Advancements in technology over the last 100 years have been notable in helping people achieve higher quality lives by increasing accessibility and making possible, what may not have been otherwise. Of all the technological innovations curated in the last century, transportation has been one of the most important factors influencing how people can interact with the society around them.
Motorized vehicles allow people to get further to a broader variety of destinations and one such invention is the electric bicycle. Similar to a pushbike, electric bikes have all of the same benefits plus a few extra qualities that make them an attractive option.
How Do Electric Bicycles Work?
Electric bicycles are essentially push bikes with mechanisms to assist the motion of the bike without physical effort from you. There are three main components that make an electric bike what it is.
The Motor
There are two types of motors an electric bike could have depending on its placement on the bike. A hub motor might be placed on either the front or back wheel hub whereas, a mid-drive motor is placed between the pedals and is usually found on more expensive bike models.
The motor works by providing torque when you are pedaling. On an electric bike, the higher the torque the motor has, the less you have to physically work to pedal the wheels which can help conserve your energy for long bicycle treks.
The Battery
The battery is what powers the electric bike propelling it forward regardless of your pedaling. Some cyclists prefer a lightweight lithium-ion battery whereas others opt for a conventional nickel-cadmium battery both of which need to be recharged.
A battery should last 10-40 miles with a top speed of 10-20 mph as dictated by most traffic laws. These ranges can be extended if you pedal the bike for parts of your ride.
The Sensor
Like the motor, there are also two types of sensors an electric bike may have that signal the motor to take over. The first is a pedal-assist-sensor that works by detecting the speed you are pedaling to gauge the activation of the motor. The second is a torque sensor that measures the force you are applying to the pedal. While a speed sensor is great for meeting basic cycling needs on relatively even terrain, the torque sensor can allow you to manoeuver and navigate less predictable land.
Now that you know a little bit about how an electric bike works, you might be wondering about the benefits it can offer.
5 Ways an Electric Bike Can Benefit Your Life
Accessible Cycling
If you have ever felt sore, sweaty, and exhausted after riding a pushbike, this is where electric bikes excel. The motorized feature of the bike takes all of the leg work out of pedaling and eases some of the workloads for you making it easier on joint impact and preventing fatigue.
While this is true for any cyclist, it is particularly special because those with compromised bodily movement, joint pain, and lung capacity can maintain their autonomy and freedom to ride a bike with less output required from their body to travel.
Environmental Impact
Using an electric bike has a positive environmental impact in that it emits much lower emissions than a motorcycle, car, or truck. The average amount of energy used by an electric bike is 100 to 150 watts whereas a car might use 15,000 watts.
Given the drastic change that is needed for a positive climate shift to occur, electric bikes provide one solution to emissions caused by transportation. By producing significantly fewer emissions than an electric bike does, consequently, air quality improves.
Cost-Effective
Electric bikes are noticeably cost-effective when compared to transportation by larger automotive vehicles. Because they do not require fuel, have long-lasting rechargeable batteries, and require less significant repairs than a car or truck, electric bikes top the list for money-saving transportation methods.
In this way, electric bikes are also more accessible to more people without the worries of having to cost out and finance a method of transportation. It can be a cheap way to get to various destinations such as jobs which displays the positive domino effect an electric bike can have on societal interaction.
Improved Health and Wellbeing
Electric bikes can have immense impacts on both your physical and mental health. Physically, the movements required to pedal a bike and keep it balanced, tone and strengthen the muscles of the body, lubricate your joints well to strengthen them, and encourage the maintenance of a healthy weight.
It is also said that cycling can improve gait, flexibility, and motor skills. Cycling is particularly beneficial for those with Parkinson’s Disease to improve their overall physical wellbeing while offering the safety and comfort of assistance features.
Psychologically, riding an electric bike can have a cathartic and empowering effect on your mind and its thought processes. Cycling can be a healthy way to release negative emotions while exploring nature and getting fresh air.
Cycling alone can feel empowering whereas, cycling with others can increase your bond with them which can leave you feeling more connected to your social support system.
More Access to Adventures
Electric bikes come with many customizable options such as tire size, suspension, and other functions. These features make electric bikes an ideal option for varying types of terrain from straight and flat paths to mountain trails.
Because an electric bike assists you with the forward momentum of the bike, less energy output is required from your body which means you can go further and for longer while adventuring. Again, this motorized feature makes exploring mountain trails and other terrains more accessible to those who might not otherwise have the stamina and strength to explore with just their body’s power.
Final Thoughts
Electric bikes certainly seem to be the way forward providing a plethora of positive solutions to human and environmental issues. For a fantastic selection of electric bikes check out Electric Bike Paradise.
