Bolton e bikes accessories. The Evolution of The Electric Bicycle Part 1

Area 13 RadPower E-Bike Upgrade Kit — CleanTechnica Review

Area 13 (Formerly Bolton e-Bikes) sent me their Radpower Upgrade Kit to use on my Radrover and review. It’s supposed to give the bike more power, give a nicer display, and allow a lot more customization. With a price of 229, readers who own a compatible Rad Power Bikes model are probably wondering, “Is it worth it?” After installing it myself on my 2020 Radrover ST (the Step Through model), I can say that it’s definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

The kit itself is pretty simple: there’s a computer/motor controller unit with a bunch of wires hanging out one end, and there’s a replacement display and buttons for the handlebars.

The computer/controller is a lot wider than the stock Radrover computer, comes in a metal case, and has heat sinks on three sides of the box. Why? Because it’s designed to handle double the power the stock computer can, both sustained and for bursts. With the stock motor, you’re not going to use double the power, but its ability to sustain more power helps it handle hills and other issues. It also puts out the full rated power for the motor instead of a little less.

The screen is a full-color display that works pretty similarly to the stock display, but much more aesthetically pleasing when in operation. For the 90s kids reading, it’s kind of like switching from the Game Boy to the Game Gear (from black and green to c ol o r ). But, if you RTFM (read the friggin’ manual), it allows a TON of customization options that you don’t normally get with a stock e-bike. You can change how the power assist works, add cruise control, and most importantly be prepared if you want to make future upgrades to the bike.

The ability to upgrade further is probably the main benefit to the RadPower Upgrade Kit, but I’m not going to review that aspect of it today. I do look forward to installing a 52-volt battery pack and upgrading the stock motor at some point.

Installation

The Radrover ST with the battery mountain rail unbolted and set aside to access the stock unit’s controller mounting screws.

The installation was pretty straightforward. I took the battery mounting rail off of the bike’s frame, turned a few screws to release the stock computer/controller, unplugged it, and then plugged the new computer in. This required cutting some zip ties and putting new ones on, so be sure to have some on hand.

Installing the wider unit was a little more complicated, but not by much. I originally was going to put this unit on a non-step-through Radrover, but decided to put it on the ST model, so I had to modify one of the mounts and use longer screws to get around the frame in one spot. If I had more patience and fewer spare screws in my toolbox, I probably would have just bought some longer screws and would have had no need to expand the holes on the mount a tiny bit. Either way, it’s no big deal.

With the unit mounted, I hooked everything back up, tucked the cables back away, and zip-tied them back in their original positions. The only thing that was a little different was that the cable for the brake light didn’t come out of the top of the computer like the stock one, but it was plenty long enough to reach and power the brake light.

Installing the screen was even easier. I just removed the stock display and buttons with three screws, pulled them off, unplugged one plug, and then did the reverse to install the new one. I accidentally installed the display upside down at first (it had no markings), but that was easy to fix. I then was able to follow the instructions and program the unit to work with my bike and motor.

One other small thing: it initially read a full battery as empty, but as the manual explains, it sometimes has to calibrate itself to know what’s full and what’s empty. Batteries come in different voltages, and the computer can handle multiple voltages. After just a few seconds of riding, it registered the battery as full and worked right.

Did The RadPower Upgrade Kit Make The Bike Better?

It was definitely a worthwhile upgrade.

The completed installation of the aftermarket computer/controller.

First off, it did noticeably increase the bike’s power. It accelerates faster from a dead stop, gets up to 25 MPH in less time, and the throttle is far more responsive. It’s far better at sustaining power to the motor on hills and pulling through sandy patches than it ever was with the stock computer. These things alone make it worth the money.

The display is also a really neat feature. It’s not only prettier, but it’s far easier to see your settings at a glance in mixed light settings, like a cloudy day or twilight. It was sufficiently backlit to be seen in the daylight or at night. It’s kind of a silly thing, but the color display really makes the bike feel a lot more modern. It’s not smartphone great, but it’s far better than the display it came with.

On the second test ride, my wife (the primary rider of this bike) figured out pretty quickly that the pedal assist was just a little too aggressive for her when taking the dog along with a bike tow leash. Using the manual and a video that gave detailed explanations, we stopped at a picnic table at a park and quickly lowered the C14 setting (the one for pedal assist power) from 2 to 1. The 1 setting was perfect for her, and we rode on. The maximum power of level 5 assist and the throttle’s new higher power was unaffected by this settings change.

Table of Contents

By application type, city or urban e-bikes have been the most popular in 2022 vis-a-vis cargo/utility and trekking e-bikes. This is because the country has a well-developed infrastructure for e-bikes, like e-bike lanes, as well as different bike rental services and bike-sharing programs have contributed to the growth in demand for these e-bikes.

Rad Power is North America’s largest electric bike brand. Rad Power creates e-bikes that are built for everything and priced for everyone.

Lithium-ion battery-fitted e-bikes are in the highest demand compared to lead-acid batteries, as Li battery sets are more efficient and lightweight.

Other than the above, it is interesting to note that in Canada, e-bikes cannot exceed 32 kmph (20 mph). Vancouver’s Transportation 2040 plan lists electric bikes as the top emerging forms of transport.

Presently, top brands like Yamaha Bicycles, Cannondale Bicycle Corporation, Pedego Electric Bikes, Giant Manufacturing Co., and Trek Bicycle Corporation (sorted randomly) have a consolidated market share of 41.50%.

Summary Table – 35 Canada-Originated E-bike Brands

Alter Ego E-bikes

Alter Ego has been in the business since 2014 and claims to be one of the original Canadian e-bike makers. The company has its own boutique showroom in Abbotsford, British Columbia, which opened in July 2020. Before this, the brand was mostly selling directly to customers via its online store.

• One of the brand’s highlights is that it offers a lifetime warranty on the frame.
• Secondly, E-bikes and e-scooters are shipped free of cost across Canada.
• Lastly, the brand offers factory-direct products, which means affordable for the end-users.

The Hero product of the brand is its range of folding bikes with the Sidekick Folding Series, one of the best e-bikes in the market.

Alter Ego brands are Sidekick, Trakker, Rebel, and Freedom. For its e-bike range, the company has a fifteen days return and refund policy, including accessories, subject to certain conditions. Riders can book a 30-minute test ride at its showroom – #106 – 30799 Simpson Road, Abbotsford, BC.

Alter Ego e-bikes are engineered with the help of top-quality branded parts from across the world. The batteries are from LG and Samsung. The tires are from Kenda, the freewheels and shifters are from Shimano, Display is from Bafang, and the frame is from 6061 Aircraft Aluminum Alloy.

The brand also sells e-bike accessories at its online store and dedicated showroom in BC.

Bikonit

‘Bike on it | to anywhere’ is the slogan of the e-mobility brand, Bikonit. The core of the brand is its range of all-terrain e-bikes that are powered by dual battery systems. The manufacturing company has been in the e-mobility business for 7 years in Canada.

It has also been involved in the development, manufacture, and co-branding of electric vehicles, including bikes, motorbikes, and dirt bikes, with other companies in the European Union, the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

The all-terrain e-bikes were developed in 2018. The company has a brand presence called Bikonit USA in the US too. It follows the direct-to-customer model with no wholesalers in between, which helps them pass on good saving margins to end-users. The Ontario-based company has its headquarters in California in the US.

There are three models from the brand – Warthog MD 750 priced at 3,799, Warthog HD 750 priced at 5000,899, and Warthog MD 1000 priced at 7,889.

Key Features of Bikonit e-bikes:

• Cost-effective
• The combination of advanced electric motorbikes and basic e-bike technology
• Designed for all terrains, like SUVs
• Use of premium components from branded manufacturers like Rohloff, Bafang, Maxxis Tires, Tektro, SRAM, RST, LG, Selle Royal, Gates Carbon Drive, and Velvo.
• Best used for outdoor adventures, hunting, and fishing trips. The e-bikes can also be used daily for general errands.

While the motors in the first two models are the 750 Watt systems generating about 80Nm torque, the Warthog MD 1000 has a motor of 1000 watts generating 160 Nm power. The battery systems in all three models are the Dual System type offering an easy range of up to 70 miles (110 km) against every charge.

The other notable aspects include the multi-transmission SRAM and Sturmey Archer systems with air suspension, the auto-adjustable LCD screen, headlights, and more.

Biktrix

Bitrix was the winner of the Clean Technology Award from Deloitte’s Technology Fast 50 program last year. It was also ranked 187 in the list of 2022’s fastest-growing companies in North America by Deloitte Technology Fast 500.

Biktrix was conceptualized by Roshan Thomas, who is also the current CEO of the company. He simply wanted to find an easy commuting solution in Saskatoon. His interest in working on vintage motorbikes pushed him towards DIYing an electric bike. Impressed by an e-bike ride in Europe, Roshan started a Kickstarter campaign in 2014 for the Juggernaut series.

The Saskatoon-based brand assembles and ships its e-bikes from Canada. Buyers can order directly from the online store and various showrooms in Western Canada. There are five product lines – Juggernaut, Monte Capro, Stunner, Swift, and Speciality. Juggernaut Series has witnessed its 9th generation launch, while the Stunner Series is in the 7th generation.

US-Originated E-Bike Brands (actively present in Canada)

Addmotor

California-based Addmotor is the first e-bike company in the world to have an ergonomic design and UL-verified battery, made as per the US and Canadian standards. It ships throughout North America.

Aventon

Aventon is based out of California and is known for making technically-advanced e-bikes. The products come with a two-year warranty. It sells in Canada through its network of Elite Dealers.

Carbo

Carbo claims that its e-bikes are the lightest in the world. It has three model lineups – the classy commuter Model X, the active electro-cyclist Model S, and the Model C for first-timers.

Cyrusher

Cyrusher e-bikes are best meant for multi-terrains. The Canada fulfillment center is located in Ontario. It has three models in its line-up – XF900, XF800, and XF690 Maxs.

Dost

Dost e-bikes are designed in Canada, and made for users in North America. The components are from Bafang, Shimano, Samsung, and Schwalbe.

Himiway

Himiway e-bikes have a comprehensive range of models, be it the Cruiser, Cobra, Zebra, and so on. The brand has a warehouse in Richmond, British Columbia.

Electra

The Electra Bicycle Company was started in 2014 as a subsidiary of Trek Bicycle Company, launched in 1993. The California-based company was founded by two Germans, Benno Bänziger and Jeano Erforth. Electra has an office in Canada in Quebec.

Lectric

Phoenix-based Lectric enjoys an A rating on BBB. The only international destination to which Lectric e-bikes are shipped is Canada.

Magicycle

Each Magicycle e-bike is accompanied by a 2-year warranty. Deliveries of 500W e-bikes to Canada are shipped from the Canadian warehouse; therefore, the shipping charges are zero. The 750W e-bikes, however, are shipped from the US, and an additional charge of 299 is levied as a shipping fee.

Pedego

Pedego e-bikes are California headquartered and come with a warranty of 5 years. The model line-up from the brand is Boomerang, City Cruiser, Interceptor, and Ridge Rider.

QuietKat

QuietKat e-bikes company is headquartered in Colorado but has a good distribution network in Canada with 689 stores. The frame comes with a lifetime warranty, and there’s also a financing option available.

Rad Power

Rad Power is a Seattle-based company where e-bikes are designed in the US but made in China. The brand has a showroom in Vancouver.

Rambo

Rambo e-bikes are engineered in the US and shipped to Canada from warehouses in Dublin. The company is known for its range of 500W, 750W, and 1000W and Fender e-bikes.

Trek

Trek is headquartered in Wisconsin in Waterloo. It was founded in 1975. These e-bikes are available in Canada through independent bicycle stores.

International Brands with Distributors Dealers in Canada

BMC

BMC is based out of Grenchen, Switzerland, and the brand was started in 1994. The company sells through dealers in the whole of Europe and North America.

Cube

In 1993, Marcus Puerner founded Cube in Waldershof, Bavaria. Today the company has an impressive range of 400 bikes, including e-bikes. The designing and engineering of the e-bikes are done in Germany, while the products are shipped to almost 67 countries worldwide.

Giant

Giant Bicycles is headquartered in Taiwan. The manufacturing facilities are located in Taiwan, China, Netherlands, and Hungary. It is one of the world’s largest bicycle manufacturing companies and has an office in Toronto, Canada.

Moustache

Moustache is a French e-bike brand headquartered in Vosges. Interestingly, many of its models are named after weekdays in French. It sells its e-bikes in Canada through its dealers.

NCM

NCM is a German brand known for its good-quality engineering and design. It was founded in Hanover in 2014 and got its name from Nickel, Chrome, and Mangan, the three elements that are used to make e-bikes. It has its own retail stores in Vancouver and Toronto.

Orbea

Orbea is based in Mallabia, Spain, and is a part of the Mondragón Cooperative Corporation. The bikes are assembled in Spain, while some other models are made in Portugal. The framesets are made in China. In Canada, you can buy Orbea from selected independent bicycle stores or online.

Polygon

Polygon Bikes have been in the industry for over 25 years. It is Indonesia-based but ships across the world, including Canada, through retailers. It has three models – Path E, Kalosi, and Gili.

Raleigh

Raleigh dates back almost 150 years, when it was launched in Nottinghamshire in England in 1885. It is now owned by the Accell Group, a Netherlands-based company. In 2019, the Canadian Tire Corporation got the exclusive rights to distribute Raleigh bikes in Canada.

Riese Muller

Riese Muller is a bicycle company that was founded by Markus Riese and Heiko Müller and is based out of Darmstadt, Germany. You can get e-bikes from the brand at independent retail stores in Canada.

Merida

Specialized has been around since 1974. The bikes are designed in California and manufactured in Taiwan by Merida Bikes. The brand has a subsidiary in Canada in Quebec.

Stromer

An example of Swiss engineering, Stromer is based out of Bern in Switzerland. The e-bikes are sold in about 20 countries across the world. In Canada, the company sells through its dealers and online.

Tenways

Tenways is a Netherlands-based company that was able to successfully roll out models after crowdfunding initiatives in 2021. Tenways e-bikes can be ordered online in Canada.

Tern

Tern is Taipei-based, with its North American office in the US. It is available in Canada through local bike stores, or one can order online.

Electric Bikes: A Brief History

The first versions of electric bicycles emerged towards the end of the 19th century. Many Americans also licensed their inventions with the patent office, which goes back to the late 1800s.

A guy named Ogden Bolton made his ideas in 1895, a basic battery-powered bicycle, preceded by Hosea Libbey, who built a bike with a double electric engine.

Models of electric bikes with torque sensors and power controls were popular in the late 1990s. The first commercially popular electric bike model was launched in 1997 and called Select. In the early 2000s, two large Japanese firms, Yamaha and Panasonic, became the most significant mass manufacturer of electric bikes.

The key feature of electric bikes comprises a conventional bicycle frame with pedals and a compact electric motor with rechargeable batteries. The strength of such engines differs from the configuration in which the popular engines achieve average speeds of up to 20 miles per hour.

The first recognized types of motors used to date are the direct-drive and the geared form. The transfer of power from the engine to the wheel is through the drive mechanism, which involves a chain drive, a belt-drive, a hub drive, and a friction drive.

Why Should You Get an Electric Bike?

By now, it’s safe to assume that you’re already considering getting your own e-bike. BUT, if you’re not at that stage yet, and you’re only casually scrolling through electric bikes, then let me give you the top reasons on why purchasing an e bike is a great move.

ELECTRIC BIKES PROMOTE Smart COMMUTING

Electric bikes are efficient. that’s undeniable. Now if you’re tired of all the hassle of commuting, then getting an e bike may be a great solution. What’s great with an electric bicycle is that you get to take back control of your time. With a reliable e bike, gone are the days when you spend time waiting for the bus or rushing to catch the train since you can travel at your own pace. In addition, because e bikes are generally more capable, so you can rely on it for an entire day of activities since it offers a longer range and a faster top speed for a more powerful ride.

ELECTRIC BIKES OFFER AN EFFORTLESS AND COMFORTABLE RIDE

If you’re not a very active person, then you might just shrug off the idea of riding a bike. But the good news is. you don’t have to worry about exerting too much effort since its electric components will supplement your physical efforts. With the pedal-assist and throttle-assist modes, the rider will have a more effortless ride when going uphill or whenever passing through rough terrain. And because of its assistive features, you’ll get enough power without exerting too much effort, so your muscles won’t swell after a full day of riding.

ELECTRIC BIKES PROMOTE AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE WITHOUT BEING STRENUOUS

Earlier, we’ve mentioned that electric bikes are effortless to ride. However, that does not mean that there’s no physical effort required from your end. With an e bike, you’re still required to exert some physical effort, good enough to jumpstart an active lifestyle. What this essentially means is that you’ll still get a good exercise and a good sweat after every ride but without the muscle soreness and without sweating too much. and yes, you still burn calories of course!

ELECTRIC BIKES ARE ECO-FRIENDLY AND SUSTAINABLE

Since it’s electric, you can benefit from riding a powerful e-bike without any feeling of guilt. Cycling has always been an evergreen mode of transport, and it still is even when it comes to e-bike. Besides, not just because it’s electric means it’s already not eco-friendly. It’s still eco-friendly and sustainable since it does not have any carbon emissions. Hence, by investing in an e bike, you’re already doing a big part in saving the environement.

How Do Electric Bikes Work?

An electric bike is simply a regular bike. BUT with an added electric mechanism. motor, battery, controller/sensor. As with any other bike, you move by pedaling. The main difference is that pedaling is way more effortless in an electric bicycle since it comes with powerful motors that provide a significant boost, so you won’t be too exhausted when pedaling. This electric boost helps you ride through steep hills, rocky surfaces, and mountainous terrain.

An electric bike usually offers pedal assistance or throttle assistance. But don’t be deceived as you still need to pedal to get these powerful boosts, so you cannot fully rely on the pedal or throttle assist features. What this means is an electric bike merely supplements the physical effort that you’re already exerting for a more powerful performance. thereby allowing you to still enjoy a beneficial amount of exercise.

Going into detail. there are two kinds of assistive-riding modes in an electric bike: pedal-assist, and throttle-assisted riding.

PEDAL-ASSIST: This kind of driving mode feels like you’re just driving a regular bike without heavy resistance from the bike. A pedal-assist feature is extremely helpful when you’re riding in the countryside wherein the riding conditions are challenging. where roads are steep and along off-road trails, since every pedal you make releases an extra boost, thereby supplementing your physical effort. This kind of assistive riding is extra helpful whenever passing through rough roads, hills, and other mountainous terrains, so you won’t have to exert all your efforts just to move forward.

THROTTLE-ASSIST: When it comes to effortless riding, throttle assist will play a significant role. Usually, throttle-assist electric bikes are not available in all three classes of e-bike. This feature is only available in class 2 and class 3 electric bikes. With a throttle-assist feature, you get an ample boost as you ride when you flick the throttle. Now, if you’re wondering if you can rely solely on the throttle, the answer is no. The throttle-assist feature will only work when you’re already moving and still requires a bit of pedaling.

Did we cover everything about riding an electric bike? If not, you can check out this guide on how to ride an electric bike. Or perhaps you can also do a test ride if you know someone who has an electric bike, for a better grip on how it works.

The History of e-Bikes: What To Know

The history of electric bicycles starts with the history of traditional bicycles, which is complicated and full of disagreements among historians. There is even a myth that Leonardo Da Vinci drew a sketch of a bicycle in Codex Atlanticus, though most historians agree this is a forgery. Karl von Drais, a German baron, is credited with the first invention of a bicycle in 1817.

In 1895, the U.S. Patent office registered Ogden Bolton Jr.’s battery-powered bicycle. There were many other electric bicycles registered between 1895 and 1899 but this is considered the first e-bike.

e-Bikes didn’t become popular in the United States until the 2000s. Not only did many models come out in this decade but improvements in battery technology allowed them to be more affordable, fast, and long-lasting.

e-Bike Types: Road, Mountain, and

Just like traditional bikes, e-bikes come in several different styles. Each of these offers benefits in different riding situations. Some manufacturers FOCUS on a single type of e-bike, while others offer several designs in each category.

Road

Road bikes are designed for speed and simplicity. These aerodynamic bicycles usually have drop handlebars and large wheels to excel in long-distance rides on paved roads. Consider a road e-bike if you’re staying on the pavement, looking for a fast ride, and prepared for a ride with little or no suspension.

City

City bikes, also known as commuter bikes, are built for balance. These two-wheeled rides typically include a more comfortable seat, straight handlebars, and a more upright riding position. They’re still geared for use on asphalt but have slightly wider tires for a more relaxed ride. Think of a city bike as a balance between road and beach cruiser alternatives.

Beach Cruiser

The name captures the feeling this type of bike tries to evoke. Beach cruisers are generally a one-speed ride with wide tires, handlebars, and seats. Many have a step-through-style frame for ease of use. You may not be able to beat anyone in a race but you can enjoy your ride with a beach cruiser e-bike.

Mountain

Choose this bicycle type if you’re planning on cycling on dirt trails, uneven paths, or steep inclines. Mountain bikes typically feature multiple gears, rugged tires, and generous suspension systems. A heavy-duty frame may be a great feature for off-road rides but it can be cumbersome for riding on smooth trails. Mountain bikes can also be more expensive and slower than road bikes.

Folding

Take your bicycle with you on public transport or store it in the trunk of your car by choosing a folding e-bike. This convenient design folds in half or in thirds to make a full-size bike fit into surprisingly small spaces. It’s not only useful for transportation but can also make storage more convenient in a small house or apartment.

Folding e-bikes may not be as comfortable or affordable as standard ones. Some seats sit higher than standard seats, which can be a benefit but can also take some adjustment to get used to.

Fat Tire

As the name implies, fat tire e-bikes have larger-than-standard tires. While bicycle tires are generally between 1.75 and 2.21 inches wide, fat tires are usually between 3.7 and 5.2 inches wide, though the specs can vary. These large tires create their own suspension system, so many don’t have a separate system.

Consider a fat tire e-bike if you’re traveling on sand or snow. An extra-wide tire gives you extra stabilization and traction in these difficult riding situations. They can also be useful in off-road terrain. Don’t expect to keep up with road bikes with a fat tire ride. This design is built with durability and traction in mind, not top speed.

Classes of e-Bike

Currently, 26 states and the National Park Service regulate the use of e-bikes through a three-tier classification system. Some streets, trails, and other areas are restricted to certain classes of electric bicycles, so it’s important to understand which model falls into which category. There are some types of e-bikes that don’t comply with any class, which may make it difficult to ride them legally in certain states, parks, and cities. These classifications are generally standardized but it’s important to check with your particular state and local area to confirm each definition.

Class 1

These electric bikes use pedal assist that only operates up to a top speed of 20 miles per hour. A class 1 bicycle itself may be capable of faster speeds but the motor doesn’t assist the rider to go any faster.

Class 2

A class 2 bicycle includes a power-on-demand motor to alternate between assisted riding and full-electric riding. These e-bikes still have a top speed of 20 miles per hour.

Class 3

Class 3 e-bikes can reach top speeds of 28 miles per hour with pedal assistance. As the most restricted category, class 3 bikes typically require additional safety restrictions or aren’t permitted for use in the same areas as other bikes.

The Public Response

While the initial reaction to the invention of e-bikes was slow, these devices have dramatically grown in popularity since the 2000s. Recent years have seen a particularly large boost in e-bike sales. In 2020, there were an estimated 500,000 e-bikes sold in the United States.

While there are some cyclists who are hesitant to switch to the new technology, many embrace it as a fun alternative to analog bicycles. e-Bikes may not replace traditional bicycles but they do offer distinct advantages for commuters. Here are some of the more popular benefits of using an e-bike:

• Decreased commute time: Compared to riding an analog bicycle, e-bikes with pedal assist can be faster and more convenient.
• Reduced effort: Many cyclists enjoy the ease with which e-bikes can climb hills or make long commutes that require less exertion.
• Environmentally friendly alternative: While not as eco-friendly as an analog bicycle, an e-bike does use very little energy compared with a car or motorcycle.
• Popular exercise: Many e-bike riders report cycling more often than they did with an analog bicycle, which means more health benefits due to exercise.

There are, however, some controversies linked with e-bikes, particularly in mountain biking circles. The largest concern is with additional erosion and trail disruption caused by e-bikes. Some electric bicycles have large motors and make considerable amounts of noise compared with analog alternatives. Because e-bikes can travel so much faster, many believe they cause greater levels of erosion and trail damage.

Studies, like one performed by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, show that the level of trail disruption is roughly the same between an electric bicycle and an analog one. Gasoline-powered bicycles, however, were shown to cause more trail damage.

The Evolution of the Electric Bicycle. Part 2

So, when did e bikes become popular? All of the above progression in the world of electric bicycles seems like it would have led to a rise in the popularity of this as a form of transportation. Unfortunately, with the advent and mass production of motor vehicles, electric bicycles fell by the wayside. From here we have to fast forward around 100 years, to the turn of the 21 st Century, in order to see the technological advances which would launch the electrical bicycle into the huge rise in popularity it is experiencing now. What were these technological advances? Battery technology. Lead acid batteries, the type which start your fossil fuel powered car, are heavy, cumbersome, and having these on an ebike was not overly practical. Lead acid batteries do not provide as much power as modern Lithium-Ion batteries. Lithium-Ion batteries, commercialized in the early 90’s, offered an increased capacity along with more power and, importantly, they do this whilst weighing a lot less than their lead acid grandfathers. This lightened ebikes and gave them more power and a larger range, making them much more appealing to a much larger segment of the population. Sensors and Microelectronics. These items are essential for the modern ebike and without them many of the functions we use and love, such as: different levels of pedal assist, battery level monitoring, and electronic speed monitoring; would not exist. Such functions have arisen from the technological boom we’ve seen over the past few decades and would have been unheard of 100 years ago, during the first era of ebike evolution. These technological advances help not only to provide increased functionality and more options to the rider of an ebike, but they also greatly help increase the safety of riding one. Such a topic is even more prevalent in today’s bustling society. Pedal Assist. In 1989 Michael Kutter invented one of the most important progressions in the modern world of electric bikes, the “Pedelec”, standing for Pedal Electric Cycle. This is a function we now know as pedal assist and his idea was to have the motor start running once the rider began pedaling, negating the need for a throttle. Before his invention everyone had always used a throttle function, without using the pedals (which is where some would argue that many of the previous designs were for electric motorbikes, but we’ll let you be the judge of that one). Michael first put this on a personal bike before helping a company create a commercial version in 1992. Since then pedal assist has become quite omnipresent in the ebike industry, both as an assistance and a safety function.

The early 90’s saw the re-invention of the electric bicycle and in the early 2000’s ebike became the term to be using. Thanks to the many benefits offered by ebikes and various new accessories, we’re seeing an ebike revolution as their popularity has steadily grown for close to 20 years, with no current sign of abating! 130 years after the safety bicycle began the first bicycle craze, you could say that we are now entering a worldwide ebike craze as people in the 21 st Century clamor to get themselves one of these trendy, environmentally friendly modes of transport.