OAUSA Net - September 28, 2023 - Electric Bicycles (ebikes)

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Electric BIkes (ebikes)

Presumably you've noticed that a large number of bicycles, perhaps a majority, are now electric. It might be difficult to tell the difference. Ebikes look mostly like regular bicycles, but are generally beefier with larger, thicker frames and a battery bump or box somewhere, but the telltale difference is usually a swollen hub that encloses a motor.

Regular bicycle rear hub.

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Large motor-enclosing ebike rear hub, often with a Chinese-sounding name inscribed somewhere.

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The following 2022 chart shows the estimated growth of the United State ebike market with a 22.6% compounded annual growth rate. It may or may not be accurate, but judging from what I'm seeing on the road here in the Los Angeles area, it might underestimate growth over the last couple of years.

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Further evidence is provided by the current number (199) of ebike brands: Complete List of Electric Bike Brands.

Before we dive into some of the details about ebikes, let's look at why they might be popular.


Advantages

• Feel like you're 12-years old again riding your first bicycle. Little to no effort depending on ebike configuration.
• Ability to sustain good speed without tiring.
• Ability to travel farther, faster and see more.
• Choice of how much exercise you're getting, depending on ebike settings.
  • Especially good for senior and less physically capable riders.
  • Can vary "assistance" based on your stamina.
• "Green" electric power. (Outside the scope to debate where that electricity actually comes from.)
• Might replace a vehicle for many errands and trips.

Disadvantages

• Usually larger and heavier frame and tires, plus a battery and motor.
  • More difficult or very difficult to pedal without motor assistance.
  • More difficult to lift and store.
  • More difficult to transport.
• Battery has finite capacity.
• Maintenance now includes battery and motor.
• There may be legal limitations on where you can ride, depending on your particular ebike.
• Nasty people wearing tight fluorescent spandex clothing riding non-electric (now called "acoustic") bicycles may curse you for "cheating" as they eat your dust.

YouTube short video: Bike Path Karen or Dangerous E-Bike Rider?

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Modes of Operation

Most ebikes have three basic modes of operation:

Pedal

Like any bicycle, you can simply pedal without any motor assistance. While possible, due to the extra weight or ebikes--especially the large, wide, heavy tires--pedaling an ebike can be greatly more difficult than a lightweight bicycle.


Pedal Assist

Where ebikes shine is their "pedal assist" mode. A sensor detects your pedaling and amplifies your effort with the motor. In my opinion, it's a great illusion of suddenly dropping in age by 30 or more years.

Fellow gramps tearing up the road on his ebike.

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Most ebikes have various levels of assistance so you can dial in the amount of "help" you prefer.

There are two types of sensors in use:

• Cadence Sensor - senses *if* you are pedaling and provides assistance at the set level
• Torque Sensor - more expensive; senses how hard you are pedaling and provides commensurate assistance
  • If you start up at hill, a torque sensor will increase assistance. It may shut off altogether if you are going downhill.

Throttle

The throttle is the same as on a motorcycle. It controls the amount of motor power based on how much you twist the handle (or collar near the handle). A throttle will change the legal classification of your bike.

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Classifications

Of course, legislators must legislate, and to do so they develop arbitrary categories based on the legislated object, not how the object is used.

Before talking about ebike classifications, let's note that the average Tour de France speed is 25 mph, including uphill, downhill, and straightaways.

In California, an "electric bicycle" is limited to 750 watts. This is somewhat archaic as the motor wattage does not exactly correspond to ebike power. More enlightened manufacturers refer to the torque their motors are capable of generating. Rad Power Bikes was (is?) selling bikes with "750-watt" motors which when measured (newton meters, Nm) had torque comparable to other manufacturers 250-watt motors.

The following are ebike classifications recognized by California, and are considered typical.

Class 1

• pedal-assist only, no throttle
• maximum speed of 20 mph

Class 2

• pedal- or throttle-assisted.
• maximum speed of 20 mph

Class 3

• pedal-assist only, no throttle
• maximum speed of 28 mph
• with a speedometer (possibly California only)

You've got to wonder why the standard classification system doesn't cover more possibilities. Let me propose more classes:

Class X

• pedal- or throttle-assisted.
• maximum speed of 28 mph

Class Y

• pedal- or throttle-assisted.
• unlimited maximum speed

Class Z (probably considered an electric scooter)

• throttle-assisted with no pedals.
• unlimited maximum speed

The ebike speed limit is often set by user-modifiable firmware parameters. You can Google and might find ways to change these parameters if not specified in your user manual. My ebike is a "Class Y" but came with a "Class 2" sticker, perhaps in an attempt to fool law enforcement. I specifically wanted something with pedals that looked like a bicycle.

I read about one hybrid bicycle with a throttle that topped out at 20 mph and pedal that topped out at 28 mph, perhaps trying to legally squeeze into the Class 3 category.

It's not clear if law enforcement will care about your ebike's current firmware settings (i.e., you might have restricted assisted speed to 20 mph in firmware) but end up with a ticket because your ebike is recognized as one capable of doing 45 mph.

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Laws

I've seen many "kids" riding ebikes much too fast for road conditions, without helmets, even in the street doing wheelies.

I've read many complaints about "kids" blowing by pedestrians on sidewalks without warning. (I try to ride sidewalks as much as possible since I do not trust vehicle drivers.)

I've read complaints from bicycle riders about ebike riders going too fast in bike lanes.

My concern is that irresponsible use of ebikes will result in overbearing and restrictive ebike-specific legislation, limiting where one can ride. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if riders of non-electric bicycles would support ebike-specific legislation.

California Laws

As of now, you do not need a driver's license or vehicle plates to ride an ebike. In fact, a 2023 California e-bike law prevents cities from restricting access to e-bike riders in places like bicycle paths or trails, bikeways, and bicycle lanes, though parks and recreation departments can still determine who can ride on what bike paths.


In my city, Torrance, California:

62.1.4 RIDING ON SIDEWALKS.

• a) No person shall ride a bicycle upon a sidewalk within any business district or upon the sidewalk adjacent to any public school building, church, recreation center or playground.
• b) Whenever any person is riding a bicycle upon a sidewalk, such person shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian, and when overtaking or passing a pedestrian, after giving an audible signal, shall at all times, pass to the left of such pedestrian.

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Types


Ebike manufacturers distinguish between different types of ebikes. An off-road or trail ebike might have wider knobbier tires and thicker frame, while a commuter ebike might have thinner tires, with a performance ebike having even thinner tires. (Not really clear what a "performance" ebike would be when the classifications limit the speed.)

Commuter / City / Street / Urban

A typical ebike intended for street use.

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Commuter - Folding

There are some smaller folding ebikes, but folding a bulky 70-pound bike with wide tires may not provide the compactness that's needed.

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Cruiser

Designed for a comfortable, upright riding style, often with thicker tires.

Note: This ebike has a "step through" frame, what I thought of as a "girl's bike" when I was a kid. Makes it easy to mount the ebike for people with limited leg mobility.

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Cargo / Utility

Often like a cruiser with the addition of rack and basket for carrying items.

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Recreational - Performance

LIghter weight frame, narrow tires, bend over posture. Not suitable for carrying heavy loads.

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Recreational - Off-Road / Trail / Mountain

Sturdy frame, larger diameter, wider tires, often with front and rear suspension.

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Tricycle

Obviously three wheels, designed for stability, often with a large cargo area. Etrikes often have front hubs.

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This "trike" is more of an off-road ebikewhich has two front wheels for added stability.

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The Arcimoto Cybertrike (aka "Mean Lean Machine") looks like a lot of fun. Has been in development for a few years.

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Variations

There are the "Class Z" variations

The UBCO 2x2 is a very capable off-road ebike with no pedals.

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The Sur-Ron is essentially an electric dirt bike.

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Note

You may have noticed that the vast majority of ebikes come with "fat" tires.

• better traction, especially when wet or off-road
• more stable
• more durable
• improved shock absorption and ride comfort
  
• due to weight and traction, harder to pedal and steer
  
• use more battery power
  
• bigger frame makes flats harder to change

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Drive Systems


Rear Hub

The vast majority of ebikes use rear hub drive motors since the majority of weight is in the rear, providing better traction.


Front Hub

With motor in front and battery in rear, balance is enhanced. (Also common for tricycles.)


Dual Hub

Similar to the advantages of 4WD. Generally double the power and torque, especially for going uphill or though rough terrain. Also generally more acceleration and speed, assuming you need to reach the legal limit faster. Two motors allow each to run with less power and heat.

Disadvantages are more weight due to two motors and probably bigger battery (or two). Potentially more maintenance.

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Mid-Drive

An advantage of the mid-drive is that it provides power through the transmission, and can take advantage of any transmission (e.g., derailleur) gearing, but because of this it puts more stress on the transmission.

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Transmission

An ebikes transmission is how power is delivered through the drive train. There are two basic types.

Derailleur

The derailleur, first developed in 1905, has been standard on bicycles for decades. It provides variable ratio gearing using different sized sprockets switched using guides controlled by handlebar levers or dials.

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Internal-Gear Hub

These have been around since the late 1800s. The gears are fully enclosed, unlike the derailleur with its exposed sprockets and chain. They can change gear ratios while stationary. No chain tensioner is required to take up slack between different sized sprockets.

The gear hub obviously resides where the rear motor hub would be. Internal-gear hubs are compatible only with mid-drive motors.

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Internal-Gear Crank

Not aware of any ebikes which use this.


Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Unlike a derailleur or typical internal-gear hub, the CVT does not have a set of fixed gear ratios, thus is "continuously variable". For bicycles, these have had limited success because of their additional weight, but this generally is not a concern with ebikes.

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This link explains how bicycle CVT works: Enviolo CVT.


Drive

Provides pedal (or mid-drive motor) power to the read hub through mechanical linkage. The two basic types are:

Chain

Hopefully we all know what a chain drive is. It provides drive from the crank (pedal) sprocket(s) to the rear derailleur sprockets. The metal-to-metal contact requires regular lubrication and adjustment.

Belt

Belt drive utilizes a toothed polyurethane belt with carbon fiber cords to minimize stretch. The belt drive is not flexible laterally like a chain, and is not compatible with a derailleur-type transmission.

The advantages of a belt are:

• Smoother
• Quieter
• Cleaner
• Low maintenance
• Last longer

Disadvantages:

• Slightly less efficient
• More expensive
• Can’t be broken in the middle; more difficult to replace
• Generally must be used with internally geared or CVT hub which requires mid-drive motor
• More limited gear range

Note: Belt drive requires an internal-gear hub.

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Shaft?

Not aware of any ebike which use this.

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Features

• Cost
• Motor Power / Watts / Torque
• Battery Watt-Hours = Range
• Weight
• Price of additional batteries
• Step-Through
• Drive System, Drive Mechanism
• Speed
• Hill Climbing
• Tires (fat, …)
• Size
• Throttle
• Street or Off-Road
• Suspension
• Seat / Saddle
• Folding
• Lights
  • Front
  • Rear
  • Turn Signals
• Racks / Baskets
• Noise
• Brakes, usually disc (hydraulic?)
• Fenders
• Features
• Feel, for You (Rad)
• Digital Display
• Maintenance
• Service
• Warranty

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Transportation (moving your ebike)

Due to the frame size, tire size, and weight of ebikes, a standard bicycle rack won't work. You should consider the need for a rack as part of your purchase price.


This hitch-mounted Hollywood rack ($500) fits two ebikes weighing up to 80 pounds each. You might have to remove your battery to meet the 80-pound limit.

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Folks in some ebike groups mention this hitch-mounted Harbor Freight motorcycle carrier ($160) which can carry up to 400 pounds.

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Upgrades / Add-Ons

As with any item, some judicious upgrades can make it more enjoyable or safer to use.

Comfortable Seat / Saddle

My first purchase after riding just about any bike I've ever had is a new seat. Most ebikes skimp on such creature comforts.


Thumb Throttle

Maybe I have a weak wrist, but I always seem to get wrist fatigue after a few hours using wrist throttles. I found this especially true on an ebike where the throttle is the leftmost part of the handlebar grip. A thumb throttle (this one from eBay) works great for me.

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Handlebar Extension

An ebike's handle bar is already crammed with grips / throttle, brake levers, digital display, controller buttons, shifter, mirrors, etc. This extension provides room for other devices such as phone / GPS.

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Dropper Seatpost

Ebike seating can be well off the ground due to its large frame and large diameter tires, resulting in an inability to touch the ground with your feet from a comfortable riding position when you come to a stop. The dropper seatpost provides a button on your handle (or somewhere) that allows you to quickly drop the seatpost when coming to a stop, allowing your feet to touch the group. Pressing the button while raising your rear end with your feet on the pedals allows the seat to spring back up to a good riding position.


Lighting / Reflectors

Unless your bike comes with premium lighting, you will want to add better, brighter front lights and safer, more visible rear lights.


Trailers

The additional power available from a ebike make it reasonable to attach a trailer which might be used for carrying camping equipment, or whatever.

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Kind of a stretch, but ...

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Personal Safety

My rules:

• Avoid traffic - politely use sidewalks and bike paths where legal.
• Obey traffic laws.
• Watch out for idiots (less observant motorists).
• Wear safety equipment.

Safety equipment on an ebike is similar to that on a regular bicycle. Much of this is relatively inexpensive. Ebike riding often involves higher sustained speeds.

• Helmet - head injuries occur in about 75% of fatal bike accidents; one-third of non-fatal injuries are to the head (in California, adults can decide not to wear)
  • If you haven't heard about it, there's a new type of helmet called Multi-directional Impact Protection (Mips) which protects against rotational motion common during accidents. Check it out if you ride.
• Mirror - to track traffic approaching from the rear
  • Garmin Varia RCT715 Radar Camera Tail Light (rear facing camera with radar)
• High Visibility Clothing / Safety Vest - if exposed to traffic
• Lights, Front, Rear, and Side (Reflectors)
  • Spoke Reflectors - standard on most bikes, but can be improved
• Gloves - you will always put out your hands when falling off a bike
• Pants - partial knee protection
• Bell / Horn - warning pedestrians and others when approaching from behind
• Knee Pads - don't need another knee operation!
• Elbow Pads

My favorite safety vest:

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I got a Revit Tornado jacket many years ago for summer motorcycle riding. I may look stupid, but I now use it for ebike riding. Padded shoulders and elbows, and allows a good breeze to blow through.

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Theft Protection

One sad reason NOT to ride around town on an ebike is that they are targeted by thieves who see multiple thousands of dollar plus any accessories.

• A good lock attached to a secure location, even while transporting in a bike rack. (The Kryptonite Fahgettaboudit lock and chain weight 15 pounds.)
• Ensure that your battery is also locked, or take your (heavy) battery with you. An ebike without a battery isn't nearly as desirable.
• Use a motion-sensitive alarm.
• Verify coverage by your homeowner's insurance or purchase ebike insurance offered by a number of companies.
• Use a GPS tracker (e.g., AirTag).
• Keep a pitbull on your bike trailer.

Search on "ebike theft" for recommendations.