10 frequently asked questions about electric mountain bikes
Before buying an electric mountain bike, known as an e-MTB, you might have many questions; in this article, we answer the most frequent ones.
Electric bikes, ebikes, or e-MTBs—call them what you want—have become a sensation because they are very fun and allow thousands of cyclists to go further with less effort. Before buying an electric bike, it is important to know these facts that will clear up your doubts.
How do they work?
Many people think an electric bike has a throttle, but that is not the case. eBikes work through pedal assistance; they have a battery and a 250W motor that provides part of the power to help the cyclist. The e-MTB is limited to a speed of 25 km/h; at that speed, the motor stops assisting, and only the cyclist's legs remain. From a display on the handlebars, you can control how much assistance you want the motor to provide.
What is the range of an ebike?
The range of an ebike depends on the assistance mode you use; for example, in ECO mode, you could reach up to 100 km, while increasing the level of assistance will reduce the range. At all times, a display will indicate the remaining range so you can reach your destination safely.
And if I run out of battery?
If you exhaust your entire battery during the ride and haven't reached your destination, you will have to pedal with your own strength for the remaining kilometers. However, you will have extra weight that may force you to dismount on steep sections. Surely, after such an experience, you will better calculate your assistance modes to always reach your destination.
How do you ride an ebike?
When we get on an ebike, we will see that these bikes weigh about 10 kilos more than a standard one. To move them with ease on a descent, we must work our upper body more. One of the advantages of this extra weight is that the bikes become more stable on technical descents.
Are ebikes motorcycles?
For all legal purposes, ebikes are considered bicycles. Remember that they are limited to 25 km/h, do not have a throttle, only assist the cyclist's muscle power, and everything else is identical to any conventional bicycle.
Are they noisy?
eBikes are very quiet and will become even quieter; if you pay attention, you might hear the slight and smooth hum of the electric motor.
Do they erode trails?
eBikes do not erode trails because the power they generate is meant to assist the cyclist's legs and is not sent directly to the wheel as it would be in a motorcycle. Erosion is caused by the cyclist's riding style or if many bicycles pass through an area in a short time.
Are ebikes waterproof?
eBikes can get wet, be washed, or be ridden on a rainy day or on muddy terrain. What you cannot do is throw them into a pool or a river, and when washing them, avoid pressure washers.
Can I take an ebike on a plane?
As of today, because of the lithium batteries that electric bikes carry, they cannot be taken on an airplane under any circumstances. Their transport must always be by land, for example, through courier services.
Is maintenance very complicated?
The motor, battery, and electrical wiring are the only differences from a conventional bicycle. If you need to perform maintenance on these three parts, you should go to a bike shop. For the rest of the components, you can do it yourself, such as changing brake pads, a shift cable, or a tire.
Source: www.shimano-steps.com