FAQ

The most frequently asked questions.

Energy bike markets a new generation of electrically assisted bicycles (EAB) with lithium ion batteries. The French market is growing every year as this new alternative means of transportation has already proven its efficiency.

These bicycles / electric bikes designed for the city as are aimed at all those, even beginners, who simply move easily and without effort.

The speed is limited to 25 km/h according to the standards in force (NF EN 15194 and NF EN 14764) and the autonomy is between 40 and 50 km. The motor starts automatically after the first pedal revolution and stops when you stop pedaling. These electric bicycles / bikes designed for the city are intended for all those, even beginners, who move simply, easily and without effort.

Energy-bike propose également des VTT électriques au look résolument plus sportif comme le à moteur 250 watts ou le surpuissant BIG BANG à moteur de 500 watts (à utiliser uniquement sur voie privée pour ce dernier) . Cette lignée de VTT à assistance électrique offre une excellente autonomie. Energy-bike vous propose des modèles très perfectionnés et légers avec des caractéristiques exclusives. Ils sont commercialisés sans intermédiaires pour des tarifs compétitifs.

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ELECTRIC BIKES - WHAT CRITERIA?

The European directive sets out the criteria for an electrically-assisted bicycle to be used on public roads:

• The assistance must only be provided when the cyclist is pedalling, and must be switched off when the pedalling stops. However, it is allowed to use a start-up assistance without pedalling, but it must not exceed 6 km/h.

• The assistance must be switched off at 25 km/h maximum

• Motor power must not exceed 250 Watts

Important: If your electrically assisted bicycle does not meet any of these characteristics, it is classified as a moped and requires special approval.

WHAT ARE THE FRENCH AND EUROPEAN STANDARDS FOR VAE?

In France, CE approval is not enough and an electrically assisted bicycle (EAB) is subject to the same standards as a conventional cycle and must comply with Decree 95-937 on bicycles.

The new European standard NF EN 15194 Published in May 2009, this standard, specific to electrically assisted bicycles, specifies the safety requirements and test methods for evaluating the design and assembly of EABs. For the end user, this rather strict standard is a guarantee of quality and safety for the electrically-assisted bicycle he or she is about to purchase. In France, a good number of models, particularly those imported from Asia, do not meet this approval and are therefore not approved.

HOW DO I KNOW IF A BIKE IS APPROVED?

We strongly advise you to ask for a copy of the EN 15194 and EN 14764 approval certificates and to keep them.

What are the risks of unlicensed e-bikes? For a private individual, the main risk is in the event of an accident on the public highway and an investigation by the insurer who may refuse to cover you.

TO RIDE AN ELECTRIC BIKE, DO YOU NEED A SPECIAL DRIVING LICENCE OR TO REGISTER IT?

Depending on your city/region/country, fast e-bikes (up to 45 km/h) may require a special permit or need to be registered. The regulations change regularly, so it is advisable to check with the local authorities.

ARE ELECTRIC BIKES LIKE ELECTRIC MOTORBIKES?

No: electric bikes are started by means of a throttle. E-bikes, on the other hand, use a pedal-assist system, which means that the power of the pedal influences the level of assistance. The pedal-assist e-bike is exceptionally intuitive to use, and anyone who has ridden a conventional bike will quickly find their feet.

WHAT KIND OF SENSATIONS DOES THIS TYPE OF BIKE OFFER?

Simply put, Energy Bike’s electric bikes amplify your pedalling effort. You just pedal like any other bike, except that you’ll feel the wind at your back all the time and the hills will fade away.

WHAT IS THE TOP SPEED?

For precise information on top speeds, refer to the specifications of each model and the availability on the market. In general, the top speed is between 25 and 45 km/h.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO CHARGE THE BATTERY?

It takes about 3 to 5 hours to fully charge, depending on the battery level before charging.

HOW DOES BATTERY CHARGING WORK?

These batteries charge in exactly the same way as your laptop or phone battery. You simply plug the charger into a wall socket and connect it to the battery. Most Energy Bike electric bikes are designed to charge the battery without removing it, but you can do this if you wish. LEDs on the side of the battery tell you when it is fully charged.

IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECHARGE THE BATTERY WHILE PEDALLING?

No, because the high-performance motors used in Energy Bike bikes are not regenerative. Most regenerative motors provide negligible energy to the battery and require serious sacrifices in efficiency.

IS THERE ANY SPECIAL MAINTENANCE REQUIRED?

Maintenance is generally the same as for any other bike. Li-ion batteries perform well at room temperature, but can be depleted quickly in extreme temperatures, so it is best to store them indoors.

LITHIUM BATTERY VS. LEAD BATTERY ?

This is a major issue when choosing an electric bicycle.

So if the terms “Pb, Amperes, Li-ion, memory effect…” sound like Chinese to you, read on. A battery is characterised by its voltage (U), expressed in Volts (V) and its capacity (C), expressed in Ampere-hours (Ah). C is the capacity of a battery to deliver a certain current for a certain time (amperes x hours: Ah) Example: a 10 Ah battery can deliver : – 10 A for 1 hour – 20 A for 1/2 hour – 200 mA for 50 hours On the battery of your electric bike, the more voltage (V) you have, the more power you will have (if you have a good variator/pedalling sensor combination). The more ampere hours (Ah) you have, the more range you will have. The Ah of a battery can be compared to the size of a car tank. Our advice: 36 Volts / 10 Ah is a minimum if you want a car worthy of the name with a respectable autonomy (we do not make 24 Volts for lack of power in coast nor the weak amperages because they are of very weak autonomies). MAIN DIFFERENCES BETWEEN LEAD AND LITHIUM BATTERIES: 1- Lead batteries (Pb) : The advantages: – More economical prices – Solid – Capable of delivering high currents – Standard cells available anywhere in the market – Easy to use The disadvantages: – Energy density – Weight – Self-charging (1% day) – Energy density – Weight – Self-discharge (1% per day approx.) – Sensitive to negative temperatures (loss of autonomy up to -25% at -10°C) – Risk of lead sulphate crystallisation if left discharged for too long and therefore irreversible loss of capacity Its lifespan is on average 300 to 400 cycles (charge/discharge) or 3/4 years. It does not like deep discharges. Prefer more repeated recharges and never exceed 3 months without recharging. After a charge, always remove the charger from the mains (max. 12 hours) or use a timer. After 3/4 years, your autonomy will logically drop progressively. Store charged in case of prolonged non-use. If you follow these simple recommendations, you will keep your lead battery for a long time and it will give you good performance. The lead battery has been a safe and reliable value for many years in many sectors of activity. On an electric bike, it is an excellent compromise for use. The standardisation of these batteries is a guarantee of safety and durability for the customer who is sure to be able to find them anywhere in several years.

HOW MANY TIMES CAN THE BATTERY BE RECHARGED AND HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?

The life of a battery is measured in complete charge cycles. Once this number of cycles has been exceeded, the battery will gradually lose its autonomy. Estimated battery life, by type :

Lead (Pb): 300 to 400 cycles;
Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH): 500 cycles;
Lithium-ion (Li-Ion): 600 to 1200 cycles;
Lithium polymer (Li-Po): 600 to 1500 cycles. This corresponds to a distance travelled of around 15,000 to 50,000 km (equivalent to 3 to 7 years of use), depending on the type of battery, electric bicycle and the use made of it.

LITHIUM (LI) BATTERIES ?

The lithium battery is now a dominant feature in the portable electronics market. Its main advantages are a high specific and volumetric energy density and the absence of a memory effect. Self-discharge is relatively low compared to other batteries. The price/performance ratio is exceptional.

Lithium is the metal with the lowest molar mass and the lightest weight, with a density half that of water. Ideally, store the battery at around half its capacity, at 15°C. The advantages: – Very high energy density thanks to the physical properties of lithium – Very low self-discharge (5% per month) – No memory effect – Weight – User-friendliness – Acceptable for a large number of cycles (up to 1500 for the best) – Low internal resistance The disadvantages: – Price – Requires a serious protection circuit (B. M.S. and P.C.M.) to manage charging and discharging in order to avoid the destruction of the elements… expensive – Wear even when not in use Its life span varies from a few months to more than 1500 cycles for the best. Very large disparities between manufacturers where the worst is next to the best. Attention, prices also vary on a scale of 1 to 10 for apparently identical technical characteristics… on paper… We can assure you that the cheapest are rarely the best. In Lithium, a high price is often synonymous with quality. Ideally, store between 45 and 60% of residual charge. However, recharge every 6 months if not used for a long time. Do not buy a replacement battery if you only intend to use it in 3/4 years, as it will still wear out if not used.

WHO CAN I ENTRUST WITH THE MAINTENANCE OF AN ELECTRIC BICYCLE?

Energy Bike is a pioneer on the French territory, we can maintain and repair all types of bikes. Make an appointment online!

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