The main attractions of an e-bike are the battery and the motor. When you use the pedals, the battery powers the motor, which drives you forward as you pedal. Some e-bikes come with a throttle. They move you forward without the need to pedal.
Bodywel takes you through whether you have to pedal an e-bike. You’ll also learn what to consider when choosing an e-bike.
How does an e-bike work?
E-bikes work by supplying electrical energy from a rechargeable battery to an electric motor. Electrical energy is converted into kinetic energy that turns the pedals and wheels to maintain power.
Pedal-assisted e-bikes
Every e-bike is equipped with pedal assist. This means that the motor will only start when you turn the pedals. You can also adjust the level of pedal assist. This is usually on a scale of 0 to 5, where 0 means no pedal assist and 5 means the highest pedal assist.
Throttle e-bikes
Some e-bikes are equipped with a throttle on the handlebars. Depending on the type and model, the throttle may have a thumb, twist or trigger configuration. Regardless of the throttle type, it should allow you to control the acceleration and speed of your e-bike.
Can you ride an e-bike without pedalling?
This is a question people often ask before buying an e-bike. The answer is yes! You can definitely ride an e-bike without pedalling. However, it depends on the type of e-bike you own.
Here are the different categories of e-bikes:
Class 1: Pedal-assisted only, with a maximum speed of 20 mph
Class 2: Throttle- and pedal-assisted with a maximum speed of 20 mph
Class 3: Pedal-assisted (with optional throttle), with a top speed of 28 mph
In general, you can ride an e-bike without pedalling, but only if you have a throttle. Without a throttle, you must use the pedals to activate the electric motor and pedal assist. You can also ride an e-bike just like a conventional bike.
Of course, there is another way to ride an e-bike without pedalling. How? By riding downhill and letting gravity do the work for you. On top of that, you need a throttle to ride without pedalling.
How fast does an e-bike go if you don’t pedal?
It depends on the type of e-bike you have. To be precise, it depends on the power of the motor. The average motor power ranges from 250w to 1000w; the higher the power, the faster and more powerful the motor.
It’s worth noting that lower-powered motors (around the 250w range) may struggle to climb uphill on throttle alone. For this reason, we recommend a minimum power of 500w.Most Bodywel ebikes come with at least a 250w hub motor.
Factors to consider when choosing an e-bike
There are many factors to consider when choosing an e-bike. The most important factors are the type of motor, battery range, battery life and relevant local laws and regulations in your area.
Let’s take a closer look at these contributing factors.
Type de moteur
Most e-bikes come with two types of motors. These include hub motors and mid-mount motors. Each type of motor has its own unique benefits and uses.
Hub motors
The first type is an e-bike hub motor, which is mounted on either the front or rear wheel axle. When the pedals are pressed, a battery powers the hub motor, causing the wheel to turn. Hub motors are popular because of their affordability and lightweight design.
Mid-drive motors
As the name suggests, the mid-drive motor is located in the centre of the frame, between the cranks. This location connects the drivetrain to the motor.
This results in better handling due to more even weight distribution and smoother power transitions. In other words, there is virtually no delay between the time you use the pedals and when the motor kicks in.
Battery life and longevity
Another key factor to consider is battery life and longevity. Battery life determines how many miles you can travel on a single charge.
A typical e-bike has an average battery capacity of 500Wh to 864Wh. For reference, the Bodywel F20 PRO e-bike has a battery capacity of 748Wh and can travel 55 miles on a single charge.
In terms of lifespan, the average e-bike battery has a lifespan of about 2 to 5 years. This equates to approximately 10,000 to 30,000 miles.
The number of times a battery is rated to be charged also determines its lifespan. Once a battery reaches its charge rating, its original capacity drops from 100% to 70%.
Local Laws and Regulations
Before purchasing an e-bike, please familiarise yourself with local laws and regulations. Age, motor power and maximum speed limits vary across Europe. Some states also have licensing requirements.
When buying an e-bike, choose one that meets street regulations and suits your preferences. Remember that these regulations do not apply to off-road riding.
To summarise
There are many ways to ride an e-bike. Using pedal assist is the most common way to ride an e-bike. However, throttling is another way to ride. You can also enjoy the advantage of accelerating without pedalling.
In any case, choose an e-bike that meets your needs. Your e-bike trip will be more fun. You’ll be able to explore more areas. And, you can ride the distance you need on a single charge.
Ready to enhance your riding experience? Explore the full range of Bodywel e-bikes today.
