Do Electric Bikes Go Up Hills?

So, you have decided to take your riding to the next level by ditching your traditional bike and investing in an electric bike.

Whether you plan on using your new e-bike for a cheaper and quicker commute or on off-road hiking trails, you want to be sure your new bike can meet your riding needs.

Electric Bikes on Inclines

Do electric bikes go up hills?

The simple answer: yes. Electric bikes should handle many terrains and steep hills. They provide added assistance to the rider tackling challenging conditions.

However, nothing in life is ever that simple. Electric bikes should be more than capable of handling steep inclines, but there are several factors to consider which may impact performance. 

The following article outlines aspects that affect your bike’s ability to handle slopes.

However, before we dive into the factors to consider when buying an electric bike, here is a quick explanation of how e-bikes work.

How Does an E-bike Work?

For the most part, traditional bikes and e-bikes are the same. The rider uses the pedal to propel the bike. However, there is one key difference. 

Electric bikes have a motor and battery that helps the rider pedal when needed. These added components allow the rider to travel longer distances, handle heavier workloads, or trek through rugged terrains. 

Factors To Consider

While there is a dizzying array of shapes, sizes, colors, and styles to consider when buying a bike, these all come down to personal preference and will not affect the bike’s overall performance. 

Instead, it would be best to consider the following when looking for the bike with the most performance for your particular needs. The size, weight, and position of your battery and motor are all factors that can add or subtract from your bike’s performance.

Types of Motor

There are two types of engines to consider when selecting an e-bike: hub motors and mid-drive motors. So naturally, you may wonder whether one is better than the other. Well, it is not that simple. 

Neither type is better than the other. Which one is right for you depends on your particular needs and what you plan for using the bike. Also, each type comes with its advantages and drawbacks. 

To ensure you find the best fit for you, it would behoove you to factor in your intentions for your prospective bike.

Hub Motors

The most common type of motor found on e-bikes is the hub motor. These motors are attached to the front or rear wheel hub (hence hub motor). The motor pushes or pulls the wheel forward and operates separately from the bike’s gears. 

E-bikes with hub motors are cheaper, easy to maintain, and may work well for most of your cycling needs. However, the bicycle loses power and torque on hills. 

Also, hub motors are usually heavier than mid-drive motors, and their position at the front or back of the bike makes going up hills more difficult.

Mid-drive Motors

Although hub motors can handle most riders’ everyday cycling needs, they cannot compare to the climbing power of mid-drive motors. These motors are in the middle of the bike’s frame. The engine is integrated into the drivetrain and works with the gears. 

The combination of motor and multiple gears allows you to adjust as needed to ensure enough torque and power to clear any incline. The engines are more than powerful enough to scale the steepest slope. 

If you are planning to go up hills or need a bike that can handle a greater workload, then the hub motor cannot compare to the power of even the most modest mid-drive motors.

Furthermore, the bike’s lighter weight and center position help it manage hills. However, one major drawback is that this powerful motor has a hefty price tag. Bikes with mid-drive motors typically range from $1500 to $3000.

Battery 

While the type of motor is essential, it is nothing without power. Even the best engine cannot perform well without adequate power. Therefore, the performance makes choosing a battery a crucial factor in selecting a bike that can handle your specific needs since it supplies power to the motor. 

In addition, the weight, battery life, and range of your battery can affect how well your bike performs under certain conditions. 

Two types of batteries are found on e-bikes: lead-acid batteries and lithium batteries. The following list compares each type of battery to identify some things to consider when choosing the correct battery for your bike.

Lead-acid Batteries 

Lead-acid batteries are the oldest and most common battery found on electric bikes. While these batteries are inexpensive, they are heavier, have a shorter range, and have shorter battery life. These shortcomings make these types of batteries less than ideal for climbing up hills since they may reduce performance.

Lithium-ion Batteries

Although there are multiple types of lithium-ion batteries, an explanation of each is much too extensive for this quick guide. Instead, this comparison will focus on the overall features of the battery type to help aid your buying decision. 

Comparing each battery should be adequate enough to ensure you choose the best bike for you. No doubt, the higher price tag of a bike equipped with a lithium battery may make you turn to a cheaper alternative. 

However, its lightweight, extended battery range and life may be a reason to reconsider, as these features make this an ideal choice for even the steepest slopes. This battery will ensure you get enough power long enough to clear any incline. 

Conclusion

Do electric bikes go up hills? Yes, an e-bike can be an excellent investment for a novice biker looking for a cheaper way to traverse their hilly commute to work or an avid cyclist looking to up their game on various inclines. 

However, regardless of what you plan to do with your future bike, you want to be sure it can meet your needs. Motor and battery types can be vital to ensure the bike you choose can overcome whatever challenges you may encounter on your journey.