Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bikes

Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bik

When we think about technologies that have changed the world, and how we function and exist in it, there are certain ones that come to mind. The automobile, the computer, and most recently, the smartphone.   

There is, however, another technology that is quietly flourishing and spreading around us without getting nearly as much attention. One that has the world changing potential – the Electric Bicycle.

In fact, the technology is so popular that in Asia, the world’s largest e-bike market, there are two hundred million of them in use. They account for over a quarter of all the bicycles in the country.

In the United States, the numbers are smaller for now.  Yet, more and more people are becoming aware of them, and adoption rates are increasing.

20 years from now, as we reflect back on our search for the personal mobility solution, we are likely not going to remember the world before ebikes just as it is becoming harder to remember it before the smartphones came along.

The Back Story

Electric vehicles have been in existence for over a hundred years. They predate the gasoline-driven versions by several decades. In fact, if someone in the year 1900 had to bet on the future of cars they’d have put their money on electricity., 

Although the first patents for something resembling today’s bicycles date to the 1890s, the modern electric bike is only about 20 years old with most popularity gained in the past few years. The early modern ebike suffered from the same issue it’s vintage counterpart did – both used heavy, short-lived and expensive batteries – like lead-acid technology making them heavy, unreliable and impractical.

One of the side effects of the technological revolution of the recent past is finally shaking things up. Thanks to the rapid scaling of laptop, cell phone and other mobile electronic device production, a much lighter and durable battery became affordable – lithium ion.  Battery packs that used to weigh 20 lbs and provide only a few miles of range now weigh  less than 10 lbs and provide up to 60+ miles of range. Today, most electric bicycles use these cells.

Finally after a century of being little more than a fringe idea, ebikes are starting to boom and come into the mainstream.  The technology is maturing, and we are atarting to consider e-bikes as reliable daily transportation and recreation for the masses.

This led people to wonder what separates an electric bike from a regular bike.

Why people choose to get an electric bike.

Once they find out about electric bikes, many people wonder why someone would buy one instead of a regular bike.  These doubts resolve around:

• what’s the technical difference between the two?
• what are the advantages of an electric bike?
• isn’t the point of riding a bike to get exercise?  
• why are they much more expensive than regular bikes?

These are all compelling and valid questions that we often find ourselves answering to customers.  After all, there is a lot of misunderstanding around them. As they are whole new type of transportation, people aren’t that familiar with them yet.

But don’t worry. By the end of this post, you’ll know the difference between an electric bike and a regular bike. And what is more important, you’ll know if an electric bike is for you.

What are the technical differences between a regular bike and an electric one?

It’s simple!  An electric bike is a regular bike with the addition of an electrical drive system. This consists of a battery, a motor, a way to integrate the motor’s power into the drivetrain, and a way to control that power.

In the image above you can spot the 4 components:

• Our mid-drive motor is at the center, below the frame.
• The battery that powers the motor is in the rear rack.
• The drivetrain that integrates the power is in the rear wheel. In this case, it’s the NuVinci N360.
• Finally, the throttle, which controls that power, is in the handlebar.

Let’s start with the electric mid-drive motor. This is the main component and is what makes the bike ride effortlessly. This type of motor has higher performance and torque when compared to a traditional hub motor. As it drives the crank and not the wheel, it multiplies its power and takes better advantage of the bike’s existing gears. Also, it’s positioned close to the center of gravity and low to the ground. This helps improve the handling of your electric bike, as it distributes the weight better throughout the bike.

Now, the battery. This is usually the most expensive and heavy component of the bike. A typical electric bike battery (as an example, 36V10Ah) can provide you with up to 40 miles of riding, depending on a few factors. You can remove it with ease to take to your home or office to charge.

Third, the bike’s drivetrain. This is what delivers power to the driving wheels and convert speed and torque via gears. In this case, the NuVinci N360. Instead of having only a few gears to switch through as you encounter a change in terrain, you have an unlimited range controlled by the turn of a dial. A big hill? Turn up the “volume” and the NuVinci N360 will adjust.

Finally, the throttle. This is the mechanism that allows you to control the motor. For example, our bikes use a half twist throttle integrated into the handlebar. Twist it with your right hand, and you’ll experience the motor kick in.

Apart from those 4, electric bikes share the same components than regular bikes. A frame, two wheels, disc brakes, suspension, a comfortable seat, handlebars, and pedals.

What it’s important to remember is that there will always be differences. What I described above is the typical EVELO electric bike. But since e-bikes are a new technology, there are many different approaches to it.  For instance, some people prefer a hub motor over a mid-drive.

There isn’t one electric bike that is perfect for everyone. You just need to find which one is perfect for you.