On a congested city street, a light bicycle passes silently, and the rider can maintain a speed of 20 km/h without pedaling hard - this is the future travel picture brought by electric bicycles (E-Bike). As a combination of traditional bicycles and new energy technologies, electric bicycles are reshaping the short-distance transportation ecology with global sales of more than 40 million units per year. This article will take you to an in-depth analysis of this "familiar and unfamiliar" means of transportation.
1. What exactly is an electric bicycle?
According to international standards, electric bicycles must meet three major characteristics:
Motor power ≤400W (EU)/≤750W (US)
Maximum power-assisted speed ≤25km/h (pedal assist mode)
Retain complete pedal riding function
The essential difference from electric motorcycles is that electricity is only used as auxiliary power, and the motor automatically cuts off when pedaling stops. This design makes it classified as a non-motor vehicle in more than 90% of countries and regions in the world, and it can be on the road without a driver's license.
2. Decoding the core technology: How do the three core components work together?
Intelligent sensor system
Torque sensor: real-time perception of pedaling force (used in high-end models)
Cadence sensor: judge riding intention by speed (mainstream configuration)
The combination of the two can accurately output 0-400% power ratio, and the energy efficiency is 10 times higher than that of fuel motorcycles.
Motor Type Comparison
| type | Hub Motor | Mid-mounted motor |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Front/rear wheel hub | Middle of frame |
| Features | Low cost and simple maintenance | Balanced center of gravity, large torque |
| Applicable scenarios | City commuting | Mountain biking |
From lead-acid batteries (energy density 40Wh/kg) to lithium-ion batteries (160Wh/kg), the driving range has increased from 50km to 200km. The latest solid-state battery technology is expected to shorten the charging time to 15 minutes by 2025.
3. The environmental account book you don’t know
Carbon emissions throughout the life cycle: only 1/20 of electric vehicles
Based on a daily commute of 20km, the annual carbon reduction is ≈ planting 12 mature trees
E-bikes are not only an upgrade of transportation, but also a key piece of the puzzle for sustainable urban development. With the decentralization of space alloy frame technology developed by NASA and the breakthrough of biodegradable batteries, this "silent revolution" is redefining the relationship between people and cities. Choosing a suitable E-Bike may be your first vote in participating in the construction of future cities.
