Electric Bike Glossary: 60+ Terms and Definitions You Should Know
A
Ah (Ampere-hour)
A measure of battery capacity indicates how much electric charge it can deliver in one hour.
B
Battery
The energy storage unit that powers the e-bike’s motor.
Battery Life
Duration the battery lasts before needing replacement.
Battery Management System (BMS)
Protects the battery against overcharging, overheating, and other issues.
Brakes
Mechanism to slow down or stop the e-bike.
C
Cadence Sensor
Detects pedaling speed and adjusts motor assistance.
Cassette
Collection of gears on the rear wheel.
Chain
Transfers pedal power to the rear wheel.
Chainring
Gears attached to the pedals.
Charger
A device used to replenish the e-bike battery’s energy.
Charging Time
The time it takes to fully recharge the battery.
Class 1 E-bike
E-bikes with pedal assist up to 20 mph and no throttle.
Class 2 E-bike
E-bikes with throttle control and pedal assist up to 20 mph.
Class 3 E-bike
E-bikes with pedal assist up to 28 mph without throttle.
Controller
Manages power flow between the battery and motor.
Crank
Arm to which pedals are attached.
Cycle Life
The number of full charge/discharge cycles a battery can undergo before its capacity diminishes.
D
Derailleur
The gear-shifting mechanism on a bike.
Direct Drive
A hub motor without gears.
Disk Brakes
Brakes that utilize rotors and calipers.
E
E-bike Conversion Kit
Components that can transform a regular bike into an e-bike.
Electric Bike (e-bike)
A bicycle with an integrated electric motor used for propulsion.
F
Fat Tire E-bike
E-bikes equipped with wide tires, suitable for off-road terrains.
Fender
Protects riders from water and mud splashes.
Foldable E-bike
E-bikes designed to fold for compact storage and transport.
Fork
Holds the front wheel in place.
Frame
The main structural part of the e-bike.
Front Hub Motor
A motor positioned in the front wheel.
Front Suspension
Shock absorbers for the front wheel.
G
Geared Hub Motor
A hub motor that contains internal gears.
Gearing
The range of gears available on the e-bike.
H
Headlight
Front light for visibility during dark conditions.
Hub Motor
An electric motor positioned in the center of a wheel.
I
Integrated Lights
Lights that are built into the e-bike’s design.
Integrated Lock
Locking mechanisms built directly into the e-bike.
K
Kickstand
A stand to keep the e-bike upright when parked.
L
LCD Display
Displays e-bike stats like speed, battery level, and assist level.
Li-ion (Lithium-ion) Battery
A popular type of rechargeable battery for e-bikes.
M
Mid-drive Motor
A motor positioned at the bicycle’s crank and pedals. ( Hub Drive )
Mountain E-bike (eMTB)
E-bikes designed specifically for off-road cycling.
P
Pannier Rack
A rack attached to the rear of the e-bike for carrying items.
PAS (Pedal Assist System)
System providing power when pedals are turned.
Pedal Assist
A mode where the motor provides power only when the pedals are turning.
R
Range
The distance an e-bike can cover on a single battery charge.
Rear Hub Motor
A motor positioned in the rear wheel.
Regenerative Braking
A mechanism that recovers kinetic energy during braking and converts it back to stored energy.
Ride Modes
Various levels or modes of pedal assistance.
Rim Brakes
Brakes that utilize the wheel’s rim as a braking surface.
Road E-bike
E-bikes designed for paved roads.
S
Saddle
The seat of the e-bike.
Shifter
The device used to change gears.
Step-through Frame
A frame design allowing easy mounting and dismounting.
Suspension
Systems on a bike that absorb shocks.
T
Taillight
Rear light ensuring visibility and safety.
Throttle Control
Allows riders to control the motor using a hand throttle, independent of pedaling.
Tire
The rubber covering around the wheel, offering traction and cushioning.
Tire Pressure
The amount of air pressure maintained inside the tires.
Top Speed
The highest speed that the e-bike can achieve.
Torque Sensor
Detects the rider’s pedal power and adjusts motor assistance accordingly.
U
Urban/Commuter E-bike
E-bikes designed for daily city commutes.
V
Voltage (V)
A measure of the electric potential difference in the battery.
W
Watt (W)
A unit of power indicating the e-bike motor’s output.
Water Resistance
The ability of the e-bike to resist water infiltration.
