Electric bicycle

Electric bicycle by Antec, 1991
A futuristic-style e-bike: nCycle (2014) designed by Hussain Almossawi and Marin Myftiu[1]
E-bike charging station, Germany

An electric bicycle (e-bike, eBike, etc.) is a motorized bicycle with an integrated electric motor used to assist propulsion.[2] Many kinds of e-bikes are available worldwide, but they generally fall into two broad categories: bikes that assist the rider's pedal-power (i.e. pedelecs) and bikes that add a throttle, integrating moped-style functionality. Both retain the ability to be pedaled by the rider and are therefore not electric motorcycles. E-bikes use rechargeable batteries and typically are motor-powered up to 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph). High-powered varieties can often travel more than 45 km/h (28 mph).

Depending on local laws, many e-bikes (e.g., pedelecs) are legally classified as bicycles rather than mopeds or motorcycles. This exempts them from the more stringent laws regarding the certification and operation of more powerful two-wheelers which are often classed as electric motorcycles, such as licensing and mandatory safety equipment. E-bikes can also be defined separately and treated under distinct electric bicycle laws. In UK legislation the vehicles are called electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPC), in EU legislation electrically power assisted cycles (EPAC).[3]

  1. ^ "The nCycle is Here". Yanko Design. 29 August 2014. Retrieved 30 August 2020.
  2. ^ Stilo, Lorenzo; Segura-Velandia, Diana; Lugo, Heinz; Conway, Paul P.; West, Andrew A. (2021). "Electric bicycles, next generation low carbon transport systems: A survey". Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives. 10: 100347. doi:10.1016/j.trip.2021.100347.
  3. ^ "Guide to e-bikes". Association of Cycle Traders. Accessed May 1, 2022.