| This short article explains in a couple of minutes how | | | | Otherwise, a power-on-demand electric bicycle will |
| an electric bike works. The basic anatomy of an | | | | require you to request electrical help. Many bikes have |
| electric bike is similar to a normal bike. You have the | | | | a simple thunderbirds-style red button which you push |
| basic frame, handlebars, saddle, pedals and wheels in | | | | and experience a surge in power. Other systems |
| the usual places. | | | | include a twist-throttle similar to on a motorbike (which |
| Two major components are then added - the motor | | | | makes indicating right hard difficult.) |
| and the battery. Besides the main frame, they're the | | | | The best bikes are: |
| heaviest part of an electric bicycle so they're situated | | | | Light: The motor and battery are heavy. Some |
| low down either slung between the top and down tube | | | | cheaper models (using lead acid based batteries) |
| or immediately behind the saddle. | | | | compromise cheaper materials to keep costs down |
| The motors are then built into either the forward or | | | | Powerful: Although the actual power of the motor |
| rear wheel hub and connected to the battery and the | | | | may need to be limited, the power of the batteries isn't. |
| throttle mechanism situated on the handle bars via | | | | Provided they're not too heavy you should try to get |
| wire. | | | | as bigger battery as possible. Manufacturers and |
| There are various different throttle mechanisms for | | | | dealers often skimp over the fact that best battery |
| the two main types of eBike - power-assisted and | | | | performance (which they give in their specs) is less |
| power-on-demand. | | | | and less likely with age, hot or cold weather and |
| A power-assisted bicycle - often called a pedelec bike | | | | depending on how often the battery is charged. |
| - uses a torque sensor to measure the users input | | | | Easy to control and responsive: This one's a no |
| based on how hard they're peddling and then adds | | | | brainer, but you want an electric bike which does what |
| power proportionally. | | | | it's told! |