ADDTECH | eBike Mechanical Components - Kickstand
By Addmotor | 28 May 2024 | 0 Comments
Often overlooked, this little kickstand actually plays a big role in the overall functionality and convenience of your ebike.
Without one, you're left to lay the bicycle down or lean it against a pole, tree, wall, or car. This is where a sturdy, well-designed kickstand becomes invaluable, providing stability, preventing damage, and making parking your ebike a breeze. Basically, a kickstand offers convenience to cyclists who frequently pause their journey.
This guide explores the world of electric bike kickstands in-depth, covering different types, their applications, and how to choose the perfect one for your electric bike. So, without any further ado, let’s get into it.
Here's a breakdown of how an e-bike kickstand works:
A kickstand provides a stable support mechanism, allowing the ebike to stand independently on various surfaces. This is particularly useful for quick stops, parking in crowded areas, or when no suitable leaning spot is available.
For tasks that require the bike to be lifted, such as adjusting the derailleur or cleaning, a center-mounted kickstand that lifts the rear wheel off the ground can be particularly helpful.
Let's delve into the details to help you choose the perfect kickstand for your electric steed.
The center-mounted kickstand provides the necessary stability to keep the bike upright when loaded with cargo. This stability is crucial for activities, such as loading and unloading goods, as it prevents the bike from tipping over.
This e-bike has some other features including its 450 lbs of payload capacity, which makes it perfect for deliveries, grocery shopping, or carrying equipment.
Additional features of the Graoopro include:
Being lighter than center-mounted kickstands, it contributes less to the bike’s overall weight, enhancing its maneuverability.
Key features of the M-66 R7 include:
As for mountain bikes, a robust and durable kickstand is necessary. In that case, both center and side-mounted kickstands can work, but they should be made of strong materials to withstand rough use.
Whether you opt for a robust center-mounted kickstand like the GRAOOPRO or a convenient side-mounted kickstand like the one on the M-66 Cruiser, make sure it fits your specific needs and riding style.
Without one, you're left to lay the bicycle down or lean it against a pole, tree, wall, or car. This is where a sturdy, well-designed kickstand becomes invaluable, providing stability, preventing damage, and making parking your ebike a breeze. Basically, a kickstand offers convenience to cyclists who frequently pause their journey.
This guide explores the world of electric bike kickstands in-depth, covering different types, their applications, and how to choose the perfect one for your electric bike. So, without any further ado, let’s get into it.
Understanding E-Bike Kickstand
An electric bike kickstand is a simple yet crucial accessory designed to prop your electric bike upright when parked. Unlike a traditional bicycle kickstand, an e-bike kickstand needs to be robust enough to handle the additional weight of an electric motor and battery.Here's a breakdown of how an e-bike kickstand works:
♦ Deployment: Most e bike kickstands are spring-loaded. A simple press with your foot on the designated pedal (usually located near the bottom bracket) releases the kickstand from its folded position and extends it outwards.
♦ Support: Once deployed, the kickstand forms a triangle with the frame and the ground, providing a stable base for your electric bike. The angle of the kickstand is usually adjustable to ensure proper ground clearance and prevent the kickstand from contacting the ground before other parts of your e-bike.
♦ Retraction: Retracting the kickstand is equally simple. A slight upward nudge with your foot on the designated pedal (often the same one used for deployment) disengages the locking mechanism, allowing the spring to fold the kickstand back into its stowed position against the frame.
Why Every eBike Should Have a Kickstand
A kickstand might seem like a minor accessory, but its importance is elevated when it comes to ebikes.1. Effortless Parking and Quick Stops
Ebikes are typically heavier than traditional bicycles due to their motors, batteries, and often more robust frames. This additional weight makes it more challenging to keep the bike upright without a kickstand.A kickstand provides a stable support mechanism, allowing the ebike to stand independently on various surfaces. This is particularly useful for quick stops, parking in crowded areas, or when no suitable leaning spot is available.
2. Prevents Damage
Without a kickstand, ebikes often have to be leaned against walls, trees, or other surfaces. This can lead to scratches, dents, and other forms of damage to both the bike and the surface it’s leaned against. In this case, a kickstand keeps your ebike upright and away from potential hazards, maintaining its primal look.3. Ease of Maintenance
A kickstand can significantly simplify maintenance tasks. When the bike is upright and stable, it's easier to perform routine checks and minor repairs such as adjusting the brakes, lubricating the chain, or even changing a flat tire.For tasks that require the bike to be lifted, such as adjusting the derailleur or cleaning, a center-mounted kickstand that lifts the rear wheel off the ground can be particularly helpful.
4. Safety
An electric bike lying on the ground or insecurely balanced against a surface can be a tripping hazard, both for the rider and others around them. This is especially important in busy urban environments or at home where space might be limited. Here, a kickstand can help to prevent accidents by keeping the bike upright and out of the way.5. Cargo Handling
Many ebikes are designed for carrying cargo, whether it's groceries, work supplies, or personal items. A sturdy kickstand is crucial when loading or unloading these items. It ensures that the bike remains stable, reducing the risk of tipping over and causing damage or injury.What are the Different Types of eBike Kickstands?
There are two common types of electric bike kickstands: center-mounted and side-mounted. Each offers its own set of advantages and disadvantages.Let's delve into the details to help you choose the perfect kickstand for your electric steed.
Center-Mounted Kickstand:
As the name suggests, a center-mounted kickstand attaches directly beneath the center of your electric bike's frame, typically near the bottom bracket. Usually featuring a two-leg design, it holds the bicycle upright and lifts one wheel slightly off the ground.Pros:
♦ Provides superior stability and distributes weight evenly.
♦ Lifting the rear wheel off the ground facilitates maintenance tasks.
♦ Handles the extra weight of cargo without compromising stability.
♦Easy to deploy and retract with a simple foot movement, crucial for frequent stops and loading/unloading cargo.
♦Easy to deploy and retract with a simple foot movement, crucial for frequent stops and loading/unloading cargo.
Cons:
♦ May not fit all ebike frames due to frame design variations.
♦ Generally heavier, adding to the overall weight of the bike.
Side-Mounted Kickstand:
This is the more common type. It has a single leg that extends outward to prop your bicycle upright. It has a single leg that extends outward to prop your bicycle upright. These kickstands can be placed on the rear of a bicycle, clamping directly onto the chain stay, or in the center of a bike’s frame, attaching directly to a mounting bracket.Pros:
♦ Compatible with most ebike frames.
♦ Easier to use, especially for quick stops.
♦ Generally, a straightforward installation process requires minimal tools.
♦ Typically lighter, contributing less to the bike’s overall weight.
♦ Less bulky, making them suitable for bikes with sleek designs.
Cons:
♦ Not as stable as center-mounted kickstands, especially on uneven surfaces or with loaded bikes.
♦ Provides support on only one side.
♦ Not ideal for heavy cargo e bikes due to potential weight distribution problems.
Comparison Between Center-Mounted and Side-Mounted Kickstands
| Categories | Center-Mounted Kickstand | Side-Mounted Kickstand |
| Stability | Offers excellent stability | Provides less stability |
| Best For | Heavy-duty ebikes and those carrying significant loads | Basic road, commuter, and mountain bikes. |
| Weight | Slightly heavier | Lighter |
| Maintenance | Lifting the rear wheel can be beneficial for maintenance tasks. | Do not lift the bike, which may be a bit tough to maintain. |
| Applicability | Limited | Universal |
| Installation | May require specific tools or modifications. | A straightforward process with minimal tools. |
Addmotor Electric Trikes With Built-In Kickstands:
At Addmotor, we understand the cyclists’ needs and thus, we have designed our e-bikes with built-in kickstands.Graoopro: Center-Mounted Kickstand
The Graoopro is a robust cargo ebike designed to handle substantial loads, featuring a center-mounted kickstand. This dual-battery e-bike is ideal for those needing a reliable and sturdy electric bike for carrying heavy items.The center-mounted kickstand provides the necessary stability to keep the bike upright when loaded with cargo. This stability is crucial for activities, such as loading and unloading goods, as it prevents the bike from tipping over.
This e-bike has some other features including its 450 lbs of payload capacity, which makes it perfect for deliveries, grocery shopping, or carrying equipment.
Additional features of the Graoopro include:
♦ 450 lbs Payload Capacity: Perfect for various cargo needs.
♦ 750W Motor with 1000W Peak Power: Provides ample assistance, making it easier to pedal, especially with heavy cargo.
♦ Dual 48V*20AH Battery Setup: Allows for extended rides up to 210 miles without the need for frequent recharging.
♦ CNC Integrated Head Tube: With this feature, the Graoopro guarantees precise, clean, and intricate cuts, producing a high-quality head tube with smooth edges and accurate dimensions.
M-66 R7 Moped Electric Bike: Side-Mounted Kickstand
The Addmotor M-66 Cruiser electric bike is designed for casual and urban riding. It features a stylish design and a side-mounted kickstand attached to the rear wheel area on one side that complements its overall functionality. This kickstand makes this electric bike perfect for quick and easy stops and everyday parking.Being lighter than center-mounted kickstands, it contributes less to the bike’s overall weight, enhancing its maneuverability.
Key features of the M-66 R7 include:
♦ Comfortable Design: With a step-through frame, cushioned seat, and ergonomic handlebars, it offers a comfortable riding experience ideal for leisurely rides around town.
♦ 750W Rear-Mounted Motor: Provides ample power for urban commuting.
♦ 960Wh Battery: The latest high-capacity 21700 battery cells offer a range of over 105 miles, making it easy to tackle hills and long distances.
♦ EB 2.0 25A Controller: The upgraded Addmotor controller simplifies various circuit systems, reducing space on the board and enhancing efficiency.
How to Choose the Perfect Kickstand for Your Bicycle
Now that you know the different types of electric bike kickstands, let's explore some key factors when choosing the right one for you:♦ The Type of Bike You Own:
The first step in choosing the right kickstand is to consider the type of bike you have, its frame style, and how it will accommodate a kickstand. Cargo electric bikes typically benefit from center-mounted options for stability, while commuter and road ebikes might be more flexible with side-mounted options.As for mountain bikes, a robust and durable kickstand is necessary. In that case, both center and side-mounted kickstands can work, but they should be made of strong materials to withstand rough use.
♦ Material:
The material of the kickstand affects its durability, weight, and performance. Thus, aluminum alloy is a popular choice for kickstand material due to its lightweight and durability. It’s resistant to rust and can handle moderate to heavy loads, making it ideal for most electric bikes.♦ Adjustability:
An adjustable kickstand allows you to fine-tune the angle for optimal ground clearance and stability. This is crucial, especially if your electric bike has fenders or pannier racks. A properly adjusted kickstand ensures the kickstand touches the ground before any other part of your ebike, preventing damage.♦ Size:
Ensure the kickstand's length is compatible with your ebike's wheel size. A kickstand that's too short won't reach the ground, rendering it useless. Most manufacturers provide size recommendations based on wheel diameter.Conclusion
A kickstand might seem like a minor detail, but it significantly enhances your ebike’s usability and protects it from potential damage.Whether you opt for a robust center-mounted kickstand like the GRAOOPRO or a convenient side-mounted kickstand like the one on the M-66 Cruiser, make sure it fits your specific needs and riding style.
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