Electric bicycles are the lowest-powered type of light electric transport. They are usually equipped with motors ranging from 150 to 1000 W. There are also less powerful types in which the electric motor helps the cyclist in movement, but is not the main driving force. In this case, they can accelerate to no more than 20–30 km/h. More powerful electric bikes can accelerate to speeds of 50 km/h. But, on the other hand, many countries at the legislative level are trying to limit the speed of bicycles to 20–30 km/h, and electric bicycles accelerating to higher speeds are equated to electric mopeds and require a driving license.

 

In Ukraine a moped is considered a two-wheeled vehicle equipped with an engine with a power of up to 4 kW. Registration and obtaining license plates are not required, but you do need to obtain an A1 category license. But an electric bicycle has a PAS system – a pedal assist system. In this case, the vehicle is considered to be one that is driven by human muscular power. Therefore, management rights are not needed.

 

 

Why are electric bicycles so good?

 

Firstly, it is an environmentally friendly and economical form of transport (and it’s very easy to charge). Secondly, it is perfect not only for leisure, but also for commuting to work, because the driver will not sweat and will maintain a neat work appearance. Thirdly, they take up the same amount of space as regular bicycles. Electric options weigh less than motorcycles and scooters, which makes them easy to transport and store in an apartment. Fourthly, with the help of an electric bike you can easily travel long distances, even if you are not in the best physical condition. In general, this is a very versatile type of transport that is suitable even for children and the elderly.

 

Among the disadvantages, the main ones are the high cost of an electric bike (from 7 thousand UAH for the simplest used models) and the difficulty of maintenance.

 

How does it work?

 

Any electric bicycle contains three electrical components:

 

• electric motor;
• battery and charger;
• motor control controller.

 

There are three main types of electric drives used in electric bicycles.

 

1. Motor-wheel is the most popular type of electric bicycle drive. In this design, the motor is mounted in the wheel instead of the hub. It can be installed on the front or rear wheel, or, in more rare cases, on both wheels at once. The wheel motor fits harmoniously into the design of any bicycle; its engine runs almost silently. True, the bike becomes significantly heavier; in addition, it is advisable to use a durable rim, since a regular one can become deformed under the weight of the motor.

Bicycles based on motor-wheels are produced by many manufacturers, even budget ones, for example, Ardis (models Ardis E-Ledy, Ardis 36V and 48V, etc.), Volta (Kvant, Start, Hammer lines), Azimut 26 E-bike.

 

2. Mounted engine. This is a rarer option in which the electric motor is built directly into the pedal assembly. One of the disadvantages of this type is the need to pedal all the time while the motor is running. This design is quite complex – both the integration of the engine into the carriage, and in the context of changing the frame design. Its advantage is the ability to use bicycle gears to increase traction force, and, as a result, the engine can be of less power.

 

 

This type of engine also powers a lot of electric bikes, mostly compact ones, including the sensational Xiaomi Qicycle and its “brothers”, several Volta lines (Mini, Street, Bit and others), Like.Bike models (Stork, Falcon and the like).

 

3. Friction drive –a rare and ineffective type of drive. Its essence lies in the fact that the engine rotates and transmits torque to the wheel tire. The friction drive is the easiest to install, but has the lowest efficiency and leads to rapid tire wear.

 

 

Сделай сам

 

In general, if you have bicycle repair skills, you can make an electric bike with your own hands from a regular bicycle. To do this, you need to purchase a special kit, for example, with power for the wheel motor. The operating voltage in such kits can be 24, 36 or 48 volts. The motor power in them is 150–1000 W.

 

The most famous manufacturers of DIY kits based on motor-wheels are BionX, Golden Motor, MXUS, Crystalyte, Gruber Assist, etc. The price for such kits starts from about 4000 UAH.

Converting a regular bicycle into an electric bicycle based on an electric chain drive will be more labor-intensive, although this drive option is more efficient. With less weight and power, electric bicycles with chain drive accelerate to high speeds. Therefore, before making any modifications, you should definitely make sure that your bike will ride well and, most importantly, brake at 40 km/h with the increased weight.

 

“Kulibins” who wantto make an electric bicycle with their own handsaccording to this scheme can save a little on components if they can find a suitable electric motor. Usually, motors are used from household or automotive equipment, for example, from washing machines, car windshield wipers, and even from an electric drill. There are also DIY kits (Cyclone is the most popular) for converting a bicycle into an electric bike, costing approximately $400–500.

TheAdvantagesof a self-assembled bike outweigh the disadvantages. In general, it’s cheaper (especially if you already have a regular bike), and you can convert almost any model (even a mountain bike, even a three-wheeler). Also, an electric bike based on a kit usually weighs less than a finished electric bike (however, the kit will have to be more expensive, and the bike itself should not be antediluvian or made of a heavy alloy).

 

Thedisadvantageis that you need to have certain skills in repairs (in some cases it is better to immediately go to a bicycle workshop), and it is not possible to install a ready-made set on every bicycle. In addition, not every workshop provides maintenance for electric bikes, especially if you live in a small town.