History of Electric Bicycle - Does the Invention Really Date Back to 1895?

Published on: 01 July 2019

We all know that electric bicycle refers to a motorized bicycle. It offers comfortable and easy riding. However, do you know the exact time of the invention of it? We think that it is a very recent addition to the world of cycling, as we can find uncountable options for electric bicycles for sale in the market these days. History says something different. It is time to examine the larger picture.

Finding Out the Real Fact:

If you dig into the facts, you will find that the use of electric cars was quite common in the early 1900s. One must have used the electric motor in a bicycle prior to a car? The answer is yes, indeed. The earliest record of operating electric bicycles dates back to the year 1895. Like modern bikes, hub motors, belt drives, and mid-drive motors were used in between 1895 and 1899 in the bicycles.

You will be amazed by knowing how similar to modern electric bikes was the mechanism of the bikes then. The 48-volt battery bank and a horsepower motor of 750 watts were incorporated in the electric bike at that time, like most of the e-bikes today.

The ‘safety bicycle’ was existing in the scene in 1880. It is a type of bicycle that consists of two wheels of equal size. Previously, the standard bicycles contained one huge front wheel and a tiny rear wheel.

With quick and explosive technological advancement, the electric bike came into existence from this form of the bike, within these fifteen years (1880-1895). The development continued, but electric bicycles held the same position, as a luxury product because of the high cost of batteries.

An electric bike was sold by Philips during 1930s. The lead-acid battery used in it had undergone little improvement since its innovation. Hosea W. Libbey filed the first electric bicycle patent in the U.S.

 

Final Thoughts:

We can say that an electric bike is a beautifully simple machine that has been in existence for about 120 years. Although it was invented a long time ago, it has gained popularity in recent years. Today it is widely used, especially in the Asian markets. The widespread use is caused by the reduced cost of the batteries and other electronic components. You can experience an unmatched joy by accomplishing your dream adventure ride with an electric bike.

 

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