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 biker can control how much the motor helps. For example, it can be 50% of the force needed. In some cases it is possible to convert a traditional bike to electric using a conversion kit. In the United Kingdom a new one 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 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, but have become more popular in recent years due to advancements in technology and increased interest in sustainable transportation. First models of electric bicycles appeared in late 19th century. US Patent office registered several e-bike patents since 1895 to 1899 (Ogden Bolton patented battery-powered bicycle in 1895,[2] Hosea W. Libbey patented bicycle with double electric motor in 1897 and John Schnepf patented electric motor with roller wheel).
Electric Bicycle Media
Electric bicycle by Antec, 1991
A mountain bike styled e-bike: a Cyclotricity Stealth
A futuristic-style e-bike: nCycle (2014) designed by Hussain Almossawi and Marin Myftiu
A moped-style e-bike: an A2B Bicycles Ultramotor metro/octave
E-bike charging station, Germany
Xmera in Las Vegas 2019
E-bike 1932 (by Philips & Simplex)
A bike equipped with an after market electric hub motor conversion kit, with the battery pack placed on the rear carrier rack
Illustration/schematic of a Pedelec
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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