Just like normal bicycles, there are different types of electric bikes available. The type of electric bike depends on the type of motor and battery, and its location on the bike. If you want to have a clear idea about the types of electric bikes you have to keep in mind that they are classified into three large groups, depending on the type of motor, and then three smaller groups, depending on the type of location of the motor and the battery.
You may also classify electric bikes into the same types as regular bikes, depending on the different types of frames, other parts, manufacturers and activities, or reasons for use of the bike. Fat tire bikes are on trend. There are a lot of benefits of a fat tire bike.
Electric Bike Motor
The motor is the most important thing for the correct category and selection of an electric bicycle.
Motor Type
There are three main types of electric bikes depending on the type of motor and the requirement to push the pedals:
- E-bikes with throttle mode or “power-on-demand” mode (or simply “throttles”). You do not need to pedal at all: you will be able to decide when to turn the motor on or off.
- E-bikes with assistance mode (“pedal electric bikes” / “pedal assistance bikes” or simply “pedelecs”). You have to pedal. The motor turns on as soon as you start pedaling, speeding up, or climbing. And you will be able to control its power. The motor only will help you so that pedaling becomes easier.
- Electric bikes with throttle mode as well as assistance mode. You have to pedal alongside the electric motor to expand the distance per charge. But these bikes are quite uncommon.
Nowadays the most popular type of e-bike is the second one — eBikes with assistance mode or pedelecs.
Motor Power
There is a motor in all e-bikes, but they come up with different power, which is assessed in watts.
The most common motor for electric bikes in Europe comes up with a power of 250 watts — this is the legitimate limit for driving an eBike, you should not have a more powerful motor and drive it lawfully. In some countries like Australia, the power limit is set very low, at 200 watts. On the other hand, in the USA and Canada, you will be able to drive a 750-watt electric bike.
There are also stronger e-bikes.
Among motor manufacturers, you will be able to frequently discover brands like Bosh, Yamaha, and others.
Motor Location
This is the second and also very important element that decides which type of electric bike belongs. It is also known as a “drive”. As per the location of the motor, e-bikes are categorized into two primary types:
Electric bikes with the hub motor. The motor is manufactured into one of the wheels and transmits power to it. As there are two wheels, these bikes are immediately classified into two other types: front hub motor (or front-wheel drive) and rear hub motor (or rear-wheel drive). There are a lot of differences between these two types of the location of the motor, but the key difference is that in the first case, if you ride a bike you will feel that the motor is dragging you, in the second case, you will find the motor to push you. If you ride an e-bike with a rear hub motor, it will be like riding a regular bicycle.
Mid-drive motor. The motor is not found in one of the wheels, but in the middle of a bicycle in the pedals area. It does not give energy directly to the wheels. If you ride a bike like this you will feel that you are riding a normal bike because the motor connects both wheels directly through the transmission.
How will you select the Electric bike?
You have to follow the things to choose an e-bike for you:
- You have to decide whether you want an e-bike or a normal bicycle.
- You have to choose a bike by checking its motor. You will also have to consider the type of battery and its location.
- You have to select a proper manufacturer by keeping the budget in your mind.
- You have to know about the warranty very well.
Conclusion
So we have provided the details about the types of electric bikes. Now it is your turn to read this article very well before making a purchase.
