Electric Bikes - Assisted Pedal Power For More Steam
Electric bikes may not necessarily be what you perceive them to be; they are not an electricity driven motorbike or moped, on the contrary, they are far more similar to a normal bicycle. In fact this is precisely what they are! A normal bicycle with no special accessories except perhaps a couple of different speeds! Take a small electric motor, a controller for this and a battery and add it to the bicycle, and you have an electric bike. You are also able to add this electrical kit to your bike yourself if you are handy with DIY.
So basically you have a normal bicycle that functions like one, it has electric power components, but you can still pedal it like a normal bike. It is thought of as a bicycle with electrical assistance, not as a motorbike or moped.
Let it be said that this type of bike would not be allowed in the Tour de France, and it is also not designed for racing or traveling at high speed, merely for assistance with a hard ride, as an augmentation to human power. If you are not terribly fit or perhaps of the older generation and you fancy riding a bike for you fitness requirements, and electric bike can help you overcome hard sections on your ride and make it more enjoyable for you.
As is the case with normal bicycles, electric bikes come in different shapes, sizes, styles and designs. There are models for a relaxed ride, a more active ride, a sporty rider and they also come in different speeds.
The electric motors used on these bikes are fitted in various ways. The older models may have a chain driven motor, mounted on the side, while newer models have these motors mounted in the front or rear wheel hub; making them more streamlined.
You get varying degrees of motor strength from around 200w to 700w, it just depends what you want to use them for, or your own particular needs. Batteries are also different and some bikes allow you to choose which battery to use, while the older models don't allow for choice. Three battery types are used nickel metal hydride, lead acid and lithium ion.
The motor is operated by means of a controller; again, it is up to the user to decide where they want this to be fitted. It can be mounted on the handlebars in much the same way as a throttle would be, and it can be activated by the pedals.
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