The electric bicycle is making it possible for virtually anyone to find or rekindle their love of riding bikes. One common question that those who are new to electric bikes ask is “how do e-bikes work?” This article will answer that question to help you confidently choose the right electric bike for you.

Just Like a Regular Bike... but Different

At its core, an electric bicycle is just like a regular analog bike. The difference is that an electric bike is equipped with a compact electric motor system that provides pedaling assistance up to a defined speed limit.

Every electric bike has a drive system comprised of three primary components: a battery, a motor, and the controller that serves as the brains for the system.

E-Bike Batteries

The lithium-ion batteries that power modern electric bikes are pretty incredible. They pack an amazing amount of energy into a compact, relatively lightweight, and durable package.

Battery capacity is expressed in watt-hours (Wh), so generally speaking, the more watt-hours your battery has, the more power you have available for assistance. That said, the ultimate battery life is determined by a number of factors, including the type of motor, the terrain you’re riding, and the level of assistance you choose.

When comparing electric bike batteries, it’s easy to think that bigger is better, but that’s not always the case. Ideally, you want a battery that easily accommodates the rides you take but isn’t any larger than is necessary. Why? Because bigger batteries weigh more. It’s as simple as that. For example, if you live in an apartment and need to carry your e-bike up a flight of stairs, you’ll appreciate the lower weight of a smaller battery. Plus, many Cannondale e-bikes can accept a second “range extender” battery should you want to venture further.

Most electric bicycles have batteries that are located inside the downtube or attached to one of the frame tubes externally. On all Cannondale electric bikes, battery power is matched to the needs of the motor and the type of riding the bike is designed for, so you get the lightest, best performing bike for the riding you want to do.

Electric fitness bikes, for example, may only need a battery capable of powering through 40-50 miles, so a lighter, more compact battery can be utilized. On the other hand, bikes such as electric touring bikes or serious long-range commuters need a battery capable of significant range, often 100 miles or more on a single charge. And while these batteries are indeed heavier, the Cannondale design positions them as low in the frame as possible. This keeps the battery weight centralized for easy, predictable handling.

Electric Bike Motors

Each Cannondale electric bicycle is equipped with a motor system that’s optimal for the type of riding the bike is designed for. “Hub-drive” electric bikes use a motor located within the hub of the rear wheel, while “mid-drive” electric bikes locate the motor between the pedals, in the middle of the frame.

Because the motor is stealthily located in the rear hub of the wheel, electric bikes with rear hub motors are often hard to spot as e-bikes. Their discreet nature makes rear hub motors a great choice for lightweight fitness, urban, and road electric bike models.

The low, centralized placement of mid-drive motors makes them a good choice for electric mountain bikes. Additionally, because mid-drive motors take advantage of the bike’s gearing, they’re a good choice for electric bikes designed for touring and urban commuting.

Hub-drive motors are typically less powerful but are also considerably lighter than even the lightest mid-drive motor system. The choice of which motor type is best for you boils down to the type of riding you want to do, and the performance attributes you decide are most important.

The Controller

The controller is the “brain” of an electric bike. It’s sometimes called a head unit, or a display. It takes the battery power and turns it into motorized assistance based on the settings you choose, as well as your pedaling cadence and/or pedaling torque. The controller is usually located on the handlebar, or integrated into the top tube, with buttons to control the assistance level or scroll through the various information screens.

Every Cannondale electric bike offers multiple levels of assistance that are selectable on-the-fly, usually right on the handlebar, so you can choose the best balance of power output and range for the conditions. Selecting a lower assistance level will maximize your battery life, while a more powerful setting will provide more boost, albeit over a shorter window of time.

The Bottom Line

Regardless of the type of riding you’re looking to do, Cannondale has an electric bike for you. Not sure which bike is the one for you? Start your search with our Bike Finder. Prefer personal support in your decision? Find a bike shop near you using our Dealer Locator. Your local Cannondale dealer is happy to help you, go test ride some bikes and make your decision there. Either way, you’re sure to find the right electric bike for you.

Come ride with us.