E-bike Range:
Once you've determined the most suitable bike type for your needs, the next consideration is the bike's range. Ranges can vary significantly, ranging from 20 to well over 100 miles. It's essential to select a bike with a range that aligns with your intended riding distance. It's also a wise idea to opt for a bike with more range than you initially think you'll need, as the joy of riding your new e-bike often leads to increased riding, taking you further than before.
Drive Systems:
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Front Hub Motors:
- Front hub motors are mounted on the front wheel and efficiently propel the bike forward, providing a sensation similar to a front-wheel-drive car.
- These motors are commonly found on entry-level e-bikes.
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Rear Hub Motors:
- Rear hub motors are affixed to the rear wheel, offering enhanced traction and a more stable feel on the road. They are more advanced, as they need to interact with the bike's gears and chain.
- Typically found on mid-range and high-end e-bikes.
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Central-Drive Motors:
- Central-drive motors are positioned at the bottom bracket, where the pedals attach to the frame. All power is transmitted through the entire chainset, resulting in a more natural and balanced riding experience.
- Central-drive motors are featured on mid-range and high-end bikes, including some electric mountain bikes.
Caring for Your Electric Bike Battery:
Similar to phone batteries, the performance of an e-bike battery can degrade over time and is sensitive to extreme temperatures. Therefore, it's essential to take extra care of your battery. Here are our top tips for doing so:
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Charge and Store Indoors:
- Avoid storing your battery in a cold shed or garage, as temperature extremes can negatively impact charging and performance.
- After each ride, remove the battery and store it indoors, such as in a cupboard.
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Reduce Charging Cycles:
- The process of fully discharging and then recharging a battery is referred to as a 'cycle.' The more cycles your battery undergoes, the less effective it becomes.
- To extend your battery's lifespan, charge it less frequently. Charge it only when it holds less energy than you need for your ride, rather than after every use.
- Optimize your battery's longevity by using the motor judiciously. Use it only when necessary and save it for moments when assistance is truly needed.
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Battery Lifespan:
- The lifespan of your electric bike battery depends on the specific battery model, so it's advisable to consult the manufacturer for precise details.
- Following the above tips should help you maximize your battery's overall longevity.
Important safety note: Never attempt to dismantle an electric bike battery. Batteries can contain harmful substances and give electric shocks, so always leave any battery repairs to the professionals.
When you reconnect your electric bike battery, take care to make sure it is fastened securely in place. Loose connection points can damage the battery, plus you’ll probably notice that your e-bike isn’t performing as it should.
E-bike legality
Electric bikes are legally referred to as “electrically assisted pedal cycles” or “EAPCs” under EU law EN15194.
Your e-bike only falls in this category if:
- The e-bike is powered by pedalling and not just a battery and motor
- The electric motor won’t assist you if you’re travelling more than 15.5mph
- The power output doesn’t exceed 250 watts (not to be confused with watt-hours)
If your e-bike meets these requirements, then you can legally ride it on the roads.
If the e-bike you’re looking at exceeds these regulations – for example, it has a motor over 250 watts or provides assistance above 15.5mph - then you’ll need to register it as a motor vehicle, tax it and insure it. You’ll also need a driving license to ride it, and you’ll need to wear a motorcycle helmet!