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What exactly are the differences between electric bikes and manual bikes? There’s more than you think!
The main differences between e-bikes and manual bikes:
- E-bikes can generally travel faster than manual bikes.
- E-bikes have a greater range before needing charging, compared to how far a manual bike can go before the rider needs to rest.
- While e-bikes have variable levels of assist and power, manual bikes still outperform as a method of exercise.
- Manual bikes are a lot cheaper than e-bikes, even when comparing top of the line manual bikes to lower cost e-bikes.
For more information on how the two compare, read on…
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Electric vs regular bike: Definition
Regular bikes require human effort for propulsion. The higher the energy you expend on the bike, the better the speed. An electric motor and a rechargeable battery power the electric bike, which offers assistance in propelling the bike forward.
When it comes to effortless and comfortable riding at a desired speed, electric bike beats the regular bike.
You can even engage the throttle mode, to cruise the bike at a particular speed without pedaling.
Electric bike vs regular: speed
Generally, ebikes have a speed limit of 20 to 28 mph. The speed of a regular bike depends on the amount of power you apply.
If you apply more power, you will move at a great speed. Certain riders can go 32mph with just their power.
Therefore, if you want to be able to control the speed at which you ride, the regular bike wins.
However, electric bikes such as G-Force electric bike offer up to three riding modes, which include the regular bike mode. That is like having 2 in 1 bike.
Electric bike vs regular bike: Range
Range only matters to an electric bike because a battery powers it. The capacity of the ebike battery will determine how far you can ride it.
How far you can ride a regular bike does not depend on a battery. It depends on how far your strength can go.
There are ebikes that can go as far as 35 miles, 50 miles at 25 mph before needing a recharge.
Even if you have the power for that. The ebike achieves it effortlessly. Ebikes allow you to ride more frequently without enervating.
Electric bike vs regular bike: Exercise
Riders have argued that electric bikes does not offer workout like the regular bike. Electric bikes too involve pedaling, which is also a form of exercise.
Having said that, regular bike offers a better workout than the ebike.
Certain electric bikes offer foot pedal mode with the pedal assist, and throttle mode. You can switch to the foot pedal mode when you want to ride for exercise.
Electric vs regular bike: Price
The electric bike is more expensive than the regular bike. That’s due to high cost of electric bike components. The regular bike costs lesser because it does not come with these components. It is just a bike.
Which one is right for you- electric bike or regular bike?
If you find it difficult to ride the regular bike maybe due to an injury or age, consider an electric bike. It allows you to ride around town effortlessly.
However, if you enjoy riding the regular bike more than an ebike or you don’t have the money for an ebike. You can consider the regular bike.
Conclusion
We have put both the electric bike and regular bike into perspective. The ebike seems to outperform the regular bike in convenience, range speed, comfortable and easy riding.
The one place an ebike cannot beat the normal bike, is that feel of riding a regular bike. That gives your whole body a workout and makes you feel great. However, there are ebikes that provide both the normal bike mode and electric mode.