Electric bikes are becoming more popular thanks to the benefits they provide. However, they are a relatively new way of getting around. Therefore, you would be forgiven for being unfamiliar with them and having lots of questions. At SDREAM, we recognize this, so in this post, we will go through common electric bike FAQs you should know.
Benefits of Having an Electric Bike?
Electric bikes have an electric motor that is activated when you pedal. The motor assists you by amplifying your pedaling efforts. This motor assistance gives you several benefits.
You Can Ride Faster
Electric bikes are a speedy way of getting around, even when you compare them to most car journeys. They allow you to travel faster than inner-city traffic, and you can use cycle lanes and take shortcuts. In addition to all this, you can maintain a higher average speed on an electric bike than on a traditional bike.
Save Money
If you use your bike to commute instead of a car, you can save lots of money. The initial price of an electric bike is less than a car, and so are its running costs. Also, you don't need to pay for parking when you get to work.
Arrive at Your Destination Fresh
You can choose not to work too hard by using a higher assistance level on an electric bike. The motor reduces the effort you need to put in, so you can arrive at work without being hot and sweaty.
Riding Uphill Becomes A Breeze
When you encounter a hill, and you want to make life easy for yourself, you can increase the assistance level and change down a couple of gears. This will make riding up the hill super easy and is the same case when riding into a headwind.
Great for Exercise
You can choose a lower assistance level on an electric bike, so you get a good workout. A study by Brigham Young University has confirmed that you can still work just as hard on an electric bike as you can on a traditional bike; it is just that you ride faster. Also, electric bikes allow you to ride for longer, which improves fitness.
Get To New Places
As electric bikes allow you to ride for longer, you can get to places you would not have been able to ride to before. This is especially the case if you ride an electric mountain bike. Electric mountain bikes will take you to trails you have always wanted to ride. To help you explore further, a fat tire electric bike will allow you to explore new terrain that was previously impossible to ride.
Stay Safe
Often riding a traditional bike away from road junctions can be dangerous due to slow acceleration. However, an electric bike can accelerate much more quickly, so you can keep out of harm's way.
Electric Bikes Are Convenient
Other than being excellent for commuting, electric bikes are very convenient. If you buy a folding electric bike, you can take advantage of its compact size. For example, you can carry an SDREAM UR onto public transport or in your car. It is also small enough to store in tight spaces, such as under a bed or in a cupboard. This compactness makes owning a foldable electric bike great if you live in a small apartment or don't want to leave your bike outside your workplace.
They Allow For Different Fitness Levels And Abilities
Electric bikes make it possible for groups consisting of people with different fitness levels to ride together. Fitter riders can choose a lower assistance level, while less fit riders can get more help from the motor. This way, the difference between the riders is canceled out, so everyone can enjoy riding together.
How Much Power Do They Have?
There are many different types of electric bikes on the market, with varying power outputs. However, in the U.S, electric bikes have power outputs from 250 watts to 750 watts. 750 watts is the maximum legal limit before it is considered to be an electric motorcycle.
How Fast Can You Go on an Electric Bike?
As you pedal an electric bike, you will find that you get to a point where you can not go any faster. This is because the assisted pedaling has a limited top speed. Of course, you can go faster than the limited speed, but you will be freewheeling down a hill.
In the U.S, most electric bikes will assist your pedaling up to 20mph. However, you can buy class 3 electric bikes that have a limited pedal-assist of 28 mph.
If electric bikes were allowed to go as fast as you like, they would be regulated in the same way as a motorbike. Therefore, you would need registration, a license, insurance, etc. It would also limit where you would be allowed to ride them.
How Long Does It Take to Charge the Battery?
How long it takes to charge an electric bike battery depends on the model and battery size. But, it takes anywhere from 3 to 6 hours to charge an electric bike battery fully.
Some electric bikes allow you to charge with your pedal power, but this is arduous work. Other electric bikes have regenerative braking. This process puts the energy from braking into the battery, just like an electric car.
Differences Between Throttle Vs. Pedal Assist (Pedelec)?
You can ride some electric bikes without pedaling and using just the electric motor. By pressing a throttle, you can ride this type of bike similar to a motorcycle or scooter.
If you are used to riding traditional bikes, you may prefer a pedelec bike that only assists you while pedaling. However, many bikes combine the two systems so that you can ride under throttle or with pedal power.
How Much Do Ebikes Cost?
There is a wide price range for electric bikes, so there is something that will suit most budgets. At the lower end of the market, you can buy one for $500, but you can easily spend over $10,000 on an electric bike. Most electric bikes cost between $1,200 and $3,500. A great example is the SDREAM X, which is available for $1,599
How Much Do They Weigh?
Electric bike manufacturers are now doing their best to cater to every type of rider. So naturally, therefore, the weight of electric bikes varies considerably. Typically electric bikes range from 45 pounds to 60 pounds. But, of course, there are exceptions on both sides of that range.
What are the electric bike laws that I should be aware of?
Before you buy your electric bike, you need to know about your local laws. Local laws will determine which electric bike you are allowed to ride or if you can ride one in public at all.
We suggest you check out our blog on U.S electric bike regulations to see what is legal and how your state defines an electric bike.
Do Electric Bikes Work Without Pedaling?
Electric bikes work in the same way as regular bikes; it is just that the electric motor is placed within the drivetrain. Suppose your battery is completely dead and you need to get home. The motor will still turn as you pedal, so you can still ride home.
Another scenario is that you may want to get a workout in on the way home from work. Then, you can switch off the motor assistance altogether and ride like you would on a conventional bike.
Do Electric Bikes Work in the Rain?
Most electric bikes are fine to be ridden in the rain. But before you do so, check your electric bike's IP rating. The IP rating indicates how well your bike is protected against dust and moisture particles. For example, you will see that the bike is protected to IP55. This rating means it is protected from low-pressure water jets from any direction, making it suitable to be ridden or left out in the rain.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, we have answered all your questions on electric bikes. However, if you have more, don't hesitate to contact us. Our experts will be able to fill in any details you need.