Electric bikes have become increasingly popular as an excellent means of commuting and staying fit. However, many people still have little to no idea what e-bikes are and how they vary from conventional bicycles. If you’re undecided about which one you'd rather own, below are a few essentials to know about their differences.  

Appearance

It’s a common misconception that electric bikes look like scooters or motorbikes. They share the same structural form as traditional bicycles, having a saddle seat, two wheels, handlebars, pedals, brakes, and gears. 

However, e-bikes come with a battery-powered electric motor attached to the frame, making them heavier and slightly bulkier than regular ones. Some models have small display screens for controls, distance traveled, calories burned, and other ride-generated data.  

Operation

Even with a motor, electric bikes function similarly to regular ones—you have to pedal continuously to keep it running. The motor won’t take out the work in pedaling; instead, it will assist the rider. Such a mechanism significantly helps people who have knee problems or respiratory illnesses or find it difficult to cycle uphill or against the wind. If you want to commute using a bike but hate the sweat after a ride, go with an electric bike to simplify things.  

That said, riding an e-bike isn’t effortless. You can adjust the motor’s pedal assistance—by lowering this option, you have to pedal more and faster to maintain movement and increase speed. But even if you set it to maximum, you still have to go through the cycling motions. 

Speed-wise, electric bikes won’t run as fast as scooters and motorbikes—they go up to about 30 MPH for bigger motors. If you want to go quicker than this, you have to rely on your legs’ strength in pedaling instead of the motor.

Maintenance & Repairs

Maintaining an electric bike is no different from a regular one’s upkeep, save for one item—its battery. Always remember to keep it properly charged. When the battery runs out of juice, cycling becomes a little more difficult because of the bike’s weight.

If there’s an issue with the wheels and brakes, you can take it to a bike shop. But if the problem lies with its motorized components, you have to bring it to an electric bike shop for repairs.

If you're ready to invest in an electric bike, look no further than ElectroBike in Atlanta, GA. Since opening its doors in 2016, they have carried an extensive selection of electric bikes with over 50 models to suit every cyclist’s needs. They also offer bicycle rentals, so you can first try out the ride that best suits you. Call (404) 400-7132 or visit them online to speak with a representative.