Saturday, June 7, 2008

Instructions to Use an Electric Bike

Using an electric bike is just like riding a regular bike with a few perks. Electric bikes give you that little boost needed to make it up a hill, and they help you travel longer distances. Here are a few tips on using an electric bike.

Things You’ll Need:
electric bike battery
electric bike
bicycle helmet

1. Adjust the seat to fit your body size. The seat should be high enough that your legs are slightly bent when you are in the down stroke of pedaling. Balance and comfort are the keys to enjoying the ride.

2. Be sure the battery is fully charged. Then turn on the power switch.

3. Begin pedaling, as this will conserve the battery charge. It takes a lot of battery power to start from a dead stop. Use the electric feature only when you need to get up a tough incline or simply need a break from pedaling.

4. Engage the battery power by using the throttle on the handle bars. It will disengage when you quit pedaling or take your hand off the throttle. Some bikes have pedal-activated power, which engages when you are riding up a steep incline.

5. To increase your speed, first pedal to your desired speed and then engage the throttle. This will conserve your battery power for those tough hills. For pedal-activated bikes, the power will automatically engage when you begin the incline.

6. Apply brakes to slow down or stop.

7. Turn off the power switch when done riding.

What is Electric Bicycles?

By Ken Marlborough

Electric bicycles work that same way as ordinary bicycles with the exception that they are fitted with a small electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery. The electric motor helps preserve the cyclist's energy, raise the speed, and makes riding more convenient. Electric bicycles are great boons for people who love the outdoors and want to travel from place to place on a small, non-polluting vehicle. Additionally, riding these bicycles is a brilliant form of exercise.

Mainly, electric bicycles come in two categories- power-assist (pedal activated) and power-on-demand (throttle activated.) In power-assist bicycles, the motor is activated by pedaling. They help you commute long distances easily. They are very popular among students and commuters and are also a great option for people who are trying to improve their physical fitness. In the power-on-demand type, the electric motor is regulated by a handlebar mounted throttle.

Electric bicycles are useful and efficient. Most of them are classified as zero-emission vehicles because their motors do not produce any harmful emission. Usage of electric bicycles in place of conventional automobiles lessens traffic problems in cities. These are calm and they help reduce sound pollution caused by automobiles. Furthermore, recharging of the batteries take only a few hours and is less expensive.

In recent years, electric bicycles have received a great deal of media attraction. The price, registration fees, and insurance are lower than other bicycles. Solar charged electric bicycles are also very popular these days. NYCewheels, Giant, eZeebike and LashOut are among the most reputed retailers of electric bicycles.