How to choose a pedal-assisted bike

There are many different types of pedal-assisted bikes: those suitable for the city, comfortable and perhaps foldable, and those more performing such as electric MTBs.

Traffic and pollution are one of the great problems of our time. And to which man has repeatedly tried to stem. Among the most brilliant solutions there is a particularly simple one: to use means of locomotion other than cars, such as a bicycle.

Pedaling is increasingly a viable alternative to the car and its emissions, especially in big cities, and now that there are models with pedal assistance more than someone would like to take home the best among the many types of electric bikes in circulation. On the other hand, it is not only an ecological possibility, but also light, snappy and accessible to all budgets, without considering its usefulness in the rush hour traffic jams.

Electric bike: what it is and how it works

If, in short, you too are looking for an agile, fast and eco-friendly means of transport, the pedal assisted bicycle is a valid answer. But which one to choose among the many types of electric bikes on the market? Which is the best according to the use we want to do? Who would like an electric city bike should in fact take into account certain features, while those who are attracted by an electric MTB would necessarily evaluate others.

All variants have in common the operation, which combines the action of pedaling the driver with the propulsion of an electric motor. The motor is integrated on the axle of one of the two wheels - generally the rear one -, but it is not the only element that allows it to move. Among the essential components we also have the battery - the most modern variants use lithium ones - and the pedaling sensor. The latter has the task of communicating to the control unit the movement of the pedals, which then activates the motor itself.

Different types of electric bikes: how to choose the best

There are different types of electric bikes, each characterized by materials, design and options that can meet the demands of a varied clientele. For the city, in particular, it is very fashionable to rely on a folding electric bike, designed to fold on itself and be easily transportable. You will also understand that we are faced with a model perfect for commuters, thanks to the possibility of being conveniently stored in the trunk of the car or to be loaded on a public transport. The urban electric bike, produced for longer trips in the city, is instead characterized by the presence of an additional motor and a more comfortable and upright, and in some cases by mudguards and luggage racks. Finally, the electric mountain bike is the variant for the more dynamic types, with larger and notched wheels for pedaling on steeper terrain and for significantly longer distances.

Metabolized in broad strokes the existing models, for the choice of a pedal assisted bicycle it is important to evaluate certain general aspects. Among these, the first is the motor: the greater its power, the greater the maximum speed we can reach with our new e-bike. The second element to take into account is the battery, whose autonomy determines the time and kilometers for which it will be possible to use it before having to recharge it. The best ones are currently lithium, but there are also lead and nickel metal hydride variants that are quite valid. Next, we can not fail to analyze the structure and chassis, on which depends largely the comfort of use of the medium. For optimal eco-friendly pedaling, it remains then to discomfort the quality of the on-board computer positioned on the handlebars, which allows to manage the engine controls. The cheapest ones, generally made of plastic, indicate the state of charge of the battery and allow to select the desired assistance level. More expensive ones, on the other hand, offer various additional functions, such as an odometer and the ability to set the power output of the engine.