ebikes

An ebike is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor that provides propulsion supplemental to the rider. The motor draws from a rechargeable battery and can operate as pedal-assist (the motor engages when the rider pedals) or as a throttle-based device (continuous power without pedaling).

Typical components include a motor, a rechargeable battery, a controller and sensors, wiring, and a display. Motors are usually located in the hub or integrated into the crank area. Battery capacity, expressed in watt-hours, influences range; common packs are 400–700 Wh. Range depends on motor power, terrain, rider weight, assist level, and riding style.

Common classes include pedal-assist only, throttle-assisted, and higher-speed categories. In many regions power is limited to about 250 W for bicycles and top assisted speeds range from 20 to 28 mph depending on local rules. Regions may also distinguish speed pedelecs with higher limits.

Market segments include city/commuter ebikes, cargo ebikes for goods and families, folding models for urban use, mountain models for off-road, and trekking or road options.

Advantages include easier commutes, extended range, and reduced emissions in urban transport. Drawbacks include added weight, higher upfront cost, and battery aging. Battery maintenance and charging considerations affect operation.

Regulatory and safety considerations vary by country and city, including helmet requirements, use of bike lanes, and where throttle or high-speed models are permitted. Many places do not require registration for standard pedal-assist bikes but may restrict higher-speed or higher-power variants.

The ebike market grew rapidly in the 2010s and 2020s as lithium-ion technology improved. Environmentally, ebikes can lower per-kilometer energy use and emissions when substituting car trips, though manufacturing and battery disposal have lifecycle impacts.