How do electric bikes work?

How do electric bikes work?

Electric bikes work a little differently than regular push bikes. Here, we’ll explain the differences and answer some common questions.

The basic

Essentially, an e-bike is an ordinary cart. They just rely on extra components working together to keep it running; an electric motor, batteries, sensors and electronic displays. All our electric bikes use pedal assist. The motor will only be activated when the pedal has been activated. This allows riders to still get a workout, but with an extra push that makes their ride easier. Below we explain how the main components of an e-bike work.

Three main components

As mentioned earlier, an e-bike relies on components to work together and allow it to function. Electric bikes have three main components:

Motor

Electric bike motors have different positions. Each approach has its benefits; front hub, rear hub and mid drive motor. You can find more information about these motors on our Motors webpage.

The main purpose of the motor is to provide torque when you pedal. The more advanced the electric motor, the more torque it provides. The more torque you have, the more power you can get out of the bike. Simple, eh?

Battery

The battery on an e-bike can be placed in different places on the bike, usually depending on the frame type and size. The make, model, and type of each battery means they take a different amount of time to charge. Average charging time is 5 to 6 hours. Charging the battery is easy: it’s like plugging your phone into the wall!

Sensor

The sensor on an e-bike is a very important component. There are two types of sensors used for different electric bikes; speed sensors or torque sensors.

The speed sensor immediately engages the motor, which assists your ride once you start pedaling.

Torque sensors are a bit smarter. When you move, it only provides a small amount of help to match your speed. It’s more responsive and helps improve speed and maneuverability.

What type of engine do Raleigh e-bikes have?

The Raleigh line of electric bikes uses a variety of motors, including rear and center mount motors from a range of manufacturers including Bosch, Shantur, and TranzX. Center-mounted motors like our Motus and Centros ranges provide greater power levels, perfect for long, steep hills.

The Raleigh Electric range features engines from multiple manufacturers, depending on the needs and requirements of the rider and bike model. Bosch’s system uses advanced components to achieve precise motor control and output lower noise than other motors. The Santur motor system is used in the Raleigh Array series and offers a mid-drive motor system in 3 power levels. The Stow-e-way Folding Raleigh Electric Bike uses the TranzX motor system as it is a compact and simple solution to use a folding bike on the road.

Components work together

The key to any good e-bike is making sure all the parts work together. The combination of battery, motor and display will provide all the assistance needed for a smooth ride. The battery powers the motor that drives the drivetrain, giving you all the help you need to tackle hills and long rides. The display allows you to control how much assist is provided and what power is sent by the motor to the drivetrain.

Use

So, now that we know the main components of an e-bike, how do you use an e-bike? All of our Raleigh e-bikes have pedal assist, which means you need pedals to work with electric assist. To use your e-bike, you just need to ride the bike as normal, so start pedaling. Once you start riding, use the display on the e-bike, usually by turning on the assist switch on the handlebars. You’ll then have a selection of secondary levels, which can be changed via the plus and minus buttons on the monitor or controller. Most Raleigh e-bikes have four levels of assistance; Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo.

Is it harder for e-bikes to brake because of the extra power?

Electric bikes are generally heavier than non-electric bikes, so the added weight needs to take into account stopping distance and safety. However, compared to a non-e-bike, the power of an e-bike has no direct effect on how hard you use the brakes. Once you stop pedaling, any assistance provided by the motor will be cut off.

Charge

Charging an e-bike is super easy, just like charging your phone or laptop, you just need to plug it into any wall outlet. The battery takes 2 to 8 hours to charge; the time required depends on the make and model of the battery. Raleigh bikes use TranzX, Santur or Bosch engine systems. Each has a different battery type and size. You can find out more about these individuals on our e-bikes