Electric bicycle

"Electric bike" and "eBike" redirect here. For electrically powered motorcycles, see Electric motorcycles and scooters.

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An electric bicycle, e-bike, electrically assisted pedal cycle, or electrically power assisted cycle[1] is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion.[2][3][4][5][6] Many kinds of e-bikes are available worldwide, but they generally fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power (i.e. pedelecs) and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both retain the ability to be pedaled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and typically are motor-powered up to 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph). High-powered varieties can often travel up to or more than 45 km/h (28 mph).

Depending on local laws, many e-bikes (e.g., pedelecs) are legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles. This exempts them from the more stringent laws regarding the certification and operation of more powerful two-wheelers which are often classed as electric motorcycles, such as licensing and mandatory safety equipment. E-bikes can also be defined separately and treated under distinct electric bicycle laws.

Bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters, alongside e-cargo bikes, are commonly classified as micro-mobility vehicles. When comparing bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters from active and inclusiveness perspectives, traditional bicycles, while promoting physical activity, are less accessible to certain demographics due to the need for greater physical exertion, which also limits the distances bicycles can cover compared to e-bikes and e-scooters. E-scooters, however, cannot be categorised as an active transport mode, as they require minimal physical effort and, therefore, offer no health benefits. Additionally, the substantial incidence of accidents and injuries involving e-scooters underscores the considerable safety concerns and perceived risks associated with their use in urban settings. E-bikes stand out as the only option that combines the benefits of active transport with inclusivity, as their electric-motor, pedal-assist feature helps riders cover greater distances. The motor helps users overcome obstacles such as steep inclines and the need for high physical effort, making e-bikes suitable for a wide variety of users. This feature also allows e-bikes to traverse distances that would typically necessitate the use of private cars or multi-modal travel, such as both a bicycle and local public transport, establishing them as not only an active and inclusive mode but also a standalone travel option.[7]

  1. ^ "Guide to e-bikes". Association of Cycle Traders. Accessed May 1, 2022.
  2. ^ Hung, Nguyen Ba; Lim, Ocktaeck (2020). "A review of history, development, design and research of electric bicycles". Applied Energy. 260: 114323. Bibcode:2020ApEn..26014323H. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2019.114323.
  3. ^ Stilo, Lorenzo; Segura-Velandia, Diana; Lugo, Heinz; Conway, Paul P.; West, Andrew A. (2021). "Electric bicycles, next generation low carbon transport systems: A survey". Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. 10: 100347. Bibcode:2021TrRIP..1000347S. doi:10.1016/j.trip.2021.100347.
  4. ^ Salmeron-Manzano, Esther; Manzano-Agugliaro, Francisco (2018). "The Electric Bicycle: Worldwide Research Trends". Energies. 11 (7): 1894. doi:10.3390/en11071894. hdl:10835/7361.
  5. ^ Fishman, Elliot; Cherry, Christopher (2016). "E-bikes in the Mainstream: Reviewing a Decade of Research". Transport Reviews. 36 (1): 72–91. doi:10.1080/01441647.2015.1069907.
  6. ^ Rérat, Patrick (2021). "The rise of the e-bike: Towards an extension of the practice of cycling?". Mobilities. 16 (3): 423–439. doi:10.1080/17450101.2021.1897236.
  7. ^ Hosseini, Keyvan; Pramod Choudhari, Tushar; Stefaniec, Agnieszka; O’Mahony, Margaret; Caulfield, Brian (1 August 2024). "E-bike to the future: Scalability, emission-saving, and eco-efficiency assessment of shared electric mobility hubs". Transportation Research Part D: Transport and Environment. 133: 104275. doi:10.1016/j.trd.2024.104275. hdl:2262/109012. ISSN 1361-9209. This article incorporates text from this source, which is available under the CC BY 4.0 license.