Electric Bikes vs Regular Bikes: What's the Difference?

With increasing trends in sustainability, e-bikes or electric bikes are increasingly gaining popularity. Similarly, regular bikes have remained an evergreen popular choice amongst daily commuters and first-time riders. This distinctly similar approach to different types of bikes available today puts us in a pickle of choosing the better one simply by principle. And if you're beginning your cycling adventures or starting again after years of break, knowing the difference between electric and normal cycles is essential. 

Suppose you want to shop for your first bike or a new one for future adventures. In that case, we have prepared a brief guide comparing electric bikes vs. regular bikes and their advantages and disadvantages. We also deep-dive into the unique aspects of the two to help you choose the right bike for you. Ultimately, the choice of electric cycles vs normal cycles remains according to your preferences. 

What Constitutes a Regular Bicycle?

A regular bicycle, often called a traditional bicycle, is a human-powered vehicle usually equipped with pedals and two wheels to propel it forward. These versatile cycles typically come in different types and forms that specifically cater to the rider's requirements, including on-roading and off-roading. They are a healthy and efficient mode of transportation, fitness, or sports vehicle. 

What Is an Electric Cycle? 

An electric cycle or bike is a regular bicycle equipped with an electric motor integrated for propulsion. These cycles combine the traditional functionalities of a regular cycle, such as sports, transportation and recreation, with speed and power due to the assistance of an electrical motor's added power. 

When comparing electric cycles vs normal cycles, an electric bike is an excellent choice for commuters, recreational riders, and beginners, as well as off-roading experiences, making for an efficient & cost-effective mode of transportation. 

Difference Between an Electric Cycle and A Normal Cycle

Electric Bikes Vs Normal Bikes: Components 

Traditional and electric cycles have the same mechanical components, such as pedals, handlebars, chains, and frames. However, the latter has some extra components compared to regular cycles. This is the key difference between an electric cycle and a normal cycle.  Moreover, these essential components are what to look for in an electric bike that is premium and comfortable, as they help it transform from a traditional one. These basic components are: 

Electric Motor 

This distinction is essential in our debate about electric bikes vs normal bikes, as the key difference between the two is the presence of a motor. There are two types of motors: a hub motor and a mid-drive motor. The motor provides the extra power needed for pedalling the cycle. 

Battery

A battery provides the motor's power supply, influencing the distance an electric bike can travel. Investing in a battery-operated e-bike is necessary for those seeking electric bikes for daily commutes. 

Controls

Controls are the components that help you manage the power flow in your e-bikes. They can be switches, buttons, or flips integrated into the bikes' displays. These components differentiate the two in our comparison of the normal cycle vs. the electric cycle.

E-bikes Vs Regular Bikes: Weight

Another differentiating factor for our electric bike vs regular bike blog is the weight of the two bikes. E-bikes are heavier than traditional bikes due to the addition of the components mentioned earlier. This weight affects a bike's handling, manoeuvrability, and ease of transportation. 

However, e-bikes more than make up for their weight by assisting your pedalling; that is, they are electric-powered pedalling, making uphill and long-distance rides easier. Traditional bikes are a better choice if your primary goal behind purchasing a bicycle is fitness or weight management. Similarly, e-bikes are an excellent choice if you're a long-distance rider. 

Electric Bike Vs Regular Bike: Maintenance 

Maintenance is an essential part of the cycling culture's routine. While both types of bikes require regular care and maintenance, and you can take them to the same local shop, e-bike maintenance ought to be much more intentional. This is because an electric bike features additional components, such as motors, that require extra attention. 

The cost difference between electric bicycle maintenance and a normal cycle is that an e-bike is slightly more expensive than a traditional one. This is due to the e-bikes' specialised motors, tyres, and controllers. 

Normal Cycle Vs Electric Cycle: Cost

When considering whether to purchase e-bikes or regular bikes, the first factor that comes to mind is the cost. Which of the two bikes is more expensive? E-bikes are undoubtedly more costly than other conventional options on the market. A premium quality e-bike can cost you twice as much but with added benefits. 

It's essential to consider your budget, lifestyle goals, and experience riding e-bikes or normal bikes. Geekay Bikes provides options for people seeking affordable and budget-friendly bikes. You can find the best cycles under 15000 and cycles under 20k, which could suit those on a budget.

E-bikes Or Regular Bikes: Which Bike Is Right for You? 

Ending our comparison of e-bikes vs regular bikes, choosing the right bike for you depends on several factors, such as motor, range, price, comfort, and size. However, the most important one is knowing the purpose behind your purchase. You should ask yourself what you will use the bike or e-bike for. 

If the answer is to stay fit and healthy, consider a traditional option. On the other hand, if you hop on those long-riding adventures, you can opt for an e-bike. Other than that, for e-bikes, if you're travelling long distances, you should verify if your route contains the availability of charging stations or battery charge to total capacity. 

In the context of e-bikes or normal bikes, there are different types of bikes available at Geekay Bikes that serve your specific requirements based on gender and age as well. At Geekay Bikes, you can find premium quality products and biking accessories at inexpensive prices. 

FAQs- E-Bikes Vs Regular Bikes

Q. Do electric bikes help fitness?

A. Yes, electric bikes can provide fitness benefits since they are the preferred means of transport for long-distance travel and uphill terrain. The e-bike motor makes cycling more convenient, thus aiding in fitness compared to no cycling. 

Q. Are e-bikes safer than e-scooters?

A. Yes, e-bikes are considered a safer vehicle choice than e-scooters. The former offers a broader wheel, a stable frame and control system, and superior braking. However, safety in the context of electric bikes vs electric scooters ultimately depends on the rider's behaviour, adherence to traffic laws, and road and weather conditions. 

Q. Can you convert a normal cycle into an electric cycle?

A. Conversion kits can convert a normal cycle into an electric cycle. Since the difference between an electric cycle and a normal cycle is electrical components such as motors and batteries, these kits provide the necessary components with instructions, and you can assemble them yourself or with mechanical assistance.