What You Need to Know About Electric Bikes

Pushbikes NZ electric bikes Christchurch look and feel similar to regular bicycles. Still, they feature several electrical components that make them more comfortable to ride and reduce the likelihood of a crash.

Electric bikes are an excellent option for many when it comes to commuting or long-distance travel. Not only are they an environmentally friendly form of transport, but they can also save you money in the process.

Pushbikes NZ electric bikes ChristchurchPedal-Activated Systems

Most pedal-assist electric bikes use a sensor to monitor the rider’s pedalling and adjust the amount of power delivered to the wheel. This trade-off impacts how quickly the cycle moves, how hard you work, and how long your battery lasts when riding.

Cadence sensors measure pedalling speed using magnets attached to a disc mounted next to the crank. The sensor detects the movement of these magnets and sends an indication to your bike’s control unit.

High-end cadence sensors use more magnets for improved responsiveness and smoothness, typically ranging from 3-14. Additionally, these systems are costlier than cheaper ones with fewer magnets.

Cadence sensors can be fickle to manage, creating sudden power surges at inopportune moments. It may throw riders off their line or make turning or steering difficult.

Pedal assist e-bikes that use torque sensors are more intuitive to ride than throttle-controlled models, requiring less rider force and better ride quality.

Some pedal-assist ebikes can even provide a range of up to 50 miles or more with their large battery, making them ideal for people who need to travel far on just one charge.

Motor Power

Motor power is the amount of energy a Pushbikes NZ electric bikes Christchurch motor can generate. This measurement, often expressed in watts, plays a significant role in understanding how this power rating affects performance when riding an electric bike.

A significant advantage of a geared hub motor is its small size compared to direct-drive engines, helping keep the weight of an e-bike down. Furthermore, it features regenerative braking, which slows down the motor before brake pads engage for added traction.

Batteries are essential components of an e-bike’s operation. Not only do they store the electricity that drives its motor, but they also supply it when necessary.

Most e-bike batteries are composed of multiple cells, each with its output voltage. For example, lithium batteries typically offer 3.6 volts, while other chemical compositions may produce different output voltages.

Battery Capacity

Battery capacity is essential for electric bikes, as it determines how far you can ride before recharging. But, of course, your needs depend on factors like your weight and the weather conditions you’re riding in.

A higher voltage means the battery can move electricity faster, allowing electrons to move more rapidly through its wires for increased speed. Conversely, amps measure the force of current passing through these same wires; a higher amp-hour rating means more watt-hours stored in the battery for extended use.

If you need a battery that will last, opt for lithium-ion. These smaller and lighter alternatives to lead acid batteries offer increased durability and life spans than their lead-acid counterparts while being up to ten times more energy efficient. In addition, lithium-ion technology allows batteries from this type of energy source to last up to ten times longer than standard lead-acid batteries.

Range

The range of an electric bike depends on several factors, such as its battery capacity and motor power. It also varies based on rider weight, terrain, wind direction and tyre pressure.

Standard city commuter e-bikes can cover 30-40 miles before the battery runs out. More extended-distance models with larger batteries have the capacity for up to 200 miles without recharging.

Most electric bikes are rated in Watt-hours (Wh). This unit of measurement for battery capacity is determined by combining voltage and amp hours.

This method works on most batteries and gives you a quick estimate of the maximum distance an e-bike can travel. This calculation is especially crucial when comparing different models of e-bikes since their range will differ between them.

The motor is the primary factor that impacts battery range. If it provides excessive assistance, then it will drain power faster than if it allows for less. That’s why our motors offer various modes for riders to select; each provides additional assistance.