3 Best E-Bikes for Food Delivery
RadWagon Electric Cargo Bike
The racks which this bike come with are very useful for carrying cargo.
Food delivery riders will also appreciate the integrated brake lights and puncture resistant tires.
The mileage rating at 25-45 miles per charge might be too low for some, so it is advisable to assess the mileage your delivery tasks require.
Urban Arrow
The cargo range offers various options depending on how much food you need to deliver.
The Shorty is their smaller model and is designed to look like a scooter.
On the other side of the spectrum, the Cargo XL is a large bike with a large 300-620 liter capacity.
Urban Arrow does not offer the mileage range in their e-bike specifications, but their Bosch 500w motors are impressive.
Bolt Bikes
The Bolt Bikes have a low mileage rating, but the bikes are specifically created for food delivery riders.
The bikes are rental bikes. You get to test if an ebike suits you.
Each Bolt Bike comes with a rear rack and safety lights.
Rentals start from $39. Rent to Own starts at $49.
Best Electric Bike Conversion Kits for Food Delivery
Types of E-bike Conversion Kits
E-bike conversion kits fall into the following three categories:
- Front Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kit
- Rear Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kit
- Mid Drive Electric Bike Conversion Kit
Front Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kit (Front Hub Motor)
This is the easiest way to convert your traditional bike into an electric one. With this type of e-bike conversion kit, all you have to do is replace the front wheel with the motorized wheel, and the rest of the bike do not need to be modified.
A front wheel e-bike conversion kit features a front wheel with a hub motor, battery, speed controller, LCD display panel, electric brake handles to cut off power while braking, and throttle (either a twist throttle or thumb throttle). With front hub motors, you may or may not get a pedal assist sensor, so look out for this feature if you think you need it.
Rear Wheel Electric Bike Conversion Kit (Rear Hub Motor)
This is generally more preferred by e-bikers than a front wheel conversion kit because it provides more control and traction. Most e-bikes, with the exception of mountain e-bikes, feature a rear hub motor.
Rear wheel electric conversion kit features a rear wheel with a hub motor, battery, speed controller, LCD display panel, electric brakes, and throttle. Almost all rear wheel conversion kits come with a pedal assist sensor.
Mid-Drive Electric Bike Conversion Kit
With this type of e-bike conversion kit, the motor is positioned at the center of the bike and thus evenly distributes the weight of the motor.
Mid-drive conversion kits are a bit more expensive than front and rear wheel conversion kits. However, most people prefer using mid-drive conversion kits because of the following reasons.
Firstly, mid-drive motors provide a smoother riding experience. Mid-drive motors are considered the most ideal for off-road or mountain biking, where you need your bike to be perfectly balanced.
Mid-drive systems allow the rear wheel to be powered via the same chain and gear set as the pedals. This means that a low gear can be selected for zipping up steep hills or accelerating from a stop with massive torque.
A mid-drive motor is usually smaller and lighter than a hub motor of similar power. This makes the motor much less noticeable because it can be incorporated directly into the bicycle’s frame. Changing a tire on a mid-drive motor e-bike is much easier, since you don’t have a heavy hub motor to add on to the weight. You can simply change the tire like you would on a normal pedal bike.
Now that you have an idea of the types of e-bike conversion kits available, let us take a look at the best e-bike conversion kits.
5 Top-Rated Best Electric Bike Conversion Kits In 2020:
- Tongsheng TSDZ2 Mid Drive Motor Conversion Kit
- BAFANG 8FUN MidDrive E-Bike Kit
- JaxPety 36V 500W Front Wheel Conversion kit
- AW Rear Wheel E-Bike Conversion Kit
Tongsheng TSDZ2 Mid Drive Motor Conversion Kit
Key Features
This kit is a simpler, lighter and cheaper alternative to the Bafang kit reviewed below. It comes with a reliable motor that can perform just as well as the Bafang.
The kit will enable you to reach an approximate maximum speed of 40km/h. It comes with a 350W motor.
Other features include a controller and torque sensors. You also get an LCD where you can follow up on the battery percentage, mileage, speed, time, etc.
A grip shift allows you to switch between various modes and there is no throttle on the kit, just pedal assist.
The benefit of this kit is that it is compatible with the majority of standard bike frames. People trying to convert their regular bike into an electric bike while on a tight budget will like this kit.
PROS
- Cheaper than most other similar conversion kits
- Compatible with most standard bike frames
- Comes with a controller, torque sensors, and LCD for your convenience
- Made with high-grade materials
CONS
- Doesn’t have a brake lever
- No battery in the kit
Bafang 8FUN
Key Features
The components of the kit are waterproof. This feature allows the bike to perform efficiently no matter the weather conditions.
The crank motor operates on 850 watts and 48V. The lithium battery ensures that the motor has the energy it needs to provide you a comfortable and thrilling ride. The motor has an excellent 120RPM rating.
Because of the nifty online tracking system included in the kit, you can always know where your electric bike is, alleviating concerns of bike theft.
Each of the parts in the kit has an attractive design.
PROS
- Lightweight
- Easy to set up and operate
- Great battery included in the kit
- Quiet and efficient
- Aesthetically pleasing
CONS
- Less wattage compared to AW’s rear wheel kit
- Higher price than other conversion kits
JaxPety Front Wheel Conversion Kit
Key Features
It usually takes less than an hour to install the kit. The motor is rated 48V 1000W (downrated to 750W to make it road legal in the USA) making it possible to zip you up and down hills with ease. It has a brushless hub eliminating friction and unnecessary noise during riding.
You can enjoy a speed of 28 MPH thanks to the motor rotation of 470 RPM. The motor has an excellent efficiency of 80%.
The dual mode controller ensures increased efficiency.
Buyers can enjoy a one-year warranty, free replacement and 100% money back guarantee.
One concern we have with such a powerful front wheel drive kit is that it feels really weird when you apply the full torque. You feel like you are being pulled by the motor, it might be something you like, but if you have not tried a 1000 W motor we suggest you install it on the rear wheel before trying a front wheel kit.
The kit comes with several other items such as a front wheel, motor, controller, elastic rope, harness, disc holes, thumb speed throttle, brake level, and handlebar grips.
PROS
- Very cheap
- Produces minimal noise
- Wire switch to determine what caused malfunctioning
CONS
- You have to buy a battery and disc brake separately
- Not a lot of tread on the tire that is included in the kit
- Low motor power as compared to other conversion kits
AW Rear Wheel Electric Kit
Key Features
It relies on a 48 volt and 1000 watt motor. This gives your bike the energy it needs to take you for miles. The motor rotates at 470 rpm, making it fast enough to generate power for your bike within the shortest time possible.
A maximum speed of 48km/h is possible on this bike. The motor has excellent efficiency of 80%.
Mechanical bikes have friction issues from time to time, due to the chains and gears. You end up having to oil the parts. With a rear wheel kit, there is no friction because there are no moving parts.
The motor controller is effective as it comes in dual mode (hall and no hall effect). This renders your bike more durable.
PROS
- Good speed
- Powerful
- Very cheap
- Handles 15 % inclines well
CONS
- Tube puncture is possible during installation; you need to remember to use protective tape
- You need to buy a battery and charger separately
These conversion kits have made it possible for people to enjoy the convenience and thrill of electric bikes without necessarily having to buy electric bikes.
Charging a Food Delivery E-Bike
If you are interested in an e-bike for food delivery, you probably have a few questions about how to charge an e-bike. An electric bike is a bicycle with an electric motor to make pedaling easier and faster. Now, how do you charge a food delivery e-bike? To answer your question quickly, you charge an electric bike exactly how you charge any electronic device – with a battery! Simply remove the battery from the bike, put it in the charger and plug the charger in the socket.
It sounds simple but there are many important factors to consider for e-bike charging to make the most of the battery and enhance its performance. So, we will tell all you need to know about charging food delivery e-bikes.
How to charge your electric bike mainly depends on the type of bike and its manufacturer. Most e-bikes come with battery packs that contain the battery and a bay to connect the battery to the bike.
When you get a new e-bike, most of the time it has a fully charged battery and is delivered in hibernate mode. However, if it is in hibernate mode the battery will not so you first need to change the hibernate mode. You can do this yourself by following these steps:
- Check whether the battery pack is in hibernate by pushing the check button, if the battery is in hibernate mode then the LED will not light up.
- Now plug the charger in your battery pack and then unplug it.
- Push the check button again, the LED will light up and your battery pack will be out of the hibernate mode.
- Now you can use the battery.
Once you start using the bike, the battery is bound to decrease and eventually you will have to recharge it. For charging an electric bike battery, pull the battery out of the bike and turn it off. Then connect the battery to the power supply and let it charge. Most e-bikes batteries will have a red LED light while it is charging and it will turn green when it is fully charged. Once the charge is full, remove the battery and store it in a cool and dry place.
That’s it! This is all you have to do for charging an electric bike.
Now that you know how to charge an e-bike battery, let us talk about some important factors that affect battery life and performance.
Factors Influencing Charging of a Food Delivery E-bike
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Care
To be able to charge your battery properly, make sure you are storing your battery in the right area. Having a faulty battery will not charge properly so it is very important to take proper care of the battery itself along with the power cable or charger. It is generally recommended to store batteries between 0-40 degrees Celsius. Moreover, make sure you are storing it in a cool and dry place as moisture can damage the battery.
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Overcharging
A lot of people do not pay attention to the charging time while charging electric bikes and keep the battery plugged in for hours. Overcharging an e-bike battery is not a smart thing to do as you do not increase the charge beyond the battery limit. On the other hand, the battery will die a premature death. So, make sure you remove the battery as soon as the charge is complete.
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Don’t Let It Die
Many people use the battery to its last limit. While there is no harm in doing that it can potentially decrease the charging performance and lifespan of the battery. For optimal and efficient e-bike charging try charging the battery when it has been consumed enough but not completely. This will not only reduce the charging time and keep the battery healthy.
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Plugging
Plugging in the power source correctly is a very important factor in learning how to charge an e-bike battery. If your battery is not properly connected to the charger then the battery is not being charged while wasting a lot of electricity. So, read the manual carefully to ensure you are connecting all the power sources correctly.
Keeping these factors in mind will make charging an electric bike an easy and simple task.
Let’s move on to some frequently asked questions about e-bike charging.
FAQs about How to Charge Battery for Food Delivery E-Bike
How long does it take to charge an e-bike battery?
How long does it take to charge an e-bike battery depends upon the size and type of battery. With that being said, generally, the charging time can take from 2 to 6 hours for the battery to charge completely. One important factor to consider here is the recharge rate. The recharge range depends upon the range of the battery; for example, if your battery has a 60-mile range and 6-hour charging time then the recharge rate would be 10 miles per hour. Moreover, a lithium battery will take longer to charge as compared to nickel batteries.
Can the battery wear out if it is not being used?
The stored energy in an e-bike battery can gradually escape even if the battery is not being used. This process is known as “self-discharging”. In fact, if the battery is not used for a long period of time it can eventually wear off due to chemical reactions inside the battery. Therefore, it is good to keep charging the battery once the charge drops even if it is not being used. This will prolong the battery’s life and performance.
How to charge e-bike battery while pedaling?
Not all but some new models of e-bikes allow you to charge the battery while riding the bike. It is a very useful feature and can increase the battery range by 10%, however, it also increases the price of the bike by $200! So, is it worth the investment? Well, not that price range as the maximum range extension is only 10%. As a cheaper and better alternative, simply carry an extra battery in case the charge runs out.
Can I recharge the e-bike battery from any plug?
The answer is yes, as long as it is the main outlet.
How long will an e-bike battery last?
The answer to this question depends on the type of battery you are using. Most e-bike batteries can last up to 500 cycles while there are also some which can last up to 1200 cycles. However, most of the batteries for e-bike charging have their own life expectancy such as:
Lithium batteries – can last up to a minimum of 1000 cycles.
Nickel batteries – can last up to 500 cycles.
Lead batteries – can last up to 300 cycles.
It is important to note here that the battery life also depends upon the build quality and care of the batteries.
How can I make the battery go further?
There are a number of ways through which you can make the battery go further like keeping a lower assistance setting. Lower assistance setting allows you to put in more effort while riding the bike hence reducing the efficiency of the bike. This obviously will save energy and keep the battery going further. Another way how you can make the most of the charge is by using the right gears. By adjusting the gears throughout the ride will result in a smooth cycling experience and reduce battery consumption. You already know that high speed requires high power, hence, speeding up will greatly increase battery consumption. This implies that if you want to keep the battery going further then you should ride your bike at a decent pace.
How often should you charge an e-bike?
The answer to this question is pretty simple – charge whenever the battery is running out. Do not wait for your battery to die, charge it when it has been used enough. If you use an e-bike regularly then you should charge the battery every time you come back from a ride. This keeps the battery in good shape and saves you from the danger of running out of charge the next time.
Tips for Charging Food Delivery E-Bikes
Here are some useful tips for e-bike charging:
Charging
- To avoid overcharging and battery damage, always use the supplied adapter with the charger.
- Always charge the battery to full but do not fully consume it. Plug it in the charger before the battery dies.
- Do not plug in the battery right after using it – wait for it to cool first. Similarly, do not use the battery right after recharging it.
- Make sure you disconnect the charger both from the battery and the power source once the charge is full.
Storage
- Store your battery in a dry place with a cool temperate range i.e., 0-40 degrees Celsius.
- Do not store the battery in a humid place or near water.
- Finally, do not store the battery in the garage or other heated areas.
Cleaning
You cannot pick a pipe and start washing your electric bike. Remember: water and electricity do not go together! Clean your bike carefully once the battery has been removed. Just wipe off the bike with a damp cloth and you are good to go.
How Fast Can Food Delivery E-bikes Go?
While food delivery e-bikes cannot go up to very fast speeds, you can definitely go faster than by pedaling on a traditional bike. Many people use e-bikes to assist in riding uphill, or sometimes just to enjoy the adrenaline rush from riding at a faster speed.
E-bikes are usually restricted in the top speed they are allowed to assist riders. This is normally 32 mph (51 km/h) in USA and 28 mph (45 km/h) in most of Europe.
How fast your e-bike can go varies depending on the country you are living in and the class of e-bike you are riding.
The different classes of e-bikes categorize them by their capabilities, motor, and security.
Factors Affecting Food Delivery E-Bike Speed
Classes of E-Bikes
E-bikes belong to three classes: class 1, class 2, and class 3. This system of classifying electric bikes has been adopted by several countries and states as a means of regulating e-bikes.
Let’s explore the speed limits and features of each of these classes:
- Class 1: E-bikes in this class are the most passive. These e-bikes only assist your pedaling but not your throttle. A class 1 e-bike will help you once you begin pedaling, but cease the assistance when you hit 20 mph.
- Class 2: E-bikes in this class are also known as ‘‘low-speed throttle-assisted electric bicycles’’. These e-bikes have motors that propel the rider without pedaling. However, they are also limited at 20 mph. Nevertheless, you can reach a higher speed by pedaling on your own with the motor off.
- Class 3: E-bikes in this class are a little faster. They are also known as ‘‘speed pedal-assisted electric bicycles’’ and provide assistance just when the rider is pedaling. Class 3 e-bikes are limited to 32 mph and usually come with a speedometer.
If you want to have full assistance while riding your e-bike, classes 2 or 3 are ideal for you.
If you prefer to have partial assistance and still work out while riding your e-bike, class 1 is more suited for you.
Legal Speed Limits of E-Bikes
In USA, the consumer product safety act defines a ‘‘ low-speed electric bicycle’’ as a vehicle with fully operable pedals, a motor of 750 W or below, and the maximum speed of 20 mph.
Hence, an e-bike with a motor below 750 watts and with a maximum speed of 20mph is safe and legal to ride.
In Europe, the maximum speed is less. The maximum speed of e-bikes is 25 km/h. However, some countries like Denmark are starting to approve superbikes that reach speeds of up to 45 km/hour. The watts limitation in Europe is 250 watts, which is significantly lower than the 750 watts allowed in USA.
Position of Battery
The battery position on your e-bike can also affect your speed. Putting the battery close to your pedals means your e-bike will feel more stable when you go up to higher speed. Stability makes a bike more comfortable to ride at higher speed. If your battery is elsewhere, it can make your e-bike feel unsteady when riding faster.
Amount of Assistance from the Motor
Which electric bicycle power rating is ideal for you?
It is important to note that higher wattage means greater power, which is not translated directly into speed.
The heavier you weigh, the more power you need to accelerate. Similarly, if you are riding up steeper and longer inclines, then you will need a higher wattage.
E-bike Range
Watt-hours is one way of measuring the energy capacity of an e-bike.
Calculating watt-hours is very easy.
Simply multiply the voltage by the amp hours of the battery pack.
For example, a 52V 10-Ah pack has 520 watt hours.
Watt-hours will determine the range, cost, and weight of your e-bike.
In general, 250 watts motors burn 250 watts hours in 1 hour and 20 minutes at full throttle with assist.
A 500-watt motor will burn the same pack at full throttle in less than 40 minutes. The amount of power assisting you while pedaling will be at least twice as compared to the 250 watts motor.
How fast can an e-bike go? This depends on factors such as the class of e-bike you are riding, and the legal speed limit of your country or state. Depending on where you are living in, you can ride from 15.53 – 32 mph while assisted. However, when you are pedaling, you can go as fast as you are able to pedal.
Drop Bars vs Flat Bars for Food Delivery E-Bike
When it comes to bicycle handlebars, you have two main choices: Drop bars and flat bars. Here we discuss the advantages and disadvantages of drop bars and flat bars to help you decide which to go with for your food delivery bike.
Advantages of Drop Bars
Multiple Hand Positions
Drop bars are designed to offer you at least three different hand positions when riding:
- Bars
- Hoods
- Drops
When riding on the hoods and in the drops, your arms and hands are in their most natural position.
Being able to change among different positions can offer relief to your hands. This is especially handy for longer rides.
Aerodynamic Advantage at High Speeds and in Headwind
This becomes an important factor to consider when you ride at 15.5 mph or faster. By riding on the hoods or in the drops, your body will catch less wind and you can ride at the same speed with less effort.
Narrower Than Most Flat Handlebars
Drop bars are usually around 100-200 mm narrower than flat bars. This comes in handy when passing through tight spaces, such as cars in a traffic jam.
Going Up Slopes
Drop bars make going up slopes easier. The brake hoods foster a firm grip that make it easier to shift your body weight to the front, and you can also pedal with greater efficiency.
Aesthetically Pleasing
Though this is a matter of personal preference, most people would say that a bike with drop bars looks more appealing.
Disadvantages of Drop Bars
Less Control Than Flat Bars When Going Slow
Due to the narrow width and more stretched out position, it is inevitable that some extra weight would fall on your hands. Hence, you would experience the feeling of having less control than flat bars when slowing down.
This might be something to take note of if there is a lot of maneuvering involved in your cycling route.
Brake lever position
Most drop bars have brake levers mounted on the hoods. Some cyclists find this annoying.
Dual brake levers or brake lever extensions for drop bars are potential solutions to this problem. However, these might not be practical or possible on high-end road bikes.
More Difficult and Costly to Repair
Most bikes with drop bars have the cable covered by bar tape.
If the cable needs to be repaired or replaced, it will involve additional time and cost.
Less Space for Bike Accessories
A narrower bar means less space to mount bike accessories, such as your bell, lights, phone mount etc.
To overcome this problem, you can buy a dedicated computer bike mount.
Harder to Keep an Eye on Road Conditions
Most drop bars require you to lean and stretch further ahead more than flat bar bikes. It can be strenuous on your neck to keep an eye on road conditions.
To overcome this problem, you can raise your handlebar by installing headset spacers or by using a riser bar stem. This will put you in a more upright position, so you don’t have to tilt your head so much. You will lose some of the aerodynamic advantage, but you will still be able to enjoy the other perks of using drop bars.
Advantages of Flat Bars
Optimal Control
Having a wider grip on the handlebar allows you to have more control when riding. This is especially perceptible when going slow.
More Comfortable When Cycling Long Distance
Most flat handlebars are higher than drop bars. You tend to sit more upright. Less weight is placed on your hands. This means that your ride will be more comfortable than with drop bars, especially when cycling for long periods of time.
Better Suited for Beginner Cyclists
Flat bars are better suited for cyclists with less experience, because of the greater control, comfort, and visibility they offer.
Brake Levers Easy to Reach
Brake levers are conveniently located at your fingertips. You don’t need to change hand position to reach the brake levers.
Easier and Less Costly to Repair
All cables are exposed, making cable replacement easy to do directly without having to remove and remount the bar tape.
Abundant Space for Bike Accessories
More room on the handlebar means that more bike accessories can be mounted on them.
Disadvantages of Flat Bars
Only One Hand Position
Having only one hand position means that you are unable to switch from one position to another when your hands get tired.
Fortunately, there are many different bar extensions you can use to enjoy more hand positions. It is even possible to add drop bar extensions to your flat bar.
Width Might Be a Hindrance in Tight Spaces
With flat bars, fitting your bike through tight spaces can sometimes be trickier.
One possible solution is to cut off a few inches from each handlebar. However, if you do this, you would lose some mounting space and sacrifice some control over maneuvering your bike. The best solution would be to snip off a small bit of each handlebar and cut some more later if required.
Less Aerodynamic Riding Position When Cycling Fast
Your body cannot be positioned as low on a flat bar as on a drop bar. When you are cycling very fast or facing strong headwind, you will feel a difference.
Which Type of Handlebars is Best for You?
You may want to use drop bars if:
- Your cycling route has long straight stretches on paved roads
- You don’t need to have your hands on the brakes constantly
- You prefer riding at faster speeds
- You may face strong headwinds
You may want to use flat bars if:
- You need to keep your hands on the brakes very often
- You prefer to sit in a more upright position
- You want more control over your bike
- You do not foresee a lot of strong headwinds
The question of drop bars vs flat bars continues to be an ongoing debate among cyclists. Handlebars play a crucial role in one’s cycling experience. Ultimately, your choice of handlebars depends on your needs such as personal preference and e-bike delivery routes.
Conclusion
E-bikes remain a popular choice for people looking to do food delivery. We hope you enjoyed learning about the best e-bikes and gear for food delivery.
