How do electric bikes work?

Electric bikes work in much the same way as regular bikes – but they have an electric motor, powered by a rechargeable battery, to assist you while you pedal and help the bike go faster or climb hills more easily.
There are several different elements used alongside the motor and batteries, so let’s cover them and how they all work together: • Electric bikes use batteries – usually lithium-ion because they’re lightweight and can be recharged quickly. The battery is usually found on the frame of the bike, behind the seat or on the downtube. • The battery provides power to the battery, which provides the electric assistance when pedalling. There are a couple of types of motor. If it’s a mid-drive motor, it’s usually found near the bottom bracket where the pedals attach to the frame. If it’s a hub motor, you’ll find it in the centre of the wheel. • Electric bikes also have a controller, which regulates the amount of power sent from the battery to the motor. The rider can use this to adjust the level of assistance. The controller is usually a simple button or dial located near the handlebars. • Electric bikes also use sensors to detect when the rider is pedalling and how much assistance is needed. Torque sensors measure how hard the rider is pedalling, while cadence sensors measure how fast the rider is pedalling. When you start pedalling, the sensors detect the movement and send signals to the controller, which then sends a signal to the motor to provide electric assistance. You can adjust the level of assistance and regulate the amount of power sent to the motor using the controller. Finally, there’s also a display which shows you key information like the speed, battery level, and level of assistance you’ve currently set it as. The display is normally up on the handlebars, and operated using buttons or a touch screen.

The battery provides the power for the motor, and can usually be recharged using a standard three-pin plug.
Most electric bikes have a range of 20-50 miles on a single charge, depending on the level of assistance and the terrain you cover. Long journeys over rough terrain will make more use of the battery, draining it faster. If you want to find out more about how to charge an e-bike just click the link.

At a basic level, you pedal an electric bike in much the same way as you would a regular one. But, as you have the battery and motor to factor in, there are some differences you’ll need to factor in.
We’d advise you start slowly and build up confidence, getting used to the different mechanism and pedal assist feature. Remember electric bikes are heavier than regular bikes, so practice braking and avoid sudden stops. Always make sure you have plenty of space when stopping so you don’t overshoot and hit something or someone. As they offer assistance, electric bikes can go faster than regular bikes so watch your speed and be extra mindful of pedestrians. We’d also encourage you to wear protective gear like a helmet and pads. To get the most out of your motor and battery, pedal at a steady pace (going too fast will drain the battery more quickly).

An electric bike’s top speed will be listed on the advert. Generally, top speed is impacted on by the available motor power, size of the battery and the weight of the rider. The terrain covered will also impact top speed, as you won’t be able to go as fast over rough land.
Remember electric bikes aren’t designed for racing or off-roading, and you’ll have to comply with speed limits when using them. You can browse a variety of electric bikes and learn more about how they can be used in our electric bike hub.