Electric Bikes - An Overview - By: Daren Cari

The electric bike is known by several names such as e-bike, electric scooter, mortorized scooter, or electric cycle, and works by using a electric motor that gains its power from a battery placed on-board. With speeds of 16 miles per hour to 30 miles per hour, these scooters are available in different shapes and sizes. The cost of an electric scooter can be anything from $200 to $1,000, depending on various factors such as its speed, load capacity, size, and of course, the total miles that can be covered on a single full charge. In many countries their status is not that of motor vehicles, but almost at par with a bicycle. This is reflected in the laws regarding their production, certification, ownership, driving licenses etc. which are akin to cycles and not like those of motor vehicles. Despite these factors, these scooters are popularly encouraged in many European nations, and in India and China, as they offer several benefits.

These scooters are generally considered green vehicles due to the absence of any emissions that are toxic. The ability to run without petrol is another significant advantage, especially for nations that purchase petroleum from OPEC nations, as they save several hundred in foreign exchange. These scooters hardly make any noise, thus reducing noise pollution on the roads. They are known to have health benefits for persons with cardiac disorders. They are relatively more secure as they cannot be moved once the electric switch is turned into OFF position. It is therefore, small wonder that many countries such as Australia, Canada, European Union, New Zealand and USA are encouraging their use.

The electric motor, the heart of the electric bike, may be direct drive type or geared motor type 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. Most commonly used motors are BLDC (Brush Less Direct Current) motors forming an integral part of the hub. The hub also includes the stator motor, and the wheels rotate based on the rotation of the rotor magnets. Generally, the motor have a power of 150 to 750 watts. The power for the motor is stored in the battery, which is rechargeable and the mounting of this battery would depend on the design used. The rechargeable batteries are of different types such as lead-acid, nickel-metal hydride, nickel-cadmium, and lithium ion. One battery does not seem to have a definite advantage over the other, as all these batteries follow the same standards. Most of the electric scooters, also include an electronic motor control system. Some of these scooters also have additional features such as electric-assisted pedals for climbing and free-wheel motoring for downward slopes, thereby reducing battery usage.

The range or the distance that can be travelled in a single charge is one of the major factors that determines the preferences for a specific bike. This will depend on factors such as motor efficiency, battery capacity, efficiency of the drive chain, gradient capability, use of lights and the total laden weight. 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.

About the Author

For a massive amount of high quality, battery pack powered ebikes check out - emmo.ca. Gain access to great deal of electric bike & scooter components.

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Daren-Cari/87166

Additional Articles From - Home | Vehicles | Bicycles