Electric bicycle: advantages and disadvantages

 

Still in the minority in the two-wheeled landscape in France, the electrically assisted bicycle (vae), more commonly known as electric bicycle, is however enjoying great success beyond our borders. In the Netherlands, where the bicycle is king, no less than 223,000 vae were sold in 2014. Across the Rhine, in Germany, the figure stands at 480,000. have been steadily increasing in recent years. In France, although the sale of electric bicycles is growing rapidly, it remains well below our neighbors. 77,547 vae were sold in 2014, an increase of 37% compared to 2013. So what is the secret of this bike which seems to attract more and more cyclists? Review of the advantages and disadvantages electric bike.

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The advantages of cycling ...

The electric bicycle is first of all, as its name suggests, a bicycle, with the difference that it is equipped with a motor , itself powered by a battery. The motor can be located in the hub of the front or rear wheel or directly at the bottom bracket. This second option has several advantages including better weight distribution as well as the center of gravity and the direct application of engine force to the transmission. (The electric bikes of the Mustache range are all equipped with this type of motor). The operation of the vae is simple, when you pedal, the motor is activated. If you stop, the engine will also stop. Like all bicycles, it therefore benefits from the benefits that we know it to be.

Transportation to the city

The electric bicycle is the ideal means of transport in the city. No more traffic jams to get to work and the endless search for a place to park. Whether electric or not, the bicycle is to the city what the baguette is to France, essential!

Beneficial for health

Although equipped with a motor, the electric-assisted bicycle does not suppress the action of the cyclist since it is triggered only when the pedals are actuated. The electric bicycle therefore remains beneficial for health , like all physical activities.

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And for the environment

Opt for the bicycle instead of the car, it is also to act for the environment by reducing air pollution. Obviously, the electric-assisted bicycle remains a little more polluting than the classic bicycle due to the presence of its engine, but this is nothing compared to cars. This type of bike consumes the equivalent of a liter of gasoline per 100 km, the rate of CO2 emitted into the air is very low. It also requires little electricity to be recharged.

The electric bike also has some advantages of its own thanks to its equipment.

Optimal comfort

Whatever type of road you take, the vae gives you optimal comfort . You will feel like you are on a flat road throughout your journey. Winds and climbs will only be a bad memory.

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Less effort and more speed

As we keep saying, the motor that equips the electric bike is only there to help the cyclist. Remember that this is indeed an electrically assisted bicycle. The efforts are therefore reduced , while increasing speed. An electric bicycle can reach 25 km / h, beyond that the motor stops. You will therefore arrive at your destination more quickly without going through the shower on arrival.

The disadvantages of the electric bike

The electric bicycle would certainly already be adopted by all cyclists if it did not also have some disadvantages . Disadvantages which are certainly much less numerous than the advantages, but which can slow down its acquisition.

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A significant weight

Equipped with a battery and a motor, it is difficult for the vae to enter the featherweight category. A disadvantage which does not impact the cyclist, since this one is assisted by the motor . But that can be annoying if the bike has to be transported, traveling or depending on where it will be stored.

Maintenance and possible breakdowns

Resellers of electric bicycles are starting to develop in France, but they are still few in number. Not always easy then, to find a specialist capable of taking care of the maintenance of your bike. In addition, who says electrical equipment, says risk of possible breakdowns . Even if these are not more numerous than a conventional bike, it is important to choose a bike equipped with a quality engine for more peace of mind. The Mustache vae use a Bosch brand motor, the most reliable on the market today.

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An advantage when we also know the size of this group and its effectiveness from the point of view of the after-sales service. For 4 years, Bosch has been training our teams every year in the maintenance of motorization systems.