In recent years, electric bikes, or e-bikes, have surged in popularity, transforming the way we think about traditional cycling. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or you’re someone exploring the idea of adventure on two wheels, understanding the basics of e-bikes is crucial. This guide will walk you through the essential components of e-bikes and related terms, shedding light on the motor, torque, battery, Watt hours, and other key features.
The Powerhouse: Electric Motor
At the heart of every e-bike lies an electric motor, the near-silent force that propels you forward. Unlike conventional bikes, e-bikes are equipped with motors that assist your pedalling effort, making uphill climbs and long distances more manageable. These motors come in various types, such as hub motors and mid-drive motors, and the most popular e-bike motor manufacturers are Bosch, Yamaha and Fazua.
Hub motors: Positioned in either the front or rear wheel hub, these motors are known for their simplicity and ease of maintenance. They’re a great choice for casual riders and commuters, providing a smooth and quiet ride.
Mid-drive motors: Generally positioned at the crank – the point around which the pedals rotate – offering better torque and efficiency, especially on challenging terrains. Mid-drive motors are usually preferred by cycling enthusiasts and off-road riders.
It’s not a motorbike! Some people believe e-bikes are like motorbikes and you just twist the throttle and go. Not true! E-bikes essentially magnify your pedalling effort with anything from an almost imperceptible nudge to a proper turbo boost.
What is an e-bike’s torque?
When it comes to e-bike motors, torque is the magic word. Torque refers to the rotational force produced by the motor, and it’s a crucial factor in determining an e-bike’s climbing ability and overall performance. Higher torque essentially means more power, delivering better uphill performance and improved efficiency, ensuring a seamless ride even on hilly terrain.
Torque is measured in Newton metres (Nm). A lighter-powered city bike like an Estarli E20.7 folding e-bike offers around 42 Nm of torque while the Trek Fuel EXe, an electric mountain designed to feel like a normal bike, delivers 50 Nm. At the upper end are the on-and-off-road explorer Trek Allant+ 6 (pictured above) with 85 Nm and the big, burly Trek Rail, a mountain bike with all the grunt you need, also delivering 85 Nm.
E-bike ride modes
E-bikes allow you to change how power is delivered according to the riding you’re doing and how long you want your battery charge to last. Some will have a simple low-mid-high set-up while others could have five power models or more.
A controller on your handlebars allows you to dial the power up or down. You might go into the high mode when you’re approaching a steep hill or a challenging obstacle. The low mode would be the right choice if you’re trying to conserve battery so you can ride for longer, or perhaps you want or need less assist so you get more of a workout from your ride. There are also walk modes to help you push your bike uphill as e-bikes typically weigh around 5kg more than an equivalent standard bike.
E-bike display consoles
Like everything else on e-bikes, these can be as simple or as advanced as you like. They display key information like how much battery you have left and which power mode you’re in but they can also give you lots of data about your ride, such as average speed and distance covered, even displaying your route and location in some cases. Many manufacturers offer a mobile phone app that links to your e-bike and allows you to record this information and also personalise things like how much power is delivered in each mode.
Batteries: The lifeblood of e-bikes
E-bike batteries are the powerhouse that fuels your electric adventure. These batteries store electrical energy and provide the necessary power to the motor. The most common battery types are lithium-ion, known for their light weight and high energy density.
Watt hours (Wh): This metric indicates the energy capacity of the battery. The higher the Watt hours, the longer your e-bike can travel on a single charge. Understanding Watt hours is crucial for gauging the range of your e-bike and planning your journeys accordingly. Batteries today range from around 400 Wh up to 750Wh, which will give you something like two to four hours of riding, obviously depending on your use of power modes. Most manufacturers also offer range extenders, which are effectively an extra battery which clips onto your frame and plugs into your bike to add more Watt hours, more miles and more time in the saddle.
Choosing your ride: Types of e-bikes
E-bikes cater to a diverse range of riders and activities. Here are some common types:
Hybrid and commuter e-bikes: Designed for urban travel, these e-bikes prioritise comfort, practicality, and ease of use. See Haibike Trekking and Kalkhoff Endeavour (pictured above).
E-mountain bikes: With robust frames and enhanced suspension systems, these e-bikes are built to conquer off-road trails and steep inclines. See Haibike AllMtn and Trek Rail (coming soon to E-Venture Bikes).
Folding e-bikes: Perfect for those with limited storage space, these compact e-bikes are ideal for commuters and city dwellers. See Estarli E20.8 and Estarli E20.7.
The weighty matter: Extra weight
One concern often raised about e-bikes is their additional weight due to the motor and battery. While e-bikes are generally around 5kg heavier than the equivalent traditional bike, advancements in technology are continually reducing this gap. The added weight contributes to stability and a smoother ride, giving you confidence that your bike is going to stay wheels-down when you’re heading into more demanding terrain, especially on e-mountain bikes.
Joining the e-bike revolution
E-bikes represent a revolutionary shift in the world of cycling, offering an eco-friendly and efficient alternative to traditional bikes. Whether you’re a daily commuter, a weekend explorer, or a singletrack enthusiast, there’s an e-bike suited to your needs. As technology continues to evolve, e-bikes are becoming more accessible, bridging the gap between pedal power and electric assistance. So, saddle up, embrace the future of cycling, and enjoy the ride!
Try before you buy
Our team will help you choose the right e-bike for you and you can even take a test ride outside our store. For the ultimate, try-before-you-buy experience, you can hire one of our fleet of bikes, which include the Lapierre Overvolt 5.5 Hardtail Lapierre Overvolt AM 6.6, and if you go on to buy one, we’ll refund the hire fee.