Pedelecs and Electric Bikes
While the initial price of an electric bike might be high, it's not the only consideration when choosing one. Whether or not you're looking for a commuter bike will depend on how much assistance you want to receive. There are three main types of e-bike motors: front hub, rear hub, and pedal assist. Front hub motors are less common than rear hub motors and are typically found on low-end e-bikes. Rear hub motors are more common and work with the bicycle gearing to provide better control and traction. Most manufacturers pay careful attention to the power plant of each bike, but riders must be aware of the tradeoff between performance and riding range. Generally, a higher-power motor will provide more torque and speed, but will decrease riding range. While riding range is often broad on e-bikes, varying battery capacity and riding style will influence the actual riding distance. If you're looking for a commuter electric bike, make sure to consider its riding range. Aside ...