China may be the world’s leading electric bike (E-bike) market, but other countries, such as the United States, are catching on. After all, it is one of the environment-friendly mode of transportations that the world really needs today. If people still want a world to call home in the next several decades, they should consider using a vehicle with little to no emission.
What does this mean for an entrepreneur like you? Selling e-bike is the next best thing. And even if you only sell bicycle parts, particularly bicycle fork, you will have a market that is starting to grow.
Product Specifications
- Traditional bike vs. E-Bike
A major difference between a regular bike and an e-bike is the motor. Unless you are using a pedal-assist bike, you only need to use the throttle to control speed and power. You can reach your destination without breaking a sweat.
- Speed
E-bikes have a speed of 20mph, but the maximum would depend on various factors, such as road conditions, terrain and the weight of the rider. Small riders driving on a flat terrain are likely to achieve top speed.
- Battery Life and charging requirements
There are three main types of batteries that are used in e-bikes: Lithium Ion (Li-Ion), Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH), and Sealed Lead Acid (SLA). How long the battery will last will depend on the kind of battery used. Among the 3, Li-Ion is the longest lasting type. You can make the battery last even longer if you pedal assist.
In a single charge, a battery would take anywhere from 15 to 30 miles. Again, more distance is covered if you pedal once in a while and add more life to the battery.
- Spare parts availability
One of the reasons that people are hesitant about buying electric bikes are the availability of spare parts. But with more resellers, factory owners, and parts suppliers like you, searching for carbon bike frames, air lockout fork, mountain bike suspension forks, and other parts would no longer be a problem.
Carry more products, like a variety of suspension forks – Teflon fork, aluminum alloy fork, etc., and you can generate more profit.
Product Safety Issues
Some e-bike kits can achieve a speed of up to 35mph. When used in regular bike lanes, they pose safety risks that can be fatal. Moving alongside slower bikes can be a cause for collisions. Too much throttle from a dead stop would throw a rider off the bike as well.
There are also concerns on battery fires, although it is very rare. But to be safe, overcharging must be avoided. Always use the charger that comes with the e-bike, and when a replacement is needed only high quality product should be used.
To keep a bike shop secure and safe from fires, charging should be done with supervision. The same thing is true when doing repairs and other works.
Testing and compliance
TÜV Rheinland is among the firms that provide clients internationally recognized product tests. They can also give e-bike suppliers and shops a certification of conformity, so they can run their own partial or comprehensive tests. These can be done on some bicycle parts, such as mountain bike forks, saddle, and frame.
Aside from bicycle components, the engine is also tested for possible emissions and performance during battery charging. Controlled braking is also checked under different conditions.
Law on E-Bike
There are no federal laws and regulations for e-bikes in the United States, as it is only defined by the U.S. NHTSA Code of Motor Vehicle Safety as a low-speed electric bicycle. Whatever commercial safety standards on the vehicle are handled by the Consumer Product Safety Commission. However, there are new legislation passed in some state , such as California, a new law effective January 1, 2016, creates three separate classes of electric bicycles, manufacturers and distributors must label the bicycles with the classification number, top assisted speed, and wattage. The new law sets up safety restrictions and regulates access on trails and paths.
