How to Choose an Electric Bike
Finally, bicycle fashion also arrived in Portugal. The center of Lisbon is already starting to look like a real city in the countries of northern Europe, with its cycle paths, special traffic lights for bicycles and even shared bicycles. However, cycling in Portugal, namely Lisbon will always be more complicated than in the Dutch and Danish cities, because of one specific factor: the hills! Although the city has plenty of flat sites, easily accessible by bicycle, there are also more inclined areas of the city that hinder two-wheel access. For more references, check out: best electric bikes under 1000
Fortunately there is a solution: electric bikes or E-Bikes! These motorized bicycles offer that help that gives you a great way to climb or pedal against the wind. However, did you know that not all electric bikes are the same? Discover the different options on the market and choose the best one for you!
The engine
The engine and the battery are the two main components that make an electric bicycle differ from a normal bicycle. Particularly in relation to the engine there are many features that make the difference between a high-quality e-bike and a lower-end one.
The position
The position of the engine is very important for its stability and agility. In general there are 3 positions where the engine can be placed:
Rear engine
In the electric bikes found in Portugal, the vast majority have the engine behind. It is one of the most economical methods, which makes these electric bikes more affordable in terms of price. These engines are also quiet and the engine can be braked which generates energy. The major disadvantage of the engine behind is that there is no room to put a hub shift system. This means that the bicycle is limited to the use of a diverter, which requires much more maintenance and is more fragile.
Fortunately there is a solution: electric bikes or E-Bikes! These motorized bicycles offer that help that gives you a great way to climb or pedal against the wind. However, did you know that not all electric bikes are the same? Discover the different options on the market and choose the best one for you!
The engine
The engine and the battery are the two main components that make an electric bicycle differ from a normal bicycle. Particularly in relation to the engine there are many features that make the difference between a high-quality e-bike and a lower-end one.
The position
The position of the engine is very important for its stability and agility. In general there are 3 positions where the engine can be placed:
- on the rear wheel (also known as the engine behind)
- on the front wheel (or engine ahead)
- on the pedal axis (or engine in the middle)
Rear engine
In the electric bikes found in Portugal, the vast majority have the engine behind. It is one of the most economical methods, which makes these electric bikes more affordable in terms of price. These engines are also quiet and the engine can be braked which generates energy. The major disadvantage of the engine behind is that there is no room to put a hub shift system. This means that the bicycle is limited to the use of a diverter, which requires much more maintenance and is more fragile.
As the weight of the engine is behind, the weight is also not balanced, which reduces battery performance. It also makes the bike much less stable, because the bike is "pushed" by the engine instead of being pulled, so the bike's driver has much less control over the bike. Finally, having the engine behind makes it very difficult to change the tire and it should always be done by a professional.
Front engine
With regard to the front engine, this system is the most commonly found on Dutch and Danish bicycles. This is because the engines at the front are sturdy and economical. They can be combined with any type of gear system and provide the same power regardless of the gear chosen. Even so, there are some disadvantages to the front engine. The bike loses its agility a little, because the handlebars get heavier, but it becomes more stable and safer than a bike with the rear engine, because there is more control of the steering and power.
Engine in the middle
The third area where the engine can be placed is on the pedals axis, that is, in the middle of the bicycle. This method is the best because it balances the weight of the engine across the entire bike, making it more stable and safer. Another advantage is that this engine does not need a separate speed sensor, as is the case for the front or rear engine. Thus the likelihood of disturbances in the engine is minimized. However, this method is a little more expensive, as it has to be placed on the bicycle frame, instead of simply being on the wheel. Even so, for those who have a little more to spend, this is the best option for an electric bike.
Front engine
With regard to the front engine, this system is the most commonly found on Dutch and Danish bicycles. This is because the engines at the front are sturdy and economical. They can be combined with any type of gear system and provide the same power regardless of the gear chosen. Even so, there are some disadvantages to the front engine. The bike loses its agility a little, because the handlebars get heavier, but it becomes more stable and safer than a bike with the rear engine, because there is more control of the steering and power.
Engine in the middle
The third area where the engine can be placed is on the pedals axis, that is, in the middle of the bicycle. This method is the best because it balances the weight of the engine across the entire bike, making it more stable and safer. Another advantage is that this engine does not need a separate speed sensor, as is the case for the front or rear engine. Thus the likelihood of disturbances in the engine is minimized. However, this method is a little more expensive, as it has to be placed on the bicycle frame, instead of simply being on the wheel. Even so, for those who have a little more to spend, this is the best option for an electric bike.