A Brief History of Electric Bikes

Summary:

• Electric bicycles have been around for longer than most would believe, with the first being more like an early electric motorcycle, and featured a hub motor in the rear wheel and a battery mounted on the down tube.
• eBikes offer a green and efficient alternative for transportation, and their popularity has grown along with the rise of environmental consciousness.
• The evolution of battery technology has had a profound impact on the development of eBikes.
• Modern eBikes come with sophisticated onboard computers, GPS navigation, and connectivity features, and can be purpose-built for a variety of applications, from mountain biking and off-roading to cruising and commuting.

While the 21st century has seen the popularity of eBikes explode, the electric bicycle has actually been around for quite some time. In fact, the first electric bikes were patented just 10 years after the first motorcycle was invented—giving these two-wheelers a history that’s just as rich, if not quite so widely known.

We’re here to change all that. Our team at Michael Blast is dedicated to creating high-end modern eBikes that embody and update the best aspects of classic electric bikes and motorcycles. Here’s our guide to how electric bikes have evolved into the models you see today—so that you can pick out a new one with confidence and ride it into tomorrow’s next adventure.

Via The New York Times.

The Invention of the First Electric Bike

It was in the late 19th century, a time when the rumble of the steam engine still echoed through the streets and the promise of electricity was just taking shape, that the concept of an electric bicycle first roared (hummed?) into existence. Patented in 1895 by Ogden Bolton Jr., the first electric bike was as straightforward as it was innovative, sporting a hub motor in the rear wheel and a battery proudly mounted on the down tube.

This was no dainty contraption, mind you, but a rugged, brave testament to human ingenuity​. For one thing, it didn’t have pedals—the motor was the only way to deliver power to the chain. It was also never mass-produced—presumably because the 10 volt battery it used would have depleted very quickly.

Quick Facts

• Patented by Ogden Bolton Jr. in 1895
• Featured a hub motor in the rear wheel
• Battery was mounted on the down tube

Despite its simplicity, Bolton's electric bike was a testament to the raw, mechanical spirit of the time, a true embodiment of the unwavering pursuit of progress. It was a machine that dared to merge the old and the new, the mechanical and the electric. And though it was far from the sleek, efficient machines we know today, it was the first step on a long, winding road that would lead us to the eBikes of the present.

Via Pinterest.

Defining the Modern eBike As We Know It

Ogden’s invention was arguably more of an early electric motorcycle than an eBike, although it’s still worth mentioning for the purposes of this article. But that begs the question: what makes an eBike an eBike?

Most enthusiasts agree that a true electric bicycle must offer the rider the ability to pedal manually, engage an electric motor, or utilize a combination of both, delivering a unique balance of self-powered and mechanically-assisted travel. This allows for greater distance, speed, and ease of use compared to traditional bicycles, all while maintaining that visceral connection between man and machine.

Quick Facts

• eBikes are a hybrid between traditional bikes and electric scooters or motorcycles
• They allow for manual pedaling, electric motor assistance, or a combination of both
• eBikes provide greater distance, speed, and ease of use compared to traditional bikes

When it comes to the reasons why people ride eBikes, they’re as diverse as the riders themselves. For some, eBikes are tools for daily commuting, cutting through the urban jungle with speed and agility. For others, they represent an accessible entry point into cycling, eliminating the physical barriers that might keep them off the saddle. And for the rest, the appeal of an eBike is simply about the joy of the open road—the wind in your hair, the road beneath your wheels, and the quiet hum of the electric motor in your ears.

Early Developments & Innovations in eBike Technology

The journey of the eBike from its early inception to the modern marvel we know today has been marked by a series of key developments and innovations. Following Bolton's original model, Hosea W. Libbey of Boston invented an electric bicycle in 1897 that was powered by a "double electric motor". This marked the first significant shift in eBike design, laying the groundwork for the dual-motor systems seen in some later models.

Quick Facts

• Hosea W. Libbey invented an eBike with a "double electric motor" in 1897
• This was a significant shift in eBike design, setting the foundation for dual-motor systems

Over the ensuing decades, innovations in eBike technology were largely influenced by advances in the wider field of electrical engineering. Battery technology, motor efficiency, and control systems all underwent significant transformations. The invention of the transistor in the mid-20th century, for instance, opened up new possibilities for electronic speed control, giving riders unprecedented control over their eBikes' performance.

The Increasing Popularity of eBikes in Recent Years

There's no denying that eBikes have been gaining serious traction in recent years. With the rise of environmental consciousness, the need for sustainable transportation alternatives has never been more pronounced. eBikes have stepped up to the plate, offering a green, efficient, and downright fun way to get around.

Quick Facts

• eBikes offer a green and efficient alternative for transportation
• Their popularity has grown in line with the rise of environmental consciousness

Yet, the appeal of eBikes isn't limited to their eco-friendliness. The practical benefits of eBikes have also played a significant role in their rising popularity. For urban dwellers, eBikes offer a way to bypass the gridlock, turning frustrating commutes into exhilarating rides. For the older population and those with physical limitations, eBikes provide an accessible way to enjoy the benefits of cycling without the physical strain.

Advancements in eBike Technology in the 21st Century

As we rolled into the 21st century, the eBike industry shifted into high gear. Technology advancements have led to lighter, more powerful, and more efficient eBikes that are a far cry from their 19th-century ancestors. One of the most significant advancements is the introduction of pedal assist systems, which detect the rider's pedaling effort and automatically provide the appropriate level of motor assistance.

Quick Facts

• 21st-century advancements have led to lighter, more powerful, and more efficient eBikes
• The introduction of pedal assist systems is one of the most significant advancements

Moreover, the integration of eBike systems with digital technology has been a game-changer. Many modern eBikes come with sophisticated onboard computers, GPS navigation, and connectivity features, blurring the line between bicycles and smart devices.

This technology has also allowed eBikes to be purpose-built for a wider range of applications. Thanks to the various options now available for suspension forks, tires, and frame designs, you can purchase eBikes for everything from mountain biking and off-roading to cruising and commuting. This rise in technology has also allowed eBikes like the ones in our collection at Michael Blast to borrow some of the power and style from classic motorcycles, creating electric bikes that have more torque and a lot more charm than their predecessors.

How Batteries Have Changed Bikes

The evolution of battery technology has had a profound impact on the development of eBikes. Early eBikes were equipped with lead-acid batteries—heavy, inefficient beasts that were more suited to starting up your Harley than powering a bicycle. But as technology advanced, so did the batteries.

Quick Facts

• Early eBikes were equipped with lead-acid batteries
• Advancements in technology have led to more efficient battery solutions

The introduction of lithium-ion batteries marked a major turning point. These powerhouses brought with them a drastic reduction in weight and an increase in energy density, allowing for longer rides and faster speeds. Plus, with the ability to recharge these batteries hundreds of times without significant performance drop-off, eBikes suddenly became a whole lot more practical for everyday use.

The eBike as we know it today represents a marriage of history and innovation. It's a testament to the human spirit's desire to keep moving forward, to push the boundaries of what's possible. And with the rate of advancements we're seeing in the eBike industry, it's safe to say that this ride is far from over. So, whether you're a seasoned rider or a newcomer to the world of eBikes, find your local Michael Blast dealer here, strap on your helmet, and get ready for an electrifying ride into the future.