Types of Electric Bicycles You Should Know

The idea of electric bicycles has been around for quite some time, but it has actually caught a lot of attention in the last 10 years or so. Better technology, a smaller and lighter battery with an improved range, and lower cost make it a viable option for more and more drivers. Commonly called “e-bikes”, they make up the majority of bicycles sold around the world.

Germany and Belgium are one of Europe’s largest bicycle markets, where 20% and 50% of the bicycles sold respectively in 2017 were electric bicycles. Although the United States is slightly behind Europe’s adoption, electric bicycles are gaining fast-growing popularity. Ideal for cargo cycling, it frees hills from obstacles, makes distance management easier and creates heavy loads with almost no problems. Apart from their usefulness, they are just fun. Electric bikes are great motorhomes that allow you to explore more miles of roads and trails than ever possible.

Are you excited to ride an electric bike and cruise in the wind? We know that feeling. But before you buy your first electric bike, you need to know what’s best for your lifestyle. Therefore, the first step in choosing the right bike for you is to get used to the different types of bikes on the market.

The electric bicycle industry has a variety of electric bicycle designs, motor systems, battery configurations, and major players. Let’s take a closer look.

Just like a regular bicycle, there are different types of electric bicycles, depending on the type of motor and battery, the position on the bicycle, the type of the bicycle itself, and the purpose of use. To understand the types of electric bicycles, you only need to learn one thing. They are divided into three major groups based on the type of motor (also known as the “class of electric bicycle”) and then into three smaller groups based on the type of motor and the location of the battery… that’s it. But, hold on. There’s a little more to learn about these major groups before you can get closer to futuristic transportation.

Electric bicycles come in a variety of styles and uses, most of which are similar in function to different types of traditional bicycles.

Following are the Different Types of E-bikes:

Here are some common e-bike styles for you to get started:

Cruiser: Cruiser electric bikes are ideal for recreational riders who seek comfort while cruising. These are primarily designed for flat terrains such as bicycle lanes and paved roads. Cruisers are equipped with wide tires and are typically equipped with a suspension system to reduce the impact of the front forks and seats. The handlebars are raised higher for a more upright and back-friendly ride.
Commuters: Commuter electric bikes are great for getting things done, commuting, and getting to your destination quickly, even when you’re far away. Commuter bikes usually have large, thin tires designed for efficiency and an upright design for comfort. They also feature comfortable seats, but the seats are usually not as wide as cruiser seats.
Mountain: E-mountain bikes are made for those looking for a thrill and those who want to explore off-road and enjoy climbing steep hills quickly. Featuring wide tires and flat handlebars, riders can face rugged terrain and dirt roads.
Roads: Road electric bikes are similar to beach cruisers in that they are designed for recreation on paved surfaces. The difference is that they have narrow tires and drop handlebars to promote a fast ride. These lightweight bikes are designed to relieve your thirst for speed.

What are the different classes of electric bikes?

There are three different classes of electric bicycles. The classes were created to determine how to use an electric bicycle according to the local electric bicycle laws. The classes are:

Class 1: Class 1 electric bikes provide assistance only while pedaling and stop when reaching 20 mph. This is ideal for bike lanes, bike lanes, roads, or wherever you use a traditional bicycle.
Class 2: Class 2 electric bikes are equipped with a throttle that provides a boost without pedaling and stops assisting at 20 km/h.
Class 3: Class 3 electric bicycles are equipped with a speedometer and only assists the bicycle until it reaches 28 mph. This makes them great for commuters. The most popular bikes are suitable for Class 1 or Class 3 as the rider still wants to pedal.

Where is the motor of the electric bicycle?

There are generally three types of motors used to power an electric bicycle, which can be placed on a wheel hub or mounted on the bicycle. Regarding the placement of the motor of the electric bicycle, the following can be expected:

Hub Motor: The hub motor is located on the hub of the front or rear wheel of the bicycle.
Mid Drive Motor: The mid-drive motor is located in the center of the bicycle frame between the cranks of the bicycle.
Friction Motor: The friction motor attaches directly to the Seatpost. Friction motors are usually less efficient than mid-drive motors and hub motors and are more commonly available in kits that convert traditional bikes to e-bikes, so you rarely find friction motors on new e-bikes.

Where is the battery for my electric bike?

The placement of the battery depends on several factors, but mainly on the shape of the bicycle frame. Urban e-bikes designed for traveling through the streets of the city often have the battery mounted on the rear rack, while mountain bikes usually have the battery mounted on the downtube. The battery mounted on the down tube, especially the rear hub motor, provides a sleek look and a more balanced ride.

What is an electric bicycle for women?

Women can choose an e-bike or a unisex e-bike specially made for women. Women’s bicycles are designed to fit the feminine physique. Women tend to have shorter torso and arms than men, so this includes a short top tube to help them reach the handlebars comfortably. Other features of the bike designed for the comfort of female riders are:

Narrow handlebars: Women have narrower shoulders on average than men, so women’s bicycles are designed to accommodate this difference.
Small Grips: Women’s bicycles usually have a small grip to suit smaller grips.
Wide seats: Women’s bicycle saddles are usually wider and shorter to accommodate more comfort and bone structure. Performance riders may prefer a narrower saddle to allow for more freedom of pedaling and faster speed. HUSE provides an option for everyone who is looking to buy an e-bike in India.

What is the fastest electric bike?

Due to federal consumer product safety laws, most types of electric bicycles stop pedaling assist at 28 mph and throttle-only speeds typically reach 20 mph. Federal law does not impose a maximum speed limit on the combination of human power and motor power. So you can go as fast as you pedal on an electric bike, but pedal assist will stop when you reach a certain speed. Some electric bikes have a race mode that can be used on private land or on closed circuits. Race mode removes the 28 mph speed limit and maximizes performance.

What is the best electric bike?

The best e-bike for you depends on how best it will suit you.

When looking for the perfect electric bike, you need to consider the following factors:

Planned riding type
How far do you drive
Your driving experience level
How fast do you want to travel
Topography to cover
Budget

Once you know how to use your bike, you can choose the right quality bike for you. High-quality electric bikes are built to last a long time with a sturdy frame, excellent suspension, hydraulic disc brakes, lightweight wheels and tires. HUSE, an electric vehicle dealer in India, takes pride in combining high quality and value for money for our customers’ acclaimed products.