Glossary

Ampere-Hour (Ah): A unit of electric charge used to measure the capacity of a battery. It indicates how much current a battery can deliver over time.

Bafang: A popular brand of electric bike motors and components known for its mid-drive systems.

Battery: The power source for the electric motor. E-bikes are equipped with rechargeable batteries, usually lithium-ion, which provide the energy needed for propulsion.

Bikepacking: A form of adventure cycling where riders use e-bikes to explore and travel long distances, often carrying lightweight camping gear.

Bottle Battery: A compact and removable battery design that resembles a water bottle, often used in smaller or step-through frame e-bikes.

Bottom Bracket Height: The distance from the ground to the center of the bike’s bottom bracket, affecting stability and maneuverability.

Cadence Performance: The responsiveness and smoothness of the pedal-assist system in adjusting to changes in pedaling speed.

Cadence Sensor: A sensor that measures how fast the rider is pedaling. It is used in pedal-assist systems to determine the level of assistance provided by the motor.

Carbon Fiber Frame: Frames made from carbon fiber, known for being lightweight and offering a high strength-to-weight ratio.

Controller: The electronic component that regulates the power output from the battery to the motor. It controls the speed and torque of the motor.

Cycling Computer/Display: An electronic display on the e-bike that provides information such as speed, battery level, distance traveled, and assistance level.

Derestricted E-Bike: An e-bike modified or configured to exceed legal speed limits or power restrictions, often used in off-road or private settings.

Dropper Seatpost: A seatpost that can be adjusted up and down with a remote control, enhancing rider control on varied terrain.

E-Bike Classifications: Different categories based on speed and power limits, such as Class 1 (pedal-assist, up to 20 mph), Class 2 (throttle-assist, up to 20 mph), and Class 3 (pedal-assist, up to 28 mph).

E-Bike Insurance: Specialized insurance coverage for electric bikes, offering protection against theft, damage, and liability.

E-Bike Retrofit Kit: A kit containing components that can be added to a traditional bike to convert it into an electric bike.

E-Bike Tuning: Modifications or adjustments made to an e-bike to increase its speed or power beyond legal limits.

E-Cargo Bike: An electric bike designed for carrying cargo. It may have an extended frame, racks, or baskets for transporting goods, making it suitable for utility purposes.

E-City Bike: An electric bike designed for urban commuting and city use. It typically has a comfortable geometry, integrated lights, and fenders for practicality.

E-Fat Bike: An electric bike equipped with wide, fat tires, designed for increased stability on challenging terrains such as sand, snow, or mud.

E-Folding Bike: An electric bike that can be folded for easy storage and transportation. This type is popular among commuters with limited space.

E-Gravel Bike: Combining features of road and gravel bikes, this electric bike is designed for versatile riding on a mix of surfaces, including paved and gravel roads.

E-MTB (Electric Mountain Bike): An electric bike specifically designed for off-road mountain biking. It often features a robust frame, suspension systems, and knobby tires for tackling challenging terrains.

E-Road Bike: An electric bike designed for road cycling. It typically has a lightweight frame and is suitable for riders who want assistance on longer road rides.

E-Step-Through Bike: An electric bike with a step-through frame design, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting. It is often chosen for its accessibility and comfort.

E-Touring Bike: An electric bike optimized for long-distance touring. It often features a comfortable riding position, a durable frame, and the ability to carry luggage.

Electric Bike (e-bike): A bicycle that is equipped with an electric motor to assist propulsion. It can be pedal-assist, meaning the motor provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, or it can have a throttle for direct motor control.

Fat Bike: A type of bike with wide tires, often used in e-bikes for increased stability and traction, especially on rough or soft terrains.

Frame Integration: The design and integration of the electric components into the bike frame, creating a seamless and aesthetically pleasing appearance.

Ghost Pedaling: The sensation of feeling resistance in the pedals when the e-bike is not providing assistance, common in some pedal-assist systems.

Head Tube Angle: The angle of the head tube in relation to the ground, influencing the bike’s handling characteristics, especially in off-road applications.

Hub Drive vs. Mid Drive: Describes the location of the electric motor. Hub drive motors are located in the wheel hub, while mid-drive motors are situated near the bike’s bottom bracket.

Hub Motor: An electric motor located in the hub of either the front or rear wheel. Hub motors are common in e-bikes for their simplicity and ease of installation.

Hydraulic Disc Brakes: Braking systems that use hydraulic fluid to transmit force, providing strong and consistent braking performance.

Integrated E-Bike System: Refers to an electric bike where the motor, battery, and controller are seamlessly integrated into the frame, providing a sleek and unified appearance.

IP Rating (Ingress Protection): A rating that indicates the level of protection against dust and water for electric bike components, such as the motor and battery.

Mid-Drive Motor: An electric motor located near the bike’s bottom bracket, which drives the bike’s chain directly. Mid-drive motors are known for better torque and efficiency on varied terrains.

Mid-Step Frame: A frame design that features a lower top tube, providing a lower standover height for easier mounting and dismounting.

Motor: The electric motor on an e-bike that provides power to assist in propulsion. Motors can be located in various places, such as in the hub of the wheel or within the bike frame.

One-By Drivetrain: Refers to an electric bike with a single chainring in the front, simplifying the gear-shifting system and reducing maintenance.

Pedal-Assist (PAS): An e-bike system where the electric motor provides assistance to the rider’s pedaling. The level of assistance is often adjustable.

Power Modes: Different levels of assistance that can be selected by the rider, adjusting the amount of power provided by the electric motor.

Quick Charger: A charger that can recharge the e-bike battery at a faster rate than standard chargers, reducing charging time.

Quick Release (QR) Axles: Axles that can be quickly and easily removed without tools, facilitating maintenance and transport.

Range Anxiety: The concern or fear of running out of battery power before reaching the destination, influencing rider behavior and route planning.

Range: The distance an e-bike can travel on a single battery charge. Range is affected by factors such as battery capacity, motor efficiency, and terrain.

Regenerative Braking: A feature that allows the e-bike to recover some energy during braking, converting kinetic energy back into electrical energy to recharge the battery.

Smart Battery Management System (BMS): A system that monitors and manages the performance and safety of the e-bike battery, optimizing its lifespan and preventing issues.

Smart E-Bike: An e-bike equipped with smart features such as GPS tracking, connectivity to mobile apps, and the ability to customize settings.

Swappable Battery: A feature allowing the rider to easily remove and replace the battery for charging or upgrading purposes.

Throttle: A control mechanism on an e-bike that allows the rider to control the electric motor directly without pedaling. It’s similar to the throttle on a motorcycle.

Torque Arm: A component designed to reinforce the bike frame in areas where the motor exerts significant force, preventing damage or stress.

Torque Sensing Pedal Assist: A pedal-assist system that adjusts the level of assistance based on the rider’s pedal force, providing a more natural and responsive riding experience.

Torque Sensor: A sensor that measures the force applied to the pedals. It provides a more natural and responsive pedal-assist experience by adjusting the motor output based on the rider’s effort.

Torque-to-Weight Ratio: A measure of the motor’s torque output in relation to the overall weight of the e-bike, influencing performance.

Torque: A measure of the rotational force produced by the e-bike motor. Higher torque values generally indicate better climbing ability.

Voltage: The electric potential difference in an e-bike battery, measured in volts (V). Common voltages for e-bike batteries include 36V, 48V, and 52V.

Walk Mode: A feature allowing the e-bike to move at a slow speed without pedaling, useful for walking the bike uphill or in crowded areas.

Watt-Hour (Wh): A unit of energy measurement used to quantify the capacity of an e-bike battery. Higher watt-hours generally indicate a greater range.

Wireless Diagnostics: Systems that allow the monitoring and adjustment of e-bike settings wirelessly through a mobile app or other devices.