Chapter 3: Electric Bikes vs Regular Bikes | Addmotor Guide

We all know that technological advancements heavily influence our lives in today's modern world. When we think about technologies that have changed the world and how we function and exist in it, certain ones come to mind. One of these revolutionary technologies is electric bikes. In addition to improving the way we travel, they have the potential to completely transform the world.
 
Since electric bikes have so many benefits and positive aspects to offer, they've gained enormous popularity among commuters and cyclists alike. From allowing commuters to minimize their carbon footprint to providing elders with an effective way to stay active, there are myriad reasons for this increasing demand for electric bikes. In short, electric bikes are like bicycles, but with a turbo boost!

Electric Bikes vs Regular Bikes

Now that we have mentioned regular bikes, you may wonder why not stick to a regular bike that costs less and is still an eco-friendly option. It is true that electric bikes are not so different compared to regular bikes. The two behave similarly, so riding an electric bike will be familiar to anyone who has ridden a regular bike before. However, you may be curious about what the hype around e-bikes is all about.
 
Worry not! Our objective with this blog is to answer all your questions and make everything clear once and for all. We will also clarify how electric bikes differ from regular bicycles and which is the better choice for you.

Appearance

Most people who have never ridden an electric bike believe that electric bikes look like scooters or are clunky in appearance. However, that's not true. In fact, you may not be able to differentiate between an electric bike and a regular bike at first glance because both look the same. The main difference is the inclusion of an electrical drive system on electric bikes but that too isn't that readily visible. So, all the basic bike parts from the handlebars to the seat and pedals appear more or less the same as on a regular bike.
 
Another misconception is electric bikes' weight. People think that with the addition of a motor and battery, the e-bike will be too heavy to pedal forward. However, this isn't true either as electric bikes usually weigh just a bit more than regular bikes. And with the assistance of the motor, this weight doesn’t feel much of a burden while pedaling. So, by appearance, you can't really tell the difference between the two. Contrary to electric bikes, electric trikes  (the 3-wheel electric bikes) usually give a heavier feel because of their frame shape and added wheels.

Motor & battery

The motor and battery on an electric bike are the major contributors to the difference between a regular bike and an electric bike. With the motor, you can pedal with more power. Electric bikes with pedal assist engage the motor whenever you pedal. On the other hand, if your electric bike, usually called the class 2 e-bike, offers throttle assistance, the motor can be engaged without pedaling. This can help you reach your destination when you are too exhausted. However, throttle assist will also drain more battery so that must be considered as well. The motor can be a hub-drive or mid-drive motor depending on your electric bike type.
 
Similarly, the battery provides power to the motor and is considered the heart of your E-bike. The battery is usually mounted to the frame and can be removable or fixed. Detachable batteries are usually more convenient as they can be removed and charged separately or stored properly. The battery is responsible for the range of your electric bike so having a battery with a higher capacity level is recommended. Regular bikes, on the other hand, do not have motors or batteries, so you must pedal constantly to move forward.

Riding experience

In many ways, riding an electric bike feels like cycling like it did in the good old days. You pedal, steer, and brake as on a regular bicycle. The feel is so similar that if you've learned how to drive a regular bike, you can probably handle an electric bike almost immediately. However, there are some fine differences when it comes to riding experience.
 
Electric bikes are popular over traditional bicycles because they allow riders to go faster and farther with electric assistance. You won't typically notice the change from manual to assisted power on an e-bike because modern motors are so subtle. But in the long run, the whole feel is different. Motor assist makes pedaling less strenuous, so you can climb hills easily and reach your destination feeling fresh. Moreover, you can accelerate much faster and tackle rough terrain easily. That's why electric bikes are an ideal choice for commuters and recreational cyclists alike.
 
Additionally, electric bikes are much more efficient and can impact your riding range as well. In comparison to regular cyclists, electric bike riders ride farther. This is because the rider will not become as tired and can therefore ride for longer distances. In short, electric bikes require less energy to move than traditional bikes, which makes traveling significantly easier.

Maintenance

In terms of maintenance and repairs, electric and regular bikes share a lot of the same standard parts. So, the maintenance required will also be the same. It is necessary to perform occasional maintenance, such as lubricating the chain, inflating the tires, adjusting the brakes, and checking the gears, from time to time on both types. However, an electric bike will require extra care and attention to its electrical components. 
 
So, if any of your electric components get wrong, you have to visit a specialist or an experienced mechanic to repair them. Luckily, these kinds of issues are quite rare, and usually, the manufacturer provides some kind of warranty to cover it up. And with just a little care, you can keep your e-bike in good shape and out of the mechanic shop for years. As a whole, regular bikes are slightly less expensive to maintain than electric bikes due to their lower component costs.

Fitness and health

Cycling can be a great way to stay fit and as part of your workout routine, so you might wonder whether an electric bike can be helpful or not. Many people believe that riding an electric bike is cheating and you won't get exercise. While it's quite evident that riding a traditional bicycle without pedal assistance is definitely a better workout, it is not that simple. The regular bicycle requires the rider to exert full effort to pedal forward, providing an effective workout for the lower body.
 
Electric bikes, on the other hand, require less physical exertion to pedal because of motor assistance. However, even with pedal assistance, you can still burn calories and stay fit on an electric bike. It's because electric bikes can take you to more places than regular bikes, so you're likely to ride them more often. You can commute to work, get groceries, or go on long bike trips without fatigue. Additionally, electric bikes come with different assist levels, so it is up to you to decide how much-assisted power you need from the motor.

Environmental impact

It's no secret that electric bikes can't claim to be more environmentally friendly than traditional bicycles. But it is imperative to note that both types are eco-friendly modes of transportation compared to other gas-powered vehicle alternatives. The real difference between the two lies in their versatility.
 
Electric bikes are preferred by people these days because very few people can replace their cars with traditional bicycles. This is because it isn't practical to commute longer distances or carry extra cargo on a traditional bicycle. However, electric bikes have revolutionized the way we think about cycling. They offer a practical solution for people who need to travel long distances, tackle hills, or carry heavy loads without breaking a sweat.
 
With an electric bike, you can leave the car at home and arrive at your destination quickly and efficiently. The practicality of electric bikes makes them a viable alternative for those seeking eco-friendly alternatives.

Rules and regulations

The rules and regulations for electric and regular bikes are almost the same. Both types of bicycles must follow the same traffic laws, must be ridden in the bike lanes, use handle signals, must have helmets all the time, and adhere to basic traffic rules. However, in some areas, there are specific laws for electric bikes. For example, in some states, electric bike riders must be at least 14 years of age. So, before heading out you must research local laws to ensure you're legally compliant.

Cost

There is a significant difference in cost between electric bikes and regular bicycles. Bikes with electric motors are typically more expensive than traditional bikes, ranging from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. There are several factors that determine the price of an electric bike, including its motor power, battery life, and frame material.
 
Regular bikes, on the other hand, are generally more affordable. Electric bikes can be a lot more expensive than bicycles, but it depends on what you're comparing them with. The cost seems more reasonable when compared with the cost of a vehicle, fuel expenses, or a month's train or bus pass. So, if you use your electric bike as a substitute mode of transportation, it will save you a lot more money than a regular bike.
 
Conclusion
It is for this reason that electric bikes have become increasingly popular in recent years: they can do everything a traditional bike can, plus more. By using these battery-powered vehicles, commuters are becoming less reliant on cars and public transportation. They are faster, more convenient, and environmentally friendly. Therefore, having an e-bike can give you a whole new level of independence and open up a whole new world of cycling possibilities. To find out the best electric bikes for yourself, you can also check Addmotor Guide - To Find the Best Electric Bike.