What is a hybrid electric bike

Whenever you think of purchasing a new bike for yourself, or you want to gift an e-bike to your friends, family, etc., when you visit the e-bike manufacturers or dealers, you will learn that there are various categories of e-bikes available out there. Some of them I knew were cargo e-bikes, cruisier e-bikes, folding e-bikes, city e-bikes, etc.

Similarly, hybrid electric bikes are designed for riders who like off-roading as well as commuting on urban streets. Since hybrid e-bikes are a combination of mountain e-bikes and urban e-bikes, let me introduce them separately.

Let’s figure out the Mountain e-bike now:

Electric mountain bikes, or e-mtb, are electric bikes specially designed for riders who enjoy off-roading and adventure riding. I always wondered what the point of purchasing e-mountain bikes was if they had the same capabilities, motor running, and frame materials as other regular e-bikes. So, what’s the difference I got to know? I will tell you about it in the points below.

1. E-Mtbs come with front and rear shock absorbers because, in this segment, riders always want to go on adventure rides, offroading, camping, uphill climbing, etc. 
2. So, keeping the rider’s safety in mind, the e-bike manufacturer provides a front shock and a rear shock absorber to provide a comfortable ride and reasonable control, eventually avoiding accidents.
3. Regardless of the motor placement, whether hub drive or mid-drive, the motor should be robust.
4. I like the mid-drive motor because it is versatile and has reasonable control. Because it is placed in the center of the e-bike, the mid-drive motor generates more power and has an outstanding weight balance.
   1. The mid-drive motor also gives you a better range because of its placement.
   2. The only disadvantage is that it will cost you money.
5. The battery offers a range and is a solid trail contender, so at least try to purchase e-Mtbs with a 418 Wh battery pack. Getting an extra battery pack as a range extender is the cherry on top.

Why the trajectory of urban e-bikes rising:

Urban or street e-bikes are mainly sold in the market. These are very lightweight e-bikes and must not weigh more than twenty kilograms. They come with skinny-fit tires, giving you a good range and boosting initial pickup.

Let me tell you all the ways I use my urban e-bike. I go to the stores and buy groceries. I even sometimes use my urban e-bike to go to my office. It’s also great if you want to go out and spend some leisure time or go out for a picnic. Although, I would prefer this urban e-bike inside the city.

Let’s understand the Hybrid e-bike:

If you want to commute on the streets and go on adventure rides, Hybrid e-bikes are the way to go. Let me share with you what I learned about hybrid e-bikes and what my experience has taught me. If you plan to purchase a new one, always consider these standard features; these are non-negotiables.

On a side note, I’ve found one video in which you will be able to get an overview and walkaround of hybrid e-bikes.

Standard features that you can expect on Hybrid e-bikes:

While researching, I learned some standard features of hybrid e-bikes. If you plan to purchase a new one, consider these features worth it.

• Cadence sensor: 
  • It must have a cadence sensor because this feature will help you in off-roading mode and normal commuting mode.
•  Automatic Day Night Dusk:         
  • It is a light sensor switch directly connected to the battery and the load of the e-bike.
  • The light sensor has a photosensor installed in it, which detects if there is light and turns down the e-bike light. If there is dawn, it will turn the light on.
  • This sensor reduces energy consumption, thus extending the range, cost saving, and battery life of your e-bike.
  • This sensor is IP68, which means it is fully waterproof and dust-resistant.
• Battery Pack:
  • Due to its portability and mobility, I always prefer to purchase a removable battery pack for your e-bike.
  • The removable battery allows you to charge it anywhere quickly. In addition, you get a locking system to protect your battery from theft in a public place.
  • Consider adding a battery (above 300 Wh) to get maximum range without worrying about carrying an additional power bank in long range.

• Charger:
  • Whenever our battery stays overcharged for a long amount of time, it reduces battery life, which eventually costs us a lot because we need to replace our battery more often than its actually required.
  • So, always look for buying an intelligent charger with an auto cut-off feature when your battery gets fully charged, thus further saving battery life and cost.

• Secure Electronic lock:
  • In my opinion, it’s a non-negotiable. You shouldn’t buy a hybrid e-bike that doesn’t have a secured electronic lock.
  • I’m telling you this because the chances of theft and misplacing your e-bike are very high.
  • It allows the correct owner of the e-bike to unlock and use the e-bike.

• Adjustable seat:
  • I’m a tall guy with a height of 5 feet 11 inches, so in my case, if I am not able to get an e-bike featuring adjustable seat height usually, I’m very uncomfortable.
  • So, for me, it becomes necessary to have an adjustable seat height. If you are tall or short, I will recommend checking whether the e-bike seat is perfectly suited to your height; if not, then go with an adjustable seat height. It’s a win-win situation.
  • Also, I forgot to mention that bringing an e-bike featuring adjustable seat height opens an opportunity for various people, such as your father, your brother, your sister, and anybody else be able to use this if needed.
  • So, it’s an innovative feature to have on your e-bike.

The adjustable seat allows the rider to set the seat height up to 1 foot, thus allowing the e-bike rider to ride according to his choice.

• Controller:
  • A sine wave controller ensures a smooth and continuous current flow to the power motor, resulting in quieter, low-noise, efficient operation.
  • And yes, the sine wave controller has less energy loss, resulting in a gain in range and an increase in battery life.

• Torque Sensor:
  • I always recommend having a torque-sensor-equipped hybrid e-bike because it offers good traction control, which will further enhance your riding experience.
  • Also, I forgot to mention that it will save you from unnecessary accidents.
• Class 3 e-bikes:
  • If the rider wants to commute daily with the lightweight and minimalist design, then class 3 e-bikes are specially designed for them. 
  • These e-bikes come with pedal assistance and can reach 28 miles per hour, so they are designed for riders who like speed and adventure.
  • These category e-bikes also come with throttle assist, which provides instant pickup because your motor is always ready to help you. 

• Brakes:
  • You can’t underestimate brakes because they will decide your safety, like avoiding accidents. It will ensure you have reasonable control and high confidence while braking, so I recommend getting an e-bike equipped with hydraulic dual disc brakes. 
  • Auto cut-off sensor brakes must be used to avoid accidents. These sensors send a message to the controller whenever you apply the instant brake, cutting off the power from the power motor. This also helps to avoid damage to the chain sprockets. 

• Superior, powerful hub Motor:
  • The motor plays an essential role in giving exceptional performance, so one should be very careful about it. It converts electrical energy into mechanical energy. 
  • I always recommend a high-wattage, 500W initial torque (900W peak) torque motor because it will deliver exceptional performance.
  • Traction control is better if the motor is placed on the rear than the front. Experts always prefer rear-wheel drive if the riders want to commute on city rides and go off-roading.

Conclusion:

 So, which e-bike should you choose? The answer is very subjective because it depends upon your taste and situation.

I hope this article helped you and that I was able to solve your problem and provide you with enough information related to hybrid e-bikes. If not, then always feel free to leave me a comment, and I will try to help you fix your issues. Thank you so much for your trust and time. Please remember ebikeleague and come back if you face any difficulty with your electric bike.

WITH LOVE,

KEEP RIDING SAFELY