Anyone looking for an electric bike will be spoiled for choice this fall
with a host of models on the market from various manufacturers. Here are a few
things to look out for when shopping for an e-bike.
Model
It's important to pick a model that's designed for the kind of use you have
in mind. For more comfort when riding around town, look for a city e-bike with
an upright position, and high, close handlebars. This lets the rider see far
ahead while keeping their arms relaxed.
In recent years, more versatile models have landed on the market, based on
the design of hybrid bikes. Here, the rider's position is more inclined,
combining pleasure with practicality for commuters. These two kinds of
electronic bikes usually come with practical accessories such as a luggage rack
or a built-in antitheft device, and they are ideal for day-to-day use.
Some brands also make models suitable for all kinds of use and leisure
activities. These tend to be lighter, with the slim wheels of a mountain bike,
and they don't come with any accessories. They're aimed at sporty users and
thrill-seeking riders.
Battery
Another key point when choosing an electric bike is the battery. An e-bike
battery can be recharged in a few hours from a regular mains socket, and weighs
an average 3kg. Some batteries can be removed, making the bike easier to
transport.
There are three main types of battery. Lead-based batteries are the cheapest
option, but they're heavy and sensitive to changes in climatic conditions. Nickel-cadmium
batteries are lighter but have battery memory issues, so performance can suffer
if they aren't completely depleted prior to charging. Lithium batteries stand
out as the best choice, but they're the most expensive.
All three kinds come in various models, offering varying levels of power and
range. A 36 volts/400 amp-hour battery offers sufficient electric assistance
for several hours' riding.
Motor
The location of the bike's driving force, its motor, is also worth
considering. Before the 2010s, e-bike motors were usually located on the
wheels, making them cheaper and easier to install. When riding, the feeling is
a bit like having someone pushing your back. The difference in power between
two pedal strokes isn't really that noticeable, and it doesn't really matter if
the motor is on the front or back wheel, especially for city riding. However,
riders have noticed a lack of grip on unstable, rougher terrain when the motor
is on the front wheel.
An e-bike with a pedal-based hub motor feels more like riding a regular
bicycle. Certain recent models take the concept further with a system of
sensors measuring speed, pressure and rotation to help the motor adapt to the
cyclist's needs.
Assistance
E-bikes fall into two categories. Some come with an electric motor that
responds to just one factor: whether or not the rider is pedaling. The level of
assistance is therefore constant and can be adjusted via a control module.
These modules can be fixed or removable, with LEDs or digital displays,
allowing the cyclist to change the level of help they get from the electric
motor.
A more advanced system used in higher-end models offers
"proportional" assistance, monitoring the rider's pedaling and adding
a certain amount of assistance. This is determined by several sensors, which
evaluate the pressure exerted on the pedals and the level of difficulty the
user faces. This makes for improved responsiveness from the motor and lower
power use.
Gears
Cyclists also expect speed and adaptability from a bike's gear transmission.
For a sporty feel and no loss in output, some electric bikes use derailleur
systems for changing gears.
Models designed for city riding tend to use a gear hub system. Linked to the
pedal motor, this gear system requires the user to stop pedaling to change
gear, which can take some getting used to. But this practical solution protects
the chain and avoids problems with derailment or chain jumping.