Hydraulic disc brakes are a popular choice for electric bikes, however, it can be difficult to decide if you should use them or not. Follow the tips below to decide if hydraulic braking is right for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Electric bikes use either mechanical or hydraulic disc braking.
- Each braking system has pros and cons depending on what you’re looking for.
- Hydraulic disc brakes offer higher performance and control but are more expensive.
Should You Use Hydraulic Disc Brakes on an Electric Bike?
In order to make the best decision on whether or not you should use hydraulic braking on your favorite electric bike, it’s important to understand your options and the pros and cons of each.
Types of Electric Bike Brakes
The two primary braking systems used for electric bicycles are mechanical and hydraulic. Mechanical disc brakes use a cable system to facilitate braking. The hydraulic disc system uses compression to apply pressure to the brake disc. There are advantages and disadvantages to each system depending on your usage, needs, and other factors.
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- What are the Differences Between eBikes and Electric Scooters?
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Mechanical Disc Brakes for Electric Bikes
Mechanical brakes are the legacy braking system that pulls a brake cable tighter in order to apply the brakes to the braking disc.
Advantages of Mechanical Disc
Mechanical disc brakes are the most affordable type of disc brakes. They are generally low-maintenance and, because of the affordability, easier to replace if needed. Mechanical disc brakes also tend to add less weight to a bike.
Tip: Mechanical disc brakes are the most affordable type of disc brakes
Disadvantages of Mechanical Disc
Because mechanical brakes use a cable to brake, it requires riders to squeeze harder to stop. Additionally, the brake cable will stretch over time and need to be replaced. The brake controls of a mechanical system are less sensitive than hydraulics.
Hydraulic Disc Brakes for Electric Bikes
Hydraulic disc braking is a newer braking system that compresses the fluid in order to brake. There is no mechanical element involved and no mechanical cables are needed.
Advantages of Hydraulic Disc
Hydraulic disc brakes offer more braking power than mechanical brakes, which is especially important for electric bikes. The hydraulic system also performs better in bad weather. Additionally, hydraulic brakes offer more sensitive braking, allowing riders more control of the bike when operating.
Disadvantages of Hydraulic Disc
Because of the components of the hydraulic disc system and its higher performance, it is also more expensive than mechanical brakes. While hydraulic brakes last longer and require little maintenance, they can be more complicated to maintain and fix on your own if needed.
Which Disc Brakes Should You Use?
To decide if you should use hydraulic brakes on your eBike, consider factors like usage, type of bike, and your budget. If you’re looking for high-performance braking and great control, then you should look at a hydraulic system for your electric bike. If you have a more lightweight electric bicycle and want to keep costs down, then you may want to consider mechanical disc braking.
Tip: If you’re looking for high-performance braking and great control, then you should look at a hydraulic system for your electric bike
Related Posts:
- What is the Difference Between eBike Sizes?
- How Large of a Motor Do You Need for an Electric Bicycle?
STAT:
It is estimated that the number of electric bikes used worldwide will reach 300 million by 2023.
*https://www.ebicycles.com/ebike-facts-statistics/
Around 70% or more of the force used to stop a bike comes from the front wheel braking system.
https://www.electricitybikes.com/blog/whichbrakes
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_brake#Disc_brakes
*https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a1wgZ8yhlnk
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle
https://bikeparts.fandom.com/wiki/Electric_bicycle
https://bikeparts.fandom.com/wiki/Motorized_bicycle
