Did you know that e-bicycles have been rolling for 130 years? However, even though the first electric bikes with pedal assist appeared in 1895, they acquired great popularity only in the 2000s. So, what was once a niche market has now become a huge multi-billion-dollar industry across the globe, with everyone from adventure seekers to city dwellers hopping on board. Since electric cycles are shaping the future of urban transportation, surpassing their traditional counterparts in convenience and efficiency, they are well worth considering when purchasing a bike. Here’s everything you should know about e-bicycles to get started.

What is an Electric Bike?

Electric bikes are two-wheeled or three-wheeled cycles equipped with an electric drive system that boosts your pedal power and helps you move forward. E-bicycles may have the same shapes and construction as their traditional counterparts. Still, besides brakes, shifters, and handlebars found on regular cycles, electric units also pack in a battery, motor, and controller that allows you to adjust how much power the system produces. Although pedal-assist electric bikes are the most popular, some models also come with a throttle to activate the motor.

How Does an Electric Assist Bike Work?

Ferla makes a variety of electric pedal-assisted bikes, but they all work on the same principle. As you push on the pedals, a cadence sensor detects how much energy you put in and tells the motor how much additional energy to deliver while you are pedaling. At the same time, how much of your leg power is boosted by the motor depends on the assistance level you choose.

The lowest setting often increases your pedaling efforts only by 50%, while some maximum assist modes may provide an overwhelming 300% boost. It all depends on the bike you ride, as some cycles offer a lot of power for a fast, exhilarating experience, and others give just a light assist to help you with hills or headwinds, making the ride easier.

Key Reasons to Buy an Electric Bike

• Eco-friendly transportation: compared to cars and other types of vehicles, electric pedal assist bikes are super environmentally friendly since they do not require diesel or petrol, which leads to zero release of carbon emissions.
• Cost-efficiency: prices for electric bikes are lower than for cars, just like their maintenance costs. An e-bicycle is also a smart investment for those using public transport, as passenger fares add up to a lot of money in the long run.
• Health benefits: regular cycling has many mental and physical health benefits, including lowering cortisol levels, helping manage stress, relieving tension, and reducing the risk of cardiovascular diseases and cancer. Even though an electric pedal assist bike does some work for you, riding it still counts as exercise, keeping you in good shape.
• Convenience: with additional help from the motor, you can get from A to B faster and tackle more challenging routes. Plus, the best models have ergonomic frames and dual suspension for a pleasurable riding experience, as well as boast enhanced maneuverability so that you can navigate the traffic without hassle.

Types of Electric Bikes

In recent years, bike manufacturers have developed electric variants of all kinds of traditional bicycles, offering riders many convenient alternatives to four-wheeled vehicles. The most popular electric bikes for sale include:

• City/commuter e-bikes: these bikes are designed to amplify daily urban rides, offering an equally smooth performance on busy city streets and steep hills. They often come with a powerful motor and increased battery capacity, making them ideal for both short trips and long-distance rides.
• Mountain e-bikes: mountain bicycles are built with rugged frames, rock-gobbling suspension, and fat tires, helping you handle any terrain with ease, be it rocks, sand, snow, forest tracks, you name it. 
• Folding e-bikes: a handy option for those combining public transport journeys with cycling. You should also consider purchasing a foldable model if you are short on storage space. Such bikes have hinges on the handlebar stem, pedals, and frame for convenient transportation and storage.
• Cargo e-bikes: unlike other bike types, these models come with a large cargo area at the back, which is often complemented by an additional basket at the front. Designed for carrying cargo, these bikes can transport heavy loads without involving much of your leg power. That’s why cargo bicycles are widely used for family rides, delivery, and shopping trips. 

How to Purchase Electric Bike: Crucial Factors to Consider

Choosing a good electric bike comes down to personal preference and convenience, although there are a few things every rider should know to make the best choice:

• Motor power and battery life: consider the distance you will need to ride and the surface you will deal with. Off-road rides for long distances require a more powerful motor and battery, while short city trips feel great even with lower specs.
• Weight and frame design: make sure the bike fits your height, body type, and physical level so that you feel comfortable while cycling. If you are willing to buy electric bike for cargo transportation, consider long-tail options or bikes with both rear and front racks.
• Price range: prices vary depending on a wide range of factors, including the electric bikes brand, battery capacity, motor power and type, build quality, components, smart features, etc. If the prices of electric bikes seem too high, you can always turn to Ferla and finance the model you like, paying for the bike in installments. Rent services may also come in handy.
• Additional features: opt for electric bikes with hydraulic brakes, display screens, and suspension (front or dual). You should also check the tire quality and make sure that the front and rear lights are integrated.

Charging and Maintenance

• Charging the battery: charging time depends on the battery capacity and charger type (standard or fast) and typically varies from 2 to 8 hours. To prolong the battery life, top it up indoors at room temperature using the native charger. In addition, never keep it 100% charged unless you are going to ride. It’s also important to let the battery cool down before installing it on a bike.
• Maintenance tips: to avoid spending additional electric bike costs for repairs, take care of your bicycle by following a few simple maintenance tips:
• Keep your ebike clean
• Lubricate the moving components (except for hydraulic brakes)
• Check the tire pressure regularly
• Inspect the wheels and tires for wear and damage
• Fix any loose components

Safety Considerations

Cycling is much less dangerous than riding a car, but you should still keep it safe, especially if you are traveling with kids. Here are some essentials to remember:

• Invest in a helmet and bike lock
• Check out what is the maximum speed limit for electric-assisted pedal bikes in your area and never exceed it
• Use bike lanes if available
• Turn on the lights when riding at night
• Purchase top-quality child seats for your kids
• Learn the traffic rules
• Keep both hands on the handlebars
• Always inspect your bicycle before riding

Challenges and Limitations

Before buying an electric bike with pedal assist, consider some challenges and limitations you may face alongside the efficient solutions to handle them:

Future Trends in Electric Biking

• Advancements in battery technology: e-bikes are expected to last longer on a single charge (over 100 miles), while the batteries will become lighter and smaller. In addition, the charging time will be reduced by up to 50%, depending on the battery type.
• Integration with smart devices and apps: even though some electric bikes brands have already embraced the power of technology, we will see even more changes in the near future. For example, we will manage to get insightful riding stats and control e-bikes via apps (monitor battery health, adjust pedal assist modes, receive maintenance alerts, etc.).
• Increasing use of e-bikes for deliveries and in urban planning: since electric bicycles are increasingly used to reduce traffic jams in big cities, many companies are adopting such a means of transportation for quick, eco-friendly deliveries. Hence, the number of bike lanes, charging stations, and parking zones will increase correspondingly.

Conclusion

An electric assist pedal bike can make a difference in your cycling experience, as it’s not just a means to get from one location to another – it’s an eco-conscious and cost-efficient choice for recreation, commuting, and even fitness. With ongoing technological advancements and growing infrastructure, e-bicycles are set to continue rising in popularity, shaping a greener and, hopefully, better world.

Ride into the future with Ferla and enjoy the most innovative, flexible, and functional cycling solutions!