An electric bike, or e-bike, is a bicycle equipped with an electric motor to assist the rider when pedaling. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery and can provide assistance up to speeds of 25 to 32 km/h (16 to 20 mph) . There are two broad categories of e-bikes:
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Pedelecs: These bikes assist the riders pedal-power, meaning the motor only provides assistance when the rider is pedaling.
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Throttle-assisted bikes: These bikes add a throttle, which allows the rider to control the motor without pedaling, similar to a moped.
E-bikes use the same parts as regular bicycles and are meant to augment human power, not completely replace it. The electric component makes obstacles like hills and headwinds more manageable and allows riders to travel further without getting as tired. The amount of assistance provided by the motor can be adjusted with different levels of assist, and some e-bikes have a throttle button that will assist the rider even when they don't pedal. Motors are typically part of the wheel called a hub drive or center-mounted at the crank and called a mid-drive. E-bikes have a range of gearing for getting uphill and going faster on flats.
