Electric Bike Revolution: What's Your Ride?

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are a type of motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. They are similar to regular bikes in terms of maintenance and appearance, but they have an electric motor that can assist the rider's pedal-power or add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. E-bikes are available in a variety of styles, including lightweight e-road bikes, flat bar electric hybrids, and electric folding bikes, and are becoming increasingly popular due to their expanded riding possibilities. Depending on local laws, they are often legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles, making them a convenient and cost-effective choice for many riders.

Electric bikes are also known as e-bikes

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are motorized bicycles with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. They are available in many varieties worldwide, but they generally fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power (i.e. pedelecs) 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.

E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and are typically motor-powered up to 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph). High-powered varieties can often travel up to or more than 45 km/h (28 mph). E-bikes come in a range of styles, including lightweight e-road bikes, flat bar electric hybrids for leisure riding and commuting, and even electric folding bikes for those who lack space or travel by train or bus.

Depending on local laws, e-bikes are often legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles. This means they are exempt from the more stringent laws regarding the certification and operation of more powerful two-wheelers, such as licensing requirements. In the EU, e-bikes that conform to certain conditions are considered pedelecs and are legally classed as bicycles. The EN15194 standard is valid across the whole of the EU and has also been adopted by some non-EU European nations, including the UK.

E-bikes are legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are motorized bicycles with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. E-bikes are legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles. This is because they retain the ability to be pedalled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles.

E-bikes fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power (i.e. pedelecs) and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both types of e-bike can be pedalled by the rider and are therefore classed as bicycles.

The classification of e-bikes is complicated as much of the definition is due to the legality of what constitutes a bicycle and what constitutes a moped or motorcycle. The classification of e-bikes varies across countries and local jurisdictions. In the EU, for example, e-bikes are considered to be pedelecs and are legally classed as bicycles. In Germany, more powerful pedelecs, known as S-Pedelecs, are classed as mopeds or motorcycles rather than bicycles and may need to be registered and insured.

In the US, even fast, non-classed e-bikes are technically considered bicycles in many states because they have pedals. Electric motorcycles, on the other hand, do not have pedals.

There are lightweight e-road bikes that look similar to acoustic bikes

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are motorized bicycles with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. There are lightweight e-road bikes that look similar to acoustic bikes. These are often flat-bar electric hybrids for leisure riding and commuting. There are also electric folding bikes for those who lack space or need to travel by train or bus.

E-bikes are available worldwide and fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power (i.e. pedelecs) 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.

Depending on local laws, many e-bikes are legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles. This exempts them from the more stringent laws regarding the certification and operation of more powerful two-wheelers. In the EU, e-bikes are considered to be pedelecs and are legally classed as bicycles. The EN15194 standard is valid across the whole of the EU and has been adopted by some non-EU European nations including the UK, and also some non-European countries.

E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and are typically motor-powered up to 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph). High-powered varieties can often travel up to or more than 45 km/h (28 mph).

Flat bar electric hybrids are available for leisure riding and commuting

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are bicycles that are powered by a motor and a battery. There are different types of electric bikes, including pedelecs, which require the rider to pedal in order to engage the motor, and throttle-controlled electric bikes, which can be powered by the motor alone. Throttle-controlled electric bikes are restricted in some areas and may require a license to operate.

Flat bar electric hybrids are a type of electric bike that combines the features of a commuter and gravel bike. They are designed for versatile riding and can be used for commuting, leisure riding, and off-road adventures. The VelectriX Stray Flat Bar Electric Hybrid Bike, for example, is equipped with a powerful motor, user-friendly technology, and multi-surface tyres, making it suitable for a range of terrains.

Flat bar electric hybrids typically have a more relaxed geometry than road bikes, with larger tyres and sometimes suspension forks. They often share the same frame as their drop handlebar counterparts, but offer a more comfortable and chill riding experience.

While flat-bar electric road bikes are not as common as their drop handlebar counterparts, they can be a great option for those seeking a more relaxed riding position and a versatile bike that can handle a variety of terrains.

Electric bikes use rechargeable batteries

Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are motorized bicycles with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion. There are two main types of e-bikes: those that assist the rider's pedal-power (pedelecs) and those that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both types can still be pedalled by the rider and are therefore legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles.

E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and are typically motor-powered up to 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph). However, high-powered varieties can often travel up to or more than 45 km/h (28 mph). The batteries can be recharged using a standard power outlet, making them convenient for everyday use.

The two main types of e-bikes offer different riding experiences. Pedelecs provide assistance to the rider's pedalling, making it easier to ride up hills or over long distances. On the other hand, e-bikes with a throttle allow the rider to use the motor without pedalling, similar to a moped. This can be useful for riders who want a more relaxed riding experience or who have difficulty pedalling.

E-bikes come in a variety of styles, including lightweight e-road bikes, flat bar electric hybrids, and even electric folding bikes. This makes them suitable for a range of purposes, from leisure riding and commuting to space-saving travel options. The wide range of options available can make choosing the right e-bike a challenging task. However, with the increasing popularity of e-bikes, there are now many resources available to help riders make an informed choice, including reviews and guides to the best electric bikes for different needs and budgets.

Frequently asked questions