Why are e-Bikes Heavier than Regular Ones and is It Really Important?

Electric bicycles are fun to ride! That alone should be reason enough to get one, shouldn’t it? But if not, you should know that by riding an electric bike, you stay in shape and contribute to saving our planet. It cannot get any better than that! If you are interested in finding the ideal commuting vehicle, electric bicycles have the upper hand. They are much more economical to run compared to a car or a motorcycle.

In the current market, one electric bicycle stands out: the Delfast TOP 3.0. This e-bike is perfect for any travel route. Equipped with a high-capacity battery and high-end components, Top 3.0 can take you everywhere. Whether you do sports or commute, the TOP 3.0 will meet all the challenges. Moreover, you can travel as far as 200 miles on one charge with this vehicle! It would be a superb companion for your off-road cycling too, don’t you agree?

Why are e-Bikes Heavier?

Although electric bicycles have many good things to offer, a feature of these vehicles is sometimes mentioned as a drawback: their weight. It is undeniable that electric bikes are heavier than regular ones. You can expect a minimum weight of 44 lb and, in some cases, up to 160 lb. This weight can be an inconvenience if you have to carry your e-bike on the stairs several floors up to your apartment. It is also a problem if you have to lift it onto a rack or train. But why are electric bikes so heavy?

The pedal-assistance mode of electric bikes comes at a price. Unlike regular pedal bicycles, an e-bike is equipped with a motor, battery, display, control system, and, in some cases, special tires. Add the weight of the wiring that interconnects all the e-devices and you get a pretty heavy two-wheeler. What’s more, manufacturers often use a more durable type of steel to make the frame. A more resistant frame is needed to cope with the weight of the electric motor. These are some of the heaviest parts of an e-bike:

•  Electric motor. This component is the heaviest part of an electric bike. It can weigh as much as 17.6 lb, depending on the type and power. However, the TOP 3.0 utilizes a high-end electric motor that can create 3,000W (and up to 6,000W) without exceeding the weight of a typical e-bike motor.
• Battery. A Lithium-ion battery significantly adds weight. The weight depends on the battery’s capacity and construction. High-capable TOP 3.0 battery weight 38 lb.
• Display and control system. An electric bike is equipped with several sensors that monitor the condition of the vehicle at all moments. These sensors are connected to a display unit through electric wires. Also, the control commands for different parts of the e-bike are relayed through wires.
•   Some manufacturers beef up their electric bikes by replacing regular tires with wider ones. These special tires allow the e-bike to ride on rough terrain more safely. However, such tires add some extra weight (even if minimal). The TOP 3.0 is equipped with motocross tires, which can be upgraded for either offroad or commuting tires at an extra cost. Delfast has published a great guide about e-bike tires.

But is It Worth It?

Many beginners think that one should get a lighter bicycle to ride faster. It is a great choice for riding flat terrains and simple pedaling. However, when you use the pedal-assist mode, riding on an e-bike will always be faster. It is particularly useful while checking out the uphill terrain. So, if you want to enjoy your ride to the fullest, an electric bike is the way to go. Don’t worry about the extra weight. If you don’t have to carry your vehicle up or down, you won’t even notice it’s heavier than average.

More importantly, the extra weight makes your electric bike studier and more durable. You can ride it confidently on off-road paths if it is designed for that purpose. Your e-bike will last longer than a regular counterpart. No, it has nothing to do with falling apples! Since an e-bike has more weight, it is harder to change its direction with an unintentional displacement of the wheel. It means that you can have more control over your two-wheeler.

Final word

So now you know that an electric motor, a battery, sensors, and the control system add weight. However, the extra weight is not a drawback like some people think. Quite the contrary! Heavy e-bike provides more opportunities: rock the challenging terrain, ride your hometown or enjoy commuting.  Extra weight makes your e-bike sturdier, more durable, and reliable. Stay tuned to know more about electric bikes by subscribing to the Delfast newsletter.