The 6 elements that make your electric bike run
Electric bicycles have been developing rapidly over the last ten years. It's a real advantage for many cyclists, whether in town or on rural roads. But did you know what electric bikes are made of? Let's take a look at the 6 essential electronic components of your electric bike...
Electric bikes are made up of 6 electronic components that ensure their smooth operation. But what do each of these components do, and why are they essential?
The controller
This is the essential part of your electric bike, and compared to the human being, it represents the brain of your E-Bike. The controller of an electric bike is connected to each of the components (motor, battery, display and brakes). It receives information about your behavior (lighting the display, pedaling, etc.) and sends the necessary commands to the other components to keep your E-Bike running. Like an orchestra conductor, it adjusts the motor's power for smoother or sharper pedaling assistance.
Some controllers even allow you to move at pedestrian speed without pedaling - ideal for urban or pedestrian areas!
It's best to be accompanied in choosing the right product, so you don't choose just any controller lightly. Get in touch with a cycling professional or contact us.
The speed sensor
This sensor can be located :
- On the crankset of your electric bike (in this case, the crankset sensor)
- At the motor (in the case of a crankset motor)
- On the bicycle wheel
This is the electronic element that receives the information that you, the user, are starting to pedal, and that it is therefore necessary to activate the electric assistance. The speed sensor can operate in two ways. The first method triggers assistance after a certain number of pedal revolutions. The second method is a pedaling sensor that works like a force sensor. Assistance is triggered when you press the pedal, not after a certain number of pedal revolutions.
When you buy your E-Bike, make sure it has a pedaling sensor. This is mandatory and complies with standard EN 15194. If your e-bike is not fitted with a pedal sensor, it will be treated as a moped, and you will be required to wear a helmet, have a license plate and take out insurance for your means of transport.
The brakes
Essential for your safety! French legislation stipulates that when the brakes are activated (front or rear), your electric bike's assistance cuts out. The controller receives the information that you have activated one of your two brake handles, and sends the message back to the motor, which automatically cuts off.
Braking quality is often a neglected element of choice in the cycling world. Yet they play an essential role when using an E-bike:
- Your average speed is higher
- Your bike weighs more
- More frequent use
It's therefore important for budding cyclists to choose the best brake in terms of :
- Power: the speed of braking in the face of a sudden obstacle and under any weather conditions
- Progression: for smooth braking
- Ergonomics: adapting to your needs
- Reliability and sturdiness: durability and safety
The display
Displays are the on-board consoles located on your handlebars. LED or LCD, they can indicate several types of information, depending on the brand of your VAE. The basic functions of LED consoles are :
- Your electric bike's ignition
- Assistance level (the assistance level is like the gearbox system in a car. The higher the assistance level you select, the more energy your battery will need).
- Your battery's charge level
LCD displays show additional information, such as your speed in real time, the time of day, your pedaling cadence... The most advanced systems can even serve as a GPS.
You can't interchange displays, as they are specific to the make and model of your E-Bike. The display must also be compatible with the controller. Except for BMZ / KALKHOFF / DOUZE CYCLES displays, you can choose the one best suited to your riding style:
Just choose the right adapter cable !
The motor
They can be located in the rear wheel, crankset or front wheel of your E-Bike. They are, of course, essential to the operation of your E-Bike, as it is the motor that will enable you to benefit from a tenfold increase in power. French legislation states that they must be fitted to an electrically assisted bicycle not exceeding 250 Watts.
The initial manufacturer's warranty is 2 years, after which you can opt to have the motor reconditioned on the brose brand or replaced with a new motor. If you are still under warranty, don't hesitate to contact your dealer to avoid blowing the warranty.
In the event of a faulty motor, you can replace this part to avoid additional costs. At Doctibike we have around ten different pedal motors, all of which we guarantee for 2 years!
The battery
As the energy source of your electric bike, your E-Bike is useless without it. It's your battery that supplies energy to all the components of your electric bike. So remember to charge it regularly so that you don't run out of power when using your E-Bike. Make sure you recharge and maintain it regularly.
There are 4 different types of battery pack technology:
Lead :
- Battery is fairly heavy
- Significant memory effect: you have to wait until the battery is completely discharged before recharging it
- Life limited to 250 cycles
Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd):
- High memory effect
- Poor resistance to cold
Nickel-Metal Hydride (Ni-MH) :
- High memory effect
- Rapid self-discharge (20 to 30% per month)
- High energy density that can be stored
Lithium :
The most widespread on the market due to their performance, while remaining the lightest. Find out all you need to know about lithium batteries here!
When your battery reaches the end of its life, you can replace it with a new one that's compatible with your E-Bike!
Better still, at Doctibike we can recondition your battery with a 2-year guarantee!
Finally, a solution to improve the autonomy and performance of your battery pack, or to get a new battery when your bike model is too old!
To recap, what are the basic interactions involved in using your electric bike?
You have switched on your battery and are sitting on your saddle:
1. You press the On button on your electric bike: Your controller receives the ignition command and transmits it to the battery. The battery sends energy to your display and your display lights up.
2. You start pedalling: The sensor sends the signal to the controller, which then sends energy to the motor. The motor starts up. Once the maximum speed of 25 km/h has been reached, your motor cuts out.
3. A pedestrian crosses at a red light: You apply the brakes on your e-bike. The information is sent to the controller, which tells the battery to stop transmitting energy to the motor. At the same time, the controller also tells your e-bike's motor to switch off.
Doctibike offers a 2-year guarantee on all replacement parts for electric bikes!
