Electric Bicycles: How to Choose the Right Bike

It seems that people are fast changing their perspective. Electric bicycles are once again reclaiming its place in the consciousness of individuals and of society in general.

Aside from its eco benefits, another advantage is its size. You can part electric bicycles virtually anywhere without the stress usually associated with big vehicles. Enjoy hassle-free transport when you ride these types of bicycles.

Background on Electric Bicycles

Probably one of the major concerns among motorist regarding electric bicycles is its battery life. This shouldn’t be a concern though because manufacturers have developed sophisticated technologies that can power the bike over long-distances without stopping.  In some instances, the rechargeable battery within it is even powerful enough to climb over hills without putting strain on the motor. Of course, bikers can also opt to pedal over these hills themselves to save on electricity.

Electric bicycles are good for everyday use. The only inconvenience associated with it is its recharging time. This can be likened to stopping by the gas station to put gas into the vehicle. Once you get home, just plug it into the outlet and it will be good within a few hours.

Types of Batteries

While on the subject of batteries, it might be a good idea to know the different kinds of batteries used for these bikes. It will help you make the right choice. There are four basic types including:

·         Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) – majority of electric bikes today use SLA because it is easy to manufacture and inexpensive. It has a high energy density so it packs a lot of power. Another benefit is that virtually no maintenance is necessary. It is without its downsides though. For example, it is heavy and charging takes a long time.

·         Nickel-Metal-Hydride (NiMH) – light and safer compared to SLA, NiMH is the preferred alternative of many bikers. It also charges quickly. It is great in warm weather but wintertime can reduce its performance.

·         Lithium-Ion (Li-on) – maintenance-free, long battery life, and lightweight: these are the features you can expect from Li-on. More advanced electric bicycles contain this battery. But it is not that widely used because it is more expensive compared to other options.

·         Lithium-Polymer (Li-Po) – as the newest type of electric bicycle battery, it has to meet a lot of expectations and it delivers. Li-Po batteries are stable and have low toxicity. Because of this advanced features, it is also expensive.

Knowing the components within your electric bicycle will help you choose which one suits your need best. Be sure to look at the different models of electric bicycles in the market and know their features to get more value for your money.