An electric bike is a motorcycle with an internal electric motor employed to power propulsion, without the use of an external fuel source. Many different styles of electric e-bikes currently exist worldwide, although they usually fall into two broad classes: true electric bikes that directly assist the rider’s pedaling force and electric bikes that incorporate a pedal-threshold throttle, adding more moped-like functionality to the device.
Electric motorcycles have a long way to go before they will gain the traction and popularity needed to replace the current dominance of gas-powered vehicles on the streets, though recently there has been a sudden surge in interest in this mode of riding. Many European countries, including the United Kingdom, have banned gasoline-powered vehicles from being ridden on sidewalks, and while these laws are occasionally ignored, there is no denying the growing popularity and use of electric bikes.
Electric motors are powered by two primary sources, which make them unique compared to other types of motorcycles. The first is the direct current (DC) motor, which is essentially a series of batteries fed by small electrics. The second is the alternating current (AC) motor, which has two power sources – one DC and one AC. While both types of motors are quite common, DC motors tend to be more commonly used in electric bikes because of the simpler construction and shorter life span of the components, making them less expensive.
One important distinction between a traditional electric bike and an e-bike is the level of sophistication of the drive system. A traditional electric bike utilizes a bicycle hub motor, much like the ones used in commercial electric bicycles. Bicycle hub motors are more robust and deliver a higher torque level, making them preferred by some producers. However, in some jurisdictions, cyclists have been prohibited from riding electric bikes due to the dangers of bicycle hub motors. The limited number of accidents demonstrates that despite the risks, bicycle hub motors remain an attractive alternative.