Electric bicycles

Electric bicycles

Electric bicycles have started their victory march and in several EU countries they completely dominate the market of new bicycles. In Western countries, the daily use of electric bicycles has become a serious alternative to cars or public transport and makes a serious contribution to improving the sustainable environment. We are waiting for a revolution in Latvia too!

There are two main types of electric bicycle designs:

Electric bicycles with the motor placed in the rear hub, or Hub Drive drive. Electric bikes with such a drive are cheaper, but have worse weight distribution along the axles and handling.
Electric bicycles with a motor integrated in the crank gear mechanism, or Mid Drive drive. Such bikes have good weight distribution along the axles, precise and very intuitive handling, but they are more complicated and expensive to manufacture.


For safety reasons, the maximum speed of an electric bicycle in the EU is limited to 25 km/h, but the power is limited to 250 kw. From a legal point of view, such a bicycle is considered a traditional bicycle and is subject to the same rules of use as a traditional bicycle. Higher power and speed electric bikes have different regulation and rules.

The main performance differences between electric bikes are

In motor torque
In the efficiency and speed of sensor operation
In battery capacity

More torque will provide more flexibility and less need to shift gears, while more efficient sensor operation will provide a more intuitive transformation of leg pressure from the crank to the level of motor support. For city electric bikes, the torque is 50-60NM, and for more serious mountain bikes, even up to 90NM.

The battery capacity of the electric bicycle ranges from 400 to 650 wh and it provides a range of 80-150 km, or 3-6 hours, which is significantly more than what is needed on a daily basis. Manufacturers offer an option to upgrade the standard battery for an additional fee.

Electric bicycles are significantly heavier (22-25 kg) than traditional bicycles, so they have a different transmission and braking system, frame, fork and tires. In fact, there are quite a few parts shared with a traditional bike.

Advantages of electric bikes:

Possibility to make much longer trips
Ability to adjust power and support levels
ossibility to use as a means of entertainment or daily transport

Disadvantages of electric bikes:

Relatively expensive battery (about 1/3 of the value of the bike)
Relatively high weight (13 kg vs 25 kg)
More space for transport and storage

Consider and consider the following before purchasing:

Motor torque (NM)
Electric bicycle type and application

With an electric bicycle, you will get to know and discover much more than you can imagine!

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