subject: The Many Benefits Of Electric Bikes [print this page] Electric bikes are those that run on electric power by running a motor that works using an battery including in the bike, also referred to as motorized bike, electric cycle, e-bike, or electric scooter. They come in all sizes and shapes and generally have speeds from 16 to 30 miles per hour. Depending on the size, carrying capacity, speed, endurance in miles travelled on full charge etc., the cost varies from as low as $200 and goes up to $1000 or more. These scooters are generally not included among motor vehicles in most countries, rather they are considered equal to bicycles. And due to these reasons, the laws relating to motorcycles with regards to production, ownership, certification, and driving license do not apply to these. Despite these factors, these scooters are popularly encouraged in many European nations, and in India and China, as they offer several benefits.
They are generically environment friendly since they do not suffer from any toxic emissions like motor vehicles. They also save expenses on petroleum which is becoming costlier every year, thus saving foreign exchange for several countries that are forced to import oil from OPEC countries. These scooters hardly make any noise, thus reducing noise pollution on the roads. People with cardiac disorders can easily handle this scooter. The other benefit is the safety of these scooters, as they do not move once the electric switch is turned to OFF. It is therefore, small wonder that many countries such as Australia, Canada, European Union, New Zealand and USA are encouraging their use.
There are generally two types of electric motors used in these e-bikes, the direct drive or the geared motor of DC motors. There are also basic bicycles with electric assisted power drive, with a chain or belt drive and a hub motor, included in the class of e-bikes. In most electric scooters, the BLDC or Brush Less Direct Current motors form the central part of the hub. The rotation of the rotor magnets initiates the spinning of the wheels, and the stator motor is included as part of the hub. The motor power can be anywhere between 150 and 750 watts. The mounting of the battery is dependent on the scooter design; and this battery stores the power and is rechargeable. The rechargeable batteries are of different types such as lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and lithium ion. There are not much difference in the types of batteries used as almost all conform to the same standards. Most of the electric scooters, also include an electronic motor control system. There are a few additional features included in these scooters in a bid to save battery power such as, electrically assisted pedals for upward slopes and free-wheeling for downward slopes.
One of the features that distinguish the preferential selection of one model over the next is the range or the total distance that can be tackled on a single charge. This range is influenced by various factors such as battery capacity, motor efficiency, drive chain efficiency, usage of lights, gradient capability, total laden weight, etc. Some models have regenerative braking, which is the motor acting as a generator to apply brakes in downhill drives. There are also electric scooters without these features included in it.
