The City Electric Bike: 6 Simple Rules
The electric bike is easy to use and requires little maintenance. Nevertheless, there are some rules to follow.
Electric bike maintenance
If you have recently bought an e-bike, you should learn how to take care of it. As you know, e-bikes are a big investment, and proper care and maintenance are key to keeping them running for a long time.
Whether you are new to cycling or you have chosen an e-bike because you have a lot of experience with pedal-only bikes, it’s important to know that e-bikes are different. They are still bikes and have many of the same parts and repairs, but some specific differences require different care. Here is what you need to know about e-bike maintenance, in a nutshell:
1. Protect electric bike from moisture
Any electric vehicle can survive a ride in the rain because the electronics are protected by special rubber bands. But you should not storm rivers with an electric bike: If the whole bike sinks, water can penetrate the seals and get inside.
The display (on our bikes it’s at the top of the steering wheel) is also protected by a seal, but over time the rubber band can dry out, and condensation can build up inside. This causes the screen to fog up.
Moisture can oxidize the electronics. Forums recommend removing the ECU and coating the circuit board with a thin layer of transparent varnish for electronics – it is waterproof and conducts heat. If suddenly something oxidized and the signal begins to disappear, it is enough to remove the white coating with a cloth with alcohol.
2. Change the battery
It depends on the model, but usually, the battery lasts for three years. Then the capacity begins to fall, and the driving time on a single charge decreases. The battery can be changed completely in the assembly or only the elements, which will come out much cheaper.
3. Follow safety precautions
E-bikes are quite heavy, with an average model weighing over 60 pounds. To make them lighter, the axle seats on many models are made of aluminum alloys. Over time, the axle loosens, goes from a round cross-section to an oval one, and starts to play and rumble. The problem can be fixed – there are many videos on YouTube showing how to do it. But to avoid the problem in principle, try to ride carefully – on the most level road and without subjecting the transport shocks for city bikes.
Impact is also important to avoid for two other reasons. Inside the motorcycle, neodymium magnets are glued in a circle. They look strong, but this is a very fragile material: a strong impact can cause the magnets to break or splinter. Shocks are also dangerous for the battery: there is a risk of explosion due to mechanical damage.
4. Charge your battery properly
Lithium-ion batteries do not like to be fully discharged and charged. When the charge level drops to a critical level (1-5%), chemical reactions begin that reduce the battery’s capacity. Modern devices stop supplying power when they reach a charge level of 100% and go into standby mode, where they continue to slowly deplete their charge. When the capacity drops to 99%, the electronics wake up again and allow the battery to charge again until it reaches 100%. This is also not the best way to affect the longevity of the battery.
Ideally, if you keep the charge between 20% and 80%, the battery will last longer (e.g. 2.5 years instead of 2 years). The battery will also deteriorate if it is charged in sub-zero temperatures. So when you come in from the cold, let the battery warm up first. Also, to extend the life, it is better to use the supplied power supply, because the controller has some special features.
5. Lubricate parts
On an electric bike, you need to lubricate the same parts as on a regular bike: at least once a season, the chain, and, if necessary, the brake and shift cables.
6. Wash if needed
To keep the electric bike looking like new, wipe it with a damp cloth when it gets dusty – you can use any non-aggressive cleaner. Turn off the power before cleaning. It really only gets dirty when you ride in the rain or through puddles. But electric bike manufacturers advise against riding in such weather. Try to avoid riding in the rain: Wet roads increase the risk of falls.
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Electric Bikes As The Main Transport For The City
Electric bikes as a means of urban transportation are gaining popularity year by year. It successfully competes not only with public transport but also with cars, motorcycles, and scooters. In our reality, it is easier and more convenient for many people to ride an e-bike, choose the best routes and avoid miles of traffic jams.
But it is not only the traffic jams that make citizens switch to electric bikes. In addition to maneuverability and freedom of movement, this mode of transportation convinces with the absence of harmful emissions, minimal maintenance costs, a wide range of uses, no parking problems, and other advantages.
In terms of efficiency of use in the city, e-bikes surpass not only minibusses and busses but also private cars.
Advantages of electric bikes in the city
Urban electric bikes are great for everyday commutes, business tasks, and outdoor activities. Their advantages:
- 1. Compactness and lightweight are important factors for transportation and storage.
2. Quiet operation and no harmful emissions.
3. Low maintenance costs. On average, 1 kWh of electricity lasts for a distance of 60 miles. Battery replacement is the most expensive, but Li-ion models can withstand more than 1000 charge/discharge cycles, LiFePO4 more than 2000. And even after that, they retain 80% of their original capacity. Therefore, lithium batteries last for several years even with intensive use of the resource.
4. The ability to charge the battery at any power outlet. Most e-bike batteries are removable, so you can easily take them home or to the office.
5. Versatility. A suitable electric bike can be chosen for people of any gender and age to solve business tasks, ride to work or school, meet friends, maintain an active lifestyle, and other purposes.
6. Freedom of movement and enjoyment of the ride, especially on nice days. In addition, the route can be moved through parks or squares. Steer and enjoy the ride, the bike motor does most of the work for you.
7. Save time – you do not need to wait for public transport, warm up the engine and stand in traffic jams. Therefore, you will usually reach your destination faster, especially on short routes and with good cycling infrastructure.
8. Easy parking – even if there is no bike parking nearby, the e-bike can be secured to a fence, railing, post, or other metal structure with a bike lock. A foldable model is easy to fold up and take with you.
9. Health benefits – cycling helps you stay fit and burn extra calories, and the presence of an electric motor allows you to vary the load. Such a means of transport is suitable both for active travel and for smooth rehabilitation after an illness when intensive loads are strictly contraindicated.
10. Free use, without registration of insurance and registration of the vehicle with the traffic police. Class 3 e-bikes may be ridden without a driver’s license. To ride a more powerful e-bike, you need a driver’s license.
Electric Bikes Benefit you and the city
An electric bicycle is an urban means of transportation with an optimal combination of features. It is useful for its owner, for the ecological situation in the city, and for the traffic on the roads. Belgian scientists have calculated that if at least 10% of cars are replaced by two-wheelers, the number of traffic jams will decrease by 40%. And if you replace 25% of cars with bicycles, the problem of traffic congestion will be completely solved.
Moreover, even a partial elimination of the internal combustion engine can reduce the noise and the number of exhaust gasses in the air. However, riding an e-bike is not only an environmentally friendly and economical way of moving around the room but also a pleasant experience. It is a good opportunity to combine a trip with a walk and an active vacation.
In addition to all the advantages of a bicycle, the e-bike has a high-torque electric motor, which, despite its compactness and quiet operation, proves to be a reliable assistant in road traffic. It allows the cyclist to master slopes and longer distances without unnecessary stress and fatigue. This allows us to think less about the pedals and focus more on the ride itself – from the situation on the road to the beauty of the surrounding nature.
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Advantages of Mid-drive Motor Electric Bikes
In recent years, innovation in the e-bike industry has been rapid. Electric bikes used to be clunky machines that did not work reliably and looked streamlined. But today, many sleek e-bikes are equipped with such well-integrated motors that they are almost indistinguishable from conventional bicycles. For a long time, e-bike manufacturers relied on wheel hub motors, but now there is a competing design on the market: mid-drive motors. Mid-drive motors have many advantages. So let us take a closer look at why higher-end electric bikes are equipped with mid-drive motors.
If you can't wait to get to the heart of the matter, here's the list of benefits without further ado:
- Most mid-drive motors require a special frame built around the motor. This completely encloses the motor, which is more esthetically pleasing and better suited for single-track mountain bikes but also significantly increases the cost of the bike.
- The mid-drive motors we use can be built into a normal bike frame, which has the advantage of making the bike easier to repair if necessary, and much cheaper to buy as an integrated e-bike since we do not have to make a “special” frame.
- Mid-drive motors keep the weight of the bike down, which can also be an advantage, especially compared to the heavier older hub motors.
- Mid-drive motors are more efficient because they drive the cranks directly. This means you can get more range out of your battery.
- Mid-drive motors are more suited to experienced cyclists because you have to push more to get more torque. While mid-drive motors are quite good at low speeds and high torque uphill, using less energy, you will have to use more leg power to reach the same speed as a hub motor of the same power.
- Because of the high torque combined with the central position of the motor, a mid-drive motor is good for towing a trailer or for taller riders.
- With a mid-drive motor, it is easier to change a tire because the wheels are still equipped with quick releases.
- Mid-drive motors are relatively quiet.
What is Mid-drive Motor?
A mid-motor gets its name from its position on the bicycle. It is located in the center of the bicycle frame near the bottom bracket, where the cranks are connected. The mid-motor is currently the best solution for electric bikes, most mid-range and high-end e-bikes use this solution.
So, what are the main advantages of mid-drive motors?
Higher energy conversion rate
The Mid-Drive system provides higher power and torque compared to similarly powered hub motors. The mid-drive motor drives the crank instead of the wheel itself, which increases its power and allows it to take advantage of bicycle gears. When the battery is empty, the mid-drive motor is completely disconnected from the axis of the carriage and there is no magnetic resistance. So, when the battery is empty, you can continue to ride unimpeded.
More torque
A more technologically advanced mid-drive motor is a combined mechanism of internal transmission gears. Multiple clutch gears form a variable-speed ratchet mechanism inside the motor that increases output torque and provides higher load and climbing capability. In addition, the torque sensor is more sensitive and picks up changes in pedaling force that directly affect the bottom bracket axle, allowing faster acceleration.
Better center of gravity
Due to the heavy weight of the hub motor, whether on the front or rear wheel, the center of gravity of the bicycle is not balanced.
The mid-drive motor has a better center of gravity balance, does not affect the balance of the bike when riding fast, and does not require additional batteries for counterbalance. That’s why the latest electric bikes have the battery built into the down tube. This also reduces the load on the braking system, improves braking performance, and extends the life of the braking system.
Less wiring and a cleaner look
Many components are integrated into the mid-drive motor, and only a few cables lead to the steering controller. This simplified and integrated design gives the bike a cleaner look and is easier to maintain.
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7 Reasons Why You Should Choose an Electric Mountain Bike
Why you should choose a mountain bike? The bicycle industry has been around for more than a dozen years, and in that time deserving authorities have been formed within it. Among the most significant are the mountain bikes. They are ideal for outdoor activities, rides in rough terrain and nature, and enjoy stable demand from both professionals and ordinary people. Below you will learn more about mountain bike’s main features and advantages, which will help you make the right choice.
7 main advantages why you should choose a mountain bike
1. Convenience
Finding another two-wheeler more suitable for all types of roads is more difficult than a mountain bike. Thanks to the shape of the wheels, tires, powerful shock absorbers, and gears, you can always be sure that you will reach your destination quickly and comfortably.
2. Versatility
Cycling in the city, riding in difficult terrain, “killed” roads or in the wilderness – mountain bikes always meet all these tasks.
3. Customization
You can put a trunk, a child seat, a water bottle, a speedometer, or whatever you want.
4. Independence from the weather
Such an iron horse will cope with any weather and extreme conditions. In special cases, you can choose the most suitable wheels and equipment for the conditions of the trip. But this is where the advantages of mountain biking began.
5. Mountainbiking
First of all, this type of bike is specifically designed for such extreme travel. This is exactly what the main features of a mountain bike say:
- – Reinforced depreciation;
- – Comfortable steering wheel position;
- – Reinforced disc brake system;
- – Improved tread pattern for maximum grip on the ground;
- – Strong and reliable frame;
- – Many switchable gears.
6. Mountain Bikes Types
In addition to their general class, mountain bikes are divided into several types within their variety. Among them, two main types are worth highlighting:
- Hardtails. These models are characterized by the absence of a rear shock absorber located under the seat. Most often, these bikes are purchased for long-distance rides on relatively apartment terrain and participation in sports competitions. It is worth noting that the design can be either with a front shock absorber or rigid, that is, without shock absorbers. Typically, hardtails are made of aluminum alloys to reduce weight and improve handling.
- Full-suspension bikes. These models have a shock absorber on both the front and rear wheels. This is the best option for riding on uneven, rocky terrain, as the functional shock absorbers perfectly compensate for any unevenness. And all this affects the convenience of transport management because the highest possible comfort of driving is provided. The weight of such models is usually slightly higher than the hardtails.
Look out for our electric mountain bikes that combine versatility, technology, and style in the next evolution of electric bikes. We feature a mid-drive motor, dual front chainring, and hydraulic brakes for ultimate control and performance. The mid-drive motor has a precise torque sensor that optimizes power based on the amount of force you apply. The torque sensor also extends the range of the battery by delivering only as much power as necessary.
7. Affordable price
Of course, you have to pay relatively much for a high-quality mountain bike. A good bike cannot be cheap. A possible exception may be only children’s and youth models, where the too strong frame and reinforced shock absorbers are not necessary.
Now you know the main features and advantages of mountain bikes. Thanks to the many variants of this means of transport, you will be able to effortlessly choose the most suitable model for you, lead an active lifestyle and spend your time with pleasure.
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Is 250W enough power for an electric bike?
Next to speed, performance is probably the hottest topic – and selling point – in the world of electric bikes.
Conventional wisdom holds that more power is better than more watts. But if that’s the case, why do so many high-end e-bikes seem to have smaller motors – and is 250 W enough power for an electric bike?
There are a few factors that dictate how many watts an e-bike needs, from the type of motor used to how the e-bike was designed. It’s also helpful to understand what manufacturers describe when they talk about motor power, and how U.S. law dictates how powerful an e-bike can be. In this post, we’ll go into these details and more.
But here’s a short answer that’s sure to cause some buzz: Yes, we’ve found that 250 W of power is sufficient for many e-bikes. There are some caveats to this statement, but by and large, a 250 W motor is sufficient to help the rider pedal. Remember that an e-bike is still a bicycle – by definition, at least some physical effort is required.
When is 250 W enough? Mid-drive vs. hub motors
Power is all the rage right now, especially if you want to buy an affordable e-bike.
But a higher wattage doesn’t always equate to a faster e-bike. Some of the most powerful e-bikes we tested had 250-W motors. It just depends on how the power is transferred to the ground.
There are two types of motors found primarily on e-bikes: Hub-drive motors, which are laced into the rear or front wheel, and mid-drive motors, which sit between the crank arms in the bottom bracket of the frame. While e-bike motors are complex technical entities with an entire article dedicated to them, we can make some general statements that will help you understand the pros of each motor.
Mid-drive Motors: when 250W is enough
- Many, many mid-drive e-bike motors are rated at 250W. And most often, these motors drive e-bikes that are among the most powerful and powerful on the market. E-bike motor manufacturers, who are leaders in the field of e-bike performance, make high-performance 250W motors.
- Mid-drive motors make more power from fewer watts by taking advantage of the bike’s drivetrain. The bike’s power, torque, and speed change depending on the gear selected, making them optimal for high-performance e-bikes such as commuter e-bikes, step-thru bikes, e-MTBs, and others.
- Because of the lower wattage, the motors require smaller batteries and are often much lighter.
- This power and efficiency often come at a higher price. Mid-drive motors are often found in e-bikes that cost several thousand dollars, but not our e-bikes!
- Manufacturers are very good at building 250W mid-drive motors specifically for certain applications, such as high-torque motors for e-bikes and high-speed motors for commuters.
Hub Motors: More watts are better (most of the time)
- For hub motors, e-bikes usually bump up against the allowable motor size of 750W. Although more powerful on paper, hub motors – which are usually installed in the rear wheel – do not transfer power through the gears and require much more energy to achieve a similar effect as mid-motor drives. Because of the difference in power transfer, a 750-watt hub motor and a 250-watt mid-motor are much more comparable in practice than they appear on paper.
- These motors require larger batteries and generally result in a heavier bike.
- Hub motors are probably the most popular choice, simply because they are often a bit cheaper than mid-mounted motors.
- 250 W on a hub-drive city bike that is light and intended to be ridden in the apartment is probably adequate, while 750 W is more appropriate for an electric hub-drive fat bike that weighs more than 70 pounds and is built to tackle difficult or hilly terrain.
Thanks to EBR for the provided information.
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Healthy Cycling: How to Hydrate Properly while Cycling
Cycling is a pleasure, enjoying nature between the road and winding mountain roads, but ask yourself: do you drink water when you are thirsty? Or do you remember to drink water when you feel like you can not keep yourself up while cycling? Have you ever felt that your limbs are weak and your mind can not take it anymore?
Cycling is a very calorie-intensive sport in which the body consumes a lot of water and the moisture is removed from the body through sweat. If you ride a bicycle outdoors, you will sweat less, and if you stop sweating, the phenomenon will increase, because much of the sweat will be dried by the wind, If you are exposed to the hot sun, humidity, sultriness, low air pressure and other weather conditions, your sweat will be like rain. If you do not replenish water and electrolytes lost in your body in time, you will feel a sense of thirst, and if it is severe, it will cause serious physiological reactions such as cramps and exhaustion.
Some people say that I can not drink water for 50 or even 100 miles, my endurance is very good, but not drinking water does not mean you are a hero, wait until you get cramps, collapse, if you become a “sick cat”, then there is no more lively riding condition, your pleasant journey also brings depression and pain, you even can not complete the riding plan, if this riding plan includes a lot of new scenery, you will not be able to see it, which is very unfortunate. So how can we replenish the lost moisture in a scientific way and complete the riding plan cheerfully and smoothly?
First of all, let’s take a look at how water functions physiologically in our human body. As we all know, the human body is 60% water. Although water itself has no nutritional value, it has a more important role: to provide the body with nutrients (blood transport), replenish it, balance it, detoxify it, and regulate body temperature. With sufficient water intake, the physiological function of the human body can run smoothly. So if you drink more water, you can not only take care of the face and beauty but also moisturize the skin, prevent aging, relieve constipation and even treat colds, prevent stones, bladder infections, urethritis, and stabilize the nerves, etc. Drink more water, it is really useful.
Cycling is an activity that consumes a lot of water. Especially in the hot season, if you do not replenish water in time, the water in the blood decreases, the salt concentration increases, not only the body temperature rises, the efficiency is low, but also because the viscous blood, which affects blood circulation, heart weakness, and physical weakness. People who drink water regularly have a lower temperature than people who do not drink water, and they do not get tired easily. The temperature of people who are not accustomed to drinking water is high before exercise and then rises rapidly with the duration of exercise so that they become tired after 4 hours because of the high temperature. So drinking water properly also prevents fatigue.
Replenishing water should be done on the principle of “timely” and “small amount and many times”. Before and after riding, you must make it a habit to drink water before taking a ride or a break. Then, during the ride, you should top up with about 200-300 ml of water every 15 minutes. This is about a third of the capacity of a mineral water bottle, and you should not drink too much water each time, but several times. In this way, the amount of water lost and evaporated can be quickly replenished. Check out our water bottle and other accessories.
Since we emphasize hydration, why do we drink water so often and in small amounts? Would not it be practical to drink 1,000 ml of water at a time?
Why actually? Is it not the same to drink water? The reason is this: if we drink 1,000 ml of water at once, as in the desert, our body cannot absorb the water all at once. This not only dilutes the composition of the blood, but also disturbs the balance, and sometimes the water spills over into the tissues outside the blood vessels, causing edema, making people uncomfortable, increasing the load on the heart, and even causing heart failure. Drinking plenty of water increases your urination, which worsens your dehydration.
When we feel thirsty, the body signals that we are dehydrated. So the above proverb says that you should not wait until you feel thirsty to drink water. If you drink a lot of water every time, in addition to the sweating of the body, the kidneys will be more stressed, which is associated with frequent urination. If you are racing with others, you will have to get off the bike to fix the problem, and they will wait for you while you get back on the bike.
Water with a temperature of 9 to 16 degrees Celsius can pass the stomach most quickly and be absorbed into the large intestine. The concentration of water (mixed with other ingredients such as juice, milk, etc.) is also related to speed. Drinking water and sports drinks (with glycerol, potassium, and electrolytes content lower than the concentration in blood, about between 0.2 and 0.3) can pass the stomach quickly and be absorbed into the large intestine. A light supplement of water is also not OK, although water can solve a temporary thirst, we lose salt, electrolytes, and calories with sweat when we exercise, the so-called lack of what we need to supplement, you can rely on some sports drinks to get.
Such a water supply is certainly not enough for a long-distance trip unless you have amazing stamina, but do not forget that even with good stamina, your body loses water and needs to be replenished. During the trip, we will pass villages, facilities, and units that will be our water refill stations whenever they can be drunk.
Based on our own experience, we can fully formulate our complimentary fluids based on the above knowledge:
- First, replenish water supplies (purified or mineral).
- Second, supplemental energy, sugar, or glucose, which can be purchased in supermarkets.
- Third, supplement electrolytes by taking oral rehydration salts. This is an electrolyte supplement to regulate water, electrolyte, and acid-base balance. You can buy it at pharmacies.
- Fourth, adjust the taste of drinking water to your taste, choose fruit drinks, for example.
The ingredients of the recipe are easy to buy, and on average the cost per ride is not high. Before each trip, mix at least 1000 ml of water with this recipe and put it in your cauldron, and some of these ingredients are easy to take with you as powder.
