Electric bicycles are now synonymous with green mobility in our cities: they do not pollute, allow you to do some physical activity, are suitable for everyone, and do not require particular management costs. They are the right choice to cover longer distances in the city and indulge in some green outings, especially electric mountain bicycles.
In this article, we will focus on Electric Bicycles for Women: here are the best ones and the features to evaluate before buying on Black Friday Deals.
Electric bicycle for women: How does it work?
What is pedal assist?
The advantage of the electric bicycle is to avoid the driver from any excessive effort: it is considered a faithful ally for all those women who are looking for an agile means to move in traffic, but which does not require the same effort as a normal bicycle and which, at the same time, does not have particular costs like a moped.
The principle of operation is based on pedal assistance: the bicycle is equipped with a motor powered by a battery. In the more classic models, to activate the motor, you have to pedal: in this way, it activates and continues to work. The pedaling is light, but in practice, it is simulated. You won’t need to make any effort; turn the pedals.
The engine is also kept running by the accelerator on the right handlebar grip: if you stop pedaling, the bicycle slows down but doesn’t stop completely. The only thing that can happen if you don’t pedal is that you unload the engine faster: at that point, to go home, you will have to pedal without assistance.
The new-generation models are equipped with a pedaling sensor. In this case, it is no longer important to give the initial pedal stroke to activate the engine and continue pedaling to keep it running. Still, the convenient accelerator replaces all this: our advice is to continue pedaling now and then to help the engine run better.
What speed does an electric bicycle make?
The European Regulation 2002/24 CE regulates the speed of electric bicycles that cannot exceed 15 miles/h and cannot have a motor more powerful than 250 W. These models are also called Pedelecs. You don’t have to be the one to regulate the bicycle’s speed, but an internal sensor will slow it down when you are at the limit.
Electric scooters are also included in the category of electric bicycles, also called cycles. The S-Pedelecs, on the other hand, are all those electric bicycles that exceed this speed: for this reason, these models are equated, as regulations, with mopeds, and for this reason, they require a number plate, registration, and insurance.
Types of women’s electric bicycles
There are different types of women’s electric bicycles:
- Mini electric bicycle: These bicycles have a wheel with a smaller radius than normal bicycles. They are more captivating for those looking for a particular design, so much so that the saddle and handlebar stand out, which seem much longer than those of a normal bicycle.
- Electric mountain bicycles: i-bikes are having exponential success because, in addition to being used in the city, they can be used on mountain trails with minimal effort. Moreover, they are equipped with excellent suspension and shock absorbers.
- Electric city bicycle for women: the one with classic city design, wide radius wheels, and a basket to carry things.
See also our insights on folding electric bicycles.
How to use a women’s electric bicycle
Depending on the model, to operate the electric bicycle, you need to turn the pedal or operate the accelerator. Once you have started, you can continue pedaling or hold the accelerator to keep the engine running.
Almost all models are based on three modes of operation:
- Normal pedaling: the motor does not start, and you pedal normally (but you will have to consider that you are carrying the weight of the motor).
- Assisted pedaling: The motor is activated, and you continue pedaling with minimal effort.
- No pedaling: the motor is activated, and only the accelerator is used.
How to choose an electric bicycle for women: What to evaluate before buying?
Before purchasing, we advise you to consider some features to find the right model for your needs:
Weight
Even if, thanks to the pedal assistance, the weight does not affect that much, we still recommend that you consider it carefully before buying. The average weight of women’s electric bicycles is 45 lbs, but there are also light models weighing about 2.5 lbs on the market! It is also easy to find very heavy models around 65 lbs.
Battery range and mileage
Electric bicycle batteries are lithium-ion rechargeable through a special electric socket, whose life span varies from 2 to 3 years. To understand that it is time to change it, notice that it tends to drain more and more frequently.
With the maximum charge, you can travel about 20 miles, although the distance that can be traveled is influenced by various external factors, from the type of road to the weight of the driver. Autonomy has much to do with the price: very expensive models can reach 65 miles of autonomy.
Engine and brakes
There are no particular precautions for the motor, given that it cannot exceed 250W by law. The only thing you will have to evaluate is its position: our advice is to buy a bicycle with a motor in a central position: it is easier to extract and gives more stability to the bicycle.
Placing it in the other two positions, front and rear, makes the bicycle less stable, especially on dirt. The type of brake should also be evaluated: for city use, drum brakes are fine, while those who prefer to use it also on dirt roads or in weather conditions can opt for disc and v-brake ones.
What size to choose the women’s bicycle?
Choosing the right size is certainly one thing to evaluate before buying, to improve comfort during use. First of all, the seat must be a little wider than those for men, to have greater comfort in the case of prolonged use.
The handlebars will also have to adapt to the width of the shoulders: the narrower they are, the shorter the handlebars. Then there is the frame to evaluate: for a woman of the average height of 27 inches, you will need a frame with an average size, around 20 inches.
Accessories for women’s electric bicycles
Most women’s electric bicycles are equipped with different accessories, such as the front basket and the rear rack, which are very useful if you decide to go shopping or carry several things. It is also important to evaluate the presence of front light and a bell, which is mandatory by law.
Presence of incentives
Before purchasing, also evaluate the presence of state incentives: these are often provided to encourage green mobility in cities. Why not take advantage of it to buy an electric bicycle at a discounted price?
>>> Where to buy electric bicycles for women?
Some brands of electric bicycles are better known than others, but you can also rely on Chinese brands that still market bicycles with good value for money.
Other frequently asked questions
Do you need a license plate and insurance?
According to the Highway Code, electric bicycles are considered velocipedes, in practice normal bicycles in all respects: it is necessary to wear a helmet for children under 14, not to get on the sidewalk, not take high-speed roads, and you can use the cycle path.
Electric bicycles do not have to be insured or registered, unlike bikes called S-Pedelecs, which require registration as they can exceed 15 miles/h and are equated to mopeds.
Do you need a license to drive an electric bicycle?
Since it is a velocipede like normal bicycles, you don’t need a driving license to ride it. For this reason, there is no minimum age to drive it, unlike the S-Pedelecs that can be driven from the age of 16.
Can a normal bicycle be made electric?
Thanks to the kits that replace the normal pedals with electric pedals, it is possible to transform a normal bicycle into an electric one. And you, how do you feel with your electric bicycle?
