Bike Talk v.014 🚲

Naturally, there are disadvantages to everything, right? Nothing is perfect!

So, when I think about the disadvantages of an electric bike. Automatically I think about what powers an electric bike. Currently the outdated battery technology in the source. Also, the weight of the hub motor. Although I'm sure this is a common concern amongst riders and buyers alike.

For that reason, I'll focus on the battery and hub motor in this blog. Currently, battery technology is slowly becoming a primary focus for electric transportation manufactures in North America.

This is a very positive move forward, currently the battery that most electric bikes on the market use come from China. The Chinese models are not changing in size of power capacity, and this is something that I strongly believe that we in North America can redesign and make much more efficient.

Battery Trouble

As I mentioned, there are several problems with the current battery used with e-bikes. One, the average battery weighs 7-10 pounds. When you add that to the average mountain bike which weighs 25-28 pounds or the average beach cruiser which weighs 35-40 pounds, your bike will be at least 30+ pounds before the motor.

Two, the average 36V battery will take a rider up to 20-25 miles or more depending on the use of pedal assist. This battery will accommodate a 250-750W motor and will take approximately 6-8 hours to charge. Meanwhile, next-generation batteries that are used in manufactured electric bikes (excluding DIY e-bikes) are charging in 1.5-3 hours.

Three, I'm not sure if this applies to anyone else, however; as for myself, the big and bulky issue of the battery is a problem. When I was building my bike, I originally wanted to fit the battery in the center of the frame.

I soon found that the plan was not feasible due to the second top tube on this particular bike frame. I knew that I would have an issue releasing the battery from the frame for the area would have been a tight space. So, I had to resort to placing the battery at the rear using a rack and that added 12-15 pounds to my payload.

Four, 18650 batteries are old technology. These batteries are at least three years old and there have since been better advancements toward more sustainable batteries. A great example is Yinlong batteries. Unlike the old 18650's, the Yinlong LTO Lithium's are lighter weight and more powerful. Also, it will only take a fraction of these batteries to create the same amount of power necessary from a 18650 battery pack.

Motor Work

I am a huge fav of the Hub Motor; it is the easiest way to convert an average bike to an electric power player. There are many great things about the hub motor technology, then there are also the not-so-great things about the hub motor.

One, the hub motor weighs between 7-10lbs, much like the battery. When the frame, battery, and motor are all assembled and placed the bike weight can be from 39-49lbs.

As you can see with all the added weight the bike obviously becomes heavier and less able to control. I am quite certain that the weight of the hub motor can improve immensely. A great example would be the UrbanX conversion wheel which weighs 15 pounds including the battery. UrbanX also charges in 1.5 hours.

Two, the motor is unable to redistribute the weight causing it to lose power going up inclines. Weight redistribution is generally new with e-bike systems. In fact, I have only heard it mentioned in two e-bikes that I've researched so far, the UrbanX and the Swytch Kit.

The concept of weight distribution is a principle to an e-bikes performance. The lesser stress put on the battery will allow more miles to travel.

Three, this is not so much a problem as it is a nuisance but, the controller can use a sleek redesign. The controller isn't extremely large, but the size is outdated. The controller is roughly the size of a handheld medium drone. I say that this is outdated only because techs are building computers the size of an Altoid box. Surely a motor controller can be reduced to that size.

So, that's it! The disadvantages from the POV of an e-bike rider and builder. The battery size, outdated technology, and power supplied. The motor's size, the capability to redistribute weight, and the controller's size and performance ability.

Now, I'm not saying by any means that electric bikes are not worth building or buying. You should totally do both! I'm only warning of what to expect from batteries and hub motors on the market today.

It's fair to say now that the e-bike industry is finally arriving in North America, we have many years of technical improvement ahead of us. Many automakers are extending their reach toward two-wheel electric, that includes the US powerhouse of electric transportation, Tesla Motors. Tesla is already developing an electric bike that will blow all the rest out of the water.

The future sure looks greener, and greener.