Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bikes (Read Before Buying)

Comparing Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bikes to conclude which one is more beneficial in terms of budget and other benefits

With the fast-paced developments in the world of technology, it’s hard to keep track of everything brought to the consumer market. Yet, one of the first few things that come to mind when we think about the ease and comfort of technology is electric transportation. These vehicles have world-changing potential with the features that they offer, hence the rising popularity amongst consumers. However, there is still a vast population that is hesitant in adapting this gift of technology due to their reservations about its impact on health and the initial buying cost.

This article aims to clear these stigmas by comparing the pros and cons of Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bikes

The Differences in Components

Five additional elements differ an electric bike physically from a regular bike; these are the motor, batteries, electric controls, display, and electric sensors.

1. Motor

Either rear-mounted, front-mounted, or centre-mounted, the electric bike motor helps by delivering extra power to pedalling. It offers multiple modes that can be switched with the help of controls, unlike a regular bike.

2. Batteries

An e-bike is powered with the help of chargeable batteries that help determine the range of the bike on a single charge.

3. Controls

Sometimes integrated on display but usually located on the left side of the handlebar, these small buttons enable the rider to move between the multiple assistance levels available.

4. Display

The display system you choose shows a range of different kinds of information like the speed, range, distance covered, battery power, etc.

5. Sensors

These are the parts of a bike that initiate the motor, telling it that the rider needs assistance in pedalling.

Interestingly, e-bikes appear very similar to regular bikes, and some models are even hard to tell apart despite the addition of these technological components. This is because of in-tube batteries and tiny motors hidden well in the latest models of e-bikes. However, the riding experience on both bikes differs significantly.

The Differences in Riding Experience

Whether you are riding an electric bike or a regular bike, you will have to pedal and change gears just the same. The only difference would be eliminating the unpleasant factors of riding a traditional bike in an e-bike due to the smooth ride. This is possible due to several supporting factors, including some given below.

1. Weight

E-bikes are heavier than a regular bike, with one weighing almost 4-5kgs extra due to the added components. However, with electrical assistance, the bike compensates for this extra weight, and pedalling is a smooth experience.

2. Range

There are no range restrictions with a regular bike, except the rider’s capabilities. But with an electric bike, you need to consider your battery’s range before embarking on a long commute. E-bikes can be highly unfeasible once the battery is drained of charge because they not only take a lot of charging time but finding a charging station for them is also very difficult.

3. Maintenance

Regular bikes are slightly cheaper to maintain than electric bikes since they can handle a lot more wear and tear. It is also cheaper to repair or replace the components of a regular bike compared to the batteries of an e-bike that can be bank-breaking if the bike model isn’t chosen carefully.

4. Speed

Though electric bikes are not motorbikes and require pedalling before the motor is started, they help regulate speed on sections of commute that a regular bike usually slows down on. Meaning, they increase the overall speed, mainly due to assistance, but you can’t expect to break land speed records or race against a motorcycle.

5. Regulations

Compared to a no-rule policy for regular bikes, electric bikes have many more regulations placed on them since they are categorized as motorized transport. 

6. Workout

On an e-bike, you control how much workout you are doing with the levels of assistance being offered. However, on a traditional bike, there is more exertion.

7. Cost

Compared to a non-electric bike, an electric bike can be 3-times more pricey, but if you compare the comfort it offers to your car and the fuel you save using it as an alternative to your car, it doesn’t look that costly.

8. Eco-Friendliness

Although both the bikes are eco-friendly compared to other fuel-burning vehicles, an electric bike is technically less friendly to the environment than a non-electric bike. However, if you consider that it can replace your car for long commutes while the traditional bike cannot, an e-bike appears more practical.

Choosing a bike is a very personal decision, depending upon your use and requirements from the transport. If you are considering which one is the right choice for you, taking all of these factors into consideration for Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bikes will make it easier for you to make a suitable buy. Happy riding!