Electric bicycle (e-bike) is the only transportation device that managed in the last 20 years to take significant part of the bicycle market share. With its simple design that closely mimics traditional bicycle, small and efficient electric motor and easy control methods, it successfully experienced rapid sales growth since 1998. Today, it is estimated that there is approximately over 120 million electric bicycles in use in China alone. Use of electric bicycles in Europe and North America is growing fast, with the reported yearly sales of one and a half million units.
One of the most appealing features of electric bicycles is that it has no harmful emissions from combustion engine with zero chances of Earth pollution. Even if we include the cost of frequent battery changes, e-bike is many times more environment friendly than any other public road transportation device (it is 18-13 times more efficient than automobile, 6 times from rail transit and has same environment impact as traditional bicycle). Another advantage of electric bicycle is its rehabilitation use with recovering health patients. For example, patients with cardiac problems can greatly improve their mobility if they use e-bike models that help them to reduce muscle strain and cardiac exertion. One of the down points of the electric bicycle has been noted in China. Speed of the e-bikes proved to be troubling when they were used on the traditional roads that were intended for traditional bicycle use (bike lanes).
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, Hosea W. Libbey patented bicycle with double electric motor in 1897 and John Schnepf patented electric motor with roller wheel). Models with torque sensors and power controls became available rduring late 1990s. One of the first commercially successful e-bike models appeared in 1997 with the name “Select”. Year after that there was over 49 different e-bike models available on the market. In the early 2000s, two big Japanese companies Yamaha and Panasonic became their worldwide mass production.
Main design of e-bike consists of the traditional bicycle frame (with or without pedals) and a small electric motor (up to 750 watts) powered with light rechargeable batteries (lead-acid, NiCd, NiMH and Li-ion). Power of those motors is limited to produce maximal speeds of 24 to 32 km/h (15 to 20 mph). There are several types of motors currently in use most notably direct-drive and geared. Transmission to the wheel is done with chain drive, belt drive, hub motors or friction drive. One of the early models of electric bicycle from 1980 had a solar charging station, which was used to replenish on board batteries.
Today, worldwide production of the electric bicycles is in the steady rise. Countries around the world have different rules that regulate their use on the public roads. They are often classified in the same class as bicycles, but somewhere they are regarded as one subtype of motorcycles and motorized bicycles.
In a word, yes. In a few words, yes, very popular.
The simple answer is because eBikes are for everyone. There are so many types and models of electric bikes, that one can be found to suit every person and any need at pretty much any price. From elite athletes wanting to push their bodies a bit further, to those with varying mobility needs, there is an electric bike to fit each scenario. Of course there are as many reasons as there are cyclists, let’s look at some of them here.
Pedal Assist equals accessibility for all
Cost of ownership at an all time low
Healthy lifestyle a top priority
Caring for the planet not just a fad
New technologies are just cool
Electric bikes come in so many different styles, sizes and functions that there is a model to fit everyone. From low-cost day trippers to high-end long range eMTBs like the Delfast Top 3.0i, the choices are endless. They open the city streets, the trails, and country lanes to all interested. This is quite possibly the number one reason why eBikes popularity has soared. This accessibility gives all ages and abilities the chance to enjoy the pleasures of riding a bicycle and access to new experiences and locations.
Pedal assist modes have been the single biggest contributor to this expansion of access. When pressure is applied to the pedals the motor responds instantly by assisting in the rotation of the wheels, adding the exact percentage of power requested in any given mode. This is applied differently with different types of drives (mid-drive, rear-hub, front-hub) as well as different use of electronics. Some assist modes use algorithms to calculate and predict the amount of force needed, while others use sensors to react in realtime. The technology is continuously improving, becoming more and more accurate and helpful.
These advances give everyone a chance to experience adventure when paired with the right equipment. These technologies are being used in amazing ways for those with mobility issues. Trikes, wheelchairs, and all forms of mobility assistance devices are harnessing the power of electric motors to provide more access to more places. The fact that these devices are getting lighter and constantly pushing innovation means they can now be found in racing bikes and mountain bikes. The possibilities are endless.
The cost of owning and maintaining electric bikes is getting lower all the time. The average cost of charging an eBike in the US is just 5 cents per charge. As the infrastructure gets greener and comes from cleaner energy the cost is expected to go down. Battery innovation is pushing down the cost of lithium batteries as they get smaller but gain capacity.
Commuting on an electric bike offers a huge cost advantage over the traditional combustion engine vehicle. Many people are switching to electric bikes because they are fed up with paying ridiculous gas prices. This is one of the top reasons cited when making a decision to buy an eBike. In Los Angeles, and many other cities, commuting by eBike also means you aren’t sitting in smog-inducing traffic jams caused by that gasoline powered car. Did you know that happiness levels plunge for each extra minute you add to your daily commute?
A healthy lifestyle is more than drinking kale-acai-goji berry smoothies in the morning. It’s about making choices that make you healthier and happier all around. Physical exercise and time outdoors are two of the most important factors in a happy healthy lifestyle. The added accessibility an electric bike provides helps get you out of doors, being active for longer periods of time and making better decisions for you, your body, and mind. Numerous studies have now shown that contrary to popular belief electric bikes have made people more active, not less.
Many Americans want to live healthier, more active life. Deciding on that electric bike you’ve been wanting could be the perfect first step (or pedal).
Can buying an electric bike be considered caring for the planet? We believe it can. It’s called purchase power. Our decisions to buy certain products send powerful messages to those who make policy, and to corporations whose ultimate goal is to be profitable. Along the way we can make sure that the things we purchase are better for the planet than the products we’ve purchased before.
Owning an eBike means you are less reliant on the petroleum industry. Each new electric bike and electric car purchased fuels the invention of better, cleaner versions in the future. Many eBikes on the market today are made in much less carbon intensive ways than their automobile relatives. The amount of electricity it takes to power an eBike is much less than for a car. Battery technology has come far fast, and the recharge and reuse of current battery components is a burgeoning and promising science.
Caring for the planet also means holding optimism that technology will help to alleviate some of the pressure on our planet. We continue to push to be at the forefront of green technology for the future.
New technology and the pace at which it is moving are amazing and sometimes frightening. Let’s take a minute to acknowledge that some technology is just straight up cool. Just because something is cool doesn’t give it a license to run amok.
California is synonymous with cool tech. It is the birthplace of the startup and some of the most powerful tech firms in the world. With great power comes great responsibility. Delfast is intent on balancing the two. Our electric bikes are designed and created with the intention of innovating the coolest tech while balancing our responsibility to our customers and the planet. We’ll keep pushing, you keep riding.