Electric bicycles are one of the most popular types of hybrid vehicles currently on the market. An electric bike, also called an electric , or simply an e-bike, is a normal bicycle with an electric engine attached used mainly to assist propulsion rather than propel the bicycle. Electric bicycles are usually much cheaper to operate than comparable gasoline powered bicycles and are great for low mileage travel. E-bikes do not feature wind resistance like other bikes do and therefore, an e-bikes’ fuel cost is significantly lower than comparable gasoline powered bicycles. Some e-bikes have a small battery pack, but this pack usually only has enough power for about one hour of riding time.
Most modern e-bikes use a mechanism called the drive systems, which are responsible for converting the kinetic energy of the rider’s pedaling into electrical energy needed to power the e-bikes motor. Drive systems come in two main forms: front wheel drive (fixed) and rear wheel drive (fixed without a hub) drive systems. The drive system on an e-bikes varies according to the model. Many e-bikes, like the e-bikes manufactured by Bosch, employ a chain drive system.
Bosch manufactures several popular electric bikes such as the e-Tec Tour Expert DS200S. The e-Tec Tour uses a chain drive system that allows it to be easily modified for different riding surfaces and for different terrains. Some models however, can be fitted with a gear shift to allow for more steering control during the ride. The e-Tec Tour Expert however incorporates a front mounted throttle that allows the rider to use a foot pedal for greater control. The front rack bike is equipped with a front disc brake that allows for increased braking force in any situation.