Tag Archives: Bosch bike systems

Why are there so many variables to pedal-assist e-bike costs?

You may want to compare all kinds of features and components when looking at e-bike costs. First, consider the style of the e-bike you like. Will the bike help fulfill your transportation needs to justify the investment? Next, are there options for the battery and motor size, the warranty, and the weight? With that information gathered, you can expect to pay between $2,000 and $9,000, with some high-end carbon fiber models running as high as $15,000. So, look beyond price and the following questions.

What components on the electric bike make up the e-bike costs?

To help those just learning about e-bikes, we hope this article will help you justify the investment and fit your needs. Once the type of e-bike you are interested in is in sight, the next thing to consider is the motor and battery size options. Also, to rationalize the investment and cost, review the accessory components, including the display, throttles, PAS sensors, gearing, racks, etc.).

1. The Electric Motor

From a fundamental perspective, the motor on an electric bike transfers electrical energy into mechanical energy. All electric bike models use either a center or hub drive system. A crank/drive motor is located between pedals. With a hub motor it can be incorporated into the rear wheel, front, or both. The motor type plays a major role in the bike’s price, ride quality, and overall performance.

Center motor system for an electric bike
A CENTER CRANK/DRIVE MOTOR SYSTEM ADDS MORE TO THE E-BIKE COST

Rear motor system for an electric bike
REAR HUB MOTOR SYSTEM ON AN ELECTRIC BIKE

Depending on how you will use the e-bike, a mid-drive motor generally accelerates faster, climbs better, and has a higher top speed but costs more. One more variable of the cost is the motor’s watt size. Depending on the model, your options may include either 250 watts, 350 watts, or 500 watts size, and here in the U.S., 750 watts is not uncommon.

2. The Battery

Before looking at the battery cost for the e-bike model you like, another question to ask yourself is, how far (range) will I ride regularly?

Because the battery is a large portion of the bike’s purchase price, it’s vital to consider the range or miles you can expect between charges. Having a general idea of the range will be very helpful in degerming the battery’s capacity. A very common rating is 36 volts and 10.5Ah. On this type of battery rating, you can get 20 to 40 miles per charge, depending on your riding style and how much you pedal. That’s an excellent baseline to start your selection for the battery.

Front motor system for an electric bike

HERE IS A BATTERY CONNECTED TO A FRONT WHEEL MOTOR HUB

General battery sizing guide to answer some of your e-bike questions

Here is an available guide listing some of the battery sizes to the riding distances you could expect under ‘normal’ riding conditions on a full charged:
· 36V 10.5Ah battery  – 16 to 32 miles (26-51 km)
· 36V 17.5Ah battery  – 25 to 52 miles (41-85 km)
· 48V 10.4Ah battery  – 21 to 42 miles (34-68 km)
· 48V 14Ah battery –     30 to 56 miles (45-90 km)
· 52V 10.5Ah battery –  23 to 46 mph (37-74 km)
· 52V 17.5Ah battery –  40 to 76 mph (61-122 km)

*Please note: The above distances can vary greatly depending on the rider’s weight, hauling cargo, hills, temperature, and wind. And a rough rule of thumb to compare against manufacturer claims.

Battery Cost

Speaking of batteries, replacing them, or riding with a second battery can cost anywhere from $250 to $550. The price mainly relies on the amount of Wh or energy stored in the battery. Currently, that’s not bad since you hopefully only need to replace your battery every three to five years. Remember, the more well-maintained the battery is, the longer it’ll last.

Is a Warranty a part of the e-bike costs?

Please make sure you ask about what the warranty is for the bike you’re interested in. Be aware the coverage can vary for different parts of the cycle. Buying an electric bike is a significant investment. The warranty length is usually a good indicator of the quality of the bike and the company standing behind it. A 12, 24, or 36-month warranty on parts, motors, and the battery is reasonable to expect from most manufacturers (with no exclusions for regular use).

We hope these facts and options will open up specific questions you might want to ask when visiting the dealer and choosing your bike.

Electric bike expo countdown, 15-days until the E-bike Challenge

Electric bike expo countdown or E-bike Challenge Minneapolis, with an expanding selection of electric-assist bikes from around the world, is returning.

Thanks for viewing our electric bike expo countdown picture

From a recent article at HaveFunBiking, the E-bike Challenge will again be at the Minneapolis Convention Center, on April 2 & 3. Here consumers can test and compare electric-assist bicycles on the mammoth indoor cycle track. In its inaugural year, 2019, it was deemed a success with attendees of all ages and abilities test riding e-bikes, while having fun.

So, what exactly is a pedal-assist bike or e-bike?

Hint – An e-bike is a bicycle that has a battery and electric motor to allow a cyclist to ride farther and with greater ease. However, the bicycle doesn’t do all the work by itself, it only assists! The bicyclist must be pedaled for the motor to engage, enabling an easier ride.

Start your E-bike Challenge visit with a 2022 Bike Guide and the daily E-bike parade

As you enter the bike expo hall and test track pick up your copy of the HaveFunBiking 2022 Bike/Hike Guide, hot off the press. Then, look at all the latest models of e-bikes you can ride, on the runway. Dozens of bicycle exhibitors, to name a few like Tern Bicycles, Riese & Müller, Yuba, GoCycle, and Serial 1 from Harley Davidson will be there. With more brands signing up each day, you are sure to see the latest and greatest in electric bike innovations.

Find your next adventure in the Hike & Bike Xperience court area

When not test riding all the fun e-bikes, explore the Hike & Bike Camp area in the center of the exhibition hall. Here find information on tourism destinations, trekking, mountain biking, and fun activities.

Plus you will find an interactive Kid’s Area at the bike expo

This family-friendly event will also have an interactive kids’ bike test track for ages 16 and
under, a children’s scavenger hunt daily, a bicycle playground with activities, and more!

Mark your calendar, then go online at E-bike Challenge to register and save!

Has the idea of using an electric bike, called an e-bike, piqued your interest? If so you are in luck, the E-bike Challenge is coming to Minneapolis, MN.

Selecting the right type of electric bike motor for your style if riding

Electric bike motors have technically come a long way in the last few years. Typically these motors are located in three different areas of an e-bike. The first two locations are found in either the front or rear wheel, called hub motors. In recent years the center mount motor, in the crank area has gained in popularity.

Electric bikes wheels with hub motors

Rear motor system for an electric bike

Rear motor system for an electric bike

The hub motor is in the center of either bicycle wheel, and for many years was the most common. This e-bike power source was known to be quieter. The biggest negative, if you are off-road, a hub motor doesn’t handle hills like a motor that’s directly connected to the crank.

Front motor system for an electric bike

Front motor system for an electric bike

E-bikes motors in the center crank area

Center motor system for an electric bike

Center crank motor system for an electric bike

Becoming more standard, the motor in the center crank/pedal area is at the bottom of the frame. It transfers the motor’s power to the rear wheel via the bicycle’s chain or belt. That means the electronic controls can include a sensor that detects how hard you’re pedaling. It can also measure the electric assistance needs, accordingly. Generally, a crank/drive motor will take advantage of your gears. Helping you to keep your weight distribution low and near the center of your bike, especially when climbing steep hills.

The voltage output of the electric bike motor you choose

When it comes to voltage output and power of the motor, here again, you need to assess your style of riding to figure out what is best. To meet government regulations, as a legal pedal-assist bike, the top speed is generally capped at 28 mph depending on the system. If you are riding relatively flat areas around town lower power motors may be enough when you only need a boost, from fatigue or headwinds. More power is best if you plan to tow a load or are a larger rider.

On the plus side,  a higher voltage motor will allow you to extend your batteries life by drawing less current for the same amount of power, minimizing potential overheating problems. However, if you don’t need to sustain maximum power, a lower voltage system will work just fine and cost you less.

Overall, both motors have some unique advantages and disadvantages. So choosing the right power module for your e-bike will largely depend on your requirements and which advantages seem more useful to your needs. Generally, look for a brand with a good reputation, such as Bosch, Brose, Panasonic, Shimano, or Yamaha.

So first define your riding style to select the right motor for an electric bike. Then test ride several options as you narrow down your selection. Be sure to mark your calendar for the E-bike Challenge Minneapolis here. Or visit a couple of local bike shops in your area to define your choice.