|
How They Work
Electric bikes are standard bicycles with an added battery-powered
electric motor. E-bikes can push you along without pedaling
or you can pedal at the same time. The average bicyclist
can expect to ride 5-10 mph faster on an electric bike using
the same effort as on a standard bike. With an electric
bicycle you get that great cruising feeling immediately
and continuously as opposed to a standard bike where you
have to work to get to that point. Power, when activated
by a switch (power-on-demand) or in response to pedaling
(ped-elec), gives an immediate push. When you release the
switch or stop pedaling, the motor coasts or freewheels
(like when you stop pedaling a standard bicycle). Although
all electric bikes are designed to work with your pedaling,
power-on-demand allows you to break the rule. Many systems
offer a variable speed control and others are simply one
speed. Certain electric bicycles will not deliver motor
power unless it senses pedaling. And its "power output
to pedal pressure" ratio is usually adjustable. Electric
bikes come in two basic designs: adaptive and purpose-built.
The adaptive type starts with a bicycle and adds a drive
system to it. A purpose-built is designed from the ground
up. Adaptives allow the rider to choose the bike or use
an already owned bicycle and will require installation.
Purpose-builts often generate interesting designs and features.
Both designs contribute to the ease of riding a bicycle.
E-bikes can be powered by one of four battery types: Nickel
Cadmium, Nickel Metal Hydride, Lead Acid or Lithium Ion.
|
