The Learning Center

 

EBIKESCHOOL.COM Come learn about electric bicycles

The Learning Center is the place to go for loads of information about electric bicycles. Whether you’re looking for tips and tricks, full explanations of ebike parts or step-by-step technical guides, it’s all here in The Learning Center. Browse the many helpful articles available below, or use the search feature to help you find exactly what you are looking for.

 

Check out the articles below for helpful information

My New Book “DIY Lithium Batteries” Is Now Available!

I’ve been teaching people to build custom DIY lithium batteries for years and have been building them myself for even longer. When I got started there was almost no info out there to help me learn how to build […]

A List Of Great (And Inexpensive) Electric Bicycle Parts

I’ve been building electric bicycles for nearly a decade now. A few years ago I started this website as a place to freely share a lot of the knowledge I’ve accumulated over the years. One of the questions […]

Inside Look At Ebike Parts Supplier EM3EV.com And Its Founder

When it comes to suppliers of electric bicycle parts, there are two main groups: 1) North American suppliers that offer good quality and service but with high prices or 2) Asian suppliers that offer much cheaper prices but […]

What Is Range Anxiety?

Imagine: it’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining and you’re cruising down a wide open path on your electric bicycle. You and your ebike crest a hill and begin the descent as the whoosh of a gentle breeze rustles the leaves […]

Choosing The Right Tire For Your Electric Bicycle

Tire choice makes a big impact on how your electric bicycle handles and rides. Speed, range, suspension and maneuverability are all highly effected by different types of bicycle tires. Choosing the right tire is even more important on an […]

What Exactly Is An Electric Bicycle e-Grin?

Ah yes, the “e-grin”.  Electric bicycle riders know it well and newcomers to the technology quickly discover it. An e-grin is the big, goofy smile that appears on the face of someone who has just experienced their first ever […]

Why Buy An Ebike? Build A Do It Yourself Ebike Instead!

Buying a commercially available retail electric bicycle is a great way to get going quickly and enjoy the immediate gratification of getting around on an ebike.  However, converting your own bicycle into an ebike comes with many advantages over buying a retail […]

Which Type of Electric Bicycle Throttle Is Best?

Your electric bicycle’s throttle is the physical connection between you and your ebike. Through just a few square centimeters of surface area, a magical bond is formed between man and machine that allows the two to feel each other and […]

What is Endless Sphere and How Do I Use It?

To describe it in one sentence, Endless Sphere is an online electric vehicle forum where  thousands of electric bicycle enthusiasts discuss ebike topics. But Endless Sphere is really so much more than that. It’s a community and a […]

What is a Torque Arm and Why Do I Need One

A torque arm is an extra piece of support metal added to a bicycle frame to more securely hold the axle of a powerful hubmotor. But let’s back up and get some more perspective on torque arms in […]

The Myth of Ebike Wattage

Nearly every retail electric bicycle and ebike conversion kit is listed at a specific power level, such as a “500 watt electric mountain bike” or a “250 watt ebike conversion kit”, yet often this power rating is misleading or […]

The Best Bike Locks For Electric Bicycles

It seems these days there are as many types of bike locks out there as there are bicycles. There’s quite a range of styles and qualities available, but which ones are best for an electric bicycle? Let’s take a […]

The Benefits Of A Cycle Analyst (Or Other Wattmeter)

At first glance, electric bicycles seem really simple. You sit on it, turn the throttle and zip off into the distance with a smile on your face. But underneath the hood, so to speak, there’s actually some pretty […]

Should I Use An Onboard Charger On My Ebike?

No matter how much range your electric bicycle has, eventually you’re going to have to charge it. It’s the achilles heel of every ebike, being tied to its charger like a junkie needing his next fix. If your […]

Pedal Assist Systems (PAS) Vs Hand Throttles

It’s a debate nearly as old as electric bicycles themselves. Which is better: a pedal assist system (PAS) or a hand throttle? There is, of course, no single correct answer. It all comes down to personal preference and how […]

Not All Lithium Batteries Are Created Equal

Lithium batteries have become the golden standard for electric bicycles. Their light weight and long cycle life have made them a great fit for any small electric vehicles where weight and efficiency often take a premium over cost. But when […]

How Wheel Size Affects Your Ebike

Whether you are converting a standard bicycle into an electric bicycle or buying a ready-to-ride commercial ebike, one of the many choices you’ll have to make is the wheel size on your ebike. While it might seem trivial compared […]

How Much Power Does An Electric Bicycle Need?

This is perhaps one of the most often asked questions I get from people looking to build or buy their first ebike. There are many different electric bicycle power ratings out there which can be confusing to a beginner. […]

Geared Hub Motors Vs Gearless Hub Motors

There are two main types of hub motors currently on the market: geared and gearless hub motors (gearless hub motors are also called “direct drive” hub motors). Due to the lack of gears, direct drive hub motors are […]

Front Hub Motors Vs Rear Hub Motors

When it comes to installing a hub motor, you’ve only got two options: a front hub motor or a rear hub motor. (There are actually a few electric bicycles with hub motors mounted as mid-drive motors, but that’s outside […]

Friction Drive Electric Bicycles: What’s That About?

In the world of electric bicycles, one type of motor drive reigns supreme: the hubmotor. Sure, mid-drive ebikes are slowly gaining momentum, but hubmotors are king right now. And if hubmotors are king, then that makes friction drive […]

Extend Your Electric Bicycle’s Range By Keeping Your Battery Cool

Everyone wants their electric bicycle to go further. And it doesn’t matter how far your ebike can go; we always want that extra mile. Sure, the best way to increase your electric bicycle’s range is to install to a larger battery, […]

Electric Bicycle Safety Tips

Electric bicycles are a great way to get around, save money and protect the environment – all while having a blast. But as fun as ebikes are to ride, they still require attention to the best electric bicycle […]

Electric Bicycle Frequently Asked Questions

Electric Bicycles have been quickly becoming a common sight in cities across the world. The more people see electric bicycles zooming around their communities, the more they want to know about them. Here is a collection of many common […]

Electric Bicycle Batteries: Lithium Vs. Lead Acid Batteries

When it comes to electric bicycle batteries, you’ve got two main options: lithium batteries and lead acid batteries. Sure, there are a few other types of ebike batteries out there, but the main two types you’ll see all […]

Ebay Electric Bicycle Converstion Kits: Are They Worth It?

Electric bicycle conversion kits are made by dozens of manufacturers and sold by hundreds of vendors. Some of the best prices on these kits can be found on eBay. But are eBay electric bicycle kits a good way […]

Choosing the Right Bicycle for an Electric Bicycle Conversion

Choosing the right bicycle for your electric bicycle conversion is important to making sure that your ebike is comfortable and fits you well. If you already have a bicycle that you enjoy and are ready to electrify it, then […]

10 Ways To Make Your Ebike More Theft Resistant

It’s an unfortunate reality of the electric bicycle world that ebikes make great targets for thieves. The combination of a high value ebike and commonly inadequate anti-theft protection make electric bicycles low-hanging fruit for the scum-of-the-earth that are bike thieves. Electric […]

Avoid Flat Tires With These Six Tips

Flat tires are one of the most frustrating things about using a bicycle for daily commuting. For ebikes, flat tires are even more annoying. Ebikes are heavier and so changing a tire can be more cumbersome. If the flat tire […]