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What eBike's Modes Are Available?
What is an eBike's Range?
- Throttle Assist (Class 2)
Similar to how a motorcycle or scooter operates. When the throttle is engaged the motor provides power and propels the bike forward. The rider can pedal or just kick back and enjoy a “free” ride! Most throttles can be adjusted between low and full power.
- Pedal Assist (Only mode considered on this blog)
Provides power only when the rider is pedaling similar to riding a traditional bike. The rider can focus purely on your pedaling and doesn’t have to hold the throttle.
What eBike's Motors Are Available?
What eBike's Motors Are Available?
What is an eBike's Range?
The range depends on a wide range of conditions. Bosch (Trek) has provided a range calculator.
https://www.bosch-ebike.com/en/service/range-assistant/
Specialized list 80 miles or 120 miles (with option booster) for the Vado (most likely this is in ECO mode, see below)
In the case of Pedal-Assist e-bikes (Class 1 &3) the range also depends of the level of assist,
Is there a bicyclist & cargo weight limit?
Trek lists 240 lb for aluminum and 215 lb for carbon.
Neither Specialized nor Giant list a limit.
Can you ride an eBike in the rain?
Some bikes are more water resistant than others – even the best electric bikes can be damaged by water penetration. The components on many good quality electric bikes are tested and certified based on their resistance to water penetration.
If commuting, or using an ebike extensively in heavy rain, select one that has a high IP rating for water resistance of a written guarantee from the manufacturer.
IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings – Bicycle components can be given an ‘IP’ rating to indicate how resistant to water they are. In reality, IP ratings should be treated as a guide.
Also, the electrical system is only as strong as the weakest link. Having a motor with a high IP rating and a controller which is not IP rated, may leave you without power even in moderate rain.
The letters IP are followed by two numbers. The first number is the solid particles protection (e.g. dust and dirt). The second number is the water protection.
The 7 in the rating of IP67 means that the component should withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The higher the IP rating the more the component should be able to withstand heavy rain or a soaking.
The pressure of water when plowing headfirst into a stream may actually be significantly greater than the pressure at 1m depth (the IP rating is based on the pressure at 1m depth with no water current). Likewise, your bike may be in heavy rain for more than 30 minutes.
Also, the electrical system on an ebike is only as strong as the weakest link. If you have a motor with a high IP rating and a controller which is not IP rated may leave you without power even in moderate rain.
In Practice – Many eBikers report that their bikes are quite resilient and can withstand riding through heavy rain, mud, puddles and streams without issue.
General advice for wet conditions: Cover the more vulnerable areas such as battery connections, charger socket, power controller and LCD meter with a plastic bag when exposed to heavy rain.
In addition:
Specialized list 80 miles or 120 miles (with option booster) for the Vado (most likely this is in ECO mode, see below)
In the case of Pedal-Assist e-bikes (Class 1 &3) the range also depends of the level of assist,
- 0 - No power assist
- ECO - Enough power to take the weight of the bike off
- 1,2,3 - Incremental steps on power assist that will cap when reaching 20 mph
- Sport, S - Full power output having a 28 mph cap
- Off-Road / Race - Full system power without a speed limiter. Use only where allowed like non-public roads.
Is there a bicyclist & cargo weight limit?
Trek lists 240 lb for aluminum and 215 lb for carbon.
Neither Specialized nor Giant list a limit.
Can you ride an eBike in the rain?
Some bikes are more water resistant than others – even the best electric bikes can be damaged by water penetration. The components on many good quality electric bikes are tested and certified based on their resistance to water penetration.
If commuting, or using an ebike extensively in heavy rain, select one that has a high IP rating for water resistance of a written guarantee from the manufacturer.
IP (Ingress Protection) Ratings – Bicycle components can be given an ‘IP’ rating to indicate how resistant to water they are. In reality, IP ratings should be treated as a guide.
Also, the electrical system is only as strong as the weakest link. Having a motor with a high IP rating and a controller which is not IP rated, may leave you without power even in moderate rain.
The letters IP are followed by two numbers. The first number is the solid particles protection (e.g. dust and dirt). The second number is the water protection.
The 7 in the rating of IP67 means that the component should withstand immersion in water up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. The higher the IP rating the more the component should be able to withstand heavy rain or a soaking.
The pressure of water when plowing headfirst into a stream may actually be significantly greater than the pressure at 1m depth (the IP rating is based on the pressure at 1m depth with no water current). Likewise, your bike may be in heavy rain for more than 30 minutes.
Also, the electrical system on an ebike is only as strong as the weakest link. If you have a motor with a high IP rating and a controller which is not IP rated may leave you without power even in moderate rain.
In Practice – Many eBikers report that their bikes are quite resilient and can withstand riding through heavy rain, mud, puddles and streams without issue.
General advice for wet conditions: Cover the more vulnerable areas such as battery connections, charger socket, power controller and LCD meter with a plastic bag when exposed to heavy rain.
In addition:
- Cover an ebike when left out or transported in the rain.
- Dry a wet ebike with a towel or soft cloth.
- Disconnect any components where water may be trapped and leave them in a dry, warm environment away from damp and moisture for at least 24 hrs.
- If water enters the power controller or LCD, dry the outside of the device and then put the component in a bag of dried rice (or another desiccant).
- When cycling in very wet conditions, put a plastic bag over the more delicate electrical components (controller, display etc).
- Never use a pressure washer to clean the electrical components of an eBike.
- Use marine grease or silicone sealant to seal exposed connectors etc.
- After a wet or muddy ride, remove the battery and dry the case and the electrical contact points.
- Don’t allow an ebike to become submerged in water.
- Repair or replace cracked covers, connectors and screens.
