• Installing an electric drive motor an a standard bicycle adds three distinct electric bicycle components.bicycle image by david harding from Fotolia.com
  
  Electric bicycles use components typically similar to standard bicycles with a few additions. Electric bicycles generally include an electric motor, electric batteries and a handlebar mounted speed controller. Several electric bicycle designs, nearly as diverse as standard bicycle designs, and several kits exist allowing for the conversion of standard bicycles to electric power, according to electric bicycle online resource Electric-Bikes.com. The law forbids or regulates electric bicycle use in several U.S. states and cities.
  
  

Electric Motors

• Different electric bicycle motors exist. Typically two designs abound: hub motors located within bicycle wheels and motors mounted to bicycle frames with roller-drivers contacting bicycle tires. Many electric motors alter a bicycle vehicle definition to a moped or motorcycle, but electric assist bicycles, such as Aprilia’s bicycle reported by Mike Hanlon with Gizmag, are considered bicycles in most every U.S. state. Assist motors only deliver power when a rider is pedaling and lack high speeds.
  
  

Electric Batteries

• Batteries power the electric motors on typical electric bicycles. Most electric bicycle batteries cost and weigh considerable amounts. Many electric motor systems accept batteries of varying sizes generating different power levels, though set motor wattage limits the amount of battery power an electric motor will utilize. The batteries used in many electric bicycles recharge through standard wall outlet plugs, but many systems utilize on-bike power generators to help extend distances traveled on a single charge.
  
  

Speed Controls

• The speed controls of an electric bicycle typically mount on the handlebar near the right hand of an electric bicycle rider. Speed controls frequently operate as motorcycle throttles do, but many electric assist bicycles use levels of power. Typical power level speed controls offer two to five levels of variable assist power for climbing hills or increased flat-ground speed. Lower electric bicycle speed levels use less battery power and allow for farther distances than high-speed power levels.