Can You Pedal an Electric Bike Like a Normal Bike?

Electric bikes, otherwise known as Ebikes, are becoming more popular every month. Yet, one of the biggest questions that prospective riders have is whether these bikes can be pedaled like a regular bicycle.

In this guide, we discuss the basics of how Ebikes work. We also look closer at how to pedal an electric bike.

How Does an Electric Bike Work?

Electric bikes look a lot like regular bicycles but have some extra parts that help you ride without as much effort.

While many of the same components are shared, the typical Ebike also consists of a motor, battery and sensors. These components work together to provide a boost while pedaling.

Some electric bikes contain a throttle, located on the handlebars. When the throttle is engaged, the Ebike is propelled forward without pedaling.

Batteries on Ebikes are rechargeable, and vary in capacity. The more capacity a battery has, the longer the range may be before a recharge is needed.

FURTHER READING: How is a Torque Sensor Ebike as Natural Feeling as a Traditional Bike

Can You Ride an Ebike Without the Motor?

Many people don’t know that an electric bike can be ridden without its motor. If the battery runs out while you are on a ride, you can still use your bike. By pedaling the bike, you can get it back for a recharge.

There will be a little added weight due to the motor and battery, so it may feel different than pedaling a traditional bicycle. For this reason, it’s best to keep the Ebike charged and ready to go if you can.

However, pedaling the electric bike has been a great way to get exercise. You can also shut the motor off if the battery is low and you want to save it for steeper inclines.

How Does an Ebike Compare to a Regular Bike?

Ebikes and regular bikes look similar, but they feel different when you ride them. Both have two wheels and pedals, but the way they operate changes the ride. Let’s look at how an electric bike compares to a regular bike in more detail.

Key Differences

• Motor: The electric bike has a motor that aids in pedaling. Regular bikes rely on the strength of the rider to keep moving.
  
• Battery: Ebikes have a rechargeable battery to provide power. Regular bikes don’t have any other power than the rider’s strength and effort.
  
• Weight: Electric bikes are certainly heavier, and this is due to the additional equipment included. While regular bicycles are much lighter and easier to carry by comparison.
• Speed: Because of the motor-driven power, an Ebike can go faster and doesn’t require as much effort. If you want to speed up with a regular bike, you need to work harder.
  
• Cost: Ebikes often cost more than a traditional bicycle. Due to this fact, it's best to consider the purchase of an electric power as an investment due to the savings in effort made, time spent, electricity used, and gas refueling needed to name a few.
• Versatility: Although more athletic riders may find no issue with riding a traditional bike, more people these days may prefer the luxurious, relaxing aspects an Ebike can provide. Electric bikes are also an option for people with physical aliments that prevent them from riding a traditional bike.

Key Similarities

• Pedals: Both bike types contain pedals. You can use these to move a bike forward.
  
• Wheels: Both electric bikes and traditional bicycles have two wheels, and there are some electric trikes available as well. Depending on the type of tire, bikes can be ridden on-road, off-road, or both.
  
• Brakes: Both bikes use hand brakes to stop. While Ebikes typically contain the same type of braking system, traditional bikes can come in a variety depending on rider desire.
• Gears: Most electric bikes contain gears, just like a regular bike. These gears can help alter speed, especially when climbing hills.
• Exercise: With either bike, you can get exercise. With an electric bike, you can determine just how much assistance you'd like the motor to help provide.

Is It Harder to Pedal an Ebike Without Assistance?

Pedaling an Ebike without motor assistance can be more difficult than riding a bicycle. Ebikes are often heavier because of the added motor and battery. Without the motorized power, the extra weight needs to be handled via your own pedaling power.

When riding on a level, paved road, you may not notice much of a difference. However, it can be much more difficult when riding uphill or across rough terrain.

Many riders prefer to turn the motor off when looking for more exercise. However, there’s nothing wrong with keeping it engaged and simply enjoying the sights.

Should You Worry About Being Stranded?

You shouldn’t worry about getting stranded on your electric bike, but you also want to be prepared. Your main concern is whether the battery is going to run out of power.

When the battery dies, you should still be able to pedal, so there’s nothing stopping you from getting back home. However, pedaling will be more difficult because of the added weight, so it’s not desirable when going uphill.

To avoid this problem, check the battery level before heading out for a ride. You can carry a charger with you or have a backup battery if you plan to go on a long ride. You could also conserve battery on level ground and turn the motor off to extend the range.

FAQs

How fast do electric bikes go?

Depending on the Ebike class, the electric bike can reach speeds of up to 28 mph. Some states do require licenses to ride Ebikes of higher classes, so it’s important to check all local restrictions before riding.

How much does an electric bike weigh?

The weight of an electric bike is heavier than a regular bike due to the addition of a motor and battery. Ebike frames are also sturdier than the average bike, which further increases the weight. Depending on the model, an electric bike can weigh between 60 and 75 pounds.

Tire size and the frame material have a big impact on the Ebike weight. For example, choosing an Eike with a carbon fiber frame can reduce the weight by around 36% compared to aluminum.

Do Ebikes charge themselves while pedaling?

The majority of Ebikes don’t charge while pedaling. There’s not enough energy created from pedaling to make any difference in battery power. For the most part, you need to plug in the electric bike to charge the battery.

However, there are some models available with regenerative braking. This system does allow the bike to recover a small amount of energy when braking or going downhill.

Final Thoughts

Ebikes have become a popular option, especially for those that want a more leisurely experience  when they ride.