If you’ve never tried an electric bike, or eBike, you’re in for a treat! An electric bike will ride like a traditional bicycle, but when you’re heading out for a longer ride or doing a lot of uphill cycling, you can give yourself an extra power boost with the battery and motor on board. It’s not cheating, you’ll still be working hard, but it can make a big difference to your enjoyment of cycling and the convenience of riding a bike as a mode of transport.
Here at The Edge, we have an excellent range of electric bikes with a variety of top brand models that you can rely on to deliver quality and comfort every time. We always recommend trying several bikes before you settle on your favourite, and you can do this when you visit us in store. We’ll help you to narrow down your list of potentials to find the models that meet your essential requirements and give you the additional extras you need. We often get asked how an eBike works, and having an understanding of this can help to inform your selection process. Read on to find out more…
Electric Bike and How They Work
An electric bike is built like a traditional bicycle and has an electric motor and battery built into or attached to the frame. The market for electric bikes has taken off in recent years with people beginning to recognise their potential as a green form of transport, and designs have simultaneously become more and more efficient and affordable.
How your electric bike works:
- Pedal power. The power boost you get with an electric bike is activated by pedalling. When you begin to pedal, the motor will start. The motor will provide torque when you pedal, with more sophisticated motors offering more torque, which gives you more power. The placement of your motor will either be front hub, rear hub or mid-drive, and this will depend on the type of bike frame and design. Many of our motors are made by Bosch, and we love the high quality performance they deliver. The size of your motor will determine how much power it provides, and you will find that larger motors that provide more power also increase the weight of your eBike.
- Responsive sensors. When the motor starts, this will activate a sensor on your bike. The sensors on your eBike will either be cadence or torque sensors and this will be determined by the type of bike you have and the type of riding it is intended for. A cadence sensor will engage the motor as soon as you start to pedal, giving you a consistent boost of power. A torque sensor is more responsive and will provide pedal assistance that matches your speed as you ride, helping you manage your speed and enjoy a smooth journey.
- Battery usage. The battery on your bike provides electrical energy to the motor to give you the power you need. Your battery will be attached to the frame of your bike, with its placement depending on the frame type and size of the bike. Your battery will need to charge between rides and the length of charge required will depend on the make and model of the battery. Charging your bike doesn’t have to be complicated, and creating a charging routine that works for you will make it a routine part of your day.
- Variable power. Your eBike works effectively when all of the different components work together to give you a smooth and comfortable ride. You will be able to control the amount of power that is sent to the drivetrain by the motor using the display on your eBike, and we can help you to find the power option that best suits your lifestyle and riding habits.
- Effective braking. Safety should be paramount when you are choosing an eBike, and you need to be aware that stopping distances will be longer as your eBike will be heavier than a traditional bike. However, pedal assistance functions will usually cut out as soon as you stop pedalling so shouldn’t affect your braking. The Kona Dew has an impressive braking system by Shimano, which will help to keep you safe whether you’re out on the roads or taking in the trails.
Getting used to riding an electric bike will be easier if you have cycling experience but even if you are a beginner, you’ll soon be enjoying scenic rides. When you start out with an electric bike, you will need to take it slowly and gradually adjust to the weight of your bike and the way it handles. You’ll soon work out how the pedal assist function performs on your bike and will be able to make the most of all of the features.
Top Tips to Make the Most of Your Electric Bike
An electric bike is an investment and you will want to make the most of your money by ensuring that you choose the right model. You can also get the best performance from your bike by following these tips:
- Reduce the weight you carry. If you are carrying a lot of baggage on your ebike, you are likely to find that you cannot pedal as far or as fast as you would like to. Making the most of your bike’s potential means thinking carefully about what you carry with you and reducing weight where possible. If you do have to carry a lot of baggage with you, it’s best to opt for a bike such as the Cube Longtail Sport Hybrid 725 Cargo, which is specifically designed for this role.
- Pedal speed. Pedalling slowly will use more energy and you can get better performance from your eBike when you keep your pedal speed higher. Finding a consistent speed that optimises the way your bike moves will help you to manage your pedal assist function for maximum benefit. Stopping and starting is not ideal and will be less effective at conserving energy than if you take a smoother ride.
- Be consistent with your gears. Instead of shifting through your gears, take the time to get familiar with your eBike and the way the gear box works so that you can stay in the correct gear and maximise the efficiency of your system. A system such as that on the T-Tronik Sport gives you more choice when you’re riding and you also can select one of five power assistance levels, so you’ll soon learn how to get the best from your bike.
- Pump up your tyres. Tyres that are fully inflated will give a smoother ride and also be more efficient in terms of energy consumption. Checking your bike over before every ride will give you the opportunity to check that your tyres are inflated to their maximum pressure. We love the Bontrager SE5 Team Issue tyres on this great looking Trek Fuel Exe Mountain Bike. They’re Tubeless Ready with Core Strength sidewalls for excellent control, and they will provide outstanding performance even on rough terrain.
- Look after your bike. You should check your bike and its components routinely, before or after every ride. This gives you the chance to check for any signs of wear or damage and will be a good time to charge your battery and pump up the tyres. It is well worth learning to maintain your eBike to save yourself money and time when minor issues arise, but do not hesitate to seek professional help when you need it – your safety is the most important consideration here! Bosch, who manufactures many of the excellent components on our eBikes, recommends having your bike checked and the motor serviced after you have ridden 300 miles, or after a month, and continuing to have regular services after that.
When you decide on the electric bike you want, you should familiarise yourself with the manufacturer’s guidelines and care advice to ensure you get the best from your bike.
Find a New Electric Bike in Ireland
When you’re considering buying an electric bike, it’s a good idea to spend time researching the options and trying several different styles before you make your choice. When you come in and talk to us at The Edge, we’ll share our expertise to help you narrow down your selection and make sure that you get all of the features on your essentials list and more.
Here at The Edge, we have a great range of electric bikes, road bikes and hybrid bikes for you to discover, as well as all the accessories and equipment you need for your cycling adventures. We also specialise in triathlon, running, surfing and swimming, and we’ll be happy to help you find everything you need for your outdoor adventures. Pop in and see us or visit our website to find out more.
