e-bike

First of all, oriented on what terrain is to be ridden: urban or dirt roads, flat or mountainous terrain. This largely determines what should be the design of the main elements:

• On flat terrain, a high-torque motor is not required, while for mountain roads it is necessary.
• Rear-wheel-drive electric bikes are suitable for fans of cycling, riding on rough terrain. Front-wheel drive models are for fans of measured riding, classic fit and ease of operation.
• Autonomy is how many kilometers of mileage between recharges. The standard is in the range of 16-32 km. If more distance is required, choose a model with a more powerful battery.
• Wheels with embossed treads are suitable for rough terrain, with a smoother surface are designed for urban roads.
• How much weight the electric bike is rated for. On average, they can hold up to 113 kg.
• Folding bike or not.

The question of cost affects the quality of transport. The more expensive the electric bike, the lighter it is, longer does not require recharging and more wear-resistant.