You will not only find differences in the motor, but also in the type of battery. Two different designs dominate the range - external and integrated batteries. Modern Pedelecs ride mostly with a battery pack integrated into the frame, the battery can be removed in most cases. As the battery disappears inside the bike, it is less susceptible to weather conditions and dirt while riding. The disadvantage is the higher price, because the effort involved in integrating the battery is immense for the frame builder. A secure hold must be guaranteed and the battery must not have a negative impact on the riding experience. The second option is an external battery pack, which can be attached to the frame tube using a separate rail. The advantage here is that the frame does not need to be opened, thus maintaining stability. You can remove the battery more easily and do not need a charging socket directly on your frame. Both battery types have advantages and disadvantages, but above all it is a question of price. A permanently integrated battery increases the purchase price, but e-bikes with removable battery less common overall.

The range of your e-bike depends on various factors, one important criterion is the battery's watt hours. A lithium-ion battery, which is used in almost all types of e-bikes, has an excellent power storage capacity and has an average of 400 to 500 Wh. The range is therefore around 130 to 200 km, but the figures cannot be applied across the board. You can influence the range of your e-bike in various ways.

Muscle use increases the range

One thing is clear: the less you load the battery, the further you can ride with it. If you cover the entire distance with maximum support, you will not reach a range of 200 km. To save power, a cadence of between 70 and 80 revolutions has proven to be particularly practical. One of the biggest power guzzlers is regular starting, as this puts the motor under maximum load.

Terrain type determines the range

The type of surface and the type of terrain also play an important role in the battery range. If you are travelling in the mountains and frequently go uphill, the range is significantly lower than on a relaxing bike ride on flat ground. Soft surfaces require more battery power and if you have to ride against strong winds, the maximum range is also significantly limited.

Load affects battery range

The moreWeight of your e-bikehas to carry, the lower the maximum battery range. On the one hand, the rider's weight plays a role, but on the other hand, so does the luggage you transport on your e-bike. There are special packing lists for a bike tour that allow you to minimize the load weight. If you ride without any luggage, the battery range is significantly higher than with a generous load.

Improve the range of the e-bike battery

The e-bike battery works reliably and efficiently, but with correct maintenance you can improve the range. Many factors come into play here, the tire pressure is an important indicator of the range. If your tires are not filled with enough air, you not only lose speed, but also use up significantly more battery capacity. So before you plan a long journey, a check-up of the tire pressure is a good idea. It is also worth checking the individual mechanical components of your e-bike to oil regularly. Well-lubricated components require less battery capacity and help you to cover as long distances as possible without recharging.

This checklist will help you maximize your battery range

• Always use the lowest level of support
• Ride with a consistent and as high a cadence as possible
• Get advice on which battery capacity suits your individual needs
• Check tire pressure before long journeys
• Clean all mechanical components and always lubricate them
• Find out about e-bikes with recuperation function
• Carry a second battery for long distances

The costs of an electric bike cannot be ignored and so the question arises whether a used e-bike might not be significantly cheaper. In principle, it is in the interests of sustainability to purchase electronic devices on the second-hand market, but with an e-bike this can lead to problems. With used purchases there is no guarantee for you and you have to trust the seller's information. You cannot tell at first glance when you buy your e-bike whether it has really been accident-free, whether the battery has already exceeded its charging cycles or whether you have the maximum range available. You also lack the dealer support that is offered for new e-bikes. So while you save a few euros if you choose a used e-bike or used pedelec, you forego support and you never know exactly what history the electronic bike has already experienced. In some areas it can be worth spending a few euros more and buying new instead of used.

Basically you can choose between three different e-bike engine types that differ in their position and drive type. Each type of motor has advantages, but also disadvantages. Which type of motor is right for your needs depends on various factors. As already mentioned, you cannot simply replace the e-bike motor. So you should think carefully about which technology you prefer. This is especially true for a Pedelec, because it requires approval and you cannot simply replace individual components. If you cannot present a certificate of safety, you are not allowed to continue riding on public roads. We at myvélo have equipped all of our models with a mid-engine or rear-wheel drive because the advantages over the front engine clearly outweigh the disadvantages. Nevertheless, we would like to present all the variants to you in order to justify our decision.

front engine

A front motor is considered the all-wheel drive of the e-bike and is used primarily in pedelecs. While the rear wheel is driven by the power of your legs, the motor drives the front wheel. Front motors are well suited for e-bikers who are looking for a price compromise and who mainly ride their bike on flat terrain. Big inclines are a real challenge with a front motor and require the willingness to pedal hard.

Advantages and disadvantages of the front engine

Advantages:

• You can get e-bikes with front-wheel drive at a much cheaper price
• Visually, you can hardly distinguish a front-wheel drive e-bike from a bicycle
• The bike can be used with a coaster brake

Disadvantages:

• Steering is difficult because the weight of the engine rests on the front wheel
• Front wheels tend to spin if the ground is too loose
• The engine noise is higher than with other types of drive

mid-engine

Today, most e-bikes have a mid-engine. It is mounted on a down tube at the height of the bottom bracket. The battery is also located in the immediate vicinity, so that the weight load is distributed largely centrally across the bike. A mid-engine is considered an all-rounder because it is suitable for any surface, whether off-road or city. Even a complex Alpine pass can be easily passed with an e-bike with a mid-engine.

The advantages and disadvantages of the mid-engine

Advantages:

• Comfortable and safe driving due to weight distribution in the middle of the electric bike
• Power transmission occurs directly to the chain
• Reduction of the motor via the chain and thus high level of energy development, even on very steep climbs
• Uncomplicated and less susceptible to interference wiring due to short distance between battery and motor

Disadvantages:

• Purchase costs for an e-bike with a mid-engine are somewhat higher, but quality has its price
• The pinion and chain are subjected to greater stress than with other types of engines, but if you rely on high-quality workmanship, this is not a problem.

rear-wheel motor

With the rear wheel motor, a hub motor is mounted on the rear wheel of the e-bikes. The rear drive makes sporty and dynamic driving possible. In low mountain ranges and on the plains, e-bikes. This type of drive is used most frequently. The powerful driving experience is perceived as pleasant and supportive.

The advantages and disadvantages of the rear wheel motor

Advantages:

• No wheel spin on loose surfaces
• Good grip due to the high weight on the rear wheel
• Little wear on chain and cassette

Disadvantages:

• On very steep uphill climbs, the engine reduction is limited
• The rear wheel must be removed in case of technical faults, but our excellent service will be happy to help you

This question cannot be answered in general terms, as the different types of e-bikes must be taken into account.

This applies to Pedelecs

You don't need a driving license for a Pedelec with a support motor and a maximum speed of 25 km/h. The reason for this is that the motor only kicks in when you are pedaling at the same time and it switches itself off when your maximum speed is reached.

This applies to S-Pedelecs

The S-Pedelec, which can reach speeds of up to 45 km/h, is classified as a moped. A class AM driving license is required to be able to use this type of electric bike on public roads. You must also comply with the applicable helmet requirement on the road.

This applies to e-bikes

The classic e-bike, whose motor you can use without pedaling yourself, is considered by law to be a two-wheeled moped. Once you have reached a speed of 25 km/h or 45 km/h, the motor stops accelerating. You need a moped test certificate to operate it. Exception: You were born before April 1, 1965 and have an official driver's license. In this case, the document is sufficient and you do not need to present a moped test certificate.

The most important features of an e-bike includes brakes and gears. We recommend hydraulic disc and rim brakes in particular, as these offer you a lot of safety even when the bike is heavier. When it comes to gears, it is important to have a good gear ratio and flawless operation. Depending on the terrain and model, the gears should be chosen carefully, and our experts will be happy to help you! An important consideration before buying an e-bike. It is also important to consider whether you have to transport or lift it frequently. Accordingly, the weight of the respective model. Another point is the maximum load capacity of the e-bikes. Here you should especially check the permissible total weight before purchase. This consists of the driver’s body weight, the weight of the e-bikes and the luggage carried on the luggage rack. It must also be clarified whether you want to take luggage on the luggage rack or whether special accesories wish.