In the increasingly diversified mode of travel, bicycles, as an environmentally friendly and healthy means of transport, have always been highly favoured. The emergence of e-bikes has added a new option for people to travel. The two seem to be similar, but in fact there are significant differences in a number of aspects. Below, we will compare the key points of e-bikes and ordinary bicycles in detail.
Power comes from the riding experience
Ordinary bikes are entirely human-powered, with the rider pedalling to provide the power to move forward. This makes the cycling process full of sporty feeling, which can make you feel the pleasure of sweating. For those who are looking for a good workout and love cycling, a regular bike is undoubtedly an excellent choice. However, when faced with long-distance commuting, climbing hills or riding against the wind, relying solely on human power can make riding strenuous and consume a lot of physical strength.
E-bikes, on the other hand, are equipped with motors and batteries to provide an extra boost to the ride. Depending on the model and settings, riders can either choose the pure electric mode, which allows the motor to fully drive the vehicle forward, or the power-assisted mode, which gives motor assistance when pedalling, making it easy to save energy. For example, on climbing roads, the e-bike's power-assist function can greatly reduce the difficulty of riding, so that even people with slightly weaker physical strength can easily cope. This energy-saving way of riding allows more people to enjoy the fun of riding, especially for daily commuters, who can easily reach their destinations in a short time and reduce fatigue.
Speed and range
The speed of an ordinary bicycle mainly depends on the rider's physical strength and riding skills. Generally, the average person rides at a speed of around 12 - 20 kilometres per hour. If you want to increase the speed, you need to have strong physical strength and high riding skills. At the same time, limited stamina limits the distance that can be ridden continuously, and long distance rides often require multiple breaks and refuelling.
E-bikes can typically reach speeds of 20 - 40 kilometres per hour, with some high-performance models even faster. The range is largely dependent on the battery capacity and typically ranges from 30 - 100 km. Some high-end e-bikes have been designed with optimised battery technology and energy-saving designs to increase the range even further. This means that by travelling with an e-bike, you can reach farther places in less time, extending the range of travel. Whether you are commuting to work, going out shopping or riding for leisure, e-bikes can meet your needs.
Price and Maintenance Costs
Ordinary bikes are relatively affordable, with entry-level ordinary bikes ranging from a few hundred to thousands of dollars, and even some high-end sport bikes are usually priced within tens of thousands of dollars. Moreover, the structure of ordinary bicycles is relatively simple and the maintenance cost is low. Daily maintenance mainly includes regular checking of tyre air pressure, chain lubrication, brake adjustment, etc. These maintenance tasks are simple to operate and not expensive. In case of failure, the price of repair parts is also cheaper.
E-bikes are generally more expensive due to the inclusion of complex electronic components such as motors and batteries. In general, entry-level e-bikes cost more than £300, and mid- to high-end models can cost more than £500. In terms of maintenance, e-bikes require attention to the life and health of the battery, in addition to routine maintenance similar to that of a regular bicycle. Batteries can be expensive to replace, and as they are used for longer periods of time, their range will gradually decrease and they may need to be replaced with new batteries. In addition, electronic components such as motors are relatively difficult and expensive to repair if they fail.
Safety and Convenience
In terms of safety, both ordinary bicycles and e-bikes require riders to follow traffic rules and wear protective equipment such as safety helmets. However, because e-bikes are relatively fast, the braking distance may be longer in an emergency, thus placing higher demands on the braking system. Some high-quality e-bikes are equipped with disc brake systems with excellent performance, which can effectively shorten the braking distance and ensure riding safety. Meanwhile, the lighting system is also crucial when e-bikes are travelling at night. Good lighting can improve the visibility of the rider and reduce the risk of accidents.
In terms of convenience, ordinary bikes are compact and easy to park, making it easy to find a place to park in some narrow streets or crowded car parks. Although e-bikes are slightly larger in size, many models are designed with foldable features that make them easy to store and carry. Moreover, the power-assisted function of e-bikes makes riding easier, and even when carrying certain weight items, they are not overly strenuous.
Through the above comparison, I believe you have a clearer understanding of the differences between e-bikes and ordinary bikes. When choosing one, you can make a decision based on your travelling needs, budget, health condition and personal preferences. Whether you are pursuing the joy of sports and fitness, or focusing on the convenience and efficiency of travelling, you can find a suitable choice between the two.
