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GETTING STARTED
Many retail shops lack the experience and/or knowledge to provide relevant technical information. To make matters worse, many manufacturers often omit the specifications needed to truly compare models. If you search long enough, you might find what you need online, but it will take a lot of work (it’s never all in the same location).
Your ability to ask the right questions will help greatly when shopping for an electric bicycle.
The questions below are a few examples of what technical questions you may want to explore when shopping for your next bike. You are welcome to stop by our shop anytime and we will be happy to answer your technical questions AND provide references to support the information we provide.
POWER
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
Does motor wattage represent bike power?
What elements do represent power?
Manufacturers typically display two technical specifications: Motor Wattage and Battery Amperage Hours. Do these items alone define performance? No.
For example, during a visit a local store the salesperson might show you a bike with a 750-watt motor and states it is more powerful than a 500-watt model. Is this true? More powerful compared to what? Electric bike power is determined by three items combined: Controller, Motor, and Battery.
The wattage of the motor alone DOES NOT represent the power of the bike.
CONTROLLER
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
What is the system voltage of the ebike?
What is the amperage of the controller?
The power potential of an eBike is calculated by multiplying the voltage of the bike’s system by the amperage of the controller.
As an example, the Mokwheel Basalt has a 48-volt system and a 22-Amp controller (48 X 22 = 1056). Why is this important? Because now we know the Mokwheel Basalt is properly engineered to support the performance output of the 750W motor.
A sub-par controller with insufficient amperage will limit ebike power and performance.
MOTOR
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
What is the continuous wattage output?
What is the torque in Newton-Meters (Nm)?
Motor wattage can be represented as Continuous (power provided for long periods) or Peak (short bursts of power). Continuous wattage better represents performance and expectations.
Newton-Meters (Nm) is the force a motor can exert, especially when confronted with cargo and challenging terrain (hills, sand, dirt, gravel, etc.). The higher the Nm value, the better it will perform.
Motors with more continuous wattage and torque will perform better with heavier loads and challenging terrain.
BATTERY
QUESTIONS TO ASK:
What is the battery output (AMPs)?
Is there a Battery Management System (BMS)?
Ampere Hours (Ah) represents capacity, not output. The United Laboratory (UL) rating validates safety & compliance. However, does the capacity or UL designation ensure the battery has the correct output to meet power and performance expectations? No.
Batteries that include TOP QUALITY CELLS with sufficient and efficient OUTPUT will perform best. Our Samsung “Smart” batteries have a Battery Management System (BMS) to better manage performance.
Batteries lacking a BMS and insufficient output will have less performance.
TORQUE SENSOR
QUESTION TO ASK:
What type of sensor is on the bike?
Mokwheel bikes are equipped with sensors that include cadence and torque components.
The cadence component engages the motor when the pedals are moving.
The torque component adjusts to pressure on the pedals. As a rider pushes harder on the pedals the bike will provide additional assistance (less assistance with less pressure). The torque sensor continuously adjusts to achieve equilibrium between rider effort and motor.
Mokwheel sensors provide a more natural ride and improved battery management.
BRAKES & SHIFTING
QUESTION TO ASK:
What type of shifting system is used?
What type of brakes are installed?
Many manufacturers often use lower-quality and/or off-brand components. This can create performance, repair, and maintenance issues largely due to poor quality and part availability.
Our ebikes all have dependable and widely available Shimano Shifting.
Mokwheel equips most models with Tektro M350 hydraulic brakes. Tektro is known in the industry for its high-quality and low-failure reputation.
As a rule, unknown and lesser brand components should be avoided whenever possible.