What Is The Difference Between A Pedelec And An Electric Bike?

B uying a new bicycle, be it for yourself or a loved one can be a daunting task. The best thing in this scenario is to be informed what sort of bicycles suit your needs the best. Over here, we’ll tell you all about what the difference between a pedelec and an electric bike is. One is the pedelec bicycle, which has integrated electrical components that will help you in making your ride less draining and comfortable. On the other hand, we have the electric bike or power-on-demand bike; this bike has the ability to do the same things as the pedelec one, and as the name suggests, provides power-on-demand. Basically, you wouldn’t have to pedal, and the motor, through a button or handle, will provide power to the wheels.

Pedaling Assistance Vs. Self Propulsion

The key difference between both bikes lies in the concept of the bike itself. The Pedelec is designed to just make your bike ride easier, that is to say, it shares the force required to pedal at that speed. This also allows you to start pedaling from a standing position much more easily and generally makes your ride less taxing for you by not making you pedal as hard. 

The Electrical is designed to not only be able to assist you in the same manner as the pedelec does but also be able to propel you forward consistently without you having to do any pedaling at all. Through the use of either a button i.e., an ON/OFF, or by means of a handle twister, you can go into this self-propulsion mode and adjust your speed if that option is available to you.

Design

The design layout is very much identical to your normal average bicycle. That is to say, aside from the electrical components which have been integrated into the body, it looks like your average bicycle. A common myth is that e-bikes, such as the pedelec or the electrical ones, are scooters that are completely false. Both bikes have pedals through which you ride them. Both of them have the same gear technology present as there are normal bicycles.

Electrical Components Of The Bikes

There are three major components on a pedelec or electrical bike which differentiate it from your average bicycle.

1.       Digital Display

A display is put into place in front of the bicycle which provides information about your current speed, battery consumption, distance-traveled, and various preset assistance modes. In electrical bikes, this also includes cruise control options. Some more advanced features offered include complete satellite navigation and fitness level tracking as well.

2.       Rechargeable Battery

The battery comes integrated within the body as it is used to power the display and motor present. It is easily chargeable as you can charge it as you would any of your household devices. The battery capacity and recharge time vary as pedelec bikes only assist so less power is needed while electrical bikes need to be able to propel the bike by themselves, so they require more battery capacity.

3.       Controllable Motor

For the pedelec bike, the motor is integrated into the bike to help you pedal at your ease and comfort. It provides an added force that it regulates and adjusts for depending on how you pedal and the level of assistance you require. On the other hand, Electrical bikes are designed to be able to move around without you having to pedal them as an option, so they have a heavier motor attached.

For more information on the parts and their maintenance, click here. 

Laws and Regulations

It is to be mindful of the fact that there are certain laws and regulations that need to be kept in mind when purchasing an e-bike. As these are categorized as motorized vehicles, so some governmental laws do apply. For the pedelec bike, there are not that many aside from the fact you just need to be fourteen years old or more but for the electric, there are a lot more regulations especially in Europe and the USA. So, please do check what laws and regulations your state has before you decide to buy an e-bike.

Now that you know what is the difference between a pedelec and an electric bike, you can go buy either and have fun on your biking trips! 

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