Electric Bikes for Travel: What You Need to Consider

Regarding a bike trip, everyone imagines a regular two-wheeled "friend" which they ride in the park or to work. That's right; a standard bike will make most trips, but few people know or have heard from friends and avid cyclists that electric bikes are becoming more and more popular.

Every year, more and more models of bicycles with electric motors are introduced, but the development of this market segment is proceeding at a snail's pace. Many do not even consider an electric version as a means of travel.

Types to Choose

Bikes can be classified on different grounds. Most often, a beginner is interested in the type of surface on which they can move.

Sellers take this into account. For example, the Macfox electric bikes site has models for everyday trips, mountain routes, teenage recreation, etc. It makes the choice much easier.

Depending on the location of the motor, there are e-bikes with a pedal drive or a motor wheel:

• A carriage (pedal) drive makes all the work easier on the way and is activated when a person starts pedalling. The motor is mounted in the center of the frame as low as possible, so there is no shift in the center of gravity, and the final control process becomes easier with the help of an electronic assistant. Given the symbiosis of physical activity and electronics, passing a route off-road and overcoming climbs or long distances becomes easier. At the same time, battery power is saved.

  
  

• The situation is different with a motor wheel. Firstly, the drive is placed on the wheel, which shifts the center of gravity (and the weight of the motor is about 6-8 kg) and leads to difficulties in control. Secondly, the battery discharge is greater because Throttle e-bikes with a motor wheel do not require active participation, and with their help, you can move like a moped. This type of bike is more often used for highways and less for mountainous terrain.

A beginner does not need to study all the theories at once. It is enough to get acquainted with the basics or advice from an experienced specialist. It will help you choose the best bike for your purposes.

Battery Charge

For the calculation, divide the engine power indicated in watt-hours by 12.5. Voila, we get the mileage! This method is more suitable for throttle motors. For the pedal assistance system, it is worth considering that the battery reserve is saved while pedalling.

Accordingly, the charge consumption is less, and the distance when working together will be longer. For branded Bosch motors, there is even a mileage calculator.

Frame

You often need to travel tens of kilometres through an anthropogenic landscape to get from Moscow or any other metropolis to lovely places. Covering this part of the journey by train or personal vehicle is better. For an electric bike to be conveniently transported, it must be relatively light. So, all options for barbecues (powerful electric bikes on spatial frames) are out of the question.

The frame must also be light to improve cross-country ability. Heavy configurations complicate dragging over water obstacles and tree trunks in forested areas. Long trips without luggage are almost impossible, so frames with rear shock absorbers are not the best travel option. It is impossible to install a cargo rack on them.

The problem of transporting goods on dual suspension bikes can be partly solved by becoming an adherent to bike packing. It is the concept that all the cargo should be distributed in small portions in bike bags along the entire length of the bike.

Electricity

The maximum mileage on one battery charge depends on many factors. One of the most important is the convenience of pedalling. A properly made electric bike should be comfortable to sit and pedal.

It is recommended that replaceable batteries be used for long trips. In almost any region, you can find a village store, leave the discharged battery there to charge, and go on a circular route around the neighbourhoods.

Wheels

The advantages of fat bikes (bicycles with wide tires) are mostly mythical. Wide tires are only good on loose soils, which travellers rarely encounter. The shock-absorbing properties of wide tires are blank spaces compared to regular shock-absorbing forks and seat posts. Puncture protection is essential for long trips. These are either tubeless tires or tires protected from punctures.

Accessories

For trips on dirt, the fenders must be higher than the wheels. The accumulated dirt can interfere with the wheels' rotation if they are almost adjacent to the tires.

Since electric bicycle speeds are, on average, higher than on pedal bikes, bouncing on bumps and roots is more powerful. If you regularly encounter chain jumping off, buy a chain guide. A bike trailer is a good way to transport cargo. It is convenient for travelling and shopping trips at home.

Rain is not a problem for carriage motors and hub motors. However, it is better to protect hub motor controllers from water beforehand. During rain, you can put a plastic bag on the display and the throttle handle. When parking, it is convenient to cover the bike with a special cover. It not only protects it from getting wet but also disguises it well.

Conclusion

In the minds of many travellers, an electric travel bike is powerful and monstrous, capable of moving quickly for hundreds of kilometres. An electric travel bike is quite ordinary. Anyone who has ever ridden a regular bike can travel on an electric bike.

The advantage of e-bike tours is the electronic assistance system on climbs and long distances: less effort will be expended, the heart rate monitor will not show peak readings, and the load on the knees will not be so significant.

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Our writers like to blog about travel and lifestyle. We launched the award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2015 and the luxury property and interior decor blog www.alltheprettyhomes.com in 2024 to cover all your interior design, travel and lifestyle inspiration needs. Download our free bathroom renovation guide here.