Regenerative Braking: Electric Bikes With Efficient Energy Recovery

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are becoming increasingly popular. One feature that some e-bikes have is regenerative braking, which helps the rider slow down without burning brake pads. This feature is not common, but some brands that offer it include Stromer, Rad, and Cooper. In this article, we will explore the benefits of regenerative braking and why it is not more widely available.

The RadCity electric bike has regenerative braking

Pre-built electric bikes with regenerative braking are few and far between. However, the RadCity electric bike does have regenerative braking. This uses a direct drive hub motor, which is required for regenerative braking on a bicycle. The RadCity bike is also on sale for $1400, with a $50 coupon available to bring the price down to $1350.

Regenerative braking can be useful for slowing down without burning brake pads. One user reported that their BionX-equipped e-bike went over 6000km without changing the rear brake pads. However, regenerative braking will only give you a tiny amount of energy back.

Another well-known brand that offers regenerative braking is Stromer. The Classic Cooper range of e-bikes also has regenerative braking, although it is not clear whether this is available on all models.

Stromer is a well-known brand that offers regenerative braking

Stromer is not the only brand to offer regenerative braking. RadCity uses a DD hub motor, and Rad is a popular and reputable brand. However, Stromer is the only well-known brand that advertises this feature.

It is worth noting that regenerative braking will only give you a tiny amount of energy back, and some argue that it makes little sense for e-bikes as the moving mass of the object (bike, biker, and cargo) is relatively small.

Regenerative braking requires a direct-drive hub motor or a geared hub with a locked freewheel clutch

Regenerative braking on an electric bike requires a direct-drive hub motor or a geared hub with a locked freewheel clutch. This is because the bike needs to be able to generate energy while coasting and braking, which extends the charge of the battery.

Direct-drive hub motors are possible, as demonstrated by the now-defunct company bioniX, which attempted to make use of them. However, electric bikes are too light to get much value from regenerative braking. This is also why pre-built electric bikes with regenerative braking are uncommon.

One well-known brand that does offer regenerative braking is Stromer. The RadCity electric commuter bike also has regenerative braking and uses a DD hub motor.

The Classic Ladies' Cooper CL-7E, the Classic Gents' Cooper CG-7E, and the Classic Randonneur Cooper CR-7E are other examples of electric bikes with regenerative braking.

Regenerative braking can extend the charge of your battery

Regenerative braking on an electric bike requires a direct-drive hub motor, or a geared hub with a locked freewheel clutch (which is uncommon). It also requires a controller with regen capability.

One example of an electric bike with regenerative braking is the RadCity, which uses a DD hub motor. Another is the Stromer.

Regenerative braking is not common on electric bikes, and it will only give you a tiny amount of energy back. However, it can be very useful for slowing down without burning brake pads. For example, one user reported that their BionX-equipped e-bike went over 6000km without changing the rear brake pads.

Some other electric bikes with regenerative braking include the Classic Ladies' Cooper CL-7E, the Classic Gents' Cooper CG-7E, and the Classic Randonneur Cooper CR-7E.

The Classic Randonneur Cooper CR-7E is an electric bike with regenerative braking

Regenerative braking on a bicycle requires a direct-drive hub motor or a geared hub with a locked freewheel clutch, which is uncommon. It also needs a controller with regen capability. While regenerative braking will only give you a small amount of energy back, it can help you slow down without burning brake pads. For example, one user reported that their BionX-equipped e-bike went over 6000km without changing the rear brake pads.

The RadCity is another electric bike with regenerative braking. It uses a DD hub motor and is made by a popular and reputable brand, Rad. Stromer is another well-known brand that offers regenerative braking on its bikes.

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