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What types of e-bikes are there?

When I am looking for an e-bike, it is important to know which type suits me best. There are different types of e-bikes, such as city bikes, trekking bikes, and speed pedelecs. A city bike is ideal for short rides, for example, to work or the supermarket. It often offers comfort and simplicity, allowing me to easily navigate through busy streets. A trekking bike, on the other hand, is designed for longer distances. Perfect for when I want to go on trips or plan to take my bike on vacation. Then there is the speed pedelec, a more powerful electric bike that can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h. For this, I do need a helmet and a license plate.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of the different motor positions?

The position of the e-bike motor greatly influences the riding experience. Which motor position suits me best? There are three types: front hub motor, rear hub motor, and mid-drive motor.

A front hub motor is often found on budget e-bikes. This system is ideal for city rides and has the advantage that I can easily use a hub gear or belt drive. The motor pulls the bike forward, which feels a bit different than cycling without assistance. A disadvantage may be that the grip on slippery surfaces is somewhat less.

The rear hub motor provides a more natural riding feel. With this motor, the bike pushes, which is especially pleasant on hills or longer distances. The assistance feels powerful and stable, ideal for sporty e-bikes. The downside is that repairs can be a bit more difficult because the motor is located in the rear wheel.

The mid-drive motor offers the most natural support. The motor responds directly to how hard I pedal. This makes it ideal for hilly terrain. Additionally, the central position provides good weight distribution, making my bike stable. This type of motor is powerful and energy-efficient, but it can be a bit more expensive and requires more complex maintenance.

What kind of battery do I need for my e-bike?

The e-bike battery is perhaps the most important component of my e-bike. The battery capacity is measured in watt-hours (Wh) and determines how far I can ride without recharging. What capacity do I need? If I make short rides in the city, a 300 Wh battery is sufficient. For longer distances or if I have to climb many hills, a 500 Wh battery or more is a better choice. For very long trips or rough terrain, I might even consider a battery of 600 Wh or higher.

The placement of the battery also plays a role in how my bike feels. A rear rack battery is easily accessible and ideal for city bikes, but it can affect the balance of my bike because the weight is at the back. A frame battery, which is placed at the bottom bracket, ensures better weight distribution and more stability. This is especially handy if I want to ride faster or on rough terrain.

Do I need to be able to easily remove the battery to charge it indoors? Some batteries can be taken off the bike. This is convenient if there is no charging point outside. Other batteries are fixed to the frame and must be charged on the bike itself. The charging time also varies by model. Most batteries take 3 to 6 hours to fully charge, but e-bike battery chargers can shorten this process.

What functions should an e-bike display have?

The e-bike display on my e-bike gives me insight into how the bike performs. But what functions are useful? The most important information I want to see is my speed, the remaining battery capacity, and the level of pedal assistance. Some displays offer extra options, such as navigation or ride statistics. If I want something simple and clear, a basic model is often enough. If I prefer more functions, such as tracking my performance, a more advanced display can be handy.

Hub gear, derailleur, or continuously variable - what are the differences?

What gearing do I need for my e-bike? I can choose from three systems: hub gear, derailleur, and continuously variable transmission.

A hub gear is low-maintenance and perfect for daily use. It offers fewer gears than a derailleur but is simple and reliable. The derailleur is lighter and has more gears, making it ideal for sporty cyclists. The continuously variable system offers ultimate comfort by automatically shifting without me having to think about gears.

What is the difference between chain and belt drive?

If I choose a bicycle chain for chain drive, I have a system that is common and provides strong power transmission. However, a belt drive is becoming increasingly popular. It is quieter, cleaner, and easier to maintain. Which drive suits me best? If I want to spend little time on maintenance and ride long distances, a belt drive is ideal. A chain is cheaper and easier to replace if necessary.

How do you ride as safely as possible with an electric bike?

Safety starts with the right components. E-bike brakes provide a lot of braking power, especially when I ride in wet conditions. An e-bike suspension fork helps absorb shocks, which is nice on uneven roads. The weight of the e-bike also plays a role. The heavier the bike, the differently it reacts. A good riding position can contribute to safety. For daily use, a low step-through is convenient, as I can easily get on and off. For sportier e-bikes, a higher step-through can offer more control.

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