Electric bicycles have two major types of controllers for determining how the battery provides power to the motor to assist the rider. The two main types are pedelec or throttle contol. This article explains the differences.

Electric Bicycles and Electric Scooters are very different beasts. How do you choose the mode of transport that best meets your needs?

Electric bikes are very cool and there sure are lots of them to choose from - problem is, most of them are junk. Almost all of the production comes out of China and the quality controls shown in most brands have proven very poor to date. Even good brands seem to have good batches and bad batches depending on where they are assembled and where the components are sourced. Good batteries, bad batteries, good controllers, bad controllers, good wiring, bad wiring - the consistency just is not there.

The type of tires on your electric bicycle can be a more important decision than the tires on your conventional bicycle. For the average rider, electric bikes are traveling at higher speeds than a conventional bike. They are also a bit heavier due to the battery and motor weight and the fact that people often are carrying laptops, groceries, and the other paraphernalia associated with urban commuting. Good traction under a wide variety of conditions is important to the urban bike commuter.

The PRESTO consortium presents - part of the European Cyclists Federation, has published one of the most comprehensive documents relating to electric bicycles (pedelecs). It is essential reading for those involved with cycling or transportation policy. Municipal planners should also be aware of the contents of this document to understand the role of electric bicycles in an overall transportation and commuting plan.