Electric bicycle
An electric bicycle, or e-bike, is a bicycle that uses electricity as its power. These bikes do not pollute the air. Usually, a cyclist can control how much the motor helps. For example, it can be 50% of the force needed. In some cases, it is possible to change a traditional bike to electric using a conversion kit.
In the United Kingdom, a new electric bicycle costs between £599 and £2,500. The cost of charging a battery is very small compared with the cost of petrol for a car. Some governments will help with the cost of buying one.
According to the World Bicycle Industry Association, in 2022 10% of bicycle sales in the world were e-bikes.[1]
In the United States, the federal government has set a limit of 750 watts and a top electric-powered speed of 20MPH. This is to have only the rules that apply to bicycles and no extra restrictions such as operator license, vehicle license, registration or insurance requirements.
History
Electric bicycles have been around for over a century. They have become more popular in recent years because of advancements in technology and increased interest in sustainable transportation. First models of electric bicycles appeared in late 19th century. The United States Patent office registered several e-bike patents between 1895 and 1899. Ogden Bolton patented battery-powered bicycle in 1895.[2] Hosea W. Libbey patented a bicycle with double electric motor in 1897. John Schnepf patented an electric motor with roller wheel.
Electric Bicycle Media
- Electric Wheels in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.jpg
A bay of electric hire bikes in Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Op de hoek van Sluisdijkstraat en Keizerstraat (later Beatrixstraat) poseert een man met een Gazelle - RAA003012874 - RAA DenHelder.jpg
A man with a Gazelle bicycle with an electrically powered motor, 1935.
- Easy as Pi (3593998394).jpg
Another reason ebikes are popular is the low cost to charge, such as this e-bike[which?] which costs 10 cents to charge and able to provide 48 km (30 mi) of range at 32 km/h (20 mph).
- Bicycle motor מנוע אופניים חשמליות.jpg
Electric bike with motor mounted in the front wheel
- E-bike charging station.JPG
E-bike charging station, Germany
- Family Cargo Electric Bike.png
Electric bicycle usage can have several health benefits and rider safety can be improved through the use of a helmet.
- München, Lieferfahrrad mit E-Unterstützung, 2.jpeg
Delivery by e-bike can be more efficient in dense urban environments where parking is not always available for larger vehicles.
References
- ↑ "The people making the switch from car to e-cycle | Cycling UK". www.cyclinguk.org. Retrieved 2023-02-02.
- ↑ , "Electrical bicycle", US552271A, issued 1895-12-31