Electric Bikes: Your Questions Answered

As one of the premier providers of quality Electric Bikes in Dublin, we often discuss these bicycles' advantages with our customers at Mike's Bikes. While electric bikes have been around in one form or another for decades, the recent advances in battery technology have made them a cost-effective, attractive choice for Dubliners on both sides of the Liffey.

inevitably clients have questions about electric bikes, and our team of experts often field en quirieson everything from pricing to safety. So, to make selecting an electric bike that much easier, we've gathered some of the most common questions and added them below.

Of course, if you have a query not explored in this blog, please reach out to our Dublin bike shop directly. Our team of bicycle experts will happily answer any questions – electric bike related or otherwise – that you may have.

What are electric bikes?

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that can assist the rider in propelling the bike forward. The rider can control the level of assistance the motor provides, making riding uphill or against headwinds much easier. Some e-bikes also have a throttle that allows the rider to control the amount of power the motor delivers, independent of pedalling.

E-bikes are becoming more popular in urban areas as they can make it easier for people to get around without relying on a car. They are also becoming a popular alternative to traditional bicycles for commuters and recreational riders who want to extend their distance or tackle hills with less effort.

How much are electric bikes in Ireland?

The cost of electric bikes in Ireland can vary widely depending on the type of bike, its features, and the brand. For example, our Online store has a budget Italwin Lite E-Bike that costs €1,800.00. On the upper end of the price spectrum, we also stock the Orbea Urrun 10, which will set you back €4,799.00. Your budget and requirements should dictate the price you pay. However, the cost of an electric bike is affected by:

Motor: Different types of motors can have different price points. Mid-drive motors, which are integrated into the bike's crank, tend to be more expensive than hub motors, which are integrated into the wheel hub.

Battery: The capacity and type of battery used in an e-bike can also affect the cost. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries but are also more lightweight and have a longer lifespan.

Features: E-bikes with additional features, such as suspension, lights, racks, and bags, may be more expensive than those without these features.

Brand: Some brands are well-known for making high-quality e-bikes, which are more expensive than lesser-known brands.

It's worth noting that the prices of our e-bikes change. Mike's Bikes runs promotions, so check our website and call in-store regularly. The government also runs a Cycle to Work Scheme, which helps to offset the cost of e-bikes and cycling accessories.

How do Electric Bikes Work?

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, work by using an electric motor to assist the rider in propelling the bike forward. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which stores electrical energy that can be used to drive the motor.

Here's a basic overview of how an e-bike works:

The rider pedals the bike in the usual way, turning the cranks and drivetrain. The pedalling motion activates a sensor, which sends a signal to the bike's controller.

The controller, typically located on the handlebars, receives the signal and determines the level of assistance needed based on the rider's pedalling effort and the bike's speed.

The controller sends power from the battery to the motor.

The motor then assists the rider by turning the wheel, making it easier to pedal.

Some e-bikes use a "throttle" in addition to the pedal assist, allowing the rider to control the amount of power the motor provides independently of pedalling.

The amount of power the motor provides is measured in watts, and typical e-bikes have motors that deliver between 250 and 750 watts of power. Some advanced e-bikes can have higher power motors, up to 1000 or 1500 watts. The battery capacity also varies widely between e-bikes, with some batteries having a total of 300 to 400 watt-hours, while others can have over 1000 watt-hours.

How fast are electric bikes?

The speed of an electric bike, or e-bike, can vary depending on the type of bike, the level of assistance the motor provides, the rider's pedalling effort, and the terrain.

As per European regulation, most e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of around 25-45km/h (15-28mph).

This means that the bike cannot go faster than this speed when the rider is pedalling and the motor is providing assistance. The rider can still pedal more quickly than this speed, but the motor will not provide additional help.

However some e-bikes might have a higher maximum assisted speed, but it depends on the local laws and regulations.

In addition, some e-bikes are equipped with a "throttle" feature that can allow the rider to go faster without pedalling, but again the maximum speed will be restricted by the region's regulations.

Keep in mind that e-bikes are not designed to be fast; they are designed to assist the rider in making pedalling easier, allowing longer rides, climbing steep hills and so on.

E-bikes should be used within the legal limit, and always be aware of the surrounding traffic.

There you have it, some of the most common questions regarding electric bikes answered. Are you ready to quit the car and take up cycling? We recommend calling Mike's Bikes today. We can advise on the right bike for your unique needs and budget. We can also discuss payment plans and advise on availing of the government's Cycle to Work Scheme. When looking for the best selection of electric bikes in Dublin, please check out Mike’s Bike’s retail shop or our online store today.