Electric bikes are becoming the next big thing.
E-biking has become super popular in America, and the demand for electric bikes is currently out stripping the supply.
Electric bikes can make cycling a joy again as they can help take some of the strain out of the ride and make it easier to climb those hills and mountains.
If you are considering buying an electric bike, then read on, and our short guide will take you through what types of electric bikes are available to purchase.
Motor Only E-Bikes
This kind of e-bike is throttle only and does not require you to pedal to gain forward momentum. Of all the electric bike options, this one is much closer to an electric scooter or motorbike in design than a standard pushbike.
Pedaling is not required, and in some models not even possible as there are no pedals. So if you are looking for an electric bike to assist you in getting fit, this model is not the right one for you.
They tend to look more like seated electric scooters than bikes in shape and style, especially the pedal-free varieties. They come in different power classifications, so it is crucial to speak to an electric bike specialist to understand what kind of bike motor you are buying.
Parents are often big fans of buying electric bikes without pedals for their children. They help them learn how to handle and prepare for their first full e-bike.
The bikes are classified as type 2 electric bikes with average speeds of between 10-15mph on the flat.
Pedal Assist E-Bikes
These are very common types of electric bikes that most people consider to be the best electric bike. Sometimes called a pedlec, short for pedal electric bicycle, this bike allows the motor to provide more power to the pedals to aid the person riding the bike.
This means a percentage of the power propelling the bike forward comes from you and a portion comes from the motor. This will allow you to go up hills much easier and faster than before, and you can achieve higher speeds when on the flat.
Most pedlec bikes come with adjustable assistance throttles allowing you to increase the power when required. The higher the assistance level, the greater the drain on the battery, so it is essential to keep an eye on this when going for longer rides.
On average pedlec bikes tend to reach around 20mph at a top speed. They are Class 1 vehicles which means there are no restrictions on riding them on or off-road, like a standard pushbike.
Throttle & Assistance Mode E-Bikes
Some rarer and more expensive electric bikes offer both a throttle only and pedal assist mode to give you the best of both worlds. On these bikes, you can use the motor to assist you when pedaling for the majority of the time. However, you can also switch to the motor-only mode when tired and let the bike take the strain.
Remember that running on motor only will often be a little slower than pedaling and will drain the bike battery much more quickly. You may also want to consider the electric bike cost when looking into this option as it will be higher.
Which Types of Electric Bikes Are Best for You?
Hopefully, this short guide into the types of electric bikes has helped you decide which style of bike is best for you. Whatever your cycling needs, there will be an electric bike that fits your needs and makes your life that much easier.
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