What is an Electric Bike and How Do They Work?

Electric bikes have grown in popularity and sales over the past five years. In 2022, 1.1 million ebikes were sold in the United States; almost four times more than in 2019, when 325,000 were sold.

There are many reasons why more people are using electric bikes. They are an affordable and eco-friendly alternative to cars and public transport. They are also more versatile than non-electric bicycles, enabling you to engage the pedal assist to conserve energy and ride further.

In this article, you’ll learn what an electric bike is, how it works, and the different types of models.

What is an Electric Bike?

On the surface, an electric bicycle works just like a regular bike. They have a frame with handlebars, pedals, brakes, suspension, and tires. While riding, you engage the pedals to propel the bicycle forward.

What makes an electric bike unique? They have the same components as a non-electric bike. But they also have a built-in battery, electric motor, and sometimes a throttle. On an electric bike, when you engage the pedals, the motor kicks in to help propel you forward.

The term “ebike” is a shorthand way of referring to an electric bike, meaning the two terms are interchangeable.

What Types of Electric Bikes Are There?

The main types of electric bikes are off-road, fat tire, folding, commuter, and cargo. Let’s learn more about each type in greater detail.

Off-Road Ebike

Off-road electric bikes have sturdy frames and tires to tackle uneven terrain. They also have front or dual suspension to cushion bumps and impacts. Not every off-road ebike has fat tires, but those that do can usually ride on sand and snow.

The main benefits of off-road ebikes are their strength and versatility. They can withstand harsher terrain and conditions than commuter ebikes. Plus, riding an off-road bike lets you explore areas that would otherwise be inaccessible.

Fat Tire EBike

As the name implies, these electric bikes have fat tires. Their minimum tire dimensions are at least 20x4”. This means they have at least 20-inches of diameter and 4-inches of width. Due to their large tire profile, fat tire ebikes can handle uneven terrain while maintaining comfort and support.

The best fat tire electric bikes come in a variety of model types. These include commuter, off-road, folding, and cargo. This means you can choose a fat tire model that suits your needs and riding preferences. They also support heavier riders more easily than skinnier tires.

Folding Ebike

Folding ebikes have a foldable frame design. You can unlock the latch in the middle and fold the frame in half sideways. This lets you store the ebike in compact spaces, like the back of vehicles and storage cupboards. The foldable frame makes carrying the ebike on trains and buses easier.

The best folding electric bikes are highly portable. They take up less storage space than standard electric bikes. And they are easier to take with you on public transport. This means you can take your ebike with you to more places.

Commuter Ebikes

Commuter ebikes are great for daily commuting, riding around town, and spending time outside.

By swapping out cars and public transport for a commuter ebike, you save on transportation costs and get more exercise. You also arrive at your destination with more energy (and less sweat) than a non-electric bicycle.

Commuter ebikes come in various shapes and configurations. These range from step-through folding electric bikes to fat tire electric bikes with dual suspension systems. This way, you can choose a model that suits your needs and riding style.

Cargo Ebikes

Cargo ebikes have a high storage capacity and long travel range. In terms of electric bike weight, they usually have a maximum load capacity of at least 350 lbs. More advanced models can carry up to 440 lbs and higher.

The best cargo e-bikes for families have either a front- or rear-facing tray built into the frame. You can attach different storage accessories to it, including boxes, containers, and child seats. This way, you can transport groceries, work or school supplies, and small kids safely.

Some cargo ebikes have a dual battery system, which extends the travel range by nearly double. If you have a single-battery ebike with a 55-mile travel range, a double-battery system will extend it to 85 miles.

How Do Electric Bikes Work?

Electric bikes work just like non-electric bicycles, in the sense that you engage the pedals to propel forward. However, electric bikes have a built-in battery, motor, and pedal assist. They also have an on-screen display to shower your speed, battery, and travel range.

The battery supplies power to the motor, which provides varying level of assistance based on pedaling effort. The internal controller unit functions like the “brain” of the electric bike, determining how much power the motor sends to the pedals.

Some electric bikes have a throttle on the handlebars. When engaged, the throttle propels the ebike forward without pedaling.

Key Components of an Electric Bike

The main components of an electric bike are the motor, battery, sensor, controller, and display. Let’s explore each of these components in more detail.

Motor

The motor is the heart of the electric bike. It draws power from the battery and uses that energy to rotate the pedals based on pedaling effort. The motor also powers the throttle.

The two main types of motors are hub and mid-drive. Hub motors are usually positioned in the center of the front or rear wheel. Mid-drive motors are always positioned in the centre of the frame, near the crank and pedals.

There are advantages and use cases for both motor types. Hub motors are affordable and often come with a throttle, but they’re also heavier and more energy consuming than mid-drive motors.

On the other hand, mid-drive motors have a smooth power transition. What does that mean? There is near-zero latency when you start pedaling and when the pedal assist kicks in. The result is a more natural riding experience.

Battery

Electric bike batteries supply power to the motor and other electrical components. They come in various battery capacities, ranging from 600Wh to 864Wh. Most modern electric bikes have lithium-ion batteries due to their high capacity, long lifespan, low maintenance, and fast-charging capabilities.

Ebike batteries are either stored internally in the frame or are removeable, allowing you to recharge them separately from the bike frame.

Sensor

Electric bike sensors work as a bridge between the motor and the pedals. They sense when the rider is pedaling, telling the motor when to kick in and how much assistance to provide.

Ebike sensors come in two types: cadence and torque. Cadence sensors can only measure when the rider is pedaling, while torque sensors can measure both when and how hard the rider is pedaling. The latter is a more fluid, seamless power transition.

Controller

If the motor is the electric bike’s heart, the controller is the brain. It tells the motor when to start, when to stop, and how much pedal assist to supply. When the rider engages the pedals or throttle, the controller springs into action, telling the battery to supply power to the motor.

The controller is also connected to other electrical components like the brakes, throttle, and display. It assists with other essential tasks like battery management to prevent overcharging and excess battery discharge.

Display

Electric bike displays are positioned on the handlebars, usually the centre or tothe side.

Available as LED or LCD displays, displays are connected to the controller and show vital information like speed, distance travelled, assistance mode, and battery level. This allows riders to process information and change settings quickly – without taking their eyes off the path ahead.

What are the Classes of Electric Bikes?

In the United States, federal and state laws classify electric bikes into three different categories: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3.

Each ebike class represents specific rules for specific models. For example, Class 1 electric bikes are limited to a top speed of 20 mph, and the motor only works when the rider is pedaling. Also, Class 1 ebikes are allowed on roads and foot paths.

Here is a breakdown of each class and their applicable laws. Keep in mind that laws may differ between states, so refer to your state government for clarity.

• Class 1: Pedal-assisted ebikes with a top speed of 20 mph and no throttle-only mode.
• Class 2: Pedal-assisted ebikes with a top speed of 20 mph and a throttle-only mode.
• Class 3: Pedal-assisted ebikes with a top speed of 28 mph and no throttle-only mode. May require a driver’s license or moped license depending on the state.

How to Operate an Electric Bike

There are many ways to use a pedal-assisted electric bike.

• Pedal Only: You can ride an electric bike like a conventional bicycle, where you use only the pedals and no pedal assist. You can do this by adjusting the settings or when the battery reaches zero.
• Pedal Assist: This is the most common way to ride a pedal assist electric bike. Here, you engage the pedals and use the pedal assist to help you accelerate and maintain speed. This makes it easier to start from zero and climb steep inclines.
• Throttle: Electric bikes with a throttle propel you forward without using the pedals. You typically activate it by twisting a grip or pressing a trigger. The extra assistance is particularly advantageous for riders with limited mobility. This includes the elderly and those recovering from injuries.

How Much Does an Electric Bike Weigh?

In most cases, electric bikes are heavier than non-electric bikes. This is due to the addition of electric components like the battery, motor, sensor, and display. Ebike frames are often sturdier than non-electric bike frames, which further increases their weight.

Depending on specifications, the average electric bike weighs anywhere from 61lbs (27kg) to 75lbs (34kg). Other factors like tire size and frame material also contribute to the total weight. For example, a carbon fiber frame can be 36% lighter than aluminium.

How to Choose the Right Electric Bike

There are many factors to consider when choosing an electric bike. These include your budget, riding style, travel range, and local laws. Where you intend to ride will also influence your decision.

Do you live in a hilly suburban area with mostly flat terrain? A commuter electric bike could be a great choice. Do you want to go on long distance off-road excursions? A mountain electric bike can help you go far and tackle rough terrain.

If you have limited storage space and need to carry your bike up and down stairs, then consider a folding electric bike. And if you are unsure which electric bike is right for you, reach out to the manufacturer for advice.

Do I Need a License to Ride an Electric Bike?

That depends on where you ride and the type of electric bike you own. Most local electric bike laws in the United States permit the use of Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes without a driver’s license or moped license.

There are exceptions, though. States like Alaska and Hawaii do have ebike licensing requirements. Alaska requires you to have an operators license, while Hawaii requires ebike owners to be registered.

Visit People for Bikes to learn more about the ebike licensing state laws in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fast Do Electric Bikes Go?

The average top speed of an electric bike is from 20 to 32 mph. Certain riders may be able to exceed the advertised top speed range with more pedaling effort. Riding with less weight can increase your acceleration and top speed too.

How Often Do Ebikes Need to Be Charged?

That depends on your total battery capacity and riding habits. Most batteries can last about 40 to 55 miles before they require a full recharge. The throttle-only mode is the fastest way to drain a battery, lasting about 30 miles.

Final Thoughts

As electric bikes have grown in popularity, so too have the number of types and models to choose from. Whether you’re after an urban commuter or an off-road powerhouse, you’re bound to find the right fit.

Explore the full electric bike range at Heybike to elevate your ride.