E-Bike "is a popular combination term in recent years, derived from" Electric Bicycle ", which refers to a bicycle with electric assistance, commonly known as an electric assisted bicycle. The rated power and speed limits for electric assisted bicycles vary in different countries. According to EU standards, the rated power of the Motor must not exceed 250 W, and when the maximum operating speed reaches 25 km/h, the assistance automatically shuts off.
At present, electric powered bicycles on the market can be roughly divided into two types: central motors and front/rear motors, each with its own unique performance and technology. What are the specific differences between them?
Front/rear electric motor assisted bicycle
Most front/rear mounted Electric Bicycles use hub motors.
The advantage is that the structure is compact, there are many models to choose from, and the entry-level model is relatively cheap. Some models can be driven purely electric, and the electric powered bicycle with a Rear Motor has a strong sense of pushing when driving.
▼ Rear motor electric assisted bicycle ▼
Depending on the size of the wheels, the Hub Motor may be installed at a higher position or at the same height as the center motor. Although the height of the center of gravity is similar, the front or rear wheels will move the center of gravity towards the front or rear.
Secondly, electric bicycles should still be able to ride normally through manual labor even when the motor is not working. When using front/rear electric motors to assist bicycles, it is necessary to overcome the magnetic resistance of the hub motor.
Looking at practical applications, the price of hub motors is relatively low, but the maintenance cost is higher than that of mid mounted motors. Because the hub motor is attached to the wheel set, it needs to withstand numerous tests such as bumps, dust, mud, and water. Compared to the mid mounted motor, the probability of problems is also higher. However, when problems arise, hub motors are easier to repair in the market compared to mid mounted motors.
Mid mounted electric powered bicycle
Compared to front or rear mounted electric bicycles, the motor of the middle mounted Electric Bike is located in the lower middle of the frame. Due to the fact that the weight is located near the center of gravity of the bicycle, the impact on the balance of the entire vehicle is relatively small, and the relative resistance of human riding is relatively small. Moreover, the motor can be adjusted through a mechanical transmission. The central motor has good handling experience, high torque, and fast acceleration, which can balance the front and rear of the vehicle when driving rapidly. This also enables mid mounted electric powered bicycles to adapt to more road conditions.
▼ Central motor electric assisted bicycle ▼
A more advanced mid mounted motor, which is a combination mechanism of internal variable speed gears. Multiple clutch gears form a variable speed ratchet inside the motor casing, which increases its output torque and provides higher load and climbing power. And its torque sensing is also more sensitive, sensing changes in the stepping force of the crank, which directly acts on the central shaft and accelerates more quickly.
Due to the fact that the basic transmission and transmission structure of the bicycle have not been changed, cyclists can also cooperate with the original mechanical rear transmission mechanism of the vehicle and use it in conjunction with central assist to achieve higher riding efficiency. Moreover, all sensors of the central motor are integrated into the central box, with only one wire extending to connect to the controller on the handlebar. Even the battery connection is concealed through internal wiring and contact points. This refined and simplified integrated design not only makes the maintenance of the central motor car more convenient, the appearance more concise, and the user's use more convenient, but also enhances the dust and waterproof performance of the central motor, with a lower failure rate. But relatively speaking, the price of power assisted bicycles with central motors is also higher.
