Q: How Electric Bicycle Components Work Together?
A: The key to any good electric bike is ensuring that all of the components work together. The battery, motor and display combination will provide all of the assistance required for a smooth ride. The battery provides power to the motor which powers the drivetrain to give you all of the assistance you require to tackle hills and long rides. The display allows you to control how much assistance is provided and what power is sent from the motor to the drivetrain.
Q: How Does An Electric Bicycle Controller Work?
A: Not all of our electric bikes have the same motor system, meaning they don't all have the same controller. Whilst looking different they all have the same primary functions of turning the system on and off and setting the motor assistance level.
Q: How Do You Charge An Electric Bicycle?
A: Charging an electric bicycle is super simple - just like a mobile phone or laptop, you'll just need to plug it into any wall outlet. Batteries can take from 2 to 8 hours to charge; the time it takes is dependent on the make and model of the battery.
Each of these will have different battery types and sizes. You can find out more about these individually on our electric bicycle batteries page.
Q: Do Electric Bicycles Work Without Pedalling?
A: The answer is yes—and no. Pedal-assist electric bicycles require pedaling to activate the motor, while throttle electric bicycles can propel the bike without pedaling. Some electric bicycles have a throttle that allows you to ride without pedaling. You can engage the electric motor by twist throttles or thumb throttles.
Q: Is Braking Harder On An Electric Bicycle?
A: Electric bicycles are typically heavier than non-electric bicycles so the added weight needs to be considered in stopping distance and safety. However there is no direct impact on how hard you have to use the brakes on electric bicycles due to the power when compared to non-electric. Any assistance provided by the motor is cut out as soon as you stop pedalling.
Q: How Do You Ride An Electric Bicycle?
A: The answer to this question is very simple: just like a regular bike! Electric bicycles are essentially regular bikes with the added boost of the motor and battery. This means that the actual cycling technique itself is pretty similar to that of regular riding. The main thing to note is that electric bicycles are heavier than normal bikes, which can take a bit of getting used to when you first start.
Our advice is to start slow and get to know the feel, handling and weight of your electric bicycle when you first start riding. Get used to using the electric assist, and before you know it you'll be conquering hill climbs like they're nothing and powering away from traffic lights with ease!
Q: How Can I Optimise The Range Of My Electric Bicycle?
A: There are a couple of tips and tricks that can help boost the range that your electric bicycle will take you.
●Cadence: Slow pedalling is costly in terms of energy, whereas keeping your cadence above 50 revolutions per minute can optimise your drive unit.
●Weight: Carrying less luggage with you will keep the total weight of the bike down and keep your electric bicycle running for longer.
●Starting & braking: Just like a car, when riding an electric bicycle it's more effective to travel a longer distance with a constant similar speed, versus stopping and starting.
●Gear shifting: Staying in the correct gear will ensure the electric scooter is more efficient.
●Tyre pressure: Always inflate tyres to the maximum permissible tyre pressure for the smoothest and most efficient ride.
Q: Are Electric Bicycle Motors Ac Or Dc?
A: Electric bicycle motors are usually DC. This is down to the simplicity of their design and how readily available they are.
Q: Why choose an electric bicycle?
A: The short answer? They're a lot of fun, and just one of the many options you have when choosing your two-wheel ride. You can ride farther and faster on electric bicycles, carry heavier loads with less effort or even help replace a car as transportation for short trips or commutes.
Q: What range will an electric bicycle have?
A: Batteries on electric bicycles can give you a range of anything from 20 to 100 miles or more on a full charge, depending on their capacity (measured in watt-hours and abbreviated to Wh). Batteries are expensive, so an electric bicycle with a longer range will, in general, cost more.
You'll usually get a battery-level indicator, while some control systems will give you an estimated range as you ride or regulate the power output to let you achieve your planned ride distance.
Q: What are the throttle problems with electric bicycles?
A: Many electric bicycles come with a throttle, this is a control on your handlebars which can make you go faster or slower. A common problem is where the throttle gets stuck open and won't return to its natural, off position – this is particularly common if you are hammering it regularly.
The electric bicycle protects itself in these circumstances and the electric supply is sometimes cut off. Be gentle with it and ease it back slowly. If it's stuck in the on position, twist it back into its natural position, slowly and gently, and this should help release it. If it's a continual problem, you might need to replace the throttle completely.
Q: What are the pedal problems of electric bicycles?
A: A common problem with electric bicycles is where the electric assistance feels like it isn't catching properly, is pulsating or cuts in and out randomly. This is to do with the electric signals to the wheels, so pedal assist troubleshooting is important.
We know that electric bicycle riders play around with their set up from time to time, but making tweaks to your ride can cause issues to your electric bicycle power supply, particularly around the wheels, pedals and sprockets, etc. So, make sure to be careful with what you're doing down there.
Another issue could be to do with the magnets on the front sprocket (which emit the electric supply) being damaged, out of alignment or simply clogged up. Give them a check, a clean and then try again. If you notice they aren't aligned properly, then you can adjust them using a screwdriver, moving them close to the sensors.
If you're still suffering from pedal assist problems, then it's best to take it to a electric bicycle shop.
Q: What are the motor connection problems with electric bicycles?
A: Many problems with electric bicycles can be down to loose wires – there are many in the electrical components and bouncing around on the trails can cause them to come loose or become damaged. This is a particularly common problem with the rear hub motor. The area can take a lot of impact while out riding. So, if you aren't getting the electrical assistance you're expecting, then check all the connections to the rear hub motor.
Overheating can be a problem, too. This can be caused by overuse or poor usage, which will overheat the wire ends and make them melt. Be careful here because if this keeps happening you could cause real problems for the whole electric bicycle, damaging both the motor and the controller. If you spot signs of overheating, then it's best you take your electric bicycle into the shop and get those wires replaced.