In a time of great change, the electric bicycle has the potential to become a more common mode of transportation in many of our trips. The electric bike allows us to balance exercise and our vehicle. However, arriving sweaty is a major inconvenience. This is why the electric impulse is so beneficial.
They are also becoming increasingly popular in other areas. These bicycles are becoming more popular in a world that is increasingly embracing electric vehicles. They are used as cargo vehicles, but also for their sporty side. They are here to stay.
Electric Bikes – a Rapidly Growing Sector
According to the figures, e-bikes are receiving positive reviews. They will triple in sales over the next five year. The electric bike is a major industry saver in Spain according to the Association of Brands and Bicycles of Spain. The electric bike makes sports cycling more accessible. You don’t have to be in the best shape to climb a mountain with your friends or take a long route you wouldn’t otherwise.
Mountain and trekking bikes are the most popular electric bikes. In France, 65,000 and 63,000 units respectively were sold in 2018. Already, electric bicycles account for 13% in total sales in this country.
The Electric Bike Legislation
The rules for e-bikes will apply to them as well as traditional bikes. The helmet is optional in cities, but not on roads or interurban streets. They cannot circulate on sidewalks unless they have been specifically designated for this purpose. Instead, they must move on the roads like all other vehicles. If the DGT ends up pacifying traffic and promotes speed limits to 30 km/h on one-way streets then the bicycle could be a viable option for urban transport.
A license is not required to drive a moped. It is important to be familiar with the highway code and road signs, as well as how they apply to other vehicles. When the bicycle is being driven at night or in low-light conditions, it must have a front and rear light that are both white and red. The DGT has recently issued instructions to allow the rear lights to blink to help identify bicycles better.
Insurance is not necessary. The European Parliament voted in 2019 to exempt electric bikes from this obligation. However, they must not exceed 25 km per hour in assistance and have a maximum power of 250 W. Otherwise, the motor should be disconnected.
Electric Bike – Insurance
They don’t have to pay road taxes on mechanical traction cars, as they aren’t homologated. If we don’t have insurance, we will need to pay for the damages to pedestrians or vehicles in an accident.
The regulations have been more or less universal to all bicycles so far. Electrics must have the particular regulation that affects the electric motor as well as the limitations imposed on pedaling assistance. This is the case:
Bicycles equipped with assisted pedaling. Equipped with an auxiliary motor with a maximum continuous nominal force of 0.25 kilowatts. This power gradually drops and is eventually interrupted when the vehicle speeds reach 25 km/h.
The Ministry of Industry must approve the bicycles in accordance to standard UNE-EN 15194 : 2009. If the accelerator is similar to a motorcycle and allows the rider to start the march without pedaling they will be considered mopeds. If your motor is more powerful than 250W, or if pedaling assistance is not sufficient to stop the vehicle at 25 km/h, you will be considered a moped. The article source is eighttv.
Types of Batteries for Electric Bikes and Their Autonomy
The battery plays a crucial role in choosing the right batteries for your electric vehicle. First, it is important to determine if you are looking for a bike with removable batteries or one that has the battery integrated into the frame. The advantage of the latter is that you can leave the bike at home and charge them there. Because they are lighter, we can place a higher value on lightweight bicycles.
They can be integrated into the frame if we prefer. This would be the most comparable option to a traditional bicycle, regardless if it is a folding, urban or mountain bike. The only difference is a heavier weight and the assistance selection that we choose.
It is important to consider the number of recharge cycles the battery can provide and the ease with which it can be replaced in the future when choosing a vehicle. The longer the recharge cycle, the better. This is especially important if you plan on driving a lot with your vehicle.
We can pedal on our own if we run out of batteries. Although it is not an important factor, if the bike is heavy it will make it difficult to move.
Electric Bike – Energy Storage Capacity
The energy storage capacity of the battery will determine how autonomous it is. Most efficient batteries are lithium-ion, but the most expensive and heavy are lead. Lead is currently in disuse. The larger the storage capacity, we can travel more miles with similar pedaling assistance.
The terrain and weight of the cyclist will affect the level of autonomy we can achieve. A cyclist who is 90 kilos and must climb hills won’t be able to achieve the same performance that a cyclist who is 75 and does a flat course. The bike is no different. They allow you to ride between 50-60 kilometers without difficulty with pedaling assistance.
You can also adjust the amount of assistance you require, as the electric bike lets you control how hard you want it to push. You must also consider the pressure on the wheels. High pressure allows the wheel to slide more easily and has more friction. However, if there is no damping, it can cause more bumps and make it more uncomfortable.