| Electric bikes are not electricity driven motorbike or | | | | There are many different sizes, shapes, designs, |
| mopeds, they are what they say they are. A normal | | | | speeds and models of these bikes for the choosing. |
| bicycle that still uses pedal power but has a battery, an | | | | Models for the relaxed rider, the sporty rider and the |
| electrical motor and a controller! Electric bike kits come | | | | very active too! It is for you to decide what you want, |
| in DIY form, so if you fancy adding a bit more steam | | | | and which category you fit into. |
| to your pedal power and you are a DIY guru or | | | | The electric motors used on these bikes are fitted in |
| relatively adept, you could turn your own existing | | | | various ways. The older models may have a chain |
| bicycle into an electric bike. | | | | driven motor, mounted on the side, while newer models |
| Doing this does not remove the pedal power; on the | | | | have these motors mounted in the front or rear wheel |
| contrary, this is still very much a functioning part of the | | | | hub; making them more streamlined. |
| bike. The electric motor merely augments the pedal | | | | The electric motors are also of various wattages and |
| power and makes riding this machine easier. | | | | users have to determine what they want it for and |
| You will not be allowed to participate in the Tour de | | | | how powerful it should be, dependent on their need. |
| France with a bike like this, and to be honest, you are | | | | Older models have batters already fitted, while with a |
| also not going to be able to achieve very high speeds. | | | | newer model users can choose what kind of battery |
| But what will happen is, you receive assistance from | | | | you want. These are the tree main types, lead acid, |
| the motor if and when you need it. Many people would | | | | lithium ion and nickel metal hydride. |
| like to ride bicycle to improve their fitness levels and it | | | | The motor is operated by means of a controller; again, |
| may just be a little too tough for them. An electric bike | | | | it is up to the user to decide where they want this to |
| will help to get over the hard riding parts and also help | | | | be fitted. It can be mounted on the handlebars in much |
| increase your fitness levels in small increments, which | | | | the same way as a throttle would be, and it can be |
| is how this should be. | | | | activated by the pedals. |