In recent years, electric rideables are becoming more and more popular. Many people are enjoying the benefits of electrical scooters, motorcycles, skateboards, mopeds, tricycles and other fun and useful tech inventions. As the future of transportation, these rides are the spearhead of the battle for saving the planet. Electric bikes are a special category. Good for commuting and to avoid traffic congestion, they are much more than just a tech fad.
If you want to throw in some extra exercise into your day but still arrive at places non-sweaty, an e-bike might be the right solution for you. With this modern transportation device, you can ditch your car, delete your Uber app, skip the metro while saving money and having fun. The market is flooded with electric bicycles for sale of all shapes and sizes. People of all ages are falling in love with the convenience and versatility they offer, and it seems like they are finally catching on.
E-Bikes Are Finally Catching On
Although e-bikes are a relatively new trend in Australia, they have been around for decades. At their beginnings, they were primarily used by people 65 and over in Europe. In places like Amsterdam, Berlin and Copenhagen, where seniors were already dependent on their bikes, e-bikes offered a way to continue riding for many more years. Even car-dependent capital like Brussels sees a chance to rethink its reliance on cars. China and the USA arealso not far behind this trend, and today e-bikes are the favourite of people of all ages.
The number of electric bikes imported to Australia has tripled over the past three years, and sales are growing faster than any other segment of the Australian bike market, with more than 50 brands offering a range of models. E-bike manufacturers have been labouring to tamp down this perception, and it seems like it’s working. Young urban commuters are finally giving e-bikes their attention. Like regular bikes, just with an added electric motor, you can easily find a model that best suits your needs.
A Class for Every Rider
Primarily for regulatory reasons, electric bikes are also divided into classes that denote their level of motor assistance. Figuring out which class of e-bike you need is a key decision point. Most of the newbies start with a class 1 e-bike. The motor of these electrical bikes kicks in only when you pedal and stops helping at 30 km/h. Class 1 bikes are the most affordable and, from a regulatory standpoint, the most universally accepted. You can ride one on city streets and many bike paths and mountain trails.
Class 2 electrical bikes are throttle-assisted with a maximum speed of 30 mph. The throttle typically engages the motor independent of whether you are pedalling. Some bikes have both pedal assist and an independent throttle. Which is best for you comes down to personal preference.
Class 3 are speed pedal-assisted e-bikes which motor ceased to assist when the bike reaches the speed of 45km/h. They are also equipped with a speedometer. Compared to class 1 and class 2, these are faster and more powerful. If you are looking for reliable electric bicycles for sale with an added performance so you can keep up with traffic better, class 3 bikes might be an ideal solution.
On the performance side, the electric assistance is limited to 25 km/h for all e-bike models. At the same time, but the engine power (up to 250 watts) can make the difference on the hills.
E-Bike Batteries, Riding Ranges and Motors
One of the most common questions you might ask when choosing an e-bike is how far it will go on a single battery charge. The battery capacities are stated in watt-hours (Wh), which is the number of hours a battery can sustain 1 watt of power before dying. When comparing prospective e-bikes, you’ll see broad riding-range specs. For example, the high performance of the 540 Wh battery provides for maximum fun on every trail. Most batteries require three to five hours to charge fully from empty, with large-capacity batteries taking longer. Remember that you can always pedal your e-bike home as well.
The power of a motor is quoted in Watts (W). In general, the higher the ‘W’, the more powerful you might feel, but it’s more likely to get less range because big motors use more juice. Mid-drive motors are positioned in the middle of the bike, usually between the pedals. They tend to be smaller and lighter, allowing greater torque. They are well-suited for hilly areas and off-road use. Hub-drive motors are located in the centre of either the front or rear wheel (usually the rear). They tend to be more affordable and more versatile. If you’re looking for a reliable e-bike for long, mostly flat commuting, these might be an excellent choice.
You Get a Good Workout
Wherever the type of electric bike you choose, you can always get a good workout. With an e-bike, you get to where you’re going faster, and hills aren’t so brutal. And since the motor is only activated when the pedals are already in motion, a workout is guaranteed. You can always choose your tempo: peddle fast and put a lot into it for a more intense workout or take it nice and easy.
Travel to Work Can Be More Fun
Your electric bicycle can make your trip to the office a breeze. You can take shortcuts and have much fun because they take the gruelling effort of hills out of the equation. You can conquer any road and route, arriving at your workplace fresh and clean. Riding on your e-bike is easier and safer, plus the fresh air is a bonus. Besides having so much fun, you might save money in the long run. Not having to pay for petrol and parking can be beneficial for your budget.
