What is an electric bicycle and what advantages does it have?

Electric bicycles are one more type of transport that contributes to sustainable mobility within large cities. There are citizens who directly own one and use it frequently, and others who prefer to rent them. The main difference compared to conventional models is that they have assisted pedaling, so that the effort is considerably reduced.

The electric 'bike' is a vehicle that incorporates a battery that is capable of storing energy, and that is usually made of lead, nickel and metal hydride, or lithium-ion. On average, it allows a range of around 30 kilometers before having to recharge again. In addition to this element, they include others that differentiate them from their conventional sisters, such as, for example, the electric motor, which is usually integrated into one of the wheels, usually in the rear.

The middle area of ​​the vehicle is the most common place to find the battery, while a sensor is included in the pedals that is used to detect whether or not the driver is pedaling. Finally, the system controller is inserted into the handlebar, which is used to display the battery charge and regulate the intensity of the electrical assistance. The accelerator is usually twist (like the one found on motorcycles) or simply a button.

So is this two-wheeler

A few years ago, the European Parliament defined an electric bicycle as “a two-wheel pedal-assisted vehicle, with a power equal to or less than 250 watts (0.34 CV), and that does not exceed a speed of 25 km/h. ”. In this way, those devices that do not have assisted pedaling or that have greater power, will fall within the legal consideration of motorcycles and mopeds, being subject to traffic regulations and not being able to circulate on specific bicycle paths. On the other hand, for regulatory purposes, electric bicycles that meet these requirements will have the same consideration as conventional bicycles, which means that they do not have to pay taxes or require compulsory insurance to circulate.Best Bikes for Beginners
This legal 'agility' in the use of the electric bicycle is, in fact, one of its greatest attractions, since the user can enjoy all the benefits of electromobility (enjoy assisted pedaling while using a clean, cheap means of transport and with very few maintenance costs) without having to invest time in carrying out bureaucratic procedures that also entail a greater economic outlay. Of course, when it comes to driving, it is not possible to do so on the sidewalk, but they are obliged to use the bike lanes if they are enabled or, if there are none, they must go along the road like the rest of the vehicles. engine.

The speed that can be reached if it is 45 km/h, is equivalent to 750 W of power, depending on the mode. An 'amateur' cyclist, as a general rule, cannot maintain a sustained speed of more than 100 watts for a long time, which would be equivalent to 6 km/h, which serves to exemplify the power and speed of electric bicycles. In fact, this acceleration capacity is achieved through the 'pedelecs' system, which allows the electric motor to push the vehicle without the user having to make any effort on their part. Only from 25 km / h, if the driver wants to go faster, he will have to accompany the use of electric assistance with his own pedal strokes.

Other positive aspects of electric bicycles

As with conventional bicycles, there are electric mountain bikes, road bikes, folding bikes or even tandem bikes. Therefore, before making any purchase decision, it is important to define what it is really going to be used for. It is not the same to use it to go to work during the week in the big city than to enjoy long walks in the countryside on a Saturday; just as neither is having a vocation to do high-intensity sports or enjoying it while contemplating the landscape. That is, you have to choose the one that meets the needs of the user.How to Choose Mountain Bikes
Among the main advantages of electric bicycles, it should be noted that they allow you to easily climb terrain with a great unevenness, in addition to promoting sports practice in people who are not used to exercise among the elderly. In addition, they can allow to improve the lifestyle, since it makes it possible to achieve a balance between combining daily physical exercise with the usual mobility needs.