There is a whole level of confidence you experience as a rider when you know that your bike brakes are functioning effectively. It not only assures your safety, but it keeps other road users safe. The effectiveness of an electric bike brake is mainly dependent on how quickly the bike can slow down and finally come to a complete halt.
Several electric commuter bikes can attain a speed level of up to 28mph, which may depend on the classification of the electric bike. Therefore, specific safety procedures are required to ensure a safe trip every time. The braking system of any e-bike is found mainly on the handlebars. It consists of the visible levers activated by a grip, and the tires slow down in rotation and finally stop. Just as electric bikes come in varying brands and models, the braking system of these bikes also differ. How do we determine which brake suits your electric bike and lifestyle? The answer is plausible.
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What you should know about e-bike brakes
Since the advent of electric bikes, they have gained so much popularity and trust from users. This trend is visible with the rate at which people buy and ride e-bikes. Almost every home in the country can boast at least one electric bike. Besides helmets, considered the primary safety gear for riders, brakes also matter. The assurance that your brake pads are functioning optimally and you can apply your brakes when and where you please is incomparable. Hence, it is crucial to confirm the state of your braking system before and after each ride.
It is also important to note that the electric bike-braking system is bike specific. This specificity means you cannot walk into any automobile store and buy a random brake pad for your e-bike. From the manufacturing point, brakes the bike’s nature, the cycle’s components, and the bike’s use determine the installation of the brakes. For example, the Electric Cargo Bike KBO Ranger would not have the same braking system as a sporting e-bike due to the utilization of these bikes. Therefore, you may need an expert to guide you in choosing the right KBO electric bike.
Cyclists should be able to come to a stop at any time they deem fit, so brakes are more than mere kill switches. Especially when descending hills on your bike, if you cannot safely slow down and come to a final stop, you are at risk of danger. The weight, power, and speed capacity of modern e-bikes require the accompanying braking system to be excellent.
Why e-bike brake is so important
As mentioned earlier, the ability of your electric bike to slow down and stop is a function of your braking system. This gives you the confidence to ride your bike to any length. The importance of a functioning brake pad cannot be over-emphasized. The whole purpose of the ride would be defeated, which is why it is a no-brainer to have brakes that function optimally.
The kill switch comes in different forms and sizes, and they are electronic or mechanical switches mounted on the lever of your bike. Applying the brakes to any degree of pressure activates it. However, too much pressure on your brakes slows down your ebike before it stops, and this could be dangerous, especially while riding at high speed. It’s better to slightly and gradually apply the brake until the ebike eventually stops.
Types of e-bike brakes
There are varying types of electric bikes, but the two fundamental ones to consider are:
- Rim Brakes
- Disc Brakes
Rim brakes
Rim brakes have been around for over a century in various forms. Some of the earliest ones used cork or wool pads to stop against lacquered oak rims. Numerous styles have been developed, including caliper, cantilever, roller, and cam. When you use the brake lever, the brake pads press on the inside edge of the rim, and the friction created by the brake pads pressing onto the rim’s edge can stop the bike. You can stop quickly because of the enormous braking surface area. There are two broad categories of rim brakes: mechanical rim brakes and Hydraulic rim brakes.
Disc brakes
The clamp and the disc attached to the hub make up the bulk of the braking system in disc brakes. Because of the connection between the rotors of disc brakes and the wheel hubs, they resemble car brakes. By applying cable or hydraulic pressure, a brake lever’s action hits the brake pads, causing them to tighten up on the rotor and deliver stopping power. For quick off-road descents, these brakes are perfect. Therefore, it is wise to be aware of disc protection as it offers high performance and stability.
Disc brakes can resist extreme heat without scorching the rim or damaging the tire. Mud, water, and trail debris also do not affect disc brakes. The strong pads will swiftly remove the water and dirt off the rotor with enormous power and pressure if a rider dashes through a deep creek to make the rotor wet or muddy. It will be easier to stop your e-bike with a larger rotor diameter of 160 or 180 millimeters which is the standard for e-bikes. There are also two broad categories of disc brakes: Mechanical disc brakes and Hydraulic disc brakes.
Advantages of the KBO bike brakes
Most KBO bikes come with a mechanical disc brake, which is advantageous to the rider and other road users. These brakes do not have environmental constraints and function perfectly, even for fat tire e-bikes. They help you stop in a shorter time and distance. Typically, they pull the brake cable, which drives the caliper and clamps the disc. Another advantage of the mechanical disc brake is that it performs effectively overall.
Conclusion
Electric bikes need a breaking system to function, and there are several options of e-bikes that you can choose from KBO bikes. These bikes have a perfectly in-built braking system that enhances your experience. The Commuter Electric Bike KBO Breeze Step-Thru electric bike is a show-stopper that doesn’t cost a lot. Please remember that your brakes can only prevent a crash but will not protect you during a crash. Therefore, you must use your helmet, knee, and elbow shield on every ride.
