Electric Bikes: The Future Of Green Transportation

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are bicycles with an integrated electric motor and battery that assist the rider in pedalling faster and farther. They are designed to look like non-electric bikes but are equipped with additional features to make riding easier. E-bikes come in a variety of styles, including cargo bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes. They are also available as electric propulsion conversion kits for ordinary bicycles.

Electric bikes are equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to assist you in pedalling faster and farther

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to assist you in pedalling faster and farther. They are similar in appearance to non-electric bikes, but with the added benefit of a motor to assist with propulsion. E-bikes generally fall into two categories: those that assist the rider's pedal-power (pedelecs) and those that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both types retain the ability to be pedalled by the rider and are therefore not considered electric motorcycles.

E-bikes are available in a variety of styles, including cargo bikes, utility bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes. Cargo and utility bikes can be used to haul gear or ride with children, while folding bikes are designed to fit in compact spaces such as RVs, trunks, or small apartments. Commuting bikes are designed for urban travel, reducing car trips and saving on gas money.

Electric bikes can be purchased as complete units or as conversion kits for ordinary bicycles. In Europe, they are often classed as mopeds, requiring a registration plate and a licensed driver.

There are two broad categories of electric bikes: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to assist the rider in pedalling faster and farther. There are two broad categories of electric bikes: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both types of e-bikes retain the ability to be pedalled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles.

The first type of e-bike, bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power, are also known as pedelecs. These bikes use an electric motor to assist the rider in pedalling, allowing them to go faster and farther with less effort. This type of e-bike is ideal for those who want to get some exercise while still enjoying the benefits of electric assistance.

The second type of e-bike, bikes that add a throttle, integrate moped-style functionality. These bikes allow the rider to use the electric motor to propel the bike forward without pedalling, similar to a moped. However, the rider still has the option to pedal if they choose to. In Europe, these types of e-bikes are likely to be classed as mopeds, requiring a registration plate and a licensed driver.

E-bikes come in a variety of styles, including cargo bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes. Electric cargo and utility bikes can be used to haul gear or ride with children, while electric folding bikes are designed to fit in compact spaces such as RVs, trunks, and small apartments. Electric city and commuter bikes are designed for urban travel, reducing car trips and saving gas money.

Electric bikes are available in a variety of styles, including cargo bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, folding bikes and more

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to assist you in pedalling faster and farther. They are available in a variety of styles, including:

Cargo bikes

Cargo e-bikes are designed to carry large, heavy loads and people. They are versatile and can be used to transport children, carry gear, or have an adult passenger ride along. They feature an elongated frame and a lower centre of gravity, providing stable and reliable rides. In North America, cargo or utility e-bikes can also come with a throttle to fully power the bike without the need for pedalling.

Commuting bikes

Commuting e-bikes are designed for urban travel, helping you get around town, commute to work, run errands, and have fun. They are ideal for reducing car trips and saving money on gas. Some models come with integrated lights, including turn signals for enhanced safety, and step-through or step-over frame options for accessibility.

Mountain bikes

Electric mountain bikes, or e-MTBs, are equipped with an integrated motor to help you pedal. They allow you to ride more trails in less time and spend longer in the saddle. They come in a wide range of price points, but on average, they are more expensive than non-electric mountain bikes.

Folding bikes

Electric folding bikes are designed to fold for easier transport and storage, making them ideal for RVs, trunks, small apartments, and other compact spaces. They come with powerful motors and offer a range of rider height adjustments. On average, they weigh between 30 to 60 pounds, but lighter and heavier models are available.

In Europe, electric bikes are likely to be classed as mopeds, requiring a registration plate and a licensed driver

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to assist the rider in pedalling faster and farther. They are available in a variety of styles, including cargo bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes.

In Europe, electric bikes are often classed as mopeds, requiring a registration plate and a licensed driver. This classification depends on the power output and speed capabilities of the bike. For example, in Finland, e-bikes with a power output of 250 W and a speed of 25 km/h are subject to different regulations than those with a power output of 4,000 W and a speed of 45 km/h. The latter category is considered a moped and requires riders to abide by moped regulations, including registration, insurance, and the wearing of helmets.

Electric pedal-assist bicycles are equipped with a motor that only works when the pedals are activated, and these are generally classified as cycles. This type of e-bike does not require homologation, road tax, or insurance. On the other hand, electric mopeds are self-operated bikes with a motor that operates independently of the pedals. These bikes are subject to moped regulations and must have a license plate, road tax, and insurance.

The specific regulations for electric bikes vary across Europe, with Belgium and Finland having different categorisations and requirements. For instance, Belgium requires riders of motorized e-bikes with a 1,000 W power output and a 25 km/h speed limit to be at least 16 years old. It is important to refer to the specific regulations in each country to understand the requirements for riding and registering electric bikes.

Electric propulsion conversion kits are available to convert ordinary bicycles into electric bikes

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are motorized bicycles with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. They are equipped with a battery and a small electric motor to help the rider pedal faster and farther. E-bikes are available in a variety of styles, including cargo bikes, commuting bikes, mountain bikes, and folding bikes.

There are a variety of electric bicycle conversion kits available on the market, and they can be purchased online. For example, the Swytch Kit includes everything needed to convert a regular bike into an electric bike. The AIR power pack simply clips onto the handlebars and can be instantly attached or removed.

Electric bicycle conversion kits offer a cost-effective way to upgrade a regular bicycle to an electric-powered one. By adding a motor and battery, riders can benefit from increased speed and range while still retaining the ability to pedal.

Frequently asked questions