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Apr 13 / 2022

What's the deal with eBike Motors?

On the road to an increasingly electric future, interest in ebikes is growing. But what exactly are ebikes and how do they work? What types of ebike motors are there? If you are coming new to the world of electrical bikes it can be a lot to navigate.

So, to help you out, let’s start with the basics: an ebike is, at its core, a bike just like any other, with only a few electrical components attached. More specifically and at first glance, they have a motor, a battery and a controller. 

When it comes to riding, ebikes are pedalled and driven exactly like a normal bicycle.  

The only difference is that the help of the motor increases the strength of those who pedal it, making it easier to move. Essentially giving you some extra juice in the legs.  

Some quick facts to note:

  • An electric bicycle does not have an accelerator, as we see on motorcycles – you always have to push the pedals to keep it moving, again, just like a normal bike; 
  • The motor enhances you own strength, but it doesn’t do all the work. The more strength we put on the pedals the more it gives back. 
  • They make obstacles, such as steep climbs, more manageable my giving you a little push;
  • The battery powers the engine and the combination of both, and how you manage your riding is what will allow you to do less or more kms with a battery charge – that's why autonomy is such a variable topic!
  • The controller is the “brain” of the ebike, without it every other part of the system is useless. It also controls the levels of help the engine delivers, lights etc.

With these 3 electrical components all interconnected, added to an already complex offer of components and accessories it can be confusing for anyone who is still considering buying their first ebike.  

But worry not, that's why we're here!

Full disclosure: the motor is still the most important part of your ebike. This being said, of all the types of ebike motors out there, which one best suits you? Let’s dive in: 

 

Mid-drive Motors

Mid-drive motors are mounted directly to the bottom bracket of the bike. To put it in simpler terms, right where the pedals arms (cranks) attach to the frame. These are the higher-end types of motors. The most sophisticated, with more advanced technology (such as sensors) and provide greater weight distribution – giving you more control over the bike

They can vary in their performance level namely in the torque that they can output – we measure that in Nm (Newton Meters) - which affects the level of assistance you feel while pushing on the pedals. The higher the torque, the more “help” the motor offers. 

 

You can find this motor type in these BEEQ Models:

E800 URBAN MOTION

C800 TREKKING

M500 WILD

C500 URBAN MOTION

C500 TREKKING

 

Rear hub motors

Rear hub motors are one of the most common styles of motor found in ebikes. These motors are housed in the hub of the rear wheel of your ebike. They give you a push feeling and, unlike their front hub relatives, they come in a wide range of power options. The quality/cost balance is more than adequate, they are more discrete and the weight distribution is rather fair. There are a lot of options out there, some more reliable than others. It’s important to choose the right provider in this case. 

 

They are also the current prime choice for lighter models, like road bikes and urban light models.

 

You can find this motor type in these BEEQ Models:

B400 – URBAN MOTION

 

Front hub motors

Front hub motors are mounted in the hub of the front wheel. These motors pull you along and effectively create a front-wheel-drive system for your ebike. Nonetheless, this kind of ebike motors viability is relative, the weight distribution is less efficient but they are considerably less expensive. A slight disadvantage for these types of motors is that its position on the front wheel may affect steering and handling of the bike, you’ll need to be a more attentive rider. 

 

These are essentially some of the basics of ebike motors that can help you with your choice. 

 

Regardless of the ebike motor you might consider choosing, the truth is that there are several awesome advantages to riding an ebike:

  • They’ll let you travel further and faster;

  • By allowing you to ride longer, they help you stay in shape – yeah it’s true!; 

  • They help you save money in so many different ways;

  • They are better for the environment that most transport modes;

  • They are fun and connect you to the world around you – it's a win win win; 

 

Our BEEQ bikes come in all shapes and sizes, with different specs so that they may fit your needs and desires.

With a BEEQ in your hands, you will open new paths to adventure and unforgettable moments. Let’s schedule that test drive! Contact us!

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Jun 03 / 2020

EU countries roll out incentives for E-Bike purchase

Updated 11th April 2021

 

All through Europe we are witnessing a renewed commitment to promote new ways of mobility in urban centers.

We fully support these incentives as they are a way to stimulate the people in making the right decision and choosing a bike for their everyday activities.

So, in order for you to take advantage of these incentives we have compiled a list, by country, of the incentives available.

 

We will keep it updated as more news roll out.

 

Portugal

With the National Enviromental Fund you can get up to 350€ for on an E-Bike purchase funded by the Government

 Click here to apply

·        Lisbon

The city Hall offers up to 500€ in eBike purchase incetives for residents

 Click here to apply

 

Italy

There is a national incentive in place where you can get up to 500€ to help purchase your new ebike.

Click here know more

 

France

There are National and city wide incentives in place, depending on where you live you can be awarded up to 500€  

Click here to apply

·      Paris

La municipalité is offering up to 400€ on the purchase of a new eBike for those who choose to make the change and use an electric bikes as a main mode of transport

click here to apply

 

UK

Companies can support their staff with commuter bikes for purchase through the Green Commute Initiative

Click to know more

 

Austria

Nacional incentive of up to 500€

Click here to apply

 

Belgium

Several cities have their own incentives that can go up to 500€

Click to know more

 

The Netherlands

Companies award their staff a extra subsidy for commuting to work by bike

Click to know more

 

Germany

Cities like Munich are commited to roll out incentives of up to 500€ and there is plan for a nation wide incentive

Click to know more

 

There are some recent news on new incentives that are being planned to be presented for the rest of the year.

 

The future is looking good for e-mobility, and we are all about it!

#RIDESMART

 

 

May 13 / 2021

Behind BEEQ - How our ebikes are made

Designed, created and produced in Portugal, BEEQ was born out of a need to jump start a movement of change. 

  

At a critical moment for mobility when the world is beginning to think of the bicycle as a safe and healthy alternative to move around in cities, BEEQ emerges as the solution for those looking to make the smart choice - European-produced ebikes, with a focus in quality and at a competitive price. 

 

Where it all started 

  

BEEQ is a brand of RTE, one of the leading bicycles manufacturers in Europe, based in Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal.  

 

Understanding and believing in the potential and the role of electric bicycles for the sustainability of our planet, the brand started as a small project within the company to explore the know-how and high-quality standards developed over its years in the industry. 

 

Joining the mobility revolution that is inspiring cities and communities takes time and a lot of hard work.  

 

The brand was "in vitro" for 3 years while we tried hard to launch with the best range possible.  

 

We perfected the models, the logo design, the strategy and message. Looking for the right partners who share the same DNA as our company, who care for the sensational experience an e-bike can offer as much as we do. 

 

Production processes where adjusted, and new technologies developed to have one of the most inovative ebike production lines out there. 

 

No detail was left to chance. 

 

From a small laboratory, to the big city 

 

The result of the BEEQ project is a set of reliable, urban, sophisticated, competent and fun e-bikes.  

 

Launched in July 2020, amid one of the craziest periods of recent history, the brand helped contribute to the unprecedented cycling boom we witness today. 

 

Gorgeous, high quality and well made e-bikes that can be purchased, safely, anywhere in Europe, in the comfort of your own home. 

 

No compromise attitude 

Since 1983 our company as developed a platform of quality and innovation in our facilities that result, today, in around 7.000 bicycles produced per day. 

 

That knowloge and standards are now being applied to make BEEQ a trustworthy, high quality staple in the electric bicycle market. 

 

Our brand is made up of a young spirited and ambitious team with scrappy product developers, designers and engineers, proudly making reliable and affordable electric bikes in Europe for the whole world to enjoy. 

 

 

#ridesmart

Jul 05 / 2021

Join the BEEQ Experience

#BEEQEXPERIENCE
 
 
Summer fever has arrived and we've gone loco!
 
 
We are offering you the opportunity to ride a BEEQ, for 2 months, without any cost or commitment!
 
 
 
 
 
BEEQ is a brand of electric bicycles made in Portugal that is revolutionizing the way the people move in their daily lives.
 
 
 
BEEQ ebikes are urban, sustainable and stylish.
 
 
 
We want you to have the opportunity to participate in this mobility revolution that is inspiring the whole of Europe.
 
 
 
What do you have to do to be one of the lucky ones selected?
 
 
 
It couldn't be easier:
 
 
 
Follow BEEQ on Instagram and record a short video that illustrates why you should be the recipient of the BEEQ Experience.
 
 

Film → Tagg → Share

 
 
❶ Record a short video - no more than 30 seconds
 
 
 
❷ Film vertically - to be easier to share in stories
 
 
 
❸ Explain to us how the electric bike will change your daily life
 
 
❹ Be creative, bold, funny.
 
 
 
❺ Inspire us!
 
 
 
❻ Share in your Instagram stories and identify @beeq.bicycles
 
 
 
❼ Don't forget to use #beeqexperience
 
 
 
 
 
 
Are you going to miss this opportunity?? Summer is here and it calls for some good bike rides.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Already have a BEEQ?! You're amazing!
 
 
 
And you can also be the ideal person to motivate these guys!
 
 
 
Share with us what it's like to be the proud owner of a BEEQ and how it changed your life!
 
 
 
Use #beeqexperience and #beeqfamily and join the party!
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Our team will review the most creative and inspiring submissions and pre-select 20 submissions.
 
 
 
A sensational robot will complete the process by selecting the winner at random.
 
 
 
The 2 (two) first winners will be selected on July 16, 2021.
 
 
 
A new selection of the 2 (two) remaining winners will be made on July 31, 2021.
 
 
 
 
This selection will be reported transparently by BEEQ.
 
 
 
The selection and winners will be announced on the various pages of the brand.
 
 
 
Winners will be contacted by the brand via Instagram to later send data for access to the use of the electric bicycle during the period stipulated by the contest.
 
 
 
Offer valid only for residents in mainland Portugal.