If you are new to the world of electric bicycles, you’re in the right place! Buying an electric bike is an investment in your health – and your carbon footprint – and we’ll share everything you need to know here so that you can find out how electric bikes work, what sort of electric bike will suit you and how to maintain your electric bike.
Here at The Edge, we have an excellent range of electric bikes to choose from and our experienced team will be happy to help you find the right option for you and your lifestyle. We recommend trying out several types and it’s always best to visit us in-store to help narrow your shortlist. Once you know what type of bike you are looking for, you can compare models to ensure you get everything you need and all the extra features you want.
Introduction to Electric Bikes
Electric bikes or eBikes have a motor that can give your pedal power a boost when you need it, enabling you to go faster and further than on a traditional bike. They are a popular choice for commuters and fitness fanatics, and there are many different types available, including road eBikes, hybrid eBikes, Hardtail e-MTBs and full-suspension e-MTBs.
Here’s a quick intro to the different types of eBike to help you figure out the best option for you:
- Full Suspension E-MTBs. Full suspension electric mountain bikes are ideal for riders who love to ride on more challenging trails and want a little extra power and versatility thanks to the electric motor. A full suspension system will give you excellent control and a fast, smooth ride and can cope with all types of terrain. We have models with varying battery options from 249kWh to 649kWh and these are lightweight and easily rechargeable to give you the very best performance on the trails.
- Hardtail E-MTBs. Hardtail electric mountain bikes are deigned to give riders a greater ability to explore off road, even in the roughest terrain, with an agile frame and powerful motor assistance. With a hardtail electric mountain bike, you’ll get a smooth ride and excellent control from the front suspension forks and robust battery support for the most extreme challenges on the trails.
- Hybrid eBikes. Hybrid electric bikes give you the best of both worlds, combining the practicality of road bikes with the additional control and grip of mountain bikes. These are a truly versatile option, with an electric motor that gives you the extra boost you need to make light work of hills and ease you into the daily commute. Hybrid bikes are ideal for beginners as well as more experienced cyclists and provide an excellent alternative to travelling by vehicle on your daily commute and leisure trips.
- Road bikes. Electric road bikes are designed to give you the benefits of a traditional bike with an efficient electric motor that can improve your riding experience. If you’re commuting to work in the city, this is the ideal option to give you more flexibility and range and you’ll love the freedom of being able to switch into assisted mode when you need a little more power or the terrain becomes more challenging.
Identifying the type of eBike that will suit your lifestyle gives you a great starting point to begin to explore the features that you want within this category, and we can help you to consider the options when you pop into The Edge and chat with us about your lifestyle.
How do Electric Bikes work?
An electric bike has several components that work together to give you the ride you want, and these include:
- The motor. The motor will give your electric bike power when you need it, and you can choose between a hub motor, which sits in the wheel hub and gives you a smooth boost of power and a mid-drive motor, which provides superior weight distribution and is especially good when you’re tackling hills.
- The battery. The batteries in electric bikes are usually Lithium-ion batteries, which offer excellent efficiency and are lightweight enough not to affect the great handling and control you need. The battery capacity you opt for will determine the distances you can achieve, and battery range usually varies between 20 and 100 miles, depending on the type of terrain you are riding on.
- The sensors. The torque sensors in your electric bikes will be able to measure the cadence and the pedal power you have in order to make the most of the assistance the motor gives you.
These elements combine to determine the type of ride available to you and picking the best options for you will optimise your experience.
The advantages of Electric Bikes
Electric bikes can save you money and help you to keep fit and healthy, and the potential to use the motor to give you assistance when you need it makes this the ideal choice for beginners as well as more experienced cyclists. Electric bikes make cycling more accessible for older people as well as those with limited mobility.
A big bonus with electric bikes is the reduced impact on the environment compared with other forms of transport, giving you an alternative to sitting in traffic jams and playing your part in lowering harmful emissions. Electric bikes are also much more cost effective than cars, so you can save time and money while getting a good workout every day if you are using your electric bike to commute to work on a daily basis.
Maintaining your Electric Bike
Looking after your electric bike will keep it in great condition and ensure you get the performance and longevity you need. When you invest in an electric bike, you’ll need to refer to the manufacturer’s instructions to find out how to care for it correctly. Having your bike serviced by a professional will help to keep it performing optimally, but there are many regular maintenance tasks you can carry out at home.
We recommend cleaning your bike with a mild detergent and a damp cloth and checking the components after each ride, looking out for for any signs of damage or rust. You can assess all components and make any necessary repairs to prevent damage or problems developing. You should oil or lubricate your chain and remove dirt with a degreaser, as well as checking brake pads and making adjustments to ensure consistency. It is also important to keep your tires at the correct pressure to improve the way your bike handles, and to replace tires if the tread is worn or damaged. A handy maintenance kit can be carried with you every time you ride, and learning to perform basic maintenance tasks yourself will save you money and help to extend the life of your eBike.
The way you store your eBike will help to protect it and ensure that you get the most out of your investment, and a designated indoor storage area will be the best option in most cases. If you are not using your bike for extended periods, in the winter months, for instance, you can ensure it stays in good condition by storing it correctly and removing the battery if advised to do so by the manufacturer.
The components of your eBike are hard wearing but they contain delicate elements and cutting edge technology so they must be protected from damage to keep them functioning well. You should avoid cleaning your electric bike with a pressure washer as this can force water into the motor or battery, which could cause serious damage. If you notice any unusual noises or movements, or you have found signs of extensive wear or damage, you should get your eBike checked by a professional before you ride it again.
Electric Bikes in Ireland
Our impressive range of electric bikes can be seen online and in store, and we always recommend an in person visit to see how the different models handle in real life. If you are new to the world of electric bikes, it can help to explore the options and find out how each style will work for you and your lifestyle, and our experienced team will be happy to help you find out more about the type of ride you can expect from the different brands and models.
At The Edge, we stock many different types of eBike as well as all the outdoor adventure equipment you need. We specialise in biking, swimming, running, triathlon and surfing and our range includes sports clothing, surfboards, wetsuits and triathlon kit. Discover our website to find out more or visit our store and meet our friendly team.
