Electric bikes rise in popularity every year, and for good reason. They’re fast, efficient, and fun. But many new riders have plenty of questions when it comes to choosing an e-bike.
One common question cyclists at Fancy Apple ask is, “Can you use an electric bike as a normal bike?” The short answer is: Yes!
Understandably, a significant concern people have about riding an e-bike is the battery life of the motor. What happens when the battery dies?
Thankfully, you won’t be stranded in the middle of your journey if the motor or battery stops working. E-bikes can be used the same way as a normal bike. There are just a few key differences to consider.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or it’s your first time riding a bike, we outline everything you need to know about electric bicycles and how you can use them like a traditional bike.
Technical Features
Before picking out an e-bike, it’s important to know how it differs from a regular bike.
Electric bikes have the same framework as traditional road bikes, which is why you can ride them manually if necessary. However, the added electronic features of e-bikes take bike riding to the next level.
E-bikes
E-bikes have some additional technical features that make them unique:
- Electric motor: Most e-bikes use hub motors mounted to the back wheel. These motors are low-maintenance and last a long time. E-bikes can also use mid-drive motors mounted to the pedals. They allow for more gear shift control.
- Batteries: E-bike batteries usually mount on the center of the bike frame. An average battery pack will get you up to 40 miles per charge at 10 to 25 mph. Some batteries are heavy and large, so keep that in mind if you plan to ride your e-bike without the motor.
- Cadence sensor: Cadence pedal sensors turn on the e-bike motor when you start pedaling and turn it off when you stop. It’s an efficient way to trigger the pedal assist and conserve battery power.
- Brakes: Every bike needs brakes! Most e-bikes use a mechanical disc brake system. Regenerative brakes that charge your battery while you pedal are possible but not worth it. Biking doesn’t create the velocity necessary to get the most out of regenerative brakes.
The added features of an e-bike make them fast and efficient options for commuters and city cyclists.
Normal Bikes
The technical features of a traditional road bike haven’t changed much since the late 1800s.
Every road bike has the same basic parts:
- Bike frame: A standard bike frame is made of aluminum and/or carbon. They are typically more lightweight than an e-bike frame because they don’t have to bear the weight of a motor and battery.
- Brakes: Traditional bicycle models have either rim brakes or road disc brakes. Rim brakes clamp the wheel rims of the bike. Road disc brakes clamp the hub disc rotors and usually work better.
- Cassette and derailleur: These two features work together to control the gear speed of a regular bike. You can go pretty fast on a road bike, depending on the type and size of the cassette and derailleur.
Road bikes travel quickly and efficiently over paved surfaces, making them great for commuting through the city or spending a day in the park. There are plenty of benefits of cycling with a regular bike.
Riding an E-bike Without the Help of the Motor
So, can you use an electric bike as a normal bike without the help of a motor? Definitely!
E-bikes still work if the motor isn’t on, although it isn’t ideal for some. If you ride an e-bike manually, pedaling can be more challenging because it’s heavier. The motor adds extra weight, and the bike frame is usually a heavier material.
Some Fancy Apple cyclists use their e-bikes without the motor when they want a good workout or want to take their time pedaling around Central Park. Check out a selection of our bikes and start planning your next e-bike ride.
Сan You Ride an E-bike Without the Battery?
Yes, you can ride an electric bicycle without a battery.
If your battery dies while you are out on a bike ride, you can still pedal with your own two feet. Of course, it will take a lot more energy, but it’s doable!
Without the battery, you won’t be able to use the pedal assist, motor, or cadence sensor. No worries, though, because the pedals and wheels work just fine.
Final Thoughts: Should You Use an E-bike as a Regular Bike?
Deciding whether or not you want to ride an e-bike manually depends on personal preference. With an electric bike, you get the flexibility of a speedy e-ride or turning the pedal assist to zero for some good old-fashioned pedal power. It’s up to you!
Get the best of both worlds with Fancy Apple electric bike rentals. You can rent a new e-bike for a quick zip around Central Park or grab an electric tandem bike for a day of family fun.
Explore the technical features of our quality bikes and see what works best for you. Whatever you choose, it’s sure to be a blast.
FAQ:
It’s not hard to pedal an electric bike. If you turn the pedal assist to 0, it’s the same as pedaling a traditional bicycle. If you have the motor running on the e-bike, it’s even easier! You pedal and travel faster on an e-bike.
It depends on what you’re looking to get out of an e-bike. E-bikes are easier to ride if you use the motor and pedal assist for every ride.
If you want to pedal your e-bike manually, it’s possible but a little more challenging. An e-bike weighs more than a traditional bike, so pedaling can be tiresome if you go a long way.
E-bikes weigh more than regular bikes because of the electric motor and battery pack.
The average electric bike weighs around 40 lbs but can weigh more depending on the style and size of the motor.
Some lightweight electric bikes on the market weigh 20 to 30 lbs. These models have smaller batteries and motors, so they won’t have as much power.