Ebike vs. Regular Bike: What’s the Difference?

Appearance and Mechanics

How does an electric bike work? The first thing you'll notice about e-bikes is that they look a lot like normal bikes. There is a common myth that electric bicycles are like scooters, but they are actually very similar to regular bicycles, but with an electric motor.

The only significant difference in appearance is the inclusion of the electrical drive system. This includes a motor, a battery, and sometimes a display screen. The battery is what powers the motor, which offers assistance as you pedal, helping to propel the bicycle forward.

Overall, it's not that different to ride electric bike models. They have the same style of wheels, handlebars, and frame styles as a regular bike. Additionally, the mechanical components, such as the pedals and brakes, also all function in precisely the exact same manner.

Maintenance and Repairs

As previously mentioned, all of the standard components of an ebike are just like a regular bike. This means that maintaining and taking care of the bike is pretty much the exact same too. What is an ebike maintenance schedule like? You can rest easy knowing that everything from routine maintenance to annual repairs and service is very similar.

If anything goes wrong with parts, such as the wheels or brakes, it is possible to take an ebike to the same local repair shop as a regular bike, not a car or motorbike shop. Furthermore, the cost of those repairs should be the same too.

The only time this situation changes is if something goes wrong with the motorized components, in which case you'll need an electric bike specialist to examine it or replace a part. Luckily, defects with the electrical system in an ebhttps://www.aventon.com/collections/ebikesike are extremely rare, and many of them come with a warranty that should cover these types of repairs.

Read more: Top 5 Ebike Maintenance Tips That You Can't Live Without

Riding Experience

This is the most popular topic among riders. What is an ebike riding experience like and how are they different from ordinary bicycles? Truthfully speaking, the answer is that biking on an electric bike is much like any other.

So how do ebikes work differently from normal bikes? With e-bikes, you get on and start pedaling, and then the motor kicks in. Normally the transition is so smooth you'll hardly notice the motor has started. An e-bike does not change the action of cycling, it only makes it feel much simpler to do.

You can also dial-up or down the pedal assistance from the motor, changing how easy in the electric bike feels to ride. If you lower the assistance, your legs will maintain the majority of the work. If you set the pedal assistance to maximum strength, you can still cycle with your legs, but you will basically be going through the pedaling motions and move quickly and efficiently as the motor does most of the work.

Speed

What is a ebike's speed capabilities? With everything that the electrical motor does, does it mean e-bikes are quicker for getting around than ordinary bikes? That question depends primarily on how quickly one usually rides.

Ebike motors can propel you at up to 20, or 28 MPH (depending on the specific Class of the ebike). If you would like to go faster than this, the engine will cut out, and you will need to pedal purely from the strength in your legs. This means that if you want to go really quickly, the motor won't give you a boost, and one of the many reasons why people suggest that using an e-bike is not “cheating.”

That being said, if you are not racing, electric bikes might make your ride faster because they make pedaling feel effortless, allowing you to maintain your energy levels for a longer duration. Additionally, they also make it easier to maintain a constant rate and get back up to speed after coasting. At the end of the day, these bicycles are primarily designed for simple cycling, not breaking speed records in a race.

Rules and Regulations

Another common concern that people have with ebikes is that they are restricted by regulations and rules. Bicycles, electric or not, are thought of as motorized means of transportation. This means that they are subject to government regulations around their speed and power limitations, but that often does not impact riders.

The Class I, II, and III ebikes offered by Aventon don’t require a permit or insurance, but additional rules can vary by state. Some states, for example, require helmet use, and others have a minimum age to operate an ebike. Rules can also vary based on the Class I, II, and III capabilities of your specific bike, so you can check with the land manager or municipality to be sure of where you are allowed to ride an ebike.

Which Bike is Right for Me?

When choosing between an ordinary bicycle and an electric bicycle, several factors should be taken into consideration. Most importantly, though, you should be asking yourself what you will be using the bicycle for.

If you are using the  bicycle for commuting or traveling long distances, you may want to consider purchasing an electric commuter bike to make your shuttle easier. Additionally, if you are not as young or fit as you were, or the paths in your area are full of steep hills, the extra help from the motor could make biking feel a whole lot easier and less daunting for riders of all styles.

You may be asking, are electric bikes worth it? Or, what is an electric bike good for? They are a fantastic option for riders who don't need to push and exhaust themselves extensively. However, if you are looking for a mode of transportation for shorter rides, an ordinary bike could be great for you. In short, choosing the right bicycle for you is personal.

If you’re considering purchasing a new ebike, but can’t decide which style you want to buy, contact us today. At Aventon, we strive to inspire many people of all ages and skill levels to change their lives through the freedom of mobility, and ebikes are an excellent way to do so. We can’t wait to help you find your perfect ebike.

Contact us today to learn about all of the various styles of ebikes we carry and how we can help find the right one for you.

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