When you are searching "electric bike" on search engine like google, there are lots come out before your eyes.It indicates that the electric bike is getting much more popular these days. But in this article, we are not going to teach you how to select an electric bike that suits you best, but we are talking about the main part of e-Bike -the brake. Brakes are the most important part of your electric bicycle so it’s important to know a few things about them to ensure you enjoy a fun and safe riding experience.
This guide will detail as simply as we can how e-Bike brakes work. And we will describe the each component that forms the braking system, learn how they work together to slow your electric bike down and find out what you can do to repair and improve your e-bike brakes.
1. What are the Components that Form an e-Bike Braking System?
- Levers
The levers are the appendages attached to your handles and used as the primary activation system for your brakes. Basic levers don’t offer much in terms of extra features. But did you know that premium brakes have adjustable lengths, angles, and even pull strength?
The one thing that worth mentioning is that while the laws vary depending on where you live, the United States and much of the other countries require that the front wheel be connected to the left brake lever, and the back wheel be connected to the right brake lever.
- Cable
The cable connects the lever to the caliper, running from your handlebar to your wheels. Almost all of the electric bikes are adopting a mechanical disc brake system. The main difference between mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes relates to how they transfer the braking force from the brake lever to the brake rotor. Mechanical disc brakes have cables filled with air, while hydraulic disc brakes have cables filled with fluid. Mechanical disc brakes are easier to repair and replace, while hydraulic disc brakes provide greater stopping power due to the cable setup.
- Caliper
The caliper is the central housing unit for the brake pad and the pistons. When the lever is pulled or activate, the pistons will move and press the brake pad into the brake rotor. Brake pads are specifically designed to slow down the eBike by applying friction to the brake rotor while also absorbing the brake rotor's heat when pressed against it. Brake pads are typically the first component you need to think of and replace on a braking system that isn't functioning correctly.
- Brake Rotor
The brake rotor is a large metal disc that sits in the Wheel Hub, which refers to the center component of the wheel that holds it all together. As the brake pad is pressed into the spinning brake rotor, it slows it down by creating friction, making it harder for the rest of the wheel to turn.
The larger the brake rotor, the faster you slow down due to the greater friction generated. However, be aware that brake pads will wear out quicker on a larger brake rotor because of the larger friction compared to a smaller rotor. Typical e-Bike brake rotors are often between 160 mm to 180 mm in size.
To read the electric scooter brake type, click "electric scooter brake".
2. How do e-Bike Brakes Work?
Now that you have a general idea of every component on an electric bike, we can discuss how the brakes work.When the brake lever is pulled, the attached cable applies pressure to the brake caliper’s pistons. The pistons push the brake pad attached to the caliper down into the brake rotor, using frictional force to the spinning wheel hub that the brake rotor is attached to. The tighter you pull on your brake levers, the harder the brake pad is pushed into the brake rotor, resulting in greater frictional force.
The greater frictional force applied to the wheel hub, the faster your wheel will slow down as the energy and momentum retained by the wheel is expelled as heat. Larger brake rotors have more surface area to evenly expel heat, allowing you to apply more force without running the risk of damaging the rotor, brake pad, or other components on the braking system.
The heat generated by braking is the primary reason why components get worn down. Eventually, you will need to replace the brake pad, the calipers, and even the brake rotor to promise there will no potential risk on riding your e-Bike.