Bats, Balls, and Beyond

Electric bikes are an incredible asset of the future. If you are into biking at all, you likely want to invest in a bike that will work with you to get where you want to go. There are many different styles of electric bikes on the market, though all will generally have three things in common.

Battery

There are different types of batteries on the market. Most usually fall into one of three types: batteries charged by pedal, pedal-assisted batteries, or electric-only batteries. While many people assume that all electric bikes are charged by pedal action, this is not accurate. These types of batteries often do not have very large energy stores, giving riders only a small return on their energy. Pedal assisted batteries are activated by turning the pedals. Though riders will still need to work to get where they are going, the battery on the bike will ease their way a fair amount, allowing them to go further with less energy. Electric-only batteries do not need you to pedal in order to move forward. They are usually controlled with a switch or button on the bike, allowing you to switch the battery on. Many people use these types of electric bikes when they have many hills on their daily commute. 

Motor 

In addition to choosing which type of battery you will employ on your electric bike, you will also need to pick a motor type. You should test drive bikes with each motor type to see which one you prefer. A front-hub motor is located on the front tire of your bike and may feel like your bike is being towed or pulled forward. Rear-hub motors (located on the back wheel) feel as though you are being pushed from behind, while mid-drive motors are located in the middle of the bike. Since the motor works to push both wheels into rotation, many riders report a mid-drive motor feels the most natural. 

Drivetrain

The drivetrain on a bike is how the motor interacts with the gears. This controls the actual mechanisms of the bike, causing the bike to move forward. Talk to a bike pro near you for more information on different types of drivetrains. 

In conclusion, no matter what type of electric bike you choose to go with, you are likely to enjoy it immensely. Many models of electric bikes online have good reviews and are sure to become more and more popular with time. 

For more information on electric bikes, contact a local bike company.