Will AWD Really Become The Future Of Bikes?

Will AWD Really Become The Future Of Bikes?

Bike riding is a lot of fun as a leisure activity, and it can be improved further when you add electric power to the mix. When you ride an e-bike, you can go much faster with less intense exertion, and travel up inclines without having to dismount since you can use assistance from the motor that is built into it.

However, depending upon the surface you ride on, you might find that certain areas aren’t conducive to the cycling motion. So if you ever have a situation where the battery or motor dies on you, the bike becomes heavier than normal. This is where e-bikes with AWD play an integral role.

What is an all-wheel drive (AWD)?

Previously, you might have heard about front wheel drive in vehicles. This type of system sends the engine's torque solely to the vehicle's front wheels. Rear-wheel drive is commonly found in trucks, truck-based SUVs, performance cars, and luxury sedans, and it turns the car's rear tires.

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With AWD, torque is sent to all four wheels. In the case of bikes, or e-bikes, it will be sent to both wheels. The biggest benefit is that AWD can help those bikes to move properly in dangerous conditions. Since AWD turns both wheels, the grip is better. When the available traction is very low, as on snow and ice, you can accelerate better, with less or even zero tire slippage!

The e-bike feels stable and doesn't slip or fishtail in a way that makes your heart beat faster. In almost any slippery situation, an AWD bike is able to accelerate from rest better than one with front-wheel drive or rear-wheel drive that is rolling on identical tires.

What are the benefits of AWD?

Traction

The major benefit of all-wheel drive systems is amazing traction. Since both wheels are capable of propelling the bike forward, it can continue to glide even if one wheel loses traction due to slippery surfaces such as ice, snow or mud. Some all-wheel-drive bikes only direct power to the rear wheels when the front wheels begin to slip, but even this part-time application is useful as it provides added traction when it is needed.

Performance

Performance and handling are other reasons for some vehicles to be equipped with AWD. It means more of the engine’s power can be transferred to the road immediately. Maneuvering is also greatly improved in all-wheel drive bikes.

Weight Distribution

Part of the performance advantage of all-wheel drive systems comes from their better weight distribution. Additional components are required to transfer power to the rear wheel, so more of the bike’s weight is situated toward the rear. It balances the weight of the engine, which makes all front-wheel drive vehicles heavier in the front. However, with AWD, it means more consistent handling and even distribution of the bike’s weight across its frame.

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Off-Road Capability

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All-wheel bikes are designed to drive over uneven terrain where one or more wheels may come away from the road surface where that cannot provide traction. The bike continues to move as long as there is sufficient contact between the road surface and other drive wheels. These bikes are more capable of moving on muddy surfaces or through shallow water.

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Is AWD really the future of bikes?

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AWD e-bikes seem to be really promising – let us find out:

Dual Motors

Two motors can easily accomplish what one will not! If one motor fails you have another as a backup. If both motors fail you can still ride the bike home.

Traction

With dual motors driving two wheels at the same speed, you deliver twice the power to the ground. An AWD e-bike will smoothly glide through soft sand, mud, and snow. So regardless of the weather and road conditions, you won’t face any trouble!

More Speed

The AWD electric bicycle will produce a 16% higher speed for the same amount of power that would be applied to a single motor.

Efficiency

When it comes to an AWD e-bike, you can travel a longer distance with the same battery and power of a single wheeled powered e-bike. Due to the 16% increase of speed for same wattage, you can travel farther with an AWD e-bike.

Durability

The dual motors run more than 50% cooler than a single motor under high stress. It means that components are likely to last much longer, so you wont have to take the bike to the auto shop for maintenance as much.

Smoother Handling

On dry pavement, AWD can help the e-bike handle better and ensure that full power gets to the road. In slippery conditions, such as ice, snow or mud, it provides additional traction for safer, more confident handling. The front motor also assists in pulling you through the corners.

To sum up, AWD can really be the future of e-bikes, as it ensures you can ride them with ease all year-round, in various kinds of road and weather conditions!