Electric bikes are the vehicle of the future. They are gaining popularity all across the world because of their efficiency and the benefits to the environment. The e-bike market is on the rise and is expected to rise further in the coming years.
One of the biggest advantages of using an electric bike is the added assistance it offers, thereby making riding it to difficult terrains possible and easier. This is the reason why people prefer taking their e-bikes while mountaineering and climbing steep hills.
But what happens when the battery gets discharged? Can you pedal an electric bike (with and without battery)? Let us find out.
Can You Pedal an Electric Bike without Battery?
Though electric bikes are all about the added assistance, the simple answer to this question is yes, you can pedal an electric bike with or without a battery. This won’t damage the motor.
However, it would increase the amount of effort required on your part especially if you are going on a steep hill.
The bottom line is that it is doable to pedal an electric bike without a battery, but not very common. Here are a few reasons why one may want to pedal their electric bike sans battery:
Exercise Is Paramount
One of the reasons why people tend to pedal their electric bike without a battery is when they want to exercise. The pedal-assistance feature reduces the effort needed in riding a bike and may therefore reduce your exercise.
This would be an issue for those people who are used to getting more exercise and especially if they are habitual of riding a traditional bike.
If this is a concern that you have, you may occasionally remove the battery of your bike and get some exercise and also check how much brute power you possess.
Though it is recommended that you keep your electric bike at a 40-60% charge always, it may sometimes not be possible and you can miss charging it. At the same time, you may have to rush somewhere.
In such a scenario, you may take your e-bike sans a battery and pedal your way through your destination. Once you take the battery out, your bike may feel lighter.
Sometimes, people tend to forget to put their battery back after charging their bike and they may then need to pedal their bike without a battery.
When You Have to Cater to Weight Restrictions
There may be times when you have to take your bike to places that have weight limitations. Places with chairlifts would be where your battery could be an issue as the chairlift weighs lighter than the battery.
When You Have to Catch a Flight
Airlines, due to safety reasons, impose restrictions on large batteries. If you have a bike that runs on a heavy-duty battery and you have to carry it elsewhere on a plane, chances are you may have to remove it.
Is It Harder to Pedal an E-bike without a Battery?
There are a couple of factors that would make pedaling an e-bike without a battery harder.
E-Bikes Are Heavier
E-bikes are heavier than traditional bikes, which is why the battery and pedal assistance makes them easy to ride.
The predominant weight is because of the motor and the battery. On average, you can consider an e-bike to weigh around 50 lb or more.
While going downhill won’t be an issue for most riders, if you have to go uphill or steep hill patches, you may feel bogged down by the weight in the absence of any assistance.
Motor resistance makes it difficult to pedal the bike. There are all sorts of motors, some of which offer more resistance, thereby making it difficult to pedal.
Pedaling an e-bike without any assistance not only depends on the difficulty of the terrain and the motor resistance but also personal fitness levels.
For some people, it may be a breeze while some may struggle. Hence, one cannot be certain about the level of difficulty.
How to Ride an E-bike Effectively without a Battery?
Though many people ride an electric bike without a battery, it is important that you do it safely taking the necessary precautions.
- Find yourself a good pace by experimenting with different gears.
- Always keep your battery space clean.
- Ride with zero power and the lowest settings so that you can travel maximum miles.
Can You Pedal an Electric Bike with Battery?
Yes, you can pedal an electric bike with a battery. It is a myth that you don’t have to pedal an electric bike. You can get assistance that improves the speed and efficiency of electric bikes over traditional ones.
E-bikes, mostly, have built-in torque sensors that measure the amount of effort put in by the rider in pedaling. The motor’s output power is regulated in a way that it matches that of the rider.
This is done so that there is harmony between the motor and the rider thereby enabling a smooth riding experience.
You don’t have to go without assistance (because that is precisely the point of getting an electric bike) completely. Instead, adjust the assistance levels and keep them to a minimum if you want to maximize your effort into riding.
Some bars can help you control the effort you put into the riding and you can always switch between modes depending on your mood and the type of terrain you are navigating at the time. So, keep it flexible because you have that option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Though we have tried to cover most questions people have about pedaling electric bikes, there may be some who have more to ask. With this in mind, we have curated a few frequently asked questions just for you. Read on!
Why Should I Get an Electric Bike If I Still Have to Pedal?
This is a common question that many people tend to have and legitimately so. However, the decision to ride an electric bike is so much more than just considering the pedaling.
Electric bikes offer a number of benefits which is why people across the world are warming up to their presence. Here are a few reasons that should help you consider getting one if you don’t have one already.
- They are good for the environment and are going to bring down toxic emissions in the long run. This is one of the topmost priorities of governments across the world, given the level of toxic pollution we are living with.
- They go a long way in keeping the rider fit and healthy. Exercise is important to keep the body in good shape and nothing works magic like bicycling.
One may argue that a traditional bicycle does the job just fine, but electric bikes with their added assistance and flexibility take the experience a notch higher.
- Electric bikes save you a lot of money in the long run. If you make some calculations, you would realize it saves you so much on petrol and diesel while also being environmentally conscious.
Throttle or Pedal Assist: What Is Better?
It is an individual choice and depends on personal preference. Some people prefer throttle as it lets them waltz through without pedaling a lot.
People who switch to electric bikes after riding the traditional ones for a long time may warm up to pedal assistance faster because of the added assistance.
Many bikes offer both options, so you can try both while riding and choose what suits you best and stick to it.
Alternately, you can also keep alternating between throttle and pedal-assist depending on the mood and situation.
How Much Does the Battery of an Electric Bike Costs?
Good quality and new electric bike batteries can set you back by anything between $500 – $900.
Of course, it is a broad range and the actuals will depend on the brand and the battery type. For instance, Bosch batteries are more expensive than many other brands.
How Often Do I Need to Replace the Battery of My Electric Bike?
The shelf life of the battery depends a big deal on its quality and how well you maintain it. On average, a good battery can last anywhere between 2-4 years.
You would have to be vigilant for any signs of wear and tear such as leakages and poor performance that the battery betrays. In such cases, you may have to replace the battery because otherwise, you won’t be able to make the most of your electric bike.
The Final Word
You can pedal an electric bike with and without a battery. Certain things change between the two such as riding without a battery may require more sustained effort on the part of the rider.
On the positive side, this would ensure optimum exercise. You should always weigh the pros and cons based on your needs and inclinations and then pedal your bike sans a battery. It won’t harm the motor in any way.