Technology to look for in an e-bike

E-bikes are a good alternative for someone wanting a bicycle and the convenience of a vehicle. Here are some new technologies you should look for if you're interested in getting an e-bike.

• E-bikes, also known as electric bikes, are not just about switching between pedalling and an electric motor. Your body and your e-bike have become "one" through sophisticated sensors that can detect how much force you're putting into each rotation to determine how much motorized torque you need.
• These e-bikes are sometimes known as pedelecs, and they create a more seamless feel for riders, giving you an extra boost of energy when you need it to tackle difficult obstacles like hills or other elevations. It's also a great option if you want to cruise around a bit but still get some light physical exercise.
• Many e-bikes allow you to adjust these sensors to fit your needs. If you require more of a challenge, you can tell the motor to engage less, and if you want to simply cruise, the motor can be adjusted to help you more.

• Early electric bikes often had built-in limitations due to battery design, but this has all changed with the introduction of new e-bike batteries. Not only can e-bikes go much farther than previously, but their batteries also weigh less, which means you have less weight to carry around as you ride, and your bike is using even less energy to propel you forward.
• Many e-bikes now use lithium-ion or nickel-derived batteries, which are highly energy efficient. A 560-watt-hour battery allows a rider to travel 120 kilometres, and sometimes even more. These newer batteries are also helping Canadians save energy. Studies show that these e-bikes are far more efficient than other forms of travel. In fact, compared to a standard sedan, e-bikes only use 10 percent of the energy per kilometre, allowing you to save money and have fun at the same time.
• Battery efficiency does depend on the overall weight of the bike and the way it is charged, but e-bike producers are incorporating strong, lightweight materials into bikes, such as carbon fibre, to keep your e-bike running longer than ever.

• Some newer e-bikes have brakes that convert directly into regenerative energy, which helps transfer energy to the e-bike's batteries every time you hit your brakes. This design is helping e-bikes last longer on the road and reducing overall energy consumption,  an excellent bit of news for those wanting to be as green as possible.