Electric vs Regular Cycle: Which One Should You Choose?

Remember the first vehicle you learned to ride?

Was it a bike? A car?

For me, it was a simple, traditional cycle. I still remember that day when I fell on the floor a couple of times while I tried to balance the cycle.

Nevertheless, learning to cycle was a great feat and here I am today, riding an electric cycle (or e-cycle) everyday to the office, back home, running errands, and more.

Now, you must be wondering why I decided to switch from a regular cycle to its electric counterpart. Well, the reasons are many and quite important too.

Electric vs Regular Cycles: The Benefits

The battle between electric and non-electric cycles has become more prominent in recent years. With the growing concern for preserving Mother Nature, reducing delivery time, and enjoying greater health benefits, people are gradually considering e-cycles as a better alternative to regular ones. As a matter of fact, the global e-cycle market is expected to surpass 77.3 million by 2030.

However, if you’re someone trying to decide whether to go for regular cycles or e-cycles, this blog is surely for you! Young or old, working or student, you’ll know which one is the right option after you’ve read till the end!

• The Distance You Can Travel
  
  Both electric and regular cycles can help you go from point A to B. But the question is, which type of cycle will help you reach point B faster? And the answer is an electric cycle.
  
  How fast a cycle can go depends on your power of peddling. But for e-cycles, these vehicles are integrated with a motor to regulate your speed when riding.
  
  The average speed of an electric cycle is 20 mph while it can go at a maximum speed of 28 mph and not more than this. Thanks to their motor, reaching any destination is a lot quicker when riding an e-cycle compared to a regular one. Furthermore, pedaling on e-cycles is not as strenuous as on traditional cycles and doesn’t impact the speed either. In the end, you get to save more energy when riding an e-cycle.
• Save More Money With E-Cycles
  
  E-cycles have been gaining popularity in recent years due to their ability to make commuting and running errands a breeze. But did you know that e-cycles can also help you save money? Here are some ways in which e-cycles can help you keep more money in your pocket:

Lower fuel costs: Unlike traditional gas-powered vehicles, e-cycles are powered by rechargeable batteries. This means that you can avoid spending money on expensive petroleum or gasoline, which can add up quickly over time.

Reduced maintenance costs: E-cycles have fewer moving parts compared to traditional vehicles, which means fewer components require regular maintenance. The battery is the most important component of an e-cycle. Or better to say that it is the heart of the vehicle. Hence, when the battery of an e-bike is properly maintained, it automatically translates to lower maintenance costs and fewer trips to the mechanic.

• How It Feels to Ride
  
  “How is the riding experience” is one of the most common concerns among people deciding which type of cycle to buy.
  
  Does it feel any different to ride an e-cycle?
  
  Riding a normal cycle and an e-cycle can provide similar experiences in some ways, but there are some key differences. E-cycles work differently than regular cycles due to their motors.
  
  E-cycles have an electric motor that can assist the rider’s pedaling, making it easier to ride up hills or against strong headwinds. In contrast, normal cycles rely solely on the rider’s leg power, so hills and headwinds can be more challenging. Additionally, e-cycles can achieve higher speeds than normal cycles, thanks to the electric motor’s assistance. This can make the riding experience faster and more exhilarating, but it can also be potentially dangerous if the rider is not experienced or cautious. Cycling on regular cycles can be a struggle for many but on e-cycles, it is a much effortless activity and feels a lot easier to do.

You can also increase or decrease the pedal assistance from the motor depending on your needs unlike in normal cycles. In reducing the assistance, most of the work is done by your legs. While you will still cycle if you maximize pedal assistance, you will be able to move more efficiently since the motor will do all the work for you.

• Speed
  
  So, are e-cycles better than regular ones in terms of speed? Well, being incorporated with an electrical motor does come with perks! However, how fast you can ride an e-cycle actually depends on you.
  
  E-cycles are well known for clocking high speeds as much as over 70mph. On average, you can ride 15 to 25 km/h on an e-cycle with a 250W motor. But the speed of an e-cycle is influenced by other factors such as road conditions or your body weight.
  
  Generally, you can ride an e-cycle at up to 20 or 28mph but if you’d like to ride faster, all you need to do is pedal. And pedaling an e-cycle is effortless, helping riders to retain their energy levels throughout the journey.
  
  With that being said, let’s admit that regular cycles won’t get you to work as quickly as you’d want to. Moreover, would you want to turn up at work looking flustered from all the pedaling? Probably, not a good idea indeed.
  
  Thus, if you’re looking for the best speed along with a smoother riding experience, e-cycles are certainly the best bet.
• Repair and Maintenance
  
  “E-cycles are very difficult to maintain.”
  
  “E-cycle parts can hardly be found in stores.”
  
  I’ve heard many people refraining from purchasing e-cycles due to their maintenance issues. But in reality, there’s not much of a difference between maintaining an electric and a normal cycle. From quick fixes to support, both cycles are easy to maintain.
  
  Furthermore, both e-cycles and traditional cycles can be repaired in the same shop. The cost of repairs is also reasonable unless the issue lies with the electric components. In such a circumstance, consulting an e-cycle specialist is always recommended. Nevertheless, electrical system problems seldom occur and often come under warranty.
  
  Chains, tires, gears, and brake pads can suffer wear and tear a little sooner in e-cycles than the normal ones. This is because most e-cycle users travel longer distances. The secret to keeping your e-cycle in perfect condition is knowing the right ways to maintain it – from the battery to the motor or controller. For example there’s no need to service the motor and controller regularly. But for the battery, it’s imperative to know the essential maintenance procedure to ensure longevity.

• Health Benefits
  
  Cycling is one of the most intense exercises that keep you hale and hearty in the long run. From improving cardiovascular health to enhancing flexibility and balance, cycling does wonders for your overall well-being.
  
  However, as we become older, cycling – the activity that once was considered to be blissful, becomes a challenge. Our agility and stamina diminish over time as we age. Thus, driving a normal cycle for the elderly might not be as convenient as it used to be back in their younger days.
  
  Here come e-cycles! These cycles are the perfect solution for the elderly, especially if they have physical ailments like arthritis. While some people argue that riding an e-cycle is not beneficial for health as a normal cycle, that is a myth.
  
  The primary aim of cycling is to help you work out, not leave you drained. With an e-cycle, you can opt for pedal assists in case riding becomes strenuous at any point. Moreover, an e-cycle enables your body to rest for some time while still being in motion. This is a feature that’s lacking in a normal cycle. No matter how tired you are, the pedaling shouldn’t stop.

When it comes to choosing between an electric cycle and a regular cycle, there are several factors to consider. Both options have their own unique advantages and limitations, and the right choice ultimately depends on your personal preferences and specific needs.

If you prioritize convenience, speed, and ease of use, an electric cycle can be an excellent option. It offers the advantage of effortless pedaling and the ability to cover longer distances with less physical exertion. Electric cycles are especially beneficial for those with physical limitations or those seeking an eco-friendly transportation alternative. Moreover, advancements in battery technology have significantly improved their range and charging capabilities, making them more practical for everyday use.

On the other hand, if you value fitness, affordability, and simplicity, a regular cycle may be the better choice. Pedaling a traditional cycle provides a great cardiovascular workout and helps build strength and endurance. Regular cycles are generally more affordable upfront, and their maintenance costs are often lower than electric cycles. With no reliance on batteries or charging infrastructure, regular cycles offer the freedom to explore remote areas or go on long rides without worrying about running out of power.

Ultimately, the decision between an electric cycle and a regular cycle boils down to your lifestyle, needs, and preferences. Whichever type of cycle you choose, embracing cycling as a means of transportation or recreation brings numerous benefits. From reducing carbon emissions and improving personal health to exploring your surroundings in an eco-friendly way, cycling has the power to transform your daily routine and positively impact the world around you.

So, whether you opt for the convenience of an electric cycle or the simplicity of a regular cycle, the most important thing is to get out there and enjoy the ride. Happy cycling!

Popular Read: Bhadla Solar Park: World’s Largest Solar Power Plant

Popular Read: 9 Good Reasons Why You Should Buy a Foldable Electric Cycle