Electric bicycles (pedelecs-25) have an electric assist motor that makes cycling easier for less trained people. It is often a lack of athleticism at the beginning that prevents people from taking up a bicycle at all. With an electric bike, everyone can exercise, protect the environment and gradually build up their fitness in a healthy way.

An auxiliary motor is particularly useful on hills and provides an extra boost. How much help you need can be regulated with a control unit on the handlebars.

On average, an electric bike 30% saves leg power compared to a normal bike. The cyclist's heart rate also increases by 20 to 30 beats per minute less. An electric bike is therefore a good alternative for untrained people, overweight people, senior citizens or people with cardiovascular problems or knee problems. However, as the electric bike is also physically demanding, medical advice is recommended.

The fact that you can set the push force yourself means that you can work on your condition step by step and improve it gently.

 

An electric bike is also popular for the daily commute to work, because you can ride in a suit and hardly break a sweat.

Die-hard cyclists like to say that an electric bike is "cheating". But you should remain unimpressed. It's better to train gently with a bit of "cheating" and enjoy nature than to miss out on the pleasure completely. Anyone who makes fun of people with electric bikes is narrow-minded. Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular. In 2011, four per cent of all bikes sold in Germany were electric bikes. This represents an increase of 55% compared to 2010.

 

Pedelecs-25 and Pedelecs-45

 

Pedelecs-25 are electric bicycles whose auxiliary motor switches off automatically when a speed of 25 km/h is exceeded.

Pedelecs-45 allow the rider to accelerate up to 45 km/h and are therefore legally classed as mopeds. People born after 30 March 1965 need a moped driving licence for mopeds. Pedelecs-45 must also have liability insurance and a licence plate.

 

What to look out for in a good electric bike

 

Battery

The average range of the battery should be around 50 kilometres. This means that a distance of up to 100 km can be achieved without a headwind and on straight stretches.

The performance of the battery decreases after 300 to 500 charges. A good battery should have a two-year guarantee.

 

Control unit

The control unit is important for power adjustment. It allows you to regulate how much assistance you want from the motor. A good control unit has several power levels and indicates how long the battery will last.

 

Frame

A good bicycle frame must be stable without being too heavy. A good guideline is a weight of 20 to 25 kg (unloaded). The frame should also have a ten-year guarantee.

 

Engine

Depending on the model, the auxiliary motor is located on the front wheel, rear wheel or on the axle. A front motor is more suitable for hilly terrain. The desired power output of the motor depends on individual requirements. If you mainly want to improve your fitness, you will need a less powerful model. People with health problems should look for more powerful support from the motor.