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.