The Regular Vs E-Bikes: Which Is Easier To Ride?
Ebikes are becoming common in our streets because of the many advantages they confer to a rider. Such bikes reduce the carbon footprints in the air and traffic jams on the roads. Besides, they are comfortable and provide the elderly with an opportunity to exercise. However, the traditional bikes are also still common and are conveniently used in many parts of the world. So what are the differences between an electric and a regular bike?
Both the regular and e-bikes are excellent modes of transport. However, e-bikes are becoming popular in Europe because of their advantages they have over regular bikes. Read on to see how the regular bike compares with the traditional bikes.
Appearance
Both electric and regular bikes have a similar design, but some people believe that the e-bike looks chunky. Also, both bikes feature seats and wheels that look-alike and perform the same functions. However, e-bikes come with batteries that fit into their frame. They feature a bigger frame to accommodate the battery and the motor. Note that e-bikes weigh about 40-50 lbs.
Handlebars
Electric bikes feature important components such as handlebars, backlit LCD that displays odometer trips and speed.
Battery
The electric bike features a removable battery that powers the bike and can cover up to 40 miles. Lithium ion or Lithium polymer batteries are designed to power the bike for many hours when on a full charge.
Gears
An electric bike feature about 7-8 gears, which allows the rider to customize the ride to the effort they like. They can choose the low gear with a low pedal assist or a high gear with is a high pedal assist, depending on their needs.
Motor
The electric bike comes with a 500-750 watt motor that allows riders to ride over steep trails and even rocky terrains comfortably.
Electrical Drive System
An electric bike features an electric drive system consisting of a battery, a display screen and a motor. It also comes with a chargeable removable battery that drives the motor. The battery powers the motor, which in turn assists the pedal in powering the bicycle.
Maintenance and Repair
The difference between the electric and regular bikes comes out clearly when you look at the repair and maintenance of the bikes. Whereas the regular bicycle has fewer parts that can be repaired or replaced, the electric bike features an electric drive system that is complicated and difficult to repair. Also, the electric bike owner must adhere to a maintenance schedule if they want the bike to continue giving the user good service. Unfortunately, getting a local repair shop for an e-bike could be a challenge because the usage of such bikes is not widespread.
Riding Experience
Although riding an electric bike is similar to riding a regular bike, there are slight differences that are worth writing home. Firstly, the e-bike features a power assist system which makes biking uphill easier. It gives the rider the option to pedal the bike manually or use the motor to assist in pedaling it. Thus cycling an e-bike is much simpler than a regular bike. Also, dialing up the pedal assist system makes riding an electric bike easier. But you can still cycle with your legs even after setting the pedal assistance to the maximum.
Speed
The bike's speed is an important consideration since it determines how first you get to your destination. But the speed of the regular bike is not fixed and depends on how fast one cycles. An e-bike can cover between 20-28 miles per hour while the speed of the regular bike is 15-18 MPH. Some e-bikes have a bigger and more powerful motor, so they are relatively fast. They allow you to cycle as fast as you want by combining pedaling with power assist mechanism.
Generally, an e-bike is designed for simple cycling, just like a regular bike. They are not designed to be used to break racing records.
Rules and Regulation
Whether electric or regular, all bicycles are motorized means of transport and are subject to your local authority regulations in terms of speed and power limits. But you do not need an insurance to ride a bicycle. However, some states require that you put on a helmet and meet the minimum age requirement before being allowed to ride an e-bike.
Which Bike Is Easier To Ride?
The regular bike is mechanical and may require that you remain fit and energetic to cycle it around. Therefore, it may not be the best option if planning to commute long distances. Such a bike may only be suitable for young and energetic youths. On the other hand, the electric bike features a motor that gives the rider the ability to cycle uphill. It makes biking easier and less daunting.
As a result, electric bikes are easier to ride and are the best options for seniors that cannot push themselves beyond certain limits. However, if you will be riding for shorter distances, the ordinary bike could be of great help.
Fitness
Both the standard bike and the e-bike enable the rider to burn a bit of calorie. But it is wrong to think that you do not burn many calories when you ride an e-bike compared to the traditional one. The e-bike features a pedal assist feature that allows you to cycle for a longer period and burn more calories than the traditional bikes. Thus, riding the traditional bike uses more energy. Unfortunately, you often don't get motivated to ride the bicycle. Also, it may not be possible to ride uphill since you get exhausted after a short cycling stint.
Final Thoughts
Bicycles have changed over time. So if you are new to riding, understanding the difference between the regular bike and the e-bike can help you decide the best option for you. Seniors will find an electric bike a better option for them. It is efficient and can use it to cycle longer distances.
