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What is an e-bike and how does it work?

Want a bike that does the hills for you? You need an e-bike!

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An electric bike (or e-bike) is like a normal pedal bike but with an electric boost. Start to pedal, and battery-power will kick in to spare your tired legs and help you whizz up that hill with ease. They’re rechargeable and don’t give out any exhaust fumes – so they’re great for a ride in unspoilt countryside.

There are lots of different types of electric bikes too – from folding electric bikes ideal for the daily commute to the beefy Knaap Generation 1 Electric Bike - with chunky tyres and a range of up to 87 miles. A great choice for those longer rides.

If you’re new to e-bikes and want to find out more, we’ve got you covered.

How do electric bike work?

E-bikes are powered by an electric motor that helps you pedal. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery that's usually located in the bike's frame. When you start pedalling, the motor kicks in and gives you extra power – great when you’re going uphill or the wind is against you.

But e-bikes don’t have to mean sitting back and missing out on exercise. Most e-bikes have different power modes, so it’s up to you how much help you want. Some models even have a throttle, which means you can control the speed without pedalling at all.

Electric bike components

E-bikes aren’t simple machines, and are crammed with all kinds of clever tech. But arguably the 3 main important components in an electric bike are:

Battery

No battery, no power. The battery’s voltage, type and capacity will determine how far your e-bike can go (range), its overall performance and its charging time.

Motor

The motor takes electrical energy from the battery and converts it into the mechanical power that makes your bike go. The motor’s power and efficiency help determine things like an electric bike’s top speed, acceleration and range.

Sensor

In many e-bikes, sensors detect when you’re peddling and turns on the motor to give you a boost. This means you don’t need a throttle to get a boost – but lots of e-bikes come with both throttles and sensors.

How fast does an electric bike go?

The speed of an electric bike can vary depending on a number of factors such as the power of the electric motor, the weight of the rider, the terrain, and the level of pedal assistance being used.

A fast electric bike can go between 20 to 28 miles per hour with pedal assistance. But the fastest electric bikes can reach speeds of up to 45 miles per hour or more. What’s more important is knowing the legal restrictions on the maximum speed of electric bikes. It's always a good idea to find out the laws and regulations in your area.

Electric bike laws

The speed limit for electric bikes in the UK is 15.5 mph, which is the same speed limit as electric scooters. The good news is that, unlike e-scooters, both pedal and throttle assisted electric bikes can be ridden on cycle lanes and on the road - as long as riders stick to the laws that apply to normal cyclists.

If you’re new to electric bikes and scooters and want to talk to someone who knows their stuff, why not have a chat with a friendly ShopLive expert.

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