What Are the Pros and Cons of Electric Bikes
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Electric bicycles seem to be popping up everywhere and for a good reason. Being self-sufficient and convenient, e-bikes have helped riders rediscover their joy of cycling.
With so many advantages to electric bikes, it’s difficult to find anything wrong with them. Yet, there’re a few drawbacks to consider.
So, if you’re wondering, “What are the pros and cons of electric bikes?” we’re here to help. This post looks at the good and the bad that comes with using electric bikes.
Let’s go for a ride!
Table of Contents
What Is an Electric Bicycle?
Electric bicycles, or e-bikes, are bicycles with built-in electric motors and batteries for propulsion. The motor is typically installed near the crankshaft or inside one of the hubs, with a battery mounted on the downtube, seat tube, or rear rack of the bike.
Most e-bikes have a top speed of 20 miles per hour and a range of 20–35 miles per charge.
There is a wide variety of e-bikes available with many features and options. For example, some just provide minimal pedal assistance, which means that you must pedal while riding.
On the other hand, other models are similar to mopeds. In other words, you can use the engine to propel yourself forward, and you don’t even have to do that much pedaling.
Then, you have the capacity of the battery, size of the motor, and design of the overall bikes—these are all features that differ from one bike to another.
The Pros of Electric Bikes
Knowing what electric bikes can do for you makes it easy to see why they’re so popular. Read on to learn more.
Environmentally Friendly
Unlike internal combustion engines, electric motors don’t release toxic pollutants into the environment. As a result, they are considered one of the most eco-friendly ways of transportation available.
If you want to lessen your carbon footprint, using an electric bike is an excellent way to do that. Accordingly, this is your easy way to be environmentally friendly.
Low-Intensity
Nobody likes to feel sweaty and smelly going into work. Moreover, most businesses don’t provide showers. Plus, changing your clothes before work can be highly inconvenient.
This is no longer an issue with electric bikes.
Because the electric motor handles the majority of the work for you, thanks to pedal-assist. With this feature, you can power up hilly terrain and ride long distances with minimal effort.
Hence, your heart rate remains low when riding an e-bike, and you don’t work up a lot of sweat. So, when you get to where you’re going, you’ll feel clean and dry.
Mood Boosters
If you’re having a bad day, something as simple as going for a bike ride can help ease the stress and make you feel better. Of course, it’s even better when the bike ride doesn’t have to be a struggle.
This is why electric bikes are a great way to improve your mood, clear your mind, and release some of the anxiety and stress after a long day at work.
Functional and Practical
An eBike relieves the stress and hassle associated with using transportation. You can ride a bike for short or relatively long distances without dealing with the inconveniences of public transport.
Most importantly, you can travel at your own pace. Gone are the days of having to stick to bus or train schedules.
Suitable for All Ages
People who are unable to pedal a non-powered bike for any number of health reasons can resort to electric aids.
For example, if you have knee problems, e-bikes can help relieve the pressure of constant pedaling. Therefore, you can continue enjoying the experience without the painful side effects of cycling.
Another example is that slow bikers no longer have to put in double the effort to keep up with quicker riders. Electric bikes can help close this gap by allowing individuals of various riding abilities to ride together without the risk of injuries.
Easy to Store
You can safely store your e-bike in almost any apartment or house. Unlike other oversized vehicles, you don’t need a large garage or a place to keep it. In addition, you don’t have to worry about oil leaks or smelly odors.
Then, when you get to your location, simply lock your bike in a bike rack. You don’t have to worry about finding a space to park or paying extra fees.
The Cons of Electric Bikes
Life is not always sunshine and rainbows. Here are some drawbacks to consider before buying an electric bike.
A Heavy Load
Electric bikes have become more lightweight over time. Still, they contain a motor and battery that weigh a little bit.
While you might spend a lot of money on e-bikes that are similar in weight to regular bicycles, the bulk of electric bikes sold today tends to exceed 45 pounds.
Lack of Charging Points
An eBike is only useful if you have convenient access to charging points. You must continually keep an eye on the battery to prevent the annoyance of it running out of charge.
The good news is that you can use less battery power by switching between different riding modes, such as full power, pedal-only, and pedal assist. This provides greater control over how much you depend on your battery.
Expensive to Maintain
eBikes are frequently more costly to purchase and care for than standard bicycles. There’re batteries and chargers that need to be maintained and replaced after a while.
However, if you think about how much it costs to keep an average-sized car running, it may be a small price to pay.
A Final Note
There’s so much to enjoy about electric bikes, and it’s no surprise that their popularity and sales have surged in recent years. However, electric bikes are difficult to top in terms of adaptability and functionality.
So, after learning what the pros and cons of electric bikes are, you need to know that these bikes are now safer, lighter, and cheaper. As a result, they’ve become more accessible to the general public.
They’re also eco-friendly, which means they save energy and help keep the environment emission-free. Plus, they’re loads of fun for all ages!
