An electric bicycle (ebike) is similar to a traditional bicycle, but with additional components that allow it to be electrically assisted and improve efficiency and safety.
Let’s break down its main parts in detail, using one of our Ebikes as an example:
1. Basic components of an electric bike
These are the essential elements that differentiate an electric bicycle from a conventional one.
1.1 Motor
What is it used for?
The motor provides pedalling assistance or drives the bicycle without pedalling, depending on the type of ebike.
Types of motors:
- Front wheel motor
o Located in the hub of the front wheel.
o Provides a front wheel drive feel.
o Easier to install on conventional bikes converted to electric.
o Can cause the bike to lose traction on slippery terrain.
- Rear wheel motor
o Located in the rear wheel hub.
o Provides a feel more like a traditional bicycle.
o Usually more powerful and efficient.
- Central motor (in the bottom bracket shell)
o Centrally integrated into the bottom bracket shell.
o Transmits power directly to the chain or belt.
o More balanced and efficient on slopes and difficult terrain.
Motor power
250W: European Union legal limit for not requiring neither homologation, nor registration, nor insurance for its circulation and it is precisely the maximum power that the motors of our Ebikes develop, limiting the speed to 25 Kms/h. Although it is not legally obligatory, we have all our Ebikes fully insured to provide all types of assistance in the event of an accident, theft or breakdown.
1.2 Battery
What is the purpose of the battery?
The battery stores and supplies electrical energy to the motor. It is one of the most important components, as it determines the autonomy of the bicycle.
It can be powered from the home’s own electricity supply thanks to a transformer that is usually included when the ebike is purchased.
Types of batteries according to location:
- Battery in the frame
o Integrated inside or externally mounted on the frame.
o Better distributes the weight and maintains the aerodynamic design.
o Aesthetically the best option
- Battery in bottle cage
o Mounted in the bottle cage area, easy to install and remove.
- Battery on pannier rack
o Common on city bikes.
o Can affect the stability of the bike.
o Aesthetically may be the worst option.
Capacity and autonomy:
– Measured in amps (Ah).
– The higher the capacity of the battery, the longer the range.
– Factors such as rider weight, speed, terrain and assistance used all influence the battery life.
– At Ebikes ForTwo we use lithium batteries, integrated inside the frame and removable 48V with a capacity of 15.6 Ah.
1.3 Controller or Control Unit
What is it used for?
It is the brain of the electric bicycle, as it manages the energy sent from the battery to the motor and regulates its operation.
Main functions:
– It controls the power of the motor.
– Manages pedalling assistance according to the rider’s selection.
– Can include connectivity with monitoring applications.
– Maintains close communication with the display screen from which we select the level of assistance and with the pedal sensor.
1.4 Pedal and Throttle Sensor
What are they for?
They determine when and how the motor is activated.
Types of sensors:
- Cadence sensor:
o Detects when the pedals are moving.
o Activates the motor without the need to apply pedal force.
o Common on inexpensive electric bicycles.
- Torque sensor:
o Measures the force exerted on the pedals.
o Provides assistance proportional to the rider’s force.
o More efficient and provides a more natural experience.
- Throttle:
o Similar to that of a motorbike, allows the motor to be activated without pedalling.
o In some countries it is restricted or prohibited, as in Spain.
1.5 Screen or Display
What is it used for?
It shows relevant information about the electric bicycle, the distances travelled, etc. and allows you to adjust the assistance levels.
Types of displays:
- LCD or basic LED
o Displays only essential information such as battery level and assistance.
- Multifunctional display
o Displays speed, distance, range, engine power, etc.
- Bluetooth or GPS connectivity
o Allows synchronisation with apps for monitoring and control.
- Conventional parts of a bicycle (also present on an EBike)
In addition to the electrical components, an electric bicycle has conventional parts that are essential for its operation.
2.1 Table
What is it used for?
The frame is the structure of the bicycle and holds all the components.
Common materials:
– Aluminium: Lightweight and inexpensive. This is the one used in our Ebikes.
– Carbon: Ultralight and resistant, but more expensive.
– Steel: Strong, but heavier.
2.2 Transmission (Derailleur, Chain or Belt)
What is it used for?
Transmits the pedalling force to the rear wheel.
Types of drivetrain:
- Chain: The most common, requires regular maintenance with a specific lubricant.
- Carbon belt: More durable and quieter, but less common.
2.3 Brakes
What are brakes for?
They stop the bicycle safely.
Types of brakes:
- Disc brakes (hydraulic or mechanical): More braking power.
- Brake shoes (V-brakes or calipers): More common on city bikes.
2.4 Wheels and Tyres
What are they used for?
They support the bicycle and determine the grip and comfort. They normally include an inner tube that can be puncture-proof.
Tyre types according to use:
– Urban: Smooth to offer less resistance, prepared for urban roads or bicycle lanes.
– Mountain: They include lugs and have greater traction on dirt or muddy roads.
– Gravel: Mixed for different terrains. At EBikes FortTwo we use this type so that no road can resist us, whether offroad or urban. They are also very wide to increase safety and comfort on the road.
2.5 Suspension
What does it do?
Absorbs shocks and improves comfort.
Types:
– Without suspension: For urban and road bikes.
– Front suspension: For mountain and trekking bikes.
– Double suspension: For difficult terrain.
2.6 Gear selector
Virtually all current bicycles include a gear selector to select the power transmitted to the drive wheel. In the case of non-powered bicycles there is usually one selector for the chainring and another for the rear wheel sprockets.
On Ebikes the situation is different and we will probably only have one selector to adjust the chainring, which we will set to our liking depending on the slope of the terrain.
2.7 Other accessories
In addition to all the parts listed above, we can include the following accessories on our Ebike:
– Lights, both front and rear
– Rear-view mirror
– Bell or horn
– Car or GPS holder
– Mudguards
– Rear child seat
– Shopping basket
E-bikes combine technology and mechanics to offer a more comfortable and efficient experience. The choice of components such as the motor, battery and assistance system depends on the type of use (urban, mountain, road, etc.).
In addition, proper maintenance of each part is key to ensure durability and performance.
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