How e-bikes are changing travelling?

The e-bike revolution has arrived and it is changing the way we travel.

With their innovative design, ease of use and low environmental impact, e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular with cyclists of all ages and experience.

But what exactly are e-bikes? And more importantly, are they worth riding?

Whilst e-assisted bikes are designed for people aged 35 and over, they are now equally popular with a younger generation of cyclists who are embracing the technology.

For decades, bicycles have been seen as a necessity, not a luxury. E-bikes have undergone a revolution and are now the most popular bikes on the market.

Advances in technology have made e-bikes safer, more durable, and more reliable, while new laws have been passed to make them road legal.

So, whether you're looking to reduce your carbon footprint or take advantage of this new technology on your bike tour, let's take a look at the pros and cons so you can decide if an e-bike is right for you.

Why the sudden popularity of e-bikes?

Their appeal lies in their ability to level the playing field for cyclists of all experience levels. E-bikes allow couples, groups and families of all fitness and experience levels to travel together, while making it possible to cycle through tough routes and on long journeys.

Cycling has always been a healthy way to get fit, saving money on transport costs, enjoying fresh air and having the freedom to explore on the go.

However, for many cyclists, cycling can become quite tiring once the distance travelled exceeds 20-30 miles.

But an e-bike can solve this problem by giving you a little push when you need it. Pedal-assisted power can provide riders with enough momentum to attempt routes that would otherwise be out of their comfort zone. And, because you won't tire as quickly, you can ride your bike for longer, which can open up travelling opportunities you may never have considered.

E-bikes offer more flexibility than traditional bikes when it comes to riding distance and terrain capabilities. From city streets to rugged mountain trails, e-bikes can be ridden and are faster and easier to use than regular bikes.

Thanks to their electric motors, e-bikes don't require much physical effort to get a good workout - they're perfect if you're looking for light physical activity and don't want to wear yourself out.

They also don't require expensive fuel bills or a lot of maintenance, and all you need to do is charge up the battery overnight and start a new day of riding! In addition to being affordable and convenient, using an e-bike also has environmental advantages by reducing carbon emissions, which is a big plus in today's looming climate crisis.

In summary, it is easy to see that e-bikes are worth investing in both economically and socially.

How e-bikes are changing active travel?

A small advancement opens up incredible possibilities. E-bikes make travelling easier and less stressful than ever before - radically reducing the stress of sightseeing and commuting.

Even on steep mountain roads, cyclists can drive alongside cars or get off the beaten track with little effort.

For cyclists who fear steep hills or just want to push a conventional bike uphill with less effort, e-bikes offer unprecedented freedom. E-bikes allow you to go further with less effort, opening up endless possibilities for long-distance cycling trips.

E-bikes are fast, fun and efficient. Cyclists who have had to stop riding long distances or over rough terrain for various reasons have found new opportunities with an e-bike. However, these bikes are not just for travellers who wish to ride for miles on long trips and week-long trips.

E-bikes are also becoming increasingly popular for day trips, as not only do you get the same hands-on experience, but you also get to have more fun while travelling. E-bikes can breathe new life into cycling as they take away the fear of travelling long distances, making those daunting hills and roads a piece of cake for cyclists of all experience levels.

E-bikes can be used where hiking is not possible

The beauty of mountain and off-road biking lies in the thrill of exploring rugged terrain that is usually inaccessible to cars. Canyons, cliffs and steep hills are a challenge for any rider, but e-bikes can conquer these steep heights with ease. Regular mountain bikes are often unusable for cyclists who want to enjoy spectacular views on mountain trails, as they don't navigate steep slopes well.

E-bikes are an excellent way for even those who aren't confident in their abilities to ride an e-bike to conquer those steep slopes that regular mountain bikes can't.

E-bikes can be used in cities where cycling is not possible

If you've ever tried cycling in a busy city then you'll know it can be challenging. There are endless obstacles to worry about, such as cars often parked on the road, pedestrians going their own way, and bike lanes that don't seem to make any sense!

All too often, cyclists are forced back onto the pavement because there isn't enough room, or they can't cycle at all because there are so many people walking around. E-bikes allow cyclists to bypass traffic and weave through busy, congested areas to get to popular destinations faster.

E-bikes make travelling easier

An e-bike is like a personal transport system that is always at your service: efficient, reliable, comfortable and pleasant. The convenience of an e-bike is unquestionable: with just one charge, you can cover distances that are far beyond the reach of a bicycle alone.

Without professional experience, anyone can use an e-bike to go over hills and traverse previously inaccessible terrain with ease. You can take on all sorts of challenges at your own pace, and most travellers get their first taste of e-bikes on long journeys. And while most people who choose to use an e-bike are new to travelling by bike, they tend to be travelling with a more experienced friend or group.

Generally, after trying an e-bike, or seeing someone in their group have a good experience, most people choose an e-bike over a regular bike on a long journey. Although it may feel like an inferiority complex to travel on an e-bike for the first time, e-bikes are slowly changing the way people actively travel and will soon be a viable option for most people.

However, many people don't realise that just like cars and motorbikes, there are many options for e-bikes.

Throttle Mode vs Pedal Assist

Most e-bikes usually use a combination of different methods to provide power. They are usually either pedal assisted or use a throttle (the motor kicks in and helps you go faster).

When looking for an e-bike, choose the right one for you. If you have knee or foot problems and don't want to concentrate on pedalling, you can use a throttle-only bike. But for those who are concerned about getting too much boost from their bike to be active, you can still pedal like a regular bike and retain the boost for tough terrain where you need it.

What to look for when choosing an e-bike？

The travelling distance of an e-bike is the most important consideration when using an e-bike.

There are two key factors that determine the distance an e-bike can travel:

1. battery capacity.

2. the efficiency of the bike.

By connecting the battery pack to a power outlet, it can be charged like a mobile phone and is usually fully charged in about 3 hours.

How long does it take to charge an e-bike?

In my experience, it takes 3-4 hours to fully charge an e-bike battery. Typically, the battery can travel 30 - 70 miles on a full charge, but if you have good control over the charge, the battery will last longer.

The terrain and the type of power required will have an impact on battery life, so it's important to plan ahead when tackling big hills and rough roads that require a lot of auxiliary power.

Some e-bikes allow you to choose different levels of assist, prioritising speed or battery life, which can help you manage battery life on long journeys.

Below are approximate charge times for different battery types to give you an idea of what to expect from a more powerful e-bike:

> 500 WHr (0.5 kWh) batteries: 2-4 hours.

> 750 WHr (0.75 kWh) battery: 3-6 hours.

> 1,000 watt-hour (1 kWh) battery: 4-8 hours.

> 1,500 Watt-hour (1.5 kWh) battery: 6-12 hours.

Overall, the cost of fully charging an e-bike is about 5-15 cents. So, if it takes 500 watt-hours (0.5 kWh) to charge the battery, and the cost of electricity is $0.10/kWh, the cost of charging the battery is about 5 cents, which is a pretty good deal!

It's also important to consider terrain when thinking about battery life. Going uphill requires more power, so the battery will drain faster or last longer, so make sure your bike has enough juice for any potential challenges!

However, some e-bikes now allow you to choose different levels of assistance to prioritise speed or battery life, which can help you manage battery life on long journeys.

Are electric bikes faster than regular bikes?

The technology of e-bikes is always improving, especially how the hidden motors inside the vehicle make the whole bike run.

But does this mean they are faster than regular bikes?

Not necessarily, as the top speed of an e-bike is usually limited. Currently, the maximum speed of an assisted bicycle is 32 km/h in the USA and 25 km/h in most of Europe.

However, the maximum speed varies depending on the laws of the country and the class of model used.

How much does an e-bike weigh?

Many people are under the mistaken impression that e-bikes are heavy. This is not the case. In fact, the average weight of an e-bike is 20kg. The motor, battery and frame material are the heaviest components.

Lighter e-bikes are easier to manoeuvre, but heavier e-bikes tend to last longer and come with more accessories such as storage racks and headlights.

Whichever model you choose, make sure its comfort level fits your budget while still offering all the features that matter most to you. On top of that, consider your comfort level; look for adjustable handlebars and seats, as well as shock-absorbing forks that provide extra cushioning on bumpy roads.

E-bikes are popular with travellers on long journeys, who often need to carry heavier items such as extra gear when camping or travelling with family. The type of bike you need to choose depends on your luggage.

Health benefits of e-bikes

E-bikes are great for exercise as they improve your leg muscles and cardiovascular system. They are also more environmentally friendly as they emit less carbon dioxide than cars and don't require the same maintenance as cars.

E-bikes are even easier to maintain than regular bikes when travelling as they have fewer moving parts.

The benefits of e-bikes are many, including less pollution from fossil fuels, which reduces your carbon footprint, and the ability to enjoy travelling with less effort.

To sum up, e-bikes are becoming more and more popular and loved by more and more young people, they are becoming a brand new trend and then causing a brand new trend among more riders, if you are interested in e-bikes, you are always welcome to contact Green Pedel!