It can. Technology exists that allows an electric bike to recharge its own battery through braking: when you use the brakes, a brake sensor triggers the motor to kick into ‘reverse mode’ and use the energy of the bicycle’s forward motion to charge the battery (instead of dissipating this energy as heat through the brakes). This technology is called regenerative braking. It is common on electric cars, but less common on electric bicycles.
While it is possible and provides an effective form of engine braking it does not give a very good return on power. For this reason the additional complexity and weight of a regenerative system vs the return is often negligible.
Sometimes people ask whether our electric bikes will recharge while pedaling. Although it is conceivable that this could be done, because of the low 10% return on input, you would need to pedal 10km to give 1km charge. For this reason all our electric bikes simply plug into the wall to charge. A typical charge takes around 4 hours and costs around 16c.
You can read more about charging and battery capacity in our other FAQ's here, or learn about how to care for your Bosch e-bike battery by clicking on the image below.
Electric bikes have grown in popularity in recent years, and for good reasons.
They are sustainable, convenient, and allow you to travel faster and further.
Many people are curious if you have to pedal the entire time when you ride an electric bike or if it will charge as you go.
Generally, the answer is that electric bikes do not charge as you pedal. However, there are a few exceptions to this answer.
For some models, you don’t have to pedal constantly; you can stop pedaling at any time, and the bike will continue to run.
However, don’t stop pedaling for too long because the battery will eventually die.
With other models, the throttle can take you the distance without any pedaling necessary.
Do your research!
If you’re looking for an electric bike that will charge as you pedal, there are a few options on the market.
However, these bikes are more expensive and may not be widely available. Do your research to find what type of electric bike is right for you and your needs.
What Is an Electric Bike?
An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that can be used for propulsion.
E-bikes can be classified into two main types:
These bikes are becoming increasingly popular, especially in Europe and Asia. In 2016, global sales of e-bikes reached over $6 billion.
This number is expected to grow as more people become interested in this type of transportation.
Throttle models require the rider to twist the throttle to activate the motor.
The throttle allows the rider to accelerate using the handlebar grip instead of pedaling, which is an excellent feature for those who want to get up to speed quickly or who live in a hilly area.
Throttle electric bikes are also considered more powerful, which can be a bonus when traveling long distances.
Most e-bikes sold are pedal-assist models, which require the rider to pedal to engage the motor. A pedal-assist has a motor that assists the rider only when pedaling, making it much more like a traditional bike than an electric scooter or motorcycle.
Pedal-assist electric bikes, or PAEBs, are growing in popularity because they are:
Regenerative Braking
Some electric bikes have a feature called regenerative braking, which allows the bike to recharge the battery while you are riding.
This feature is most commonly found on throttle models, as it is difficult to pedal and brake simultaneously.
When you use the brakes on a bike with regenerative braking, the motor acts as a generator and produces electricity. This electricity is stored in the battery, which the bike can then use to power the motor.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Using an electric bike with regenerative braking has many pros and cons.
However, this may be the perfect option for you, depending on what you are looking for in an e-bike.
Regenerative braking is not very common, as it is only found on a few models of electric bikes. However, it is a useful feature if you are interested in lengthening the range of your e-bike.
Speed and Range
Electric bikes are a great way to get around. They’re fast and have a range that can take you anywhere you want to go.
The speed of an electric bike depends on the battery and the motor.
Batteries come in different capacities, so you need to find one that fits your needs. The higher the capacity, the faster the bike will go.
Likewise, the more powerful the motor, the faster it can go. The range is also vital to consider. Electric bikes can go anywhere from 20 miles all the way up to 100 miles on a single charge.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are the most commonly asked questions regarding electric bikes and how they charge.
How does an electric bike keep its charge?
There is a lot of discussion on this topic because there are many ways to keep your electric bike charged for your journey ahead. Some electric bike models charge their battery while you are using the throttle. Other models use a procedure called regenerative braking to charge and lengthen the life of your electric bike battery.
What are the top pedal-assist electric bike models?
Pedal-assist electric bikes are a great option for those looking for an electric bike that still requires some effort from the rider. Many different models of pedal-assist electric bikes are available, so it can be tricky to decide which one is right for you. Here are some of the top pedal-assist electric bike models on the market today:
What should I look for when choosing my electric bike?
What are some of the top throttle electric bike models?
The Zero Emission World electric bike and the Evelo Quest One electric bike are the most popular. These models offer a great ride and a wide range of features that make them perfect for anyone looking for a full-throttle electric bike. The Zero Emission World electric bike is a great choice for anyone looking for an eco-friendly option. This bike is powered by a lithium-ion battery, which makes it completely emissions-free. The Evelo Quest One electric bike is another great full throttle model. This bike also comes with a lithium-ion battery, which makes it environmentally friendly. With its powerful motor and long-range capabilities, the Evelo Quest One is perfect for anyone who wants to get the most out of their electric bike.
Do electric bikes come with pedals?
Yes, electric bikes come with pedals. However, a few models come with a throttle-only option, which means that the bike will move forward without any pedaling required.
Do electric bikes have gears?
Yes, electric bikes can have gears.
How much do electric bikes cost?
The price of an electric bike can vary greatly depending on the model you choose. Electric bikes can range from only $600 to more than $8000.
Closing Notes
Electric bikes are becoming more popular, especially in this day and age. People are looking to save money on gas and reduce their carbon footprint.
But do they really work? Do electric bikes charge as you pedal?
Generally, electric bikes typically do not charge as you pedal. However, because this is the case, knowing all the information you need when purchasing your electric bike is essential.
Although your e-bike may not charge while you pedal, there are other ways your bike can keep its charge during use.
There are many electric bikes to choose from If you are interested in purchasing one. There are various options to choose from depending on the terrain you would bike on. Do your research on at least a few of the best-valued electric bikes you can purchase on the market now.
Jason Hawkley is a biking enthusiast, which is a nice way of saying he’s a total nerd when it comes to bikes. One day while mountain biking through the woods in New Hampshire, the idea came him to create Our Streets as a way to share his biking passion with you.