Electric Bicycles overview, history, information, etc...

Electric bicycles are one of the greenest forms of transportation there is. An electric bicycle is simply a bicycle with an attached motor which assists the rider. They are really very simple devices which were first developed 110 years ago but only now gaining any popularity.

An electric bicycle can have a throttle, or not have one. The pedelec design has no throttle, instead the bike detects the rider pedaling and adds power along with the pedaling. Not having a throttle is a very natural riding experience similar to a nonpowered bicycle. Having a throttle lets the rider power the motor when they want, pedal when they want, and do both when they want. Meaning that with a throttle your legs can have a rest while the bike still has power.

Hub motors are built into the bicycle wheel and are very simple in design. Other electric bicycles have the motor mounted somewhere on the frame, with a chain or belt or friction drive connecting to the wheel.

Some electric bicycles are purpose built as an electric. In other cases one buys an conversion kit to convert an existing bicycle into an electric one.