“First of all, it can be said that electric bicycles are so unknown to us. People in Europe and elsewhere are increasingly choosing electric bicycles, ”says Juris Mikulens, head of the Fans Prosport bicycle division.
Electric bicycles are advanced and comfortable. They are much easier to drive.
“E-bike will help you cover the same distance and not get tired,” adds Agnis Matisāns, Bosch E-Bike Service Manager.
The electric bicycle is much more expensive than a regular walking vehicle, but in many places it has already become an alternative mode of transport.
“Electric bicycles are chosen by people who understand that it is more economical. The problem today is fuel prices. European countries have already calculated how long it will pay off. A good electric bike that costs 3000 – 4000 has a payback period of 18 months. At that time, you get your money back. ”
In addition, it is still a bike that requires muscle strength, albeit much less. The electric motor only works when you pedal. Its power and torque depend not only on the power of the engine – because it is programmable, but also on the type of bicycle.
“City bikes have quieter engines, mountain bikes have more power.”
If you look at the electric bicycles displayed in the Fans store, you can only guess at how fast the industry is developing.
Cube electric bicycles with German Bosch engines appeared in Fana stores only a few years ago. According to legend, the first Bosch electric bike engine was developed from a Volkswagen electric power steering, but look where we are now.
“The new fourth-generation engine is 49% lighter and significantly smaller.”
“It looks like an electric motor removed from an e bike, It weighs 4 kg. Along with batteries, the weight of the bike increases, so it is necessary to change its usage habits. The question arises, how far can you go with such an e bike? ” Normunds Avotiņš asks.
“The distance to be covered is a difficult topic, as it depends on weight, driving style and headwind. But with an average battery of 80 – 100 km. If not, let’s make a diagnosis to understand why. Here we have the latest and most capacious Bosch battery – 750 Wh. With this you can drive 120 – 140 km. There are bicycles complete with 2 batteries. Then you can cover about 200 km on a single charge. ”
Continuing the similarity with electric cars, e – bike batteries are also depleting. The Bosch battery is designed for 500 charge cycles, or about 50,000 km, which is an abnormal mileage for the bike. However, the battery will still not be disposed of.
“After these 50,000 km, if a new battery could cover 100 km, then they will be 70.”
It is clear that it is not enough to simply sell electric bicycles, service is also needed. Five years ago, there was no workshop in Latvia that could handle a Bosch electric motor bike. Bosch now has an authorized Bosch e bike service.
“We have gained a lot of experience related to drives, motors and batteries. Maybe you want to install a light bulb, but don’t know if there are wires inside? Is the engine twitching over time. We can diagnose and prevent it. ”
With a special program, the older Bosch engine can be given a second youth.
“If the bike is 5-10 years old, there is a very good chance that we can make it more economical and brisk.”
Electric motors are manufactured by many, but there is often a lack of authorized service. This can affect the value of a used bike.
“By choosing Bosch products, you know that it will be possible to receive support not only in Latvia but all over the world. They provide technical support for products that have ceased production. ”
The latest generation electric bike with the Bosch system is already controlled from a smartphone, which can also be charged from the same bike.
“Here you can connect a smartphone, enter parameters, power, speed, torque. We can block, activate the alarm and track. ”
The electric bicycle is 7 – 8 kg heavier than usual. Every day on the fifth floor I will not stretch. Bicycle storage places appear in Riga. The owners have estimated that people who use bicycles live in the house and need to store them somewhere. Normally, you should not stretch to 5 floors, but remember to remove the battery when storing your bike.
“It’s also interesting that people who travel by plane take an e-bike with them, but the battery can’t be taken away. That’s why we rent batteries to tourists. ”
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