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How do electric bikes work

September 26, 2024
How Do Electric Bikes Work

How do electric bikes work? Most people don’t have a clue. In fact, many people think that electric bikes are some sort of new technology when in reality they’ve been around for well over a century. The problem is that most people don’t understand how they work, and even fewer know how to fix them when something goes wrong. This guide is meant to change all that. We’re going to take a comprehensive look at how electric bikes work, from the battery to the motor to the pedals.

By the end of this guide, you should have a much better understanding of how your electric bike works, and you’ll be able to fix the most common problems that arise. So let’s get started!

Don’t forget to check our guide about Best Electric Bikes for Money in 2024.

How Do Electric Bikes Work?

Electric bikes are, at their heart, very simple machines. They have a battery that powers a motor, and that’s about it. Of course, there are a few other parts that make up an electric bike (like the pedals, for example), but the battery and motor are the two essential components.

The battery is, unsurprisingly, the part of the electric bike that stores power. Electric bikes use lead-acid batteries, which are very similar to the batteries you’d find in a car. These batteries store a large amount of power in a small space, and they’re relatively inexpensive to produce.

The motor is the part of the electric bike that takes power from the battery and uses it to turn the wheels. Electric bike motors are usually located in the front or rear wheel hub, and they’re connected to the wheel with a simple belt or chain.

The motor is what allows an electric bike to provide “ pedal assist ”, which is a feature that’s becoming increasingly common in electric bikes. Pedal assist is simply a mode that allows the motor to provide power to the pedals, making it easier to pedal uphill or against a strong headwind.

Most electric bike motors are “ brushless ”, which means that they don’t have any moving parts. This makes them more reliable and easier to maintain than “ brushed ” motors, which do have moving parts.

In addition to the battery and motor, electric bikes also have a few other components that are worth mentioning. These include:

The Controller

The controller is the “brain” of the electric bike, and it’s responsible for controlling the power from the battery to the motor. It’s usually located near the battery, and it’s often encased in plastic to protect it from the elements.

The Throttle

The throttle is a control that allows you to increase or decrease the power from the battery to the motor. It’s usually located on the handlebars, and it can be either a twist grip (like on a motorcycle) or a thumb lever. Some throttle designs also include a brake lever, which can be used to turn off the power to the motor.

The Display

The display is a small screen that shows you information about the electric bike, including the battery level, the current speed, and the Pedal Assist level (if applicable). Displays are usually located on the handlebars, and they’re becoming increasingly common on electric bikes. Display designs vary widely, so it’s worth taking some time to find one that you like.

The Pedal Assist Sensor

The pedal assist sensor is a small device that’s located near the pedals, and it’s used to detect when you’re pedaling. This information is then used by the controller to provide power to the motor. Pedal assist sensors come in two different varieties: torque and cadence.

  • Torque sensors: Torque sensors measure the amount of force that you’re applying to the pedals, and they’re considered to be more accurate than cadence sensors.
  • Cadence sensors: Cadence sensors, on the other hand, simply detect whether or not you’re pedaling, and they don’t provide any information about the force that you’re applying.

Most electric bikes use cadence sensors, but some higher-end models will use torque sensors.

The PAS Magnet

The PAS magnet is a small magnet that’s attached to the pedal assist sensor, and it’s used to detect when you’re pedaling. The PAS magnet is usually located near the crankset, and it can be either a permanent magnet or an electromagnet.

The Hall Effect Sensor

The Hall effect sensor is a small device that’s used to detect the presence of a magnetic field. Hall effect sensors are often used in conjunction with PAS magnets to provide more accurate pedal assist information.

The Brake Levers

The brake levers are used to stop the electric bike, and they’re usually located on the handlebars. They are connected to the brakes with a cable, and they can be either mechanical or hydraulic.

Most electric bikes will have either V-brakes or disc brakes, but some higher-end models will use more exotic brake types. Brakes are an important safety feature on electric bikes, so it’s important to choose a bike that has brakes that you’re comfortable with.

Do All Electric Bikes Work In The Same Way?

No, not all electric bikes work in the same way. There are two main types of electric bikes: hub-drive and mid-drive. Hub-drive electric bikes have the motor located in the front or rear wheel hub, while mid-drive electric bikes have the motor located in the middle of the bike, near the bottom bracket. Each type of electric bike has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s worth doing some research to find the type that’s best for you.

Final Thoughts

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, and it’s easy to see why. They offer a unique riding experience that can’t be found with traditional bicycles, and they’re also a great way to get around town or commute to work. If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike, make sure to do your research and find the type that’s best for you. Just remember, electric bikes are a lot of fun, so don’t be afraid to get out there and give one a try!

 

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1 Comment

  • Reply Mysterious caller finder November 5, 2024 at 9:30 pm

    Your tips are practical and realistic; I can see myself implementing them hassle-free.

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