View source for Pedelec

{{Short description|Bicycle where the rider's pedalling is assisted by an electric motor}}
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{{About|pedal-assist only e-bikes that are often legally classified as conventional bicycles|other sorts of e-bikes|Electric bicycle}}
[[File:E-Call a Bike Pedelec.jpg|thumb|[[Deutsche Bahn]] pedelecs with rear hub motors and batteries placed inside the [[Bicycle frame|frames]]. This is the "Jetstream" from [[Riese und Müller]].]]

A '''Pedelec''' (from '''ped'''al '''ele'''ctric '''c'''ycle) or '''EPAC''' (''electronically power assisted cycle''), is a type of low-powered [[electric bicycle]] where the rider's pedalling is assisted by a small [[electric motor]]. However, unlike some other types of e-bikes, pedelecs are classified as conventional bicycles in many countries by road authorities rather than as a type of electric moped. Pedelecs have an electronic controller that cuts power to the motor when the rider is not pedalling or when a certain speed – usually {{Convert|25|km/h|abbr=on}} or {{Convert|32|km/h|abbr=on}} – is reached.  Pedelecs are useful for people who ride in hilly areas or in strong [[headwind]]s. While a pedelec can be any type of bicycle, a pedelec [[European city bike|city bike]] is common. A conventional bicycle can be converted to a pedelec with the addition of the necessary parts, e.g., motor, battery, etc.

Many jurisdictions [[#Legal status of pedelecs worldwide|classify pedelecs]] as bicycles as opposed to [[moped]]s or motorcycles. More powerful [[e-bike]]s, such as the [[Electric bicycle#S-Pedelecs|S-Pedelecs]] and ''power-on-demand'' e-bikes (those whose motors can provide assistance regardless of whether the rider is pedalling) are often classified as mopeds or even motorcycles with the rider thus subject to the regulations of such motor vehicles, e.g., having a license and a vehicle registration, wearing a helmet, etc.

== History ==
A patent (US 3,884,317) for the principle of the pedelec was awarded to Augustus Kinzel in 1975, and suitable legislation for these appeared in 1983 in the UK. [[Yamaha Motor|Yamaha]] invented its PAS Power Assist System in 1989 but did not sell any until 1994, its model AX1. 

In 1989, Michael Kutter, founder of the Swiss company Velocity and later Dolphin E-bikes, designed and produced his first pedelec prototype.<ref>{{cite web|title=Meilensteine des Dolphin e-Bikes (Milestones of Dolphin e-bikes)|url=http://www.dolphin-ebike.ch/mainnav/story/|access-date=23 March 2013|language=de|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120611000455/http://www.dolphin-ebike.ch/fileadmin/assets/story/Erfolgsgeschichte_Dolphin_August_2011.pdf|archive-date=11 June 2012}}</ref> The first market-ready models from Velocity were available in 1992, later under the name Dolphin.

In 1995 the Swiss company BKTech sold its first model under the name Flyer.<ref>{{cite web|title=BKTech AG|url=http://www.ecademy.ch/ecademy/ecadpubli.nsf/45ED80EADB3E3C09C12569A4005EEFD6/$file/7_bktech.pdf|work=ecademy.ch|access-date=23 March 2013|language=de|format=PDF|date=1997–2001}} {{dead link|date=February 2016}}</ref> After some years, the name Flyer became a synonym for e-bikes in Switzerland due to heavy promotion initially in senior-citizen and tourist rental markets.

In 1997, Alan Abbott co-founded a company to sell the first pedelec in the US, under the name Charger. He had already co-developed the pedelec principle in 1988, but then used a gasoline engine, as his motivation wasn't mainly environmental, but to promote exercise.

Up to 2018, the Canadian company BioniX produced an easy-to-install pedelec kit with a gearless hub motor complete with rear wheel, that also became popular in Europe.<ref>{{cite book | title=Bicycling Science | url=https://www.worldcat.org/title/bicycling-science/ | last1=Wilson|first1= David Gordon | last2=Schmidt | first2= Theodor | edition=4th paperback | date= May 2020 | publisher=The [[MIT Press]] | location=Cambridge, MA |display-authors=etal}}</ref>

== Pedelec market penetration ==
{{update section|reason=Patterns of use have changed significantly since 2012, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic|date=December 2022}}

=== Germany ===
{{As of|2012}} there were about 600,000 pedelecs on the road in Germany.<ref>{{cite web|title=Pedelec, Segway, Bierbike: Lust oder Last? Arbeitskreis auf dem 50. Deutschen Verkehrsgerichtstag |trans-title=Pedelec, Segway, beer bike: desire or burden? Workshop on the 50th German Traffic Court Conference |url=http://www.nationaler-radverkehrsplan.de/termine/termin.php?id=3478|access-date=23 March 2013|language=de|date=January 2012}}</ref> Growth has been spectacular: the year before, 310,000–340,000 pedelecs were sold in Germany and this in turn was 55% more than in 2010.<ref>{{cite web|title=Go Pedelec! Handbuch mit wertvollen Praxistipps |trans-title=Go pedelec! Handbook with valuable practical tips |url=http://extraenergy.org/main.php?language=de&category=information&subcateg=21&id=27585|page=14|language=de|format=PDF|year=2012|access-date=22 March 2013}}</ref> In fact, in Germany sales have gone up by more than 30% every year since 2008.<ref name="ZIV-WiPK2012" />{{clarify timeframe|date=December 2022}} In comparison, there were around 70 million conventional [[bicycle]]s in Germany in 2011 according to ZIV, the German Bicycle Industry Association.<ref name="ZIV-WiPK2012">{{cite web|title=Präsentation zur Wirtschaftspressekonferenz |trans-title=Presentation on the scientific press conference|url=http://www.ziv-zweirad.de/public/pk_2012-ziv-praesentation_21-03-2012.pdf|publisher=Zweirad-Industrie-Verband (ZIV)|access-date=22 March 2013|language=de|format=PDF|date=21 March 2012|quote=Die angegebene Spanne des durchschnittlichen Verkaufspreises schließt auch die vernachlässigbar wenigen ausschließlich elektrisch angetriebenen Räder mit ein.|trans-quote=The given interval of average sales prices includes the negligibly few bicycles with exclusively electric propulsion.|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121202064332/http://www.ziv-zweirad.de/public/pk_2012-ziv-praesentation_21-03-2012.pdf|archive-date=2 December 2012}}</ref>

About 95% of all [[e-bike]]s in Germany are in fact pedelecs.{{citation needed|date=December 2022}}

[[ADAC]], the German automotive club, tested a large number of pedelecs in 2013, where about 56% of the pedelecs failed the test with a score lower than reasonable due to unsatisfactory safety and durability.<ref>{{cite web |title=ADAC Test: Fahrräder mit Elektroantrieb |trans-title=ADAC test: bicycles with electric propulsion |url=https://www.adac.de/rund-ums-fahrzeug/tests/fahrrad/pedelecs/ |publisher=ADAC |access-date=3 June 2021 |language=de |date=2016-06-20}}</ref>

=== Elsewhere===
Only the [[People's Republic of China|Chinese]] market for pedelecs and e-bikes is bigger than the European. According to the National Bureau of Statistics in China, more than 100 million e-bikes are on the road. Annual production in Chinese factories has increased from 58,000 in 1998 to 33 million in 2011. A pedelec classification separate from an e-bike is not known in China.

== Legal status of pedelecs worldwide==
To really be useful, it is important for a pedelec to be legally classified as a bicycle in each country or jurisdiction rather than classified as a moped or motorcycle. Otherwise, if a pedelec is classified as a moped or motorbike then it may not be allowed in [[bike lane]]s or on [[bike path]]s; the pedelec may have to be [[Vehicle registration|registered]]; the rider may have to wear a [[motorcycle helmet]]; and/or [[vehicle insurance]] may have to be paid for.

=== Europe ===
In the [[European Union]] a pedelec does not need registration, insurance, or license plate, if it adheres to these rules:
# Motor power up to 250&nbsp;W (continuous)
# Motor is active only when the pedals are turned 
# Highest speed of 25&nbsp;km/h (15.5&nbsp;mph) with motor assistance

If any of these rules is not followed, the vehicle is classified as either [[e-bike]] or [[Electric bicycle#S-Pedelecs|S-Pedelec]] which require a license plate and insurance, or as a [[motorbike]] which also requires a driving license.<ref>{{cite web|url= http://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/EN/TXT/PDF/?uri=CELEX:32002L0024 |title= DIRECTIVE 2002/24/EC OF THE EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT AND OF THE COUNCIL of 18 March 2002 relating to the type-approval of two or three-wheel motor vehicles and repealing Council Directive 92/61/EEC |format= [[PDF]] |website= eur-lex.europa.eu |access-date= 2017-01-20}}</ref>

==== Austria ====
Under Austrian law is no difference between any types of electric bicycles like such as exclusively powered by electricity without having pedals (see below, lit. d) or as hybrid powered (see below, lit. b), equal if it is [[Electric bicycle#Pedal-assist only|power-assisted only when pedalling]] (''pedelec''<ref name="Pedelec-EBike-OEAMTC" /> but not: S-Pedelec<ref name="S-Pedelec-OEAMTC" />) or [[Electric bicycle#Power-on-demand only|without need of pedalling]] (commonly in Austria known as ''e-bike''<ref name="Pedelec-EBike-OEAMTC">See for instance: [https://www.oeamtc.at/thema/fahrrad/e-bikes-pedelecs/ E-bikes & pedelecs] (in German) Website of Austrian ÖAMTC, without date. Retrieved September 6, 2019: "So-called pedelecs differ from pedal-independent e-bikes in that the additional energy can only be requested via the electric / hub motor during pedaling. If you do not kick, there is no extra power." ({{lang|de|Sogenannte Pedelecs unterscheiden sich von tretunabhängigen E-Bikes dahingehend, dass die Zusatzenergie über den Elektro-/ Nabenmotor nur während des Tretens angefordert werden kann. Tritt man nicht, gibt es auch keine Extra-Power.}})</ref>).

To be such electric vehicles not classified as [[motor vehicle]] but as ''Fahrrad ''(=&nbsp;bicycle) according to § 2 paragraph 1 number 22 lit. b and d Road Traffic Act 1960 (StVO 1960)<ref name="StVO-1960-RIS">[https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10011336 Straßenverkehrsordnung 1960 – StVO 1960] (in German) Federal law consolidated: Entire law for Road Traffic Act 1960 in the actual version. Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes. Retrieved September 6, 2019.</ref> in conjunction with § 1 paragraph 2a Motor Vehicle Law 1967 (KFG 1967)<ref name="KFG-1967-RIS">[https://www.ris.bka.gv.at/GeltendeFassung.wxe?Abfrage=Bundesnormen&Gesetzesnummer=10011384 Kraftfahrgesetz 1967 – KFG 1967] (in German) Federal law consolidated: Entire legal provision for Motor Vehicle Law 1967. Rechtsinformationssystem des Bundes. Retrieved September 6, 2019.</ref> two types of electric bikes can be distinguished:
{{Verse translation|lang=de|italicsoff=y|
22. Fahrrad:
a) […],
b) ein Fahrzeug nach lit. a, das zusätzlich mit einem elektrischen Antrieb gemäß § 1 Abs. 2a KFG 1967 ausgestattet ist (Elektrofahrrad),
c) […],
d) ein elektrisch angetriebenes Fahrzeug, dessen Antrieb dem eines Elektrofahrrads im Sinne des § 1 Abs. 2a KFG 1967 entspricht[.]
|22. bicycle:
a) […],
b) a vehicle according lit. a, which in addition to an electric drive according to § 1 paragraph 2a KFG 1967 is equipped (electric bike),
c) […],
d) an electrically driven vehicle, the drive corresponds to an electric bicycle as defined in § 1 paragraph 2a KFG 1967" (thus a just-electric drive)[.]
|attr1=§ 2 Abs. 1 Z 22 lit. a and d<ref name="StVO-1960-RIS"/>
|attr2=§ 2 paragraph 1 number 22 littera a and d
}}

The above named § 1 paragraph 2a KFG 1967 defines as follows:
{{Verse translation|lang=de|italicsoff=y|
(2a) Nicht als Kraftfahrzeuge, sondern als Fahrräder im Sinne der StVO 1960 gelten auch elektrisch angetriebene Fahrräder mit
1. einer höchsten zulässigen Leistung von nicht mehr als 600 Watt und
2. einer Bauartgeschwindigkeit von nicht mehr als 25 km/h.
|(2a) Not as motor vehicles, but as bicycles in the sense of the StVO 1960 are also electrically driven bicycles with
1. a maximum allowable power of not more than 600 watts and
2. a design speed of not more than 25 km/h.
|attr1=§ 1 Abs. 2a KFG 1967<ref name="KFG-1967-RIS" />
|attr2=§ 1 paragraph 2a KFG 1967
}}

As for normal (only muscle powered) bikes, also for electric bikes, the provisions of bicycle Regulation, for the control of these are the same as those for muscle StVO-powered bicycles, etc. Mandatory use of the bike path lane with bicycles. For their (commercial) In placing on the market subject to the product liability provisions.

If the above criteria are exceeded, the electric bicycle (equal if a so-called [[Electric bicycle#S-Pedelecs|S-Pedelec]] or any other e-bike) it is a motor vehicle under the rules of the KFG 1967 and not a "Fahrrad" under the StVO 1960 and is only allowed to drive as a moped with the corresponding consequences. It must be a liability insurance be completed, it is the helmet and a driver's license of the corresponding class L1-eB (Vehicle classification "Two-wheel moped" in the Regulation (EU) No 168/2013) must be present. It must also be equipped like a moped with a maximum design vehicle speed less or equal 45&nbsp;km/h. For these, the buyer should make sure to receive a COC (certificate of conformity) from the dealer in addition to the purchase contract. Only with these documents, the fast e-bike can be registered.<ref name="Pedelec-EBike-OEAMTC" /><ref name="S-Pedelec-OEAMTC">See for instance: [https://www.oeamtc.at/autotouring/zweirad/thema-s-pedelec-eure-fragen-unsere-antworten-19642319 Thema S-Pedelec: Eure Fragen, unsere Antworten] (in German) Website of Austrian ÖAMTC, July 2017. Retrieved September 6, 2019: "S-pedelecs are electric bicycles whose engines deliver a maximum rated power of 4 kW and support pedaling up to a speed of 45 km/h. S-pedelecs are considered vehicles of the class L1e-B, thus legally equivalent to a moped. To be able to steer such a thing, ergo also requires a suitable handlebar permission (at least so the driving license class AM)." — "And for a normal pedelec then a power limit of max. 600 watts for the engine. More importantly though, this engine is only allowed to assist at speeds up to 25 km / h. These normal pedelecs are therefore also considered a bicycle."</ref>

Other of above described electric bicycles are not typable in Austria.

==== The Netherlands ====
The true Pedelecs are not required to have any other prerequisities than a bicycle has.

However, any pedelec where the power assistance is triggered by merely turning wheels rather than pedal motion (a large number of cheap versions or notoriously front hub assistance), are required to have a licence plate for a scooter / small motorcycle (so called [[:nl:Snorfiets|snorfiets]] or [[:nl:Bromfiets|bromfiets]]), a valid driving licence and an insurance.

In case of the power assistance stopping at a speed up to 25&nbsp;km/h, the riders are not required to carry motorcycle helmets, however, this speed limit shall not be exceeded even while pedaling only.{{citation needed|date=August 2016}} There is no speedlimit by law for human powered vehicles, including un-assisted pedelecs at > 25 kmh speed.
Electric bicycles, for example [[Specialized Turbo]], without 25&nbsp;km/h speed limitation for power assistance are considered a small motorcycle and besides license plate (yellow with black letters), driving license and insurance, a 'motorcycle helmet' must be worn at all time from the start of 2017 and onwards.

A large fleet of electric bicycles and pedelecs without required power control linked to the pedaling effort can be seen on the cycling paths without any proper registration.

Additionally, many users found simple ways to modify their pedelecs in order to overcome the pedaling sensor, making their pedelecs without further proper vehicle registration illegal.

==== Hong Kong ====

Pedelecs, and all kinds of mechanical assist, are regarded as "motor vehicles" and classified as motor cycles, making legal registration impossible. The Hong Kong [[Transport Department]] is currently conducting a review, with a first report expected in mid-2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/201305/08/P201305070364.htm|title=LCQ19: Illegal sale or use of electric bicycles|date=8 May 2013}}</ref><ref>[http://www.td.gov.hk/filemanager/en/content_1863/fcq%202018-19%20eng.pdf (Hong Kong Government) Examination of Estimates of Expenditure 2018-19]: Regarding the "Consultancy Study on Enhancing the Walkability in Hong Kong"</ref>

==== Singapore ====

Pedelecs are allowed, when wearing a helmet, the motor output is limited to 200&nbsp;W and the motor cuts out by 25&nbsp;km/h.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.onemotoring.com.sg/publish/onemotoring/en/lta_information_guidelines/buy_a_new_vehicle/motorised_bicycles.MainPar.21283.File.tmp/MotorisedBicycle_Safety_Guide.pdf |title='''P'''ower '''A'''ssisted '''B'''icycles (PAB) |publisher=Land Transport Authority}}</ref>

==== India ====

Electric vehicles with a motor having power less than 250&nbsp;W, and a maximum speed 25&nbsp;km/h or lower, are not required to be registered under the Central Motor Vehicle Rules, and may be driven freely without any license/paperwork.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.araiindia.com/faqs_electric_vehicle.asp|title=FAQs regarding electric vehicles|publisher=Automotive Research Association of India}}</ref>

====Japan====
Electric-assisted bicycles are treated as human-powered bicycles, while bicycles capable of propulsion by electric power alone face additional registration and regulatory requirements as mopeds. Requirements include electric power generation by a motor that cannot be easily modified, along with a power assist mechanism that operates safely and smoothly. In December 2008, the assist ratio was updated as follows:<ref>Fact book 2021 {{cite web |title=Assistance Ratio as Set by Legal Standards in Japan |url=https://global.yamaha-motor.com/ir/library/factbook/pdf/2021/2021factbook.pdf#page=17 |website=global.yamaha-motor.com |publisher=Yamaha |access-date=3 June 2021 |page=17 |language=en |format=PDF |date=2021}}</ref>
* Under 10&nbsp;km/h; 2
* 10–24&nbsp;km/h; <math>2 - \tfrac{\text{speed in }\tfrac{km}{h} - 10}{7}</math>
* Over 24&nbsp;km/h; 0

In October 2017, only for the special case that 3 wheel bicycle that draws a [[cart]] with a device to be drawn, the ratio was updated as follows:

* Under 10&nbsp;km/h; 3
* 10–24&nbsp;km/h; <math>2 - \tfrac{3 \cdot \text{speed in }\tfrac{km}{h} - 10}{14}</math>
* Over 24&nbsp;km/h; 0

(See [[Moped#Individual countries/regions|Moped]])

=== Australia ===
As of 30 May 2012, Australia has an additional new electric bicycle category using the European model of a "Pedelec" as per EN15194 Standard. This means the bicycle can have a motor of 250 watts continuous rated power which must be activated only by pedalling (if above 6&nbsp;km/h) and must cut out over 25&nbsp;km/h. The [[Victoria (Australia)|State of Victoria]] is the first to amend their local road rules to accommodate this new standard as of 18 September 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Power assisted bicycles |url=http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferRiders/BikeRiders/PowerAssistedBicycles.htm |publisher=[[VicRoads]] |access-date=21 March 2013 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130328200435/http://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/Home/SafetyAndRules/SaferRiders/BikeRiders/PowerAssistedBicycles.htm |archive-date=28 March 2013 }}</ref>

== Technical ==

=== Components ===
Pedelecs differ from an ordinary [[bicycle]] by an additional [[electric motor]], a battery, an electronic control system for the motor as well as a [[sensor]] to detect the motion of the cranks. Most models are also equipped with a battery charge indicator and a motor power setting, either continuously or divided into support levels.

==== Battery ====
Besides the motor, the battery is the main component of pedelec technology. It is usually either a [[NiMH]] - [[Nickel|Ni]] - or a [[lithium-ion battery]]. The [[Electric charge|battery]] capacity is up to 24 [[ampere hour|Ah]] at 24 or 36 [[Volt|V]] or up to 15 amp hours at 48&nbsp;V. The stored [[energy]] can be up to about 800 [[watt hour]] n (Wh), but mostly about 400&nbsp;Wh (2013). In ideal conditions, after a thousand charges NiCd batteries have 85% of their original capacity and are therefore considered worn. With NiMH batteries about 400 to 800 cycles are possible. The charging time depending on the type of battery is around 2 to 9 hours. The durability of the battery is dependent on other factors. As lead-acid batteries discharge they provide less [[Voltage|power]], so that full motor power is no longer achieved. The light, more expensive [[lithium-ion battery|lithium ion batteries]] are now used by most manufacturers and have a range of up to 100 kilometers with moderate pedaling and a medium capacity battery (e.g. 15&nbsp;Ah). Lithium batteries do not tolerate [[frost]] and should not be charged at frosty temperatures. For safety, the chemical composition and the quality of the electronics are crucial. Especially with short circuit and over voltage, lithium-ion batteries react strongly. These problems in laptops have led to recalls. [[Lithium iron phosphate battery|Lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries]] are a notable exception. They have far safer thermal characteristics as well as being non-toxic.

In evaluating pedelec batteries, it is useful to consider not only the capacity, but also criteria such as durability, memory effect, charging time, weight, safety and environmental protection.

Manufacturers which equip their pedelecs with NiCd batteries usually deliver them with an AC adapter that discharges the battery completely before the actual charging process in order to decrease the [[memory effect]]. NiMH batteries have a much lower memory effect. With lithium-ion batteries there is no memory effect.

A [[lithium iron phosphate battery]] is much longer-lived than a lithium-ion battery. Its use significantly reduces operating costs resulting from battery wear. In 2013, they are not yet available as standard in most pedelec models, but some pedelecs (e.g. Beyond Oil) have begun installing LFP batteries as standard.

==== Motor control ====
For switching or control of the motor, there are several possibilities:
* Measuring the force or torque from the signal of a [[force-sensing resistor|force sensor]] on the pedals, the pedal crank, the chain or at the wheel
* Measurement of treading on the signal from a revolution counter or [[Schmitt trigger|threshold switch]]es on the crank, or at another suitable location
* Measurement of both force and the speed
* Measurement of acceleration or drawbar force at the push trailer
* Measuring electrical values in the serial hybrid (pedal generator)

In addition, the speed of the vehicle are measured on the wheel, in particular, for example, to drive the motor from 25&nbsp;km/h off.

The measurement can be further processed mechanically or electronically and is used to control the motor on and off or to regulate a control function based on continuously.

The fed [[Power (physics)|power]] is based on the sensor data (force sensor, crank speed, ground speed) is calculated based on the chosen level of support from the motor controller. The so-called support levels, that is, how much the motor supported in addition to the driver's performance lie in horizontal drive 5-400 percent.

When the motors are regularly used heavily, especially when going uphill they may heat up significantly, some have a temperature sensor in the motor winding, where if a certain temperature is reached the electronics may reduce power to the motor. Ideally the electronics disconnect the battery at a predetermined discharge voltage to prevent total discharge and to ensure sufficient supply for the operation of the lighting system. This can be done by [[electronics]] in the [[Battery (electricity)|battery]].

===== Force control =====
When running with a force sensor, the motor is automatically a certain [[percentage]] of the service provided to the driver. In many models, this proportion may be set in several stages. There are also models where the support level can be set only at the dealer to the customer.

===== Rotary motion detection =====
In the version with speed sensor (s) of the motor is automatically using a function to a set percentage of the self-applied force. Since the force required at the speed rises sharply, it can be calculated in some models without force sensor.

===== Sliding or traction =====
The slide or traction can help with Maximization of legislation to support a motor without pedaling to 6&nbsp;km/h. The shift means has the advantage that you can let the bike roll along with motor support without pedaling or you push yourself (e.g. must, when transporting a heavy load, or so you walk up the wheel alone on a hill may be). For some models, the allowed 6&nbsp;km/h can be achieved only in top gear, the other gears in the wheel rolls correspondingly slower. In any case, it allows for a faster (and more controlled physically) starting from standstill to "green" switches over [[light]] .

==== Power electronics ====
The power electronics, depending on the type of motor, consist of a DC motor controller with [[pulse-width modulation]] or a regulated DC-AC converter.

==== Motor types ====
[[File:Largehubmotordetail.jpg|thumb|Pedelec hub motor with gearbox]]
[[File:Smart e-bike motor.JPG|thumbnail|Smart e-bike motor]]
Almost exclusively, pedelecs use DC motors, using [[Commutator (electric)|commutator]]-less and brush [[Electric motor#Pancake or axial rotor motor|disc motor]]s, which are suitable for direct drive, and brush motors with gears. Hub motors were available with internal gears but most present ones use many poles, e.g. 84 electromagnets in the stator and 84 thin magnets in the rotor for the BionX D motor.

The use of maintenance-free [[AC induction motors]] pedelec is the exception.

A direct rotor hub motor may feature a [[regenerative brake]], so it can be used as a brake that converts some of the [[kinetic energy]] into battery charge. In addition to charging the battery when braking this incurs less wear on the mechanical brakes, reducing wear.

==== Usage ====

E-bikes are divided into many categories according to their uses, such as electric city bikes, electric folding bikes, electric fat tire bikes, electric mountain bikes and so on.<ref>{{cite web |last1=JieLi |title=Electric Bike |url=https://jieli-electric.com |website=JieLi Electric Tech}}</ref>

==== Force approach of the electric drive ====
See generally [[electric drive (bike)#starting points of the electric drive|starting points of the electric drive.]] When Pedelec specifically, the type of control of the drive by the pedaling (see above), which may be integrated in the drive.

==== Drive positions ====
The position of the motor has a significant impact on the handling of the pedelec. The following combinations of actuator position and motor have been successful:
* Motor in the [[bottom bracket]] ([[Mid-engine design|mid-engine layout]])
* Motor in the hub of the front wheel
* Motor in the hub of the rear wheel

=== Range ===
Generally the range with motor support is between 7&nbsp;km for a constant rise and up to 70&nbsp;km. At medium power addition, it is about 20 to 50&nbsp;km. On some models, by default two successive switchable batteries are housed in luggage bags, here is the range specified at medium power addition of 100&nbsp;km.

A conventional battery (36 V / 7&nbsp;Ah) (1.9 to 5.1&nbsp;kg mass in a pedelec<ref>{{cite web|title=Alle Ergebnisse des Pedelec und E-Bike Tests|url=http://extraenergy.org/main.php?language=de&category=&subcateg=&id=3861|publisher=ExtraEnergy e.V.|access-date=21 March 2013|language=de}}</ref>) has an energy content of around 250&nbsp;Wh (1&nbsp;kg of gasoline has about 11,500&nbsp;Wh). The conversion of electrical energy into mechanical work is done with some loss of energy due to the generation of heat. Typically, incurred losses are around 25 percent, depending on the efficiency of the motor and the motor controller. Thus, a pedelec with a 70&nbsp;kg rider (total mass of ≈100&nbsp;kg) can be calculated to go about 5.6 kilometres on a 10% grade at 25&nbsp;km/h on battery power alone (assuming frontal area = 0.4 meter-squared, drag coefficient = 0.7, altitude = 100m, wind speed = 10&nbsp;km/h (2.8&nbsp;m/s) and rolling resistance coefficient = 0.007<ref>{{cite web|title=Hill Climbing (and going downhill)|url=http://www.electric-bicycle-guide.com/electric-bicycle-hills.html|access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Electric Bicycle Calculators|url=http://www.electric-bicycle-guide.com/electric-bicycle-calculators.html|access-date=28 May 2014}}</ref>).  Depending on the assistance of the rider (which is required on a pedelec), a proportionally greater range is possible.

=== Safety ===
Safety issues are a concern in relatively flat areas, but are more pronounced in the hills. Hilly areas provide changing conditions; this poses the possibility of encountering more critical situations and thus more accidents may occur.   Cars may need to overtake pedelecs at higher speeds than cars would overtake regular bikes, and this may result in more accidents with serious consequences for both cyclists and drivers. For drivers and pedestrians, it may be difficult to estimate how fast a cyclist is moving. Also, an elderly on a pedelec may ride much faster than previously possible. Risky situations can also arise at exits and junctions. To illustrate the consequences of such critical situations, the [[German Insurers Accident Research]] (UDV) has conducted a research project with road tests, performance tests and crash tests for pedelecs.<ref>{{cite web|title=Elektrofahrräder – Umweltschonend aber gefährlich?|url=http://www.udv.de/uploads/tx_udvpublications/110407_Pedelec_info_01.pdf|publisher=Gesamtverband der Deutschen Versicherungswirtschaft e.V. (GDV)|access-date=21 March 2013|author=Siegfried Brockmann|location=Neumünster|format=PDF 1.7MB|date=7 April 2011|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110708052449/http://www.udv.de/uploads/tx_udvpublications/110407_Pedelec_info_01.pdf|archive-date=8 July 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Crashtest: Pedelec gegen Autos|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X77NFYmavZI |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211214/X77NFYmavZI |archive-date=2021-12-14 |url-status=live|work=Unfallforschung on YouTube|publisher=Unfallforschung der Versicherer (UDV)|format=Video|date=7 April 2011}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Safety Aspects of High-Speed Pedelecs|url=http://www.udv.de/en/vehicle-safety/other-vehicles/pedelecs/|publisher=Unfallforschung der Versicherer|access-date=21 March 2013|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120720043014/http://www.udv.de/en/vehicle-safety/other-vehicles/pedelecs/|archive-date=20 July 2012}}</ref>

On the other hand, many pedelec (and e-bike) users report that they can ride more defensively with the auxiliary electric drive assisting them; unlike traditional bicyclists that tend to be averse to braking since this incurs effort to accelerate again, a pedelec rider can brake and then accelerate back to a normal speed with much less effort. The [[Bavaria]]n accident statistics for the first half of 2012 lists 6,186 accidents involving bicycles, of which 76 are e-bikes and notes that the accident risk of e-bikes is not higher than for other bicycles.<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.augsburger-allgemeine.de/bayern/E-Bikes-nicht-gefaehrlicher-als-andere-Raeder-id21910861.html |title= E-Bikes nicht gefährlicher als andere Räder |work= [[Augsburger Allgemeine]] |date= 2012-09-20 |access-date= 2013-03-21 |language= de |trans-title=E-Bikes not more dangerous than other bicycles}}</ref>

The use of [[Electric bicycle#S-Pedelecs|S-Pedelecs]] involves an additional risk. Not only do they achieve a higher average speed, but a higher top speed (usually 45&nbsp;km/h) and can also expect a higher annual [[Fuel economy in automobiles|mileage]].

== See also ==
*[[Motorized bicycle]]
**[[eROCKIT]]
*[[Electric bicycle]]
*[[Electric bicycle laws]]

== References ==
{{Reflist|2}}

== Further reading ==
*Hannes Neupert: ''Das Powerbike.'' Moby Dick, 1996, {{ISBN|3-89595-123-4}}.
*Gunnar Fehlau, Peter Barzel: ''Das E-Bike: Die neuen Fahrräder mit elektrischer Antriebsunterstützung. Typen – Modelle – Komponenten.'' Delius Klasing, 2009, {{ISBN|978-3-7688-5282-1}}.
*[https://web.archive.org/web/20131002080053/http://www.rechtsanwaltjaeger.de/elektrofahrraeder.pdf Alexander Jaeger: ''Aufsatz: Elektrofahrräder''] in ''Zeitschrift für Schadensrecht''. 12/2011 (PDF 4.25&nbsp;MB).

== External links ==
{{Commons category|Pedelecs}}
{{Wiktionary}}
*[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8xKw_ShvzM Electric Bikes] on [[Robert Llewellyn]]'s ''Fully Charged''. (The first bike presented is a pedelec.)
*[http://gopedelec.eu ''Go Pedelec!''] – a European project with independent information
**[http://extraenergy.org/main.php?language=de&category=information&subcateg=21&id=27585 Go Pedelec! Manual], info at [http://extraenergy.org ExtraEnergy], an association with the aim of spreading human-powered/electric vehicles
*[http://www.3sat.de/page/?source=/wissenschaftsdoku/sendungen/167970/index.html e-motion electric bike], [[3sat]]-science documentary in March 2013, [http://www.3sat.de/mediathek/index.php?display=1&mode=play&obj=35250 video], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hR51JpyO8hg YouTube] ''(44 min)''
*[http://www.electricbikerange.info/Electric_bike_range.html Electric bike]: a trip simulator to understand how far and how fast you can ride with your electric bike

{{Alternative propulsion}}

{{Human-powered vehicles}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Road transport]]
[[Category:Cycle types]]
[[Category:Electric bicycles]]
[[Category:Green vehicles]]