Electric Bikes vs Regular Bikes: What's the Difference?

Electric bikes are becoming the trend today for so many reasons. However, it is crucial to establish that electric bikes are innovative products. They differ from regular bikes in terms of efficiency, ease of usage, and flexibility. Thus, they are considered a better option for commuting than regular bikes. Although electric bikes and traditional bikes may be similar in appearance, they have significant differences. In this article, you shall discover the main differences between them.

What Are Electric Bikes?

Electric bikes have a close physical appearance to regular bikes but are equipped with extra electrical components, including a battery and a motor system. These electrical components are responsible for electric bikes' optimum performance. For instance, the electric motor assists riders, allowing them to propel forward without exerting much energy. More interestingly, users can adjust the level of assistance they get from the electric bike through the adjustable mode. This also makes electric bikes perfect for riding through rough terrains or hilly areas. As a result of these numerous benefits, electric bikes are rapidly adopted in developed countries, including European states and the United States.

Knowing what an electric bike is, here are the notable differences between electrically powered and regular bikes.

Construction or Components Differences

The crucial parts that make up an electric bike differ from regular bikes. As mentioned earlier, the significant components that best describe an electric bike are the presence of the motor system, battery, and LCD. However, the LCD is installed based on the manufacturer's preference, proficiency or available resources. Thus, only professional and modern manufacturing brands include LCD in the electric bike compartments. A perfect example of a modern electric bike with this innovative feature is the HAOQI Green Leopard Pro Fat Tire Electric Bike. This feature grants riders access to ride information, including mileage, battery, and speed. You can easily detect this and adjust accordingly if riding extremely high speed.

Concerning the motors and batteries added to an electric bike, they are of different types - this again proves the innovations rapidly ongoing with e-bikes, contrary to regular bikes. An electric bike motor can be placed within the frame or the wheels. The former placement is referred to as the mid-drive motor, while the latter is called the hub-drive motor.

Due to the extra electrical components in electric bikes, they are typically heavier than regular bikes. However, the weight is less significant while riding. You will likely notice the added weight when you lift the electric bike. This is due to the pedal-assist feature that allows people to ride without exerting much power.

Differences in Speed

Several factors determine the speed you can ride, including the bike model. However, most regular and electric bikes have almost the same speed limit or capacity. What an electric bike does is allow you to ride at a fast speed easily than riding a regular bike. In addition, you should understand the speed limit of your electric bike before taking it to the road.

The Required Maintenance

In terms of maintenance, the process is the same for both regular and electric bikes. You will still need to replace the tire or fix broken brake pads the same way. The significant difference in maintenance only applies when you need a technician to fix the motor or battery component. However, electric bike electrical components barely get spoiled, so you may now need to worry much about this.

Following the proper maintenance procedure, you can enjoy your long-lasting electric bike. You will need to start by following the property charging routine for your electric bike. For instance, the HAOQI Green Leopard Pro should be charged within 6 to 9 hours. Charging for a long time may weaken or wear out your electric bike battery.

The Ride Benefits

One of the most significant benefits of ebikes is fitness and cardiovascular enhancement. An electric bike is considered a passive exercise ideal for individuals finding it difficult to follow a gym routine. You can burn about 25% of your calories if you consistently ride an electric bike.

Aside from keeping in shape, there are also several health benefits of ebikes. It allows regular blood flow in the body, reducing the risk of developing heart-related diseases. It also reduces the risk of developing diabetes or heart attack. The increased chance of riding at a higher speed with an electric bike helps promote mental health. It is a great feeling to cycle and enjoy the natural environment, enhancing the state of your mind.

Rules and Regulations

Even though electric bikes provide more benefits than regular bikes, not everyone has access to it due to state rules and regulations. Thus, checking your state's rules and regulations is expedient before taking your electric bike to the road. Some rules restrict 16 years and below from riding, while others mandate using helmets and riding on only designated paths. The rules surrounding electric bike usage sometimes depend on the electric bike class.

The Cost Differences

Generally, electric bikes are more expensive than regular bikes. This is because regular bikes do not have components that could have increased the operational cost. Nevertheless, electric bikes provide maximum advantage to their user or rider. You will also come across electric bikes of diverse prices in the market. Refrain from falling for ridiculously low prices that seem too good to be true. Thus, it would help to invest in a quality electric bike.

The Safety Level

The level of safety you get from your bike depends on the rider's or user's decision to protect the bike. This is why it is of utmost importance to get a bike lock. You may also install a tracker to help locate your stolen item.

Another aspect of safety to consider is accidental cases. Since riders are likelier to go at high speed with electric bikes, they, unfortunately, need to pay more attention to their safety. Even though you insist on exploring your environment by riding at high speed, ensure you are aware of your surroundings. Also, plan your route, and choose the safest route.

Should I Get an Electric Bike or a Regular Bike?

Choosing an electric or regular bike is based on preferences and needs. However, the electric bike is for you if you want to own the latest and upgraded transportation mode. This will also help you to contribute to earth sustainability, as electric bikes use no fuel.

Do I Need Experience to Ride an Electric Bike?

If you know how to ride regular bikes, you can easily understand the mechanisms of electric bikes. You will quickly understand the brake and how the steer the electric bike wheel. However, if you are riding a pedal-assist bike, you will need to pay more attention to the bike's operation. You will also need to learn the proper posture for riding. If not balanced on the electric bike, you may trip off while in motion, especially on rough terrains. Thus, learn the right sitting posture, relax, and let the motor do its job.