With a modern e-bike, you can cover longer distances quickly and almost effortlessly. A lot of people cycle to work on their electric bikes, and it’s also perfect for shopping in the city. In direct comparison to a car, you also save money, both on the purchase and on the running costs and maintenance. But how does an e-bike actually work?
Most people know that an e-bike has a motor and a battery. However, they are frequently unaware of what else is important. So, we’d like to explain everything you need to know about how e-bikes work.
A Brief History of the E-bike
Although e-bikes have only been on everyone’s lips for a short time, the motorised bicycle as such has been around for more than a hundred years, even as an electric version. The first patent even dates back to 1895, and subsequently various models were built from the 1930s onwards, albeit with limited success. Due to the dominance of classic combustion engines and limitations in technology, the e-bike was unable to establish itself at that time.
But in the past decades there have been numerous breakthroughs in the field of electric engines, and these days they are in no way inferior to a combustion engine. In terms of performance, reliability and environmental protection, the e-bike is therefore usually the better choice for many people. As an added bonus, it helps you to stay fit and to make an important contribution to the mobility revolution.
To Pedal or Not to Pedal? E-bike or Pedelec?
There are essentially two basic types of electric bikes, which determine how an e-bike generally works. In colloquial language, most people just use the term e-bikes, but in fact, this covers both concepts of the electrical bike and there are some significant differences.
An e-bike is basically a moped with an electric motor that can accelerate independently with a motor output of up to 500 watts. Due to this fact, it requires all the paperwork you need for a moped: driving licence, registration, and insurance.
Much more common throughout Europe, on the other hand, is the pedelec, a pedal motor bicycle, with a motor that only works, while pedalling, and a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The e-bike wattage of a pedelec is limited to 250 watts so that it can legally be considered a conventional bicycle. This means that you don’t need any additional permission or documents, but can start riding immediately, just like an ordinary bicycle. All the stylish Ampler Bikes are pedelecs.
Construction of an E-bike
In principle, all e-bikes are constructed in a very similar way, regardless of the manufacturer. This makes it easier to answer the question of how an e-bike actually works. The most important components of a pedelec are as follows:
- Frame: This is normally no different from a conventional bike. There are pedelecs with different types of frames, like comfy city bikes with a low step-through or sporty touring bikes with a crossbar.
- Motor: The electric bicycle motor basically works in 2 different ways. There are bikes with a hub motor, which is mounted in the front or rear wheel of the electric bike, and mid-drive motors, where the power is transmitted to the rear wheel via the bicycle’s chain drive. Mountain bikes often have a mid-drive motor, whereas the trend for most other pedelecs is to have a rear-wheel hub motor.
- Battery: The battery provides the motor with the necessary power and is not limited in capacity. Good bikes with more than 300 watt-hours can easily cover longer distances of up to 100 km.
- Display: Depending on the model, there is typically a display, showing important information such as riding speed and distance covered. On Ampler Bikes, this is safely and conveniently integrated into the frame.
- Cables: Of course, all parts must be connected to each other. The cables can be run externally, but on most modern bikes, they are threaded through the frame.
In simple terms, then, an e-bike is simply a bike with a motor on it that is supplied with electrical energy thanks to the built-in battery.
Performance of the E-bike Motor and Battery
These days, a conventional bicycle can even be retrofitted to become an e-bike thanks to a front motor, but this can make it more difficult to steer the bicycle and put a strain on the front tyre. An e-bike with a rear hub motor does not have these disadvantages and is usually considered the better option for everyday use. Powerful motors with 250 watts of power are completely sufficient for most applications, and the bike is classed like a conventional bicycle in this case.
However, how well an e-bike works in everyday life depends, above all, on the capacity of the battery. A powerful battery should offer at least 300 watt-hours, then the e-bike can cover distances of up to 100 km at low support levels. The charging time should ideally be no more than a couple of hours, and the battery should guarantee at least 500 charging cycles during its lifetime. If these criteria are met, you should be able to enjoy your bike for a long time.
How Does an E-bike Charging Station Work?
Normally, an e-bike can be charged at home using a standard household socket. But some people may live on the third, fourth, or even fifth floor without a lift and do not have the possibility of charging their bike on the ground floor or in the basement. Therefore, charging stations are a practical option in these cases, just like the ones commonly used for electric cars.
In the wake of the mobility revolution, cities, municipalities and employers are increasingly banking on external charging stations for e-bikes and pedelecs, which are deliberately placed near shopping locations or workplaces. Bikes can be safely parked and charged with the cable provided, in these locations. The cost to charge an e-bike is around 20 cents for a 300 watt-hour battery.
The Display as the Cockpit of the E-bike
Nowadays, smart e-bikes often feature displays that are built directly into the frame. This doesn’t only enhance the appearance, it also offers numerous practical advantages. This type of display is more robust and safer because nothing can get tangled up in it. Additionally, the frame protects the sensitive electronics from shocks and the elements.
The display shows important information that is essential for using the bike. This includes the battery status, the distance covered and how much power is left. While charging, the display shows how long the charging process will take. This means that you can keep an eye on all important data while riding and charging.
Advantages of an E-bike or Pedelec
An e-bike, or rather pedelec, can offer riders many advantages, for the daily commute, for shopping in the city or to allow seniors to retain or regain their mobility.
Here are all the important points at a glance:
- Easy to use like a conventional bicycle
- Favourable price compared to mopeds and cars
- High durability thanks to high-quality workmanship
- Strong contribution to sustainable environmental protection
- A great way to get fit and stay fit
Based on our practical e-bike advice, you are guaranteed to find the right model for your needs and to understand all the factors that are important when buying an e-bike.
The Bottom Line
We hope we have been able to give you a deeper understanding of how an e-bike works. Basically, it’s a bike with a motor that draws electrical energy from a battery and assists your pedalling efforts. A strong motor, a powerful, high-performance battery and modern construction are the key factors for high reliability and durability.
Our lightweight, stylish and colourful Ampler bikes meet all these criteria to give you long-lasting riding pleasure. Register now for a test ride or contact us.