Electric Bikes Frequently Asked Questions

Electric bikes are gaining popularity these days thanks to the cost effective and fun utility vehicle it is. More and more bike and electric vehicles alike are opting for e bikes for short distance travel in replacement to their cars. The question is it for you? Here are some of the frequently asked questions that will help you decide if electric bikes are for you:

How does it work?

Electric bikes use a 350 to 500 watt lithium ion battery as the power source and an electric motor usually fitted at the rear wheel (hub motor). The motor works like any other motor, once electricity passes through it starts spinning and the spinning action is then transferred to the rear wheel to proper the bike forward. Some electric bikes model have a feature called pedal assist this allows the rider to exert minimal effort but efficient propulsion.

How long does the battery last?

The question is similar to asking how many miles to the gallon a car makes? It depends on the model and the speed you usually travel. Some models can have a range of 40 to 60 kilometers on a single fully charge battery whilst others are only at 20 kilometers. This is an important of the vehicle so make sure that you discuss this with the shop you are looking to buy from.

How long do I need to charge the battery?

The average charging period is about 6 to 10 hours but then again it may vary depending on the make and model of the bike. All chargers usually fit a regular home wall socket so charging is a breeze. It is also advisable to fully drain the battery pack or nearly fully drain it before charging to prolong its lifespan.

Does it recharge when I pedal?

Typically no, e bikes do not have an alternator to convert mechanical energy to electrical energy.

How much can I save?

Based on the average fuel price in the market today a car costs around 70 cents per kilometer with an e bike that cost can be slashed down significantly. E bikes are only at 5 cents per kilometer, an average savings of $6.5 per kilometer of trip.

How do help the environment?

Just by using an e bike you can potentially save by as much as 700,000 kilograms of carbon emissions per year. The savings were calculated based o the average distance an Australian car travels each year.

Interesting E-Bikes Facts

Over the past couple of years e-bikes have gained huge popularity in the Australian market as an alternative medium of transportation to cars for short distance travel. It shattered records worldwide because of the massive growth in sales primarily because of the many benefits that it brings. 

Generally everybody knows that an e-bike can save you money on gas and reduce your carbon footprint but there is more to it than just that. Here are some interesting facts that will make you proud if already own one.

 Patents – Numerous patents were made in the United State for e bikes and the earliest ones dates back to 1985 when Ogden Bolton Jr. submitted a design for battery powered bicycle that can amazingly squeeze out 100 amperes from a 10 watt battery. The design was simple yet efficient that some e bikes design today still borrows the main concept of Bolton.

Evolution – from a simple battery pack, e bikes have evolved drastically over the past few decades. Today we enjoy a much more powerful motor with clever features such as power on demand assist, pedal assist and power on demand and pedal assist. All this clever engineering revolutionize our e bike experience ensuring that the ride is not laborious when we do not want it to be.

Massive sales growth – In 2012 worldwide sales of e bikes hit the roof with a 99.5% increase in just a span of 3 years. From 200,000 sales in 2009 over 40,000,000 units we’re sold in 2012 making it one of the fastest growing markets in the world of transportation overlapping even the well known car brands.

 Carbon reduction – Did you know that you are saving up to 50 kg of carbon emissions per year just by using an e bike for a 1 kilometer trip in replacement of your car? That translates to about 700,000 kilograms per year based on the average 14,000 kilometers traveled by cars in Australia and that the time spent in traffic jams.

Amazing fuel consumption – if you convert the energy used of electric bikes to fuel, it can travel 434 kilometers ion just 1 liter of petrol compared to the average 7 kilometers of cars.

Cost reduction – With the current gas prices you are spending about 71 cents per kilometer with an e bike you will only be spending 5 cents per kilometer. Just how cost effective is that?

5 Fun Things to do with your E Bike

Electric bikes or simply e bikes are generally a utility vehicle to get from point A to point B cheaper and in a cleaner way. All sound boring and dull, however did you know that you can also have some fun with your e bikes and give it more use than just a means of transportation?

Here’s a quick list of the fun things you can do with your e bikes, so buckle up and enjoy the ride:

Join bike trail events – Since E bikes are still considered as bicycles you are still permitted to join bike trail events. This is a perfect event to unwind and have some outdoor fun whilst giving you the chance to meet new people or bond with your friends if you will be joining as a group.

Be the best dad or mum ever – Hook a trailer at the back of your e bike and ride with your little kiddo. Just cruise around the neighborhood and just see what smile it will bring to the little one, simple yet fun activity to bond with your children. If your child is big enough to ride on his own then get him his own e bike and you can just cruise around town together, pick up the groceries together or visit the park with your flashy bikes.

 Pimp your ride – Get a custom paint job, some flashy rims or perhaps a customized horn. This will give you a more personal feel to the vehicle or better yet make it as a DIY project paint it yourself, customized the steering knobs, pedals and even the seats. It will be a fun activity for the whole family – just make sure you don’t fiddle with any of the electrical system to avoid voiding of the warranty and for safety purposes.

Get a sound system – Who said that Hi-Fi’s are for cars and homes only? You can fit your bikes with a sound system that will surely make your riding experience more pleasurable and entertaining.

Ride and ride and ride – Never think of gas prices on short trips again nor that thick smoke your car emit. You can ride and ride and just ride all you can with an e bike for just a fraction of the cost and with zero emission.

Electric Bikes Care and Maintenance

After all the fun and utility your electric bike has offered it is somewhat cliché to return a little favor to your bike. Proper care and maintenance will not only prolong your bike’s lifespan but it can also steer you away from accidents and such. It is always advisable to care for your Electric bikes the same way you would with your car.

Proper care and maintenance of your electric bikes:

Proper usage – Electric bikes are designed as solution for the daily commuters thus it is not advisable that you use of road not subject it to extreme riding conditions such as doing a wheelie, jumping up and down a hill, carrying excessive loads and other tricks that you would normally do in a regular mountain bike.

Proper cleaning – As part of your routine care and maintenance cleaning should be done with caution. Refer to the user manual on how to properly clean your electric bike but as a general guideline you should never let water sip into the battery pack nor the motor. The moisture can cause a problem such as corrosion. Although the vehicle can be operated under the rain it is best if you will clean it after such usage. Also it best if you will keep all moving parts like the gears squeaky clean and properly lubricated all the time.

Keep out of extreme temperatures – If possible, always keep your bike away from direct sunlight or extreme cold conditions. Although the vehicle can withstand it, it is better if you will not subject it to such temperatures to lengthen its lifespan and continue enjoying optimum performance.

Consumables – Tires and breaks normally give out after quite some time of usage and it is normal even in cars. However, you can increase its lifespan and keep you away from accidents by caring for it properly. Always inflate the tires at the suggest PSI of the user manual and check brake pads and cords regularly.

 Battery pack care – Caring for the battery pack is easy, all you need to do is to always finish the charging process to prolong battery life, never let it get wet or be subjected to extreme moisture, always use the recommended power pack included with the bike and if you won’t be using the vehicle for an extended time fully charge and regularly recharge at least every 3 months to maintain optimum performance. 

Advantages of Electric Bikes

With gas prices hitting the ceiling, it is no wonder that more and more individuals are looking for various ways to reduce transportation cost. If you are one of the many people looking for an alternative means to get around town, then an electric bike is for you. This new and clever form of transportation is becoming very popular in Australia thanks to the many benefits that it brings.

However, like any other product it is important that you understand what you can expect from an electric bike before making the decision to purchase one. Listed below are just some of the advantages you can expect from electric bikes:

Save money on gas – Obviously you cannot travel in highways with an electric bike, but it can be the perfect alternative to cars on short distance travel. For an instance grabbing a carton of milk in your favorite convenience store or perhaps visiting a friend a few blocks away. Regardless, it will save you money on gas and potential cut down your expenses on short distance travel by 90%.

Reduce your carbon footprint – By minimizing the use of your car you are not only saving money but also doing your part in protecting mother Earth. Remember the less emission you produce the less carbon is thrown to the atmosphere. Electric bikes only use a small motor that is quite comparable to the motor of lawn mower, small yet efficient.

Fun to ride – unlike cars bikes are more exciting and fun to ride. Whilst its main purpose is utility, it can also serve as a source of family bonding. Ride with your children and just spend some quality time with rather than just sitting in the car where all the fun happen in the back seat and you are left in front and driving.

No noise pollution – cars and motorcycles often produces loud annoying sound but not e bikes. The motor produces an almost inaudible sound making it one of the quietest rides you’ll ever experience.

Pedal action included – Want to exercise? Then you can pedal like a regular bicycle and when you are tired you can simply switch to the motor to get home. The combination of the motor and the pedal action will surely fit anyone’s need for an alternative short distance mode of transportation. 

Stylish designs – E bikes often come in stylish and sleek designs that are guaranteed to be a head turner. Not only that, the wide variety of design options will surely fit everyone’s preferences and personality.