They are already here, like an alien invasion, the electric bikes. They have already arrived, and it seems with the explicit intention of carving out a significant niche for themselves in the sport of cycling. But, first of all, you have to start by giving explicit references because many of you likely think, what the hell is an electric bicycle?
Electric bikes are the new bicycle model that incorporates a small motor to help or increase your power. This is how we try to find a new way to enjoy cycling, whether to have fun in the countryside or move around the city more comfortably, like our TECO students.
ELECTRIC BIKES
Among the most basic and essential characteristics, it must be emphasized that being considered conventional bicycles and not motorcycles, electric bicycles must comply with clear and concise regulations of the European Community. These would be:
It must be a pedal-assist bicycle.
The electric motor does not exceed 250 W.
Maximum speed 25 km/h – i.e., at this time, the engine stops working.
Do not weigh more than 40 kg, including the battery.
If it is the case that these characteristics are exceeded, they would be obliged to comply with the regulations that correspond to them; electric mopeds would be considered. If they exceed 45 Km/h or 4,000W of motor power, they will fall within the category of Electric motorcycles.
TYPES OF ELECTRIC BIKES: E-BIKES AND PEDELEC.
The electric bicycles currently being marketed can be divided into two groups. It is essential to clarify this issue since we can mistake putting them all in the same group when there are significant differences. On the one hand, there are the pedelecs, and on the other, the e-bikes.
Pedelecs are pedal-assisted bicycles whose motor does not work if you do not pedal. They are the most popular. They are limited to 250W of power and, with assistance, cut-off at 25 km/h. There is a subcategory called Speed-Pedelec, with more powerful engines and assistance up to 45 km/h.
Even being electric, the “main” engine is still the human factor. Since they have to continue propelled by our body, only being assisted or helped by an electric motor. You have to pedal for the motor to help us. Otherwise, it is deactivated. We don’tdon’t have an accelerator, so our effort will continue to be present.
The e-Bike is the bicycle whose engine works when activating an accelerator, regardless of whether it is pedaling or not.
Therefore, having these two types of bicycles, it is very likely that even if there is a clear difference, it is very likely that in this case, there will be another metonymy within history. We will finally find that they are all called e-bikes.
SOME POLICIES FOR ELECTRIC BIKES
REGULATION
The most recurring question is probably coming to us: is it legal to drive with them through the bush? As we have already mentioned before, being considered conventional bicycles for all purposes, they are affected and regulated by the same laws and regulations. So there is no problem.
SALES DATA
The emergence of this type of bicycle will cover a market niche with a large number of potential customers. As proof of this, we can use a series of data that make us see the magnitude that they are reaching in the world and European market.
Therefore, it is clear that the improvement in the technology of this type of electric bike is making the future user increasingly clear that their choice should be an electric bicycle. This contributes to the fact that lithium-ion batteries result in electric bicycles that are lighter, cheaper, and increasingly similar to traditional bicycles.
FOR WHOM?
At this point, we must know that cycling is a sports activity that requires minimum skills to face the unevenness that any route has.
Whether in the mountains, on the road, or in the city, the bicycle will require considerable energy. This fact is one factor that makes this a healthy physical activity. In addition to the ecological benefit that this has. And for this, electric bicycles are a means that will take users wherever they want. Of course, only limited by the batteries, since when it runs out, it is time to “pull” a travel companion who is usually in the 20-22kg range, and I can assure you that this is quite an arduous task.
And the negative? Most likely, the price will be prohibitive for many; If we want to get hold of Mtb with guarantees, in which the weight is contained, the materials are durable and make use of the latest technology… prepare the checkbook to start with €3,000. If what we are looking for is something for the city, folding, and others… there are options for just over €500 that are more than advisable.
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POSSIBLE PROBLEMS FOR USERS OF ELECTRIC BIKES
A small problem that many may think is superfluous is, in my opinion, that the risks that can occur in the mountains when using the paths with an electric bicycle increase in certain situations. And I mean by that possible accidents; All of us who ride regularly on lanes and paths know some basic unwritten traffic rules to avoid incidents and crashes. Every cyclist knows what I mean…. And as a more specific example, the descents, and I explain myself.
It is clear that electric bikes give us a new dimension in their use of electric bikes. It like any novelty, they can have pros and cons, as well as supporters and detractors. What we cannot ignore is that we must understand this new vision of cycling…. and enjoy it.