Electric Bikes - Origins and Evolution
eBikes From: 1895 to Present Day
Brief History of the Electic Bike
- 1895: Ogden Bolton Jr. patented the first battery-powered bicycle in the United States.
This early e-bike had a top speed of about 4 mph (6.4 km/h).
- 1897: Hosea W. Libbey invented an electric bicycle with a double electric motor, one for
each wheel. This design improved stability and balance.
- 1898: Mathew J. Steffens patented a rear-wheel drive electric bicycle with a rechargeable
battery.
- 1899: John Schnepf patented an electric bicycle with a rear-wheel friction "roller-wheel"
drive.
- Early 20th century: Electric bicycles gained popularity, especially in Europe and the
United States. They were seen as a convenient and environmentally friendly mode of
transportation.
- 1960s: The rise of the automobile industry led to a decline in the popularity of
e-bikes.
- 1969: G.A. Wood Jr. developed the fractional horsepower motor, which would later become a
key component in modern e-bikes.
- 1980s: Solar-powered e-bikes were developed, but they were not widely adopted due to
limitations in battery technology.
- 1990s: Advances in technology led to the development of:
Torque sensors
Power controls
Pedal-assist technology
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries
- 1997: A Japanese patent for a "Sensor, drive force auxiliary device ... and torque sensor
zero point adjusting mechanism" was granted, further improving pedal-assist technology.
- Early 2000s: Hub motors began to be used again in the electric bicycle industry, offering
improved efficiency and reliability.
- Mid-2000s: Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries became widely adopted, offering better
performance and range.
- Present day: E-bikes continue to evolve with advancements in technology, design, and
sustainability. They have become a popular mode of transportation worldwide, offering a fun,
eco-friendly, and convenient way to get around.
Date
Posted On: 06/20/2024