Your E-Bike Questions — Answered

FREQUENTED ASKED QUESTIONS

MICROMOBILITY

The value depends entirely on the chosen components.

We offer bicycles with a conventional derailleur, as well as models with an internal gear hub that allows for the installation of a nearly indestructible carbon belt drive.

The main difference in pricing lies in the electric components, such as the motor and battery.

In short, the electric bike removes all the disadvantages of a conventional bicycle.
You can go further without pedaling more and get tired less.
In urban environments like Porto, with its constant ups and downs, motor assistance makes perfect sense, as with a conventional bicycle, you wouldn’t be able to cover the same distances on the same routes.

There are also advantages in touring, as the effortless logic applies in the same measure for leisure.

For the ones looking to have fun by grand touring, powerful batteries help - considerably - increasing the distances further and further.

The mountain adventurers are as well covered, with robust models to dominate the challenging terrains.

Yes, you can!

There are so many options, since compact/foldable bicycles (for the ones that also travel through public transportation) to high-speed models (for further distances).

Check here our article about micromobility as an urban concept.

SUSTAINABILITY

Not only the future: it is the present.

The bicycle is the top choice for mobility in many countries, but it's increasingly being replaced by the E-Bike.

Just look at cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, and Münster for a broader perspective. The number of bike paths is growing, along with financial support to make cities more bike-friendly.

Considering all the advantages of E-Bikes, it's only a matter of time before they become mainstream.

The moment you choose to ride a bicycle instead of a CO2 emitting vehicle, you are contributing to a greener planet.

On the other hand, the electric bicycle production is lighter for the environment, thanks to its eco-materials.

It depends on what we consider as expensive.

In short terms, the electric bicycle is a conventional bicycle with an electric engine, that is by far its most expensive component. Other highlights are also imperative, such as the battery, display and electric sensors.

If we take into account the cost/benefit, any E-Bike option turns out to be cheap.

As an innovative and disruptive product, the initial investment can be considerable.

However, it does not requires insurance neither parking slot. Beyond that, the only electric consumption is a small dent on the monthly electric bill.

The fun factor is enormous: you pedal more without getting tired as much.

BATTERIES

It depends on the type of battery.

As an example, a PowerPack 500Wh, by BOSCH, unloaded, with a conventional 230V charger, 4-ampere charger (that usually comes with the E-Bike), can take up to 4 hours to reach 100%.

The fast charger options can reduce this time to sensibly half.

It depends on the battery type and various factors, such as how it's used.

For a 500Wh model, you can expect a reliable range of 60 to 100 kilometers, typically requiring a full charge every three days.

A battery's lifespan depends on usage and proper care.

Even with careful handling, such as storing it away from high temperatures, the battery naturally degrades with each complete cycle after its initial use.

Under ideal conditions, you can generally expect it to last around two to three years.

Yes, most electric bicycles include this feature.

Some models are equipped with a safety mechanism that can be unlocked with a key, allowing you to securely lock the battery in the frame or remove it for added convenience.

The integrated battery in the frame is merely aesthetic.

It still has the same characteristics as the exterior one, meaning it can also be removed from the bicycle's frame.

In the majority of electric bicycle models, it is still the rule to charge the battery in a plug.

The ongoing battery charge will be indeed an innovation to count on in the future.

Lithium-ion batteries can load an unload hundreds of times (some brands even point to the four digits).

But - and yet again - a careful use is a key to a healthy and everlasting battery.

An electric bicycle without a battery is still a conventional bicycle, in which the main driving force is - as it always was - our legs.

Batteries consume energy based on a watt per hour ratio. For example, a 500 Wh can provide a maximum of a 500 Watt assistance for one hour.

Nevertheless, the mathematics is simple: the more watt-hours we have, the further the support we will get.

Assuming we have a 500 Wh battery, and that the kilowatt rate is 15 cents, to 100% charge we would spend something like 7 cents.

It is, although the correct term is water-resistant. But that does not mean we can cross rivers with it or leave the bicycle on a cold rainy night.

HOW thE e-BIKE WORKS

On an electric bicycle, a display shows us information such as real-time speed, estimated distance according to the selected engine mode and current battery level, between others.

Most importantly, the display allows us to control the electric motor.

It helps better balance the gravity centre of the electric bicycle, so that means increased stability. Also, it is possible to obtain increased efficiency from the battery.

Not at all!

Some urban bikes pass by completely unnoticed, even in moments of effort (such as going uphill).

Such as in the conventional bicycle, the frame is the more robust component.

Nevertheless, it is advisable to use a steel chain or a foldable locker strong enough to lock the bicycle's frame and the front wheel to an electric post, tree or bicycle dock.

Preferably, we also advise locking the saddle, bearing in mind that after the front wheel is the most susceptible component.

Nowadays, you can enhance your e-bike's security with advanced systems like Bosch's alarm technology.
This innovative system combines a motion-sensitive alarm with a GPS tracker.
If someone tampers with your e-bike, the alarm emits a loud warning sound to deter theft.
In addition, the GPS tracker allows you to locate your bike's position in real time through a connected app.
For extra security, the system also disables the motor, making it impossible for thieves to ride away with your e-bike.
This comprehensive protection offers peace of mind and ensures your e-bike stays safe.

CIRCULATION

In terms of assistance, a standard electric bicycle offers motor support up to 25 km/h.

On the other hand, high-speed versions can reach up to 45 km/h.

However, with a bit more effort from our legs or in special situations (like going downhill), we can exceed these speeds.

Depending on the system, it is possible to gear a shift while the bicycle stopped. The internal gear hub system such as the Shimano Nexus or Enviolo NuVinci have this characteristic.

For the urban context, such as Porto, it is at all preferable bearing in mind it helps ride through the many ups and downs.

It offers assistance alongside the selected engine mode, pedal pressure and general speed.

We have traditionally four options:

• Eco, for battery saving;

• Tour, for a continuous ride;

• Sport, if we want a bit more of power;

• Turbo, which means maximum assistance and battery usage.

Performance Line CX mountain models, by Bosch, include the eMTB mode, that automatically reads the need for support through the pedal pressure, between the values of the Tour and Turbo modes.

As a velocipede, the electric bicycle can circulate either on the road, bicycle path or priority vehicle lanes. Sidewalks are exclusive for pedestrians.

No. But you are not free of fines if you commit counter-infractions.

As a velocipede, insurance is not mandatory.

Yes. Usually, specific spots are better suitable to do so, such as the first and the last wagon on trains or near the back door of the bus.

Beyond our weight, an electric bicycle can carry around 110/120 kg.

However, cargo models can double these values.

CARES TO HAVE

Yes, of course!

Even though an electric bicycle allows you to go further than a conventional one, you can still maintain a healthy lifestyle while enjoying the ride.

It's all about having fun while staying active!

A regular electric bicycle can weight from 20 to 26/27 kg.

We can clean the same way as the conventional bicycle.

The exception is regarding the electric components, that require special care.

Generally, they are protected by good sealing by most brands.

You can still ride in bad weather, as the electric bike helps you manage strong winds.

However, prolonged exposure to rain may damage some components.

Fortunately, manufacturers, like Riese & Müller, ensure their models are well-sealed to protect key parts from the elements.

The top brands design models that perform hundreds of calculations per minute, taking into account factors like pedal pressure, pedal rotations per minute, selected gear, and the total weight of the bike, among others.

Based on this data, the system adjusts the level of assistance according to the chosen motor mode.

Although it is not mandatory to wear a helmet while riding a conventional bicycle, on an electric that is not the case.

For your sake - and others - always use a helmet whether the chosen bike.

The price is certainly one indicator of a product's quality, but how limited would we be if we only considered the price tag?

It’s a mistake not to explore other options and fully understand what we’re about to invest in.

That’s why trying it out is essential to gaining the best possible knowledge before making a decision.