Anatomy Of An Electric Bike

Each bike has its pros and cons. For short commutes on smooth roads a massive battery or top-notch suspension aren’t important; instead, light weight and manoeuvrability will come in handy.

On the other hand, for proper off-roading the bike needs to be able to handle a lot more challenging conditions, as well as give enough power to see you all the way back home. There are also bikes that fill the space between these two extremes, offering both agility and stability. Whichever style rocks your boat, it’s worth checking that you’re happy with the following components of your bike...

Anatomy of an e-bike

1. Weight

Weight varies from bike to bike, but as a rule e-bikes are heavier than normal pedal bikes because they carry the added weight of the motor and the battery. While the motor is helping the bike along the weight is not a problem, but if you need to lift the bike regularly (carrying it up and down the stairs, for example) it may be worth paying a little extra for a lighter bike.

2. Battery

Battery technology is developing all the time, and there are plenty of options available. It’s worth investing in a good quality battery that gives you the range and life span that you need.

3. Controls and Dash

Power controls and displays vary from bike to bike. Some have basic switches for power modes, while others have a digital dash displaying everything from speed to power mode and distance to battery life.

4. Lights

If you ride in the dark, lights are essential, and many e-bikes come with lights as standard equipment. There are also many aftermarket options if you feel like you need a bit of added lightpower to be seen.

5. Gears

Most e-bikes have gears. These are usually either pedal bikestyle manual gears controlled from the switchgear on the handlebars or fully automatic. The number of gears varies depending on the style and purpose of the bike.

6. Motor

There are two main types of motor: hubdrive and crank-drive. Hub-drive motors are mounted in the front or back wheel, making the bike effectively a front or back-wheel drive. Crank-drive motors are mounted in the frame and drive the chain, providing power more akin to regular pedalling.

7. Brakes

The most common types of brakes are disc brakes and calipers, as seen on many regular pedal bikes.

8. Suspension

Fork, seat and rear shock suspension are all available in some e-bikes, and they can make your commute a lot smoother. If you plan on going offroad, proper suspension is a must.

- LUGGAGE SOLUTIONS

Some e-bikes feature a parcel shelf or panniers as standard equipment, and many can be equipped with different luggage solutions as optional extras.