Electric Bicycles have been around for over a decade now. However, they have found increased adoption during and post pandemic times, around the world. To many, electric cycle is a new concept and the world around us is also learning. In this blog, Richard Peace and Raghu Kerakatty try to explain the functional parts of an Electric Cycle, and what prospective buyers (and current users) should look to evaluate, when buying one.
What is an Electric Cycle?
An electric cycle/bike or eBike, is a regular bike with the addition of an electric drivetrain to make it easier to ride, so you can go further and faster than on a regular cycle. As long as the Electric Cycles doesn’t use the motor to assist it above 25kmh (15.5mph) and the motor itself has a power rating of 250 Watts or less, it is regarded as a regular bicycle when in use on public roads in many countries.
There are several different terms for electric cycles or eBikes you might hear – Pedelecs, EAPCs (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles) and ‘Twist and Gos’ – but in the end they are just other names for eBikes, the different names highlighting different ways in which eBikes – mechanically speaking – can work. Pedelecs mean the motor power is activated by turning the pedals whilst ‘twist and gos’ are simply cycles with a throttle that can work independently of other power controls. EAPC is simply government or legal speak for an electric cycle (electric cycles are regulated slightly differently in different countries).
They are becoming more and more popular as more and more people are recognising the benefits, they can bring for the rider – cheap, practical transport that also has great green credentials and is also a fun and healthy activity.