Why Electric Bikes are getting popular? 

Presently, Electric Bikes are quickly gaining popularity in their adoption and usage. Some of the tradition Bike riders are in dilemma whether to invest in Electric Bikes or not. As per our understating, electric bikes offer wide range of benefits over tradition bike and can provide unique experience to riders. Lets discuss in this article, what is an electric bike, how it works, what are its components and its benefits. 

What is an Electric Bike? 

Electric bike looks pretty similar to a regular bike with added electrical components like a motor, a battery pack and a controller. All the electric components are integrated to deliver better perforce and experience to the bike rider. Just to be clear, Electric bike does not mean a scooter or electric motorcycles. Its still at its heart, a more of a regular bike. 

How electric bikes work? 

Electric bike is very similar to regular bike and still works on bike pedals and handle. Electric bikes has the same components and construction style as of regular bike. Main difference is that electric bike has a facility to augment human power via electrical equipments designed and installed on the bike. This mechanism helps the rider to switch to electric mode when they need more power while riding uphill without getting tired or stress on rider’s body. Electric bike has additional parts like motor, battery pack, drivetrain & controller, and charging process. 

How to choose a right electric bike for your needs? 

There are many manufacturers and brands selling electric bikes. It could be daunting to select and invest in right electric bike that meets your need. Definitely look out for Comfort and Quality of these bike but along with that need to pay more attention to following parts as well. 

Component	What to look for?
The Motor	Motor rating range: 200 W – 1000 W or more  Legal Limit in USA is 750 watt but may vary with different states  Motor power is somewhat similar to horsepower – higher the rating means bike will have more power to pull. But, more power means battery will be depleted quicker.  Also, pay attention to the bike design and placement of electric motor on the bike.  Most electric bikes has a “Hub Motor” placed at either front or back wheel. This design may be inefficient and provide less torque as the motor is not located with drivetrain.  There are other electric bike designed where motor is associated with drivetrain which brings better performance and experience while riding the bike.
The Battery	Battery size affected the size, weight and look of the bike, its very crucial component of the Bike. Battery is heartbeat of the electric bike and provides the necessary power whenever needed.  There are two types of batteries – Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) batteries and Lithium Batteries.  SLA Batteries are inexpensive but they are haavy and bulky. And mostly offer shorter ride range. May need more maintain and frequent charging.  Lithium batteries are most advanced batteries available these days. They are lighter, durable and maintenance-free. But, they are expensive than SLA batteries.
The Controller	Controllers are the key – they help you operate in electric assistance mode. There are two types of controller – padel activated and throttle activated controllers.  Pedal-activated systems offer electric assistance as you press down on the pedals. There is no need to engage a throttle – simple pedaling will do the trick.  Throttle-based controllers work with a simple throttle mechanism. The throttle will either be a twist-grip type or a thumb-press type. With a throttle, you simply pull back or press the throttle to receive the electric assistance. Some electric bikes require nothing more than activating the throttle, allowing you to ride without pedaling.

Benefits of Electric Bikes

Electric Bike riders have reported many benefits of Electric Bikes as notes below; 

• Electric Bike helps rider to keep-up with pace of other riders and makes it really more fun and enjoyable experience. 
• Much easier to get up this hills without putting to much strain on your body. 
• Electric bikes helps in fast riding experience irrespective of your physical fitness
• Less sweat on the ride as electric power augments your efforts. 
• Less stress on the heart compared to riding regular bike. 
• Electric Bikes are very handy for for quick short trips and may save you on gas and parking. 
• Using electric bike for work commute may help you in tax deductions in some countries/states. 
• Electric bikes are quite and will enable to you relax and enjoy the surrounding more.