The electrification of private transport in Europe is in full swing. In Germany alone, more than two million e-bikes were sold last year – for the first time more than bicycles without motor support!

The practical pedal-assist of an e-bike is a benefit to many cyclists, whether on the daily commute to work, to a relaxed meeting at a café, on the local shopping route or a weekend tour. But what are the main differences between electric bikes (e-bikes) and conventional bikes? Do you have to pedal an electric bike? What are the advantages and disadvantages? What to look out for if you want to buy an electric bike and what are the most important aspects that will help you make an informed decision? We want to look behind this ongoing megatrend and answer to the most important questions.

What is an Electric Bike?

Generally speaking, an electric bike, commonly known as an e-bike, incorporates an electric motor to assist propulsion. Unlike conventional bicycles, e-bikes offer pedal assistance to amplify the rider’s efforts. This feature revolutionises commuting, especially for those who cover long distances or tackle hilly terrain, for those who seek an effortless riding experience in their daily commute or on longer trips.

The term “pedelec” is often used in connection with electric bikes. So, what is an electric bike and what is a pedelec? So, what is an electric bike and what is a Pedelec? An electric bicycle that is not powered solely by a motor is also known as a Pedelec (Pedal Electric Cycle). The name already contains the core elements – an electric drive that helps the rider pedal. It is powered not only by muscle power, but also by a motor, which switches off at 25 km/h. When you pedal, the motor provides assistance. When you stop pedalling, the motor stops too. S-pedelecs are faster versions of pedelecs that provide assistance up to 45 km/h and are subject to stricter regulations such as registration and compulsory insurance.

What are the main different models of electric bikes?

City and Urban Bikes: These bikes are ideal for relaxed rides in the city and for short to medium distances. They offer a comfortable, upright seating position, robust frames, and usually come with practical accessories such as fenders and luggage racks, along with low-maintenance components. Urban bikes often feature a sporty, minimalist design and are particularly well-suited for an urban lifestyle.

Mountain Bikes (MTB): Mountain bikes are designed for challenging off-road trails and typically feature strong suspension to handle steep descents and uneven terrain with ease. They are usually equipped with robust and heavy-duty components, making them particularly attractive for recreational rides in hilly terrain or on vacation.

Trekking Bikes: As versatile all-rounders, trekking bikes are designed for long distances on various types of terrain. They should have a sturdy frame and wide tires for increased stability, offer multiple gears, and provide a comfortable riding position. Additional features like luggage racks, fenders, and lighting make them ideal for tours and travel.

Cargo Bikes: These bikes are specifically designed to transport heavy loads or passengers. They feature particularly strong frames, an extended wheelbase, and generous loading areas or cargo boxes. They are often equipped with more powerful electric assistance to make handling easier despite heavy loads and to make transportation more efficient.

Road Bikes and Gravel Bikes: Road bikes are characterized by their lightweight construction, allowing for high speeds on flat terrain. Gravel bikes are derived from road bikes but are more robust and optimized for use on unpaved paths and off-road trails.City and Urban bikes are designed for smooth rides in urban areas and for short to mid-range distances. They feature a comfortable upright position, durable frames, practical accessories (like fenders and racks), and low-maintenance components. Urban bikes are usually also characterized by a sporty and reduced design

How Does an e-bike work?

E-bikes work through a combination of human pedalling and electric motor assistance. The most important components different to a regular bike are:

Motor: electric bikes are either equipped with hub motors (in the front or rear wheel hub) or with centre motors (on the bottom bracket axle). Mountain bikes often use central motors, while city and urban e-bikes usually have rear-wheel drive. Rear motors are located in the rear wheel hub and drive the bike directly, which is particularly advantageous in urban traffic. Mid-mounted motors offer efficient climbing ability, but are more expensive and require more complex maintenance.

Battery: supplies power to the motor and determines range. The possible capacity often ranges from around 250 to 750-watt hours The more power, the more weight. When deciding on battery capacity, consider the intended use. A 500-watt-hour battery is standard for most e-trekking and e-mountain bikes. Higher capacity is needed for longer tours or steep climbs. However, larger batteries add weight, so more isn’t always better. Powerful batteries with more than 300 watt-hours allow ranges of up to 100 kilometres and with light weight e-bikes even more. BZEN bikes offer the choice between two batteries, which are perfect for the city and provide extra power when needed.

Motor control: usually a display that controls the motor support and shows important information such as speed and distance. They can be built into the frame, mounted on the handlebars or even replaced by external devices/mobile phones. The solutions provide different levels of usability and safety. Handlebar-mounted displays have the great advantage that you don’t have to take your hands off the handlebars to make changes and risk losing control. The display on BZEN e-bikes is deliberately kept simple and functional. It shows the relevant information – and only that – and can be operated safely always with both hands on the handlebars.

Sensors: detect the rider’s pedalling and activate the motor to provide varying levels of assistance. Here the so-called torque sensor and the speed sensor are important. Riders can adjust the level of assistance according to their preferences and terrain conditions. A torque sensor measures the rider’s pedalling force and adjusts the motor assistance accordingly to provide a natural riding experience. A speed sensor, on the other hand, measures the rider’s speed to regulate the motor assistance. This results in a less intuitive riding experience. More details on how they assist the motor you read here.

Cables: All parts are connected and run either externally or, on modern e-bikes, inside the frame. This protects the cables from damage and keeps them looking good.

The kind and quality of the electronic support systems make the decisive difference to a regular bike: their speed and comfort.

The maximum speed of an electric bike: What are the differences and official regulations?

How fast an electric bike can go is determined by legal regulations and motor performance. In Germany, the maximum speed of e-bikes is regulated and a motor assistance up to a maximum of 25 km/h is allowed. They are then classified as bicycles and do not require insurance plates or a driving licence. The motor power is limited to 250 watts, and the electric assistance cuts off at 25 km/h, meaning you have to rely solely on muscle power beyond this speed. If you have a lightweight e-bike, there is hardly any difference to a normal bike. Heavy e-bikes – well over 20kg – can be moved without assistance, if at all, only with great effort.

S-Pedelecs (Speed-Pedelecs), on the other hand, are considered light motor vehicles and can reach higher speeds. They provide motor assistance up to 45 km/h, making them fast electric bicycles. Operating an S-Pedelec requires an insurance plate and a moped certificate. The electric assistance remains active up to the maximum speed of 45 km/h. Due to their higher speed, S-Pedelecs demand greater attention and caution on the road compared to conventional bicycles.

It’s important to note that a E-Bike, which only provides assistance up to 25 km/h, does not require a helmet, as it is legally classified as a bicycle. However, for a Speed-Pedelec, which is considered a light motor vehicle, wearing a helmet is mandatory. Regardless of the regulations, wearing a helmet is generally recommended, even when riding a regular e-bike.

How Heavy is it? How important is the weight?

One important consideration with electric bikes is their weight. There can be considerable differences between manufacturers and models, which must be considered. E-bikes usually weigh from 20 kg and can easily weigh over 30 kg, whereas conventional bikes normally weigh significantly less, impacting transport and riding experience. Due to the inclusion of a motor and battery, e-bikes are typically heavier than conventional bikes. Low-cost and entry-level models in particular often cannot keep up with specially designed and high-quality lightweight e-bikes. The additional weight impairs manoeuvrability and portability, especially when lifting or carrying the bike. Models that weigh less than 20 kg are not yet as common on the market or are built by using specialised and expensive components.

Unlike bulky e-bikes from other brands, lightweight e-bikes, such as those from BZEN, prioritise agility and ease of handling. Their lightweight construction makes them effortless to manoeuvre and transport. This brings a number of advantages if you need to carry your e-bike up a few steps, lift it onto public transport or place it on a bike trailer. But above all, reduced weight contributes to a more enjoyable riding experience and greater accessibility for riders of all ages and fitness levels. Lightweight designed e-bikes enhance their usability in various situations, from navigating busy city streets to transporting them on public transit or carrying them to a storage place.

A lighter e-bike is therefore not only great for everyday use, but is also more fun and safer for riders of all ages and fitness levels.

How to Charge an E-Bike?

Charging an electric bike is a straightforward process. Generally, e-bikes come with a charger that can be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. Make sure the charger is not too heavy and easy to use. Charging times can vary based on the battery capacity and charger specifications. On average, it can take from 3 to 6 hours to fully charge an e-bike battery. Larger batteries might take longer, potentially up to 8 hours or overnight. Charging an e-bike is relatively inexpensive. The cost largely depends on your local electricity rates and the battery’s capacity. On average, it costs about 0.10 for smaller to 0.30 Euro per charge for bigger batteries.

Some e-bikes have removable batteries that can be charged indoors. This has the advantage, that you can leave the e-bike on the street or outdoor and you just carry the battery to a charging socket. For models with removable batteries, the contacts to the frame need to be extra strong and of high quality. The inevitable constant vibrations of cycling expose them to high forces, and poorly constructed batteries may lose contact during a ride.

Similar to chain care, battery care is part of the regular maintenance of your e-bike and increases the service life of your battery. Read more here:  How do I charge the battery and how often should I do it?

Electric Bike vs Conventional Bicycle: advantages and disadvantages

Conventional bikes, while lacking the electric assistance of e-bikes, have their own set of advantages. Often, they are significantly lighter and more agile, making them a good choice for navigating crowded city streets or narrow paths. They also require less maintenance compared to their electric counterparts, as they lack complex electrical components. If you are looking for an e-bike, choose one made from high-quality, standardized components. This ensures it can be serviced and repaired in a local bike shop and does not have to be sent back and forth to the manufacturer at additional cost, not least for the environment.

While traditional bikes are in general cheaper, they lack the motorized assistance and convenience especially a lightweight e-bike can offer. Lightweight e-bikes combine the simplicity of traditional bikes with the benefits of electric assistance, offering the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Electric bikes excel in providing assistance for everyday relaxed biking terrains and long commutes. When deciding whether to purchase an e-bike, consider factors such as weight, intended use, commuting distance, budget, and personal preference.

While traditional bikes offer benefits like lower costs, easy maintenance and weight, lightweight e-bikes like those from BZEN bridge the gap by combining the best of both worlds. Whether you’re looking to commute efficiently, stay fit, or simply enjoy the ride, e-bikes offer a versatile and exciting option.

By weighing the pros and cons of each, riders can select the option that best suits their needs and enhances their cycling experience. Test overviews from independent specialized media (for example  all award-winning e-bikes 2024 or price-performance winner 2024) provide valuable guidance and comparisons of different models. Here too, BZEN award-winning e-bikes stand out as a superior choice for riders seeking a convenient, efficient, and enjoyable mode of transportation. With their lightweight construction and advanced features, BZEN e-bikes redefine the cycling experience, offering a perfect blend of performance and practicality.

Explore the benefits of lightweight e-bikes for yourself and experience the joy of effortless riding. Visit our product overview to discover our range of lightweight e-bikes or book a test-ride to start your journey towards a more sustainable and enjoyable commute.

 

FAQ

What are the advantages of e-bikes?

The main advantage of electric bikes is the assistance they provide, especially when travelling at a leisurely pace, on inclines or in headwinds. This assistance extends the rider’s range and enables them to cover more distance with less effort. E-bikes are particularly suitable for daily commuting, whether for work or pleasure, and for longer distances, as they offer a faster and sweat-free alternative to conventional bikes.

How does an e-bike ride without a battery?

Although the electric motor improves the riding experience, particularly lightweight e-bikes can also be used like conventional bikes without a charged battery. The rider can still pedal manually, but the additional weight of the motor and battery means that heavier e-bikes will feel more resistance. E-bikes that weigh less than 20 kilograms offer a natural riding experience even without electric assistance. The difference to a normal bike is barely noticeable and you can be sure that you won’t get stuck if the battery really does run out during the ride.

Do you have to pedal an electric bike?

Yes, with most e-bikes, pedaling is required. The motor provides assistance to make riding easier. This assistance is activated as soon as you start pedaling, making the bike move faster and more effortlessly. If the e-bike is equipped with a torque sensor, riding an e-bike feels as natural as riding a regular bicycle.

How big is the difference in weight between electric and conventional bikes?

The difference in weight between electric and conventional bikes is significant. On average, an electric bike weighs 7 to 15 kg more than a regular bike. A typical conventional bike weighs around 10 to 15 kg, while an electric bike usually ranges from 20 to 30 kg. The added weight comes from the motor, battery, and additional components that provide pedal assistance. This extra weight can make electric bikes more challenging to carry or manoeuvre without power assistance.

What are the main differences between an electric and regular bike?

The biggest differences between an e-bike and a regular bicycle are the motor assistance and the speed. An e-bike is equipped with a motor and a battery that assist pedaling, allowing speeds of up to 25 km/h. In contrast, a regular bicycle is powered solely by the rider’s muscle power.

Due to the additional components, e-bikes are generally heavier than traditional bicycles. They offer the advantage of an easier ride, especially when you want to avoid sweating, when facing inclines or headwinds, and are often more comfortable for longer distances. Regular bicycles are lighter, usually more affordable, and don’t need to be charged, making them simpler but also more physically demanding to ride.

What are the main pros and cons of an electric bike?                                               

E-bikes offer numerous advantages that make them an attractive option for many cyclists. One of the key benefits is the ability to ride faster and more efficiently. The electric assistance significantly eases the effort of riding, especially on longer distances or uphill, providing extra comfort for both everyday commuting and leisure rides. Additionally, e-bikes are environmentally friendly since they produce no emissions.

A lighter e-bike has the advantage of riding like a traditional bicycle but with the added benefit of electric assistance. This makes them particularly flexible and practical for various scenarios. A light e-bike feels like a regular bicycle but can also be used as one when needed.

However, e-bikes are generally more expensive than regular bicycles and come with added weight due to the motor and battery. This can make handling and transporting the bike more challenging, especially if the battery is dead or if the bike is ridden without electric assistance. Therefore, when choosing an e-bike, it’s important to select the right type—whether it’s a city, trekking, or cargo e-bike—as well as the appropriate balance between motor power and battery capacity. A more powerful motor requires a larger battery, which can increase weight and potentially reduce riding comfort.

Should I decide for an electric or a conventional bike?

The decision between an e-bike and a regular bicycle depends on your personal preferences and needs. If you’re looking for a more comfortable riding experience, whether for daily commuting, tackling hills, or covering longer distances, an e-bike is the right choice for you. E-bikes provide extra comfort through electric assistance, making them perfect for those who want to make their daily commute or leisure rides more enjoyable. They’re also ideal for anyone who needs support for fitness or health reasons.

On the other hand, regular bicycles are a more affordable and low-maintenance option. Without the additional electrical components, they are easier to maintain and repair, making them perfect for shorter trips or if you appreciate the challenge of relying solely on your own pedaling power.