What is an electric bike?
Between 2017 and 2020, American consumers went from purchasing just 220,000 eBikes to more than 437,000 a year. They continue to become a more popular way to pedal and our 6-Part 2022 eBike buyers guide is here to answer all of your questions, ultimately helping you choose the right Blix for your lifestyle and needs.
First, what is an electric bike? They aren’t that dissimilar to regular bicycles, with the significant difference being that they have an electrical drive system. This means that in addition to all of the components of a traditional bicycle—brakes, shifters, handlebars, pedals, seat—they also have a motor, battery, pedal assistance, and display screen.
What makes a bike an ebike?
Let’s take a deeper look at the four main components:
Motor: Engaged when pedaling or by using the throttle, two common types of motors are typically used in electric bikes: hub motors and mid-drive motors. Hub motors—found on the front or rear wheel—supply torque (force) directly to the wheel. Mid-drive motors are directly connected to the crank, where the pedals are located. They supply power to the chain, and feel more similar to a conventional bike.
Battery: As you’d likely assume, the battery is what powers the motor. Standard ebikes typically use 36 or 48-volt batteries. Those from well-known brands—Samsung, LG, or Panasonic tend to have the best performance. For greater motor power and better range, dual battery options may also be available, like in the Blix Packa and Ultra.
Pedal Assistance: The automated pedal assist systems on eBikes provides various levels of power to allow the rider to control how much assistance they receive- or, how much of a workout they want! Check out our Pedal Assist blog to learn more.
Display: The handlebar-mounted display is what connects the rider to their electrical drive system. It’s where the battery level, speed, odometer, and level of pedal assistance can be found. In some cases, they’re even equipped with a USB port for easy charging (not available on the Blix Ultra).
Has pedal assistance piqued your interest? Curious about how a bike motor will help you experience more? See how an electric bike can become a valuable addition to your life by checking out the eBike Buyer's Guide: General Pros & Cons of Purchasing an eBike.
