Electric Bicycle vs Regular Bicycle: Which is Right for You?
The electric bike has been the next big thing for some time now. They are known to be more environmentally friendly, lighter weight, and easier on your body. But do electric bikes make a difference compared to regular bikes? This article will discuss the differences between an electric bicycle vs. a regular bicycle and help you figure out which one is best for you!
Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bikes: What's the Difference?
In terms of how they work, regular bikes are pretty straightforward. Getting on a bicycle is as simple as pedaling and steering. Not complicated at all. A bike with electric motors, however, works differently.
Electric bikes differ from regular bikes primarily because of their motors. The motor is what powers the e-bike.
E-bikes have the advantage of generating more power as you pedal faster, which implies more speed.
Due to the similarity between some of the components on both bikes, maintenance concerns are applicable to both. The same method is used to solve issues for handlebars, brakes, the frame, and gears.
Most of the difference when it comes to maintenance occurs when the electrical components of the e-bike need to be repaired or serviced.
One very notable difference is the need to check the connecting leads for water ingress that may cause damage. Cables in electric bikes need to be free of water as this may cause problems in the motor.
It is still necessary to pedal an e-bike even though it has a motor to propel you along. Therefore, cycling using an e-bike does not deprive you of the health benefits it provides.
Is an Electric Cycle Better Than a Normal Cycle?
The great thing about electric bikes is they have an added motor. But everything else that comes in a regular bike is found in an electric bike. If you choose to use your electric bike as a regular bike, you can do so.
However, if you choose to use your electric bike motor, your ride may be faster since pedaling feels effortless. This also means you have more energy for a longer time. Moreover, they allow you to maintain a constant speed and resume your average speed after coasting.
E-bike motors enable you to reach speeds of up to 25 kph (15.55 mph). Pedaling will be needed if you want to go faster than this. Cycling on an e-bike is similar to cycling on any other bicycle only in that it has a motor to increase your speed and pave the way for you to exert less effort. Once you get on and start pedaling, the electric motor kicks in. The transition is usually so smooth that you won't even notice it.
The electric bike system doesn't change biking - they just make it safer, enjoyable, and most of all, easier. As you ride, you will only be moving your pedals gently. It becomes easy to get off to a running start. Taking on strong headwinds and gliding up hills is effortless.
It's possible to adjust the pedal assistance provided by the motor, which changes how it feels to ride. When you reduce the power, your legs do most of the work.
When you set the power to maximum, you can ride along with your legs, essentially pedaling while still moving quickly and easily.
Do Electric Bikes Make Cycling Easier?
Yes, they do. Whether you're commuting or traveling long distances, an electric bike may make the journey easier. For the same reason, electric bikes make cycling more manageable and easier if you are older and less fit or if your local area has steep hills.
E-bikes, in general, are bicycles with a motorized "assist," which is provided by pedaling and, in some cases, a throttle. This allows you to cover long distances and conquer steep terrain without having to worry about running out of gas.
On pedal-assist e-bikes, a small electric motor engages when you accelerate. Some e-bikes have a throttle that engages the engine at the touch of a button, in addition to the pedal-assist system.
Is it Possible to Use an Electric Bike in the Same Way as a Regular Bike?
The majority of E-bikes can be used like a pedal-only bike if you wish. By switching to Pedal Assist Level 0, you can pedal and ride the bike just like a pedal-only bike while shifting gears as needed to accommodate terrain. Additionally, switching between the two is easy.
In addition, several E-bikes can be easily disassembled and used as normal bikes.
How Long Do Electric Bikes Last?
E-bikes require maintenance and upkeep, just like regular bikes. Traditionally, e-bikes can last between 10 and 15 years. However, certain parts will need to be replaced during this period. Each e-bike is unique, and how long it would last depends on how often you ride it.
Batteries
With lithium batteries, the ideal battery capacity typically degrades after about 1000 cycles or 3-5 years. But when frequently used, the ballpark figure is at about 500-600 cycles - with its lifespan still dependent on how you use it and how much you take care of it.
Brakes
Despite the fact that brakes can last quite a long time, they are dependent on many factors such as weather, road conditions, riding style, quality of components, etc.
As a general rule, wheel brakes are good for up to 3,000 miles (5,000 km) before they need to be replaced, while disc brakes are good for up to 6,000 miles (10,000 km) under normal commuting conditions.
While the numbers seem to look ideal, the most important factor to consider is the type of brake pads you're getting. Make sure they're thick and with treads that don't easily wear out - something you can easily check on product reviews for a certain brand. While the wear and tear of the pads also depend if you have them installed either in a mechanical or hydraulic set-up, a safe number to know when to change pads would be after every 1,000 miles.
Motors
Electric motors tend to have a longer lifespan than the rest of the e-bike components, and proper care will extend their lifespan.
Tires and Chains
Ideally, quality tires should be able to travel 1,000 to 3,000 miles before they need to be replaced.
Typically, chains would need to be replaced every 2,000 – 3,000 miles, but with a mid-drive motor and more stress on the chain and sprocket, this will likely be reduced.
Is It Worth Getting an Electric Bike?
Technology has improved our lives in all aspects, be it through breakthrough medicines, renewable energy, or new sporting ideas to keep us active (and live) longer. One of these changes is the electric bike.
Eco-Friendly
Commuting using e-bikes in the future because they use clean power. Using e-bikes will help to reduce air pollution, lowering the levels that are harmful to our health.
An e-bike is a green transportation option that enables people to travel much faster than would normally be possible on a bicycle. Additionally, you can still stay fit while you commute in comfort and convenience.
E-bikes emit fewer pollutants per mile than motorcycles and cars, so they will become increasingly important if you want to reduce the effects of global warming and climate change. Because of this, Asian and European countries consider e-bikes to be an environmentally friendly mode of transportation.
Less Stressful
It is the motor on your e-bike that will give you a boost, even as you pedal, as it will help propel you forward. You won't feel tired even if you travel for longer distances on an electric bike because it relieves stress on your hips, knees, and low back.
Easy Climb
A bike with an electric motor will also enable you to climb steep hills with ease. Because the motor pushes you forward, climbing a hill will not be too tiring. On challenging trails, it will also provide you with greater stability and control.
Budget-Friendly
If you plan to use this e-bike for commuting, you will love how fast it can go without any extra effort. You can park an electric bike much easier, and it's more affordable if you live in the city.
Because of the battery and the motor, e-bikes are more expensive than regular bikes. However, you can still cut costs if you are currently trying to reduce your expenditures by not using your car.
E-bikes are incredibly affordable compared with the cost of a reliable car. Furthermore, the running costs are virtually nonexistent.
Stress Relieving
Stress can be alleviated and your mind cleared by riding an e-bike. The fresh air and exercising your muscles without putting them under strain will benefit both your mental and physical health.
Depending on how long and what type of trail you are riding, you may choose to engage the motor or discard it entirely.
Easy To Maintain
E-bikes simply need their batteries refilled once a while and their motors serviced occasionally to keep them running well. E-bike batteries are generally designed to run between 18 and 50 miles depending on how much assistance your bike has and how fast you ride.
When you have a car, you have to make sure it's gassed up, the oil is topped up, and all the motor parts are working properly.
How Do I Choose an Electric Bike?
There are different kinds of E-bikes, and choosing which one is the best can be a daunting task. To choose the best bike for you, you must first define your needs precisely. Start by answering these questions:
- Do you plan to use the e-bike frequently?
- What kind of baggage will you be bringing?
- Will the distances covered be long or short?
- Are you planning to transport children?
- Will you be transporting your bike in the trunk of a car or on public transportation?
- What are your height and weight? E-bikes are heavy; they weigh from 17 to 25kg.
Decide which kind of assistance is right for you
Get to know the battery. There are several factors that can affect the battery range of an E-bike, including route, weight, assistance level, and a number of stops.
Check the type of brakes
There are several types of e-bikes, and some are quite heavy (17-25 kg). It is crucial to have excellent quality brakes, with hydraulic brakes being the safest.
You could also use a motor brake system, which uses the energy recovered from braking to recharge the battery. It is important to wear the correct protective gear when riding these electric bikes because they travel much faster.
Conclusion
Amp up your riding experience with this motorized transport and make a significant difference in the community. Most electric bikes have taken over traditional bikes because of their high-tech features like an electric bike sensor, electric bike display, an e-bike motor with the same wheels, yet you'll be sure to ride faster without expending maximum power to tackle hilly routes.
Vehicle technology has evolved to a whole new level of sustainability. In this era, you can now combine human-powered transport and aerobic exercise with mechanical engineering. While normal bikes offer you outdoor recreation, the electric bicycle can give you sustainable technologies while going for adventure travel!
Other riders may still prefer regular bicycles since it's a much cheaper alternative but lacking in pedal assistance while riding. People who want to enjoy the feel of riding a traditional bike may opt to ride E-bikes instead. Electric bikes are no different from ordinary bikes, other than having an electrical drive system to help you whenever you need it.
Are You Interested in Experiencing the Power of Electric Bikes?
As you carefully observe the electric bicycle vs regular bicycle dilemma, it's clear that electric bikes have the upper hand due to their advanced technology features, but they function no differently than a regular bike. We have electric bikes that you can try today if you want to experience the advantages of electric bikes! With our ZuGo Rhino Fat Tire Electric Bike, you can get sustainable transport while going to places you've never been before and get your daily exercise at the same time!
