Electric bikes are still a fairly foreign concept for many which is why we have put together a list of the most surprising facts to do with electric bikes and electric bike riding.
You still get a workout
Modern electric bikes will have several assist modes to choose from meaning that you are in control of how much work you are doing, and how much work the bike is doing.
Your carbon footprint is less than on a non ebike
It is estimated that ¾ of cycling’s greenhouse gas emissions come from the extra food required to fuel your ride. As ebikes allow you to use less effort, you require less fuel.
They are not cheating
The attitude that ebikes are cheating is thankfully disappearing as more and more people choose an e-bike. They allow you to arrive less sweaty or less tired, they allow you to have more fun on the downhills without the slog of the up (MTBers) and, very importantly, it allows people to get out on their bikes who would otherwise be unable.
It’s best to keep the software updated regularly
We would recommend updating an ebike motor and battery at least every year. This will make sure your system is running as efficiently as possible and will help to extend the life of both battery and motor.
There are trade-offs to a lighter ebike
A lot of the full power and longer-range electric bikes will be in the region of 25kg. It is possible to find lighter ebikes but there will be trade-offs attached. The trade-offs can include lower range (smaller batteries), less powerful motors (less oomf up the hills), non-removable batteries and higher price. We are always happy to discuss this with you to find the right balance for your particular needs.
See our blog about the best lightweight ebikes
Not all motors are equal
When choosing an e-bike it is very important to match the motor power to what you plan to use the bike for. For example, Cargo bikes, such as Riese & Muller bikes manufacture, will require a more powerful motor as more weight needs to be carried up hills. If the bike is for canal path riding and flat terrain, you can possibly look at a less powerful motor as you do not need that extra power for hills. On Gazelle electric bikes, for example, there are various motor and battery combinations depending on individual requirements.
Batteries require a bit of care
We would always take you through battery care if you bought your bike from us but the main things are never letting the battery sit with no or little charge because if left for a period of time, the battery can go to sleep and never wake up. Batteries also prefer to be charged in an ambient temperature and are best to be kept in the top charge if possible. Gone are the days of having to fully drain the batteries before charging.
Higher cadence makes the battery last longer
The first question we ask if people mention that the battery is not getting its expected range is ‘how fast are you spinning your legs when pedalling?’ This is because, the faster you spin, the less pressure you are putting on the motor and battery. Where you can, use the gears to allow you a faster cadence and your battery will last longer.
As always, we are here to discuss what would be the best options for the style of riding you are planning. We will always try to suggest the best bike for your specific requirements.
Pop in to any of our stores to see some examples or to chat through which would be the best bike for your needs. Our Online team are available also.