Electric Bike Technology Glossary
Last Updated on August 8, 2024 by Kristina Grant
Battery-Related Terms
- Amp-hours (Ah): A measure of battery capacity, indicating the amount of current a battery can deliver for one hour. For example, a 10Ah battery can theoretically supply 10 amps of current for one hour.
- Watt-hours (Wh): A measure of battery energy, representing the total amount of energy a battery can store. It’s calculated by multiplying the battery’s voltage by its amp-hour capacity. A higher Wh rating generally indicates a longer range.
- Charging time: The duration it takes to fully recharge a battery. Factors affecting charging time include battery capacity, charger type, and battery temperature.
- Battery life cycle: The number of complete charge and discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity significantly diminishes. This is typically measured in terms of percentage capacity loss.
- Battery management system (BMS): An electronic circuit that monitors and regulates battery charging, discharging, and overall health. It prevents overcharging, over-discharging, and excessive temperature, ensuring optimal battery performance and lifespan.
- Regenerative braking: Converting kinetic energy (the energy of motion) into electrical energy during braking to recharge the battery. This helps extend the battery’s range.
- State of charge (SOC): The amount of energy currently stored in a battery, expressed as a percentage. It indicates how much charge remains before needing a recharge.
- Depth of discharge (DOD): The percentage of a battery’s capacity that is used during a discharge cycle. Frequent deep discharges can shorten a battery’s lifespan.
- Charging efficiency: The ratio of energy input to energy stored in the battery during charging. Not all the energy supplied to the charger is converted into usable energy for the battery.
- Battery temperature: The temperature of the battery, which affects its performance and lifespan. High temperatures can reduce battery capacity and lifespan, while extremely low temperatures can impact charging efficiency.
RELATED CONTENT – How to Change Your Electric Bike Battery
Motor-Related Terms
- Peak power: The maximum power output a motor can deliver for a short duration, often measured in watts. It’s useful for accelerating quickly or overcoming steep hills.
- Continuous power: The sustained power output a motor can deliver over an extended period without overheating. It’s a more reliable indicator of a motor’s performance.
- Torque: The rotational force produced by the motor, measured in Newton-meters (Nm). High torque is essential for climbing hills and carrying heavy loads.
- Efficiency: The ratio of output power to input power of the motor, expressed as a percentage. A higher efficiency means less energy is wasted as heat.
- Controller: The electronic component that regulates the motor’s speed and power output, acting as the “brain” of the electric bike.
- Sensorless motor control: A motor control method that estimates motor position and speed without using sensors, which can be less precise but simpler.
- Sensor-based motor control: A motor control method that utilizes sensors to accurately monitor motor position and speed, resulting in smoother and more efficient operation.
- Brushless motor: An electric motor without brushes, offering higher efficiency, longer lifespan, and smoother operation.
- Brushed motor: An older type of electric motor with brushes, known for lower efficiency, shorter lifespan, and higher maintenance.
- Gear reduction: A mechanism that increases motor torque at the expense of speed, allowing for better hill-climbing ability.
- Inverter: Converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the motor.
- Field-oriented control (FOC): A motor control technique for maximizing efficiency and performance.
- Hall sensor: A sensor used in motor controllers to detect motor position.
RELATED CONTENT – Ebike Motor Type Guide
Display and Controls
- LCD display: Liquid Crystal Display, offering a clear and customizable interface for displaying various information such as speed, battery level, pedal assist level, and more.
- LED display: Light-Emitting Diode display, typically simpler and less informative than LCD displays, often used for basic indicators.
- TFT display: Thin-Film Transistor display, providing high-resolution color visuals and advanced graphics capabilities.
- Throttle: A hand-operated control that regulates motor power independently of pedaling, allowing for variable speed control.
- Pedal assist levels: Different selectable modes that determine the level of motor assistance provided based on pedaling effort.
- Walk assist: A low-speed mode that enables the bike to be propelled slowly without pedaling, helpful for maneuvering in tight spaces or on flat terrain.
- Shift sensor: A component that detects gear changes and adjusts motor output accordingly for optimal performance and efficiency.
- Control buttons: Physical buttons or touchscreens used to navigate menus, adjust settings, and activate features.
- Indicator lights: Visual cues for various functions, such as battery level, headlight status, and turn signals.
RELATED CONTENT – Pedal Assist Vs Throttle Control: Choosing the Right Ebike
Additional Terms
- E-bike: Short for electric bike.
- Pedelec: Another term for electric bike, particularly used in Europe.
- Power assist: The electric motor’s support to the rider’s pedaling.
- Range extender: An additional battery pack for extending the bike’s range.
- Smart bike: An e-bike with advanced features like connectivity and data analysis.
- E-bike conversion kit: A kit to convert a traditional bike into an electric bike.
- Motor controller: The electronic component that regulates motor speed and power.
- Hall sensor: A sensor used in motor controllers to detect motor position.
- Voltage regulator: Maintains a stable voltage to the electrical system.
- Charger: The device used to recharge the e-bike battery.
- Display unit: The screen showing information like speed, battery level, and mode.
- Hill climbing ability: The e-bike’s performance on inclines, influenced by motor power, torque, and gearing.
- Acceleration: How quickly the e-bike reaches desired speed, determined by motor power and controller responsiveness.
- Top speed: The maximum speed achievable by the e-bike, influenced by motor power, gearing, and local regulations.
- Comfort: The overall riding experience, influenced by factors like seat, handlebars, suspension, and tire quality.
- Range anxiety: The fear of running out of battery power.
- Pedal assist modes: Different levels of motor assistance (e.g., Eco, Tour, Sport).
- Smart charging: Optimizing battery life through intelligent charging patterns.
- Over-the-air (OTA) updates: Updating e-bike software remotely.
- Inverter: Converts DC power from the battery to AC power for the motor.
- Field-oriented control (FOC): A motor control technique for maximizing efficiency and performance.
- Coulomb counting: A battery state-of-charge estimation method.
- Open circuit voltage (OCV): Voltage of a battery when no current is flowing.
- Internal resistance: Opposition to current flow within a battery.
- Specific energy: Energy stored per unit mass of a battery.
- Energy density: Energy stored per unit volume of a battery.
E-bike Classifications
E-bike classifications categorize electric bikes based on motor power, maximum speed, and other factors. Different classes have varying regulations and permitted riding areas.
- Class 1: Pedal-assist bicycles with a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h) when pedaling.
- Class 2: Throttle-assisted bicycles with a maximum speed of 20 mph (32 km/h).
- Class 3: Speed-pedelecs with pedal assist up to 28 mph (45 km/h), equipped with a speedometer.
RELATED CONTENT – Class 3 Ebikes: A Comprehensive Guide
Note: Regulations for e-bike classes can vary by location, so it’s essential to check local laws before riding.
If you can’t find the term you’re looking for, please leave a comment below and we’ll add it.
Kristina Grant is not just an enthusiast but a true authority on electric bikes. Nestled in the coastal beauty of Virginia, Kristina has found the perfect backdrop for her passion for electric biking. As a dedicated wife and homeschooling mom, her life revolves around family, faith, and the thrill of adventure.
Originally hailing from Ohio, Kristina's journey with electric bikes began as a curiosity and quickly evolved into a deep expertise. Her blog is a testament to her love for electric biking, combining her fascination for eco-friendly transportation with her coastal lifestyle.
When she's not cruising the beach on her electric bike, you'll find Kristina indulging in her other loves: long walks along the shore, getting lost in a good book, and cherishing moments with her loved ones. With a heart as big as her love for animals, especially cats, Kristina brings a unique perspective to the electric bike world, grounded in her strong faith in God and her dedication to a sustainable lifestyle.
Through her blog, Kristina shares her extensive knowledge of electric bikes, offering valuable insights, tips, and recommendations to fellow enthusiasts. Whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the electric bike scene, Kristina's blog is your go-to source for all things electric biking, fueled by her passion, expertise, and the scenic beauty of coastal Virginia.
