2022

How Electric Bikes Are Different from Regular Bikes

How Electric Bikes Are Different from Regular Bikes

Bikes have been around since the 19th century and are considered a fundamental man-made invention simply because they can get a rider anywhere they want. While there are some limits (such as a rider's energy or stamina), bicycles are highly reliable.

As time went by, a different kind of bike emerged: the electric bike, or e-bike. As the name suggests, this is a bicycle that’s powered by a rechargeable battery. They have become quite famous in recent years simply because they're eco-friendly, emission-free, and are a great way to reduce one's carbon footprint. For this reason, more and more people have been getting one of their own. Conversely, many people are curious about it and how they're different from regular bikes.

In this article, we’ll talk you through how e-bikes work. Read on below to learn more.

Utilizing Power

One significant difference is that you don't have to pedal an e-bike, at least not by hand. Instead, you turn a throttle as if you're riding a motorbike. The motor does the work for you and propels you forward. However, it's essential to understand that the motor won't do all the work for you. It's simply a helping hand.

Riding an e-bike is much like riding a regular bike. You have to pedal, at least a little bit, to go faster or cover more ground. But the motor can make pedaling much easier in many cases. For example, pedaling will be much easier if you're riding a hilly area because of the motor's power. You can also use the motor's power to go uphill or downhill.

You can compare an e-bike to a hybrid car. For example, it's up to you whether you want to pedal it or let the vehicle use its engine. If you let the engine do the work, you can accelerate faster and go further. But if you're just idling around, there's no need to use the engine. Similarly, with an e-bike, you can accelerate faster with the motor or choose to pedal yourself. It's entirely up to you.

The Cost of an E-bike

There are other differences between an e-bike and regular bikes as well. For one, e-bikes are more expensive. While a standard bike can run up to $1000, e-bikes can cost as much as $3000. Obviously, this is because e-bikes use more advanced technology and components. For instance, e-bikes are more powerful, with more durable motors and long-lasting batteries. The battery, for example, is lithium-ion, which is more powerful than the lead-acid batteries used in regular bikes.

The good news is that electric bikes are available at an affordable price. For example, there are electric bikes under $500. These are a great choice if you're on a budget or simply looking for a way to go faster and further. Of course, as mentioned, you'll need to consider the speed, distance, and performance.

Types of E-bikes

Like regular bikes, there are also different types of e-bikes. The choice you make will depend on what you're going to use the bike for.

Firstly, there's the fat tire bike. Rather than the traditional 26" or 700c wheels, the fat tire bike has 4" to 5" wide tires inflated to a higher pressure. This is useful for off-road terrain, as well as snow and sand. However, the downside of the fat tire bike is that the wheels can get caught in cracks, so you'll need to be careful about how you ride it.

Another popular type of e-bike is the folding bike. People love these because they're portable and fit in a car trunk or inside a suitcase. However, they're also heavier than the other types of e-bikes, and they can be slower.

Then there's the bike with a bigger wheel, 26" to 28", and a smaller wheel, usually 24" to 25". These bikes are commonly used for city commuting and everyday use.

Lastly, there's the mountain bike. This is the most popular type because it has a very smooth ride, much like the fat tire bike. It's also ideal for off-road riding and riding on steep hills. But you'll need to know how to use it, which means learning how to ride a regular mountain bike as well.

The Need for Safety

If you're thinking of purchasing an e-bike, it's essential to know how to ride it properly and to use safety gear. For one, you'll need to wear a helmet. Not only is it the law, but it's also a good idea to protect your head, especially since you'll be going faster than you usually would on a regular bike.

Additionally, you'll need to wear protective biking gear. It's not just for comfort but also for protection. In fact, it's a requirement to wear an approved helmet and other protective gear. For example, you'll need to wear gloves and pads. This is because electric bikes can be more dangerous than regular bikes.

Conclusion

If you're serious about riding an e-bike, it's best to buy from a reputable store and find one that suits you. Make sure it's safe, easy to use, and fun to ride. At the end of the day, if you're going to use an e-bike often, you want to be able to enjoy it.

Espin Bikes has affordable electric bikes begging for you to take them home. Aside from our bikes, we also have other selections for components such as chargers and battery packs. Simply go to our website and take your pick!

Reading next

Why More and More People are Choosing to Ride E-Bikes
The Surprising Health Benefit of Using an Electric Bicycle

Leave a comment

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

12 MONTH WARRANTY

All Espin e-Bikes come with a comprehensive 12-month warranty so you can buy with confidence.

95% ASSEMBLED

All Espin e-Bikes come 95% assembled. All you need to do is put on the finishing touches.

FREE SHIPPING (LOWER 48)

We offer free shipping to 48 states in the US (excluding Alaska and Hawaii), delivered directly to your door.

EXCEPTIONAL SUPPORT

Need help? Contact us via phone, email, chat. Our team is here to help.