eBikes for Beginners
The first thing you should understand about eBikes is that they’re here to stay. Electric bike sales worldwide were at 3.7 million per year in 2019 and are set to jump to 17 million per year by 2030. This according to a recent article by Forbs.
In 2018, e-bike sales even surpassed traditional bike sales in the Netherlands. This trend is not only in Europe, South Africans are also showing an upward trend towards electric pedal-assisted bikes. Let’s dig in a little deeper and understand this new phenomenon taking over the world of cycling.
What are electric bicycles?
When someone hears an electric bike, the first image they might imagine is a scooter or motorcycle – but in truth, they actually look like any other bicycle on the road. Just picture a regular bicycle, then add several components to it like an electric motor, a battery, and a controller – all seamlessly integrated into the design.
How electric bikes work
eBikes work and handle just like a regular bike and use most of the same parts too. The electric component is not meant to completely replace human power, in fact, cycling is still required to propel the eBike forward, but with added electric pedal assist makes obstacles like hills and headwind more manageable and allows you to travel further without getting as tired.
How do I use the eBike?
Electric bicycles are designed to be easy to operate. As a rider, you have two modes of operation available:
Pedal Only
Just like any other bicycle, you can pedal an eBike just like you would with a traditional one. There is no added effort so it will feel exactly as a regular bike would. Depending on the model you purchase, your eBike will come manually shifting gears that you can thumb opearte on the handlebars.
Electric Pedal Assist
In Pedal-Assist mode, you can take advantage of electric pedal power. Once you turn using the on/off button on the controller located at the handlebars, the motor will provide electric power as you pedal with several levels of assistance as required, all controlled by an easy to use digital interface. You still have the ability to still switch gears manually as the terrain difficulty or incline changes. Pedal-assist mode makes cycling effortless, flattens out the hills, and frees you to just enjoy yourself and ride without the added effort.
Summary
Electric bikes in South Africa starting to make traction on the roadways, bike paths, trails, and at home. It’s easy to see why. They allow people who may normally avoid cycling to join the ride, they make it easier to ride up hills and through headwinds, they are more environmentally friendly.
KEEN TO GET AN EBIKE?
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CHOOSING YOUR EBIKE
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