Apr 30, 2018
by Team FLX

History of cycling and electric bikes

Apr 30, 2018
by Team FLX

The Draisine

Since the invention of the wheel, man has been trying to improve upon its capabilities. From the lowly wheelbarrow of the second century, to the two wheeled cart shortly after, to Karl Drais' "dandy horse", or running machine of 1817, man made great strides toward pedestrian mobility.

The Velocipede

A crank set with pedals was developed in 1860, making the bicycle a viable means of transportation. Cheaper to purchase and maintain than a horse, and more maneuverable than a stagecoach, bicycles leveled the transportation playing field. With travel no longer restricted to the wealthy, everyone with strong legs could go anywhere.

Battery powered bike

It didn't stop at mere pedal power. On New Year's Eve 1895, Ogden Bolton Jr. became the first person to patent a battery powered bike. The celebrated bike was a 10 volt/ 100 amp, single speed, with a DC hub motor, mounted on the rear wheel.

Belt drive and the"Roller wheel"

The turn of the twentieth century ushered in a rear wheel, belt drive,electric bike, patented by Mathew J. Steffens, and a “roller-wheel style rear-wheel friction drive electric bicycle, patented by John Schnepf. Other developments through the next few decades included the freewheeling for coaster brakes, dynamo lighting, and Derailleur gear systems.

Uphill "Booster" eBike

A couple of years later, Hosea W. Libbey doubled up on the fun by incorporating a "booster" battery and dual motor for uphill travel. His initial design was a crank rod system that was soon replaced with a chain drive. The Libbey bike was somewhat short lived, but the concept was sound, and became part of the booster bike renaissance of the 1990s.

Freewheeling motor

Jesse D. Tucker developed the first patented freewheeling motor that allowed pedal- and power-drive on a bicycle in 1946. The design allowed the rider to pedal, motor, or combine the two modes of power.

Batteries

With the development of batteries as opposed to inconvenient power cords, the range and usability of electric bikes increased drastically. Initially heavy and relatively inefficient lead acid batteries had been used, before the industry gradually shifted first to nickel cadmium, and finally to lithium ion batteries. Lithium ion batteries can contain more power per volume unit than other types of batteries, making them very suitable for use in products with limited amount of space.

The first "pedelec"

The 1992 "Zike" was the first e-bike to be marketed as such. It boasted an integrated nickel cadmium battery system and an 850 g permanent magnet motor. Even though the Zike didn't catch on, the idea did, and the first crank drive "pedelec" bike was invented in 1993. This led to a 35 percent increase in booster bike sales over the next decade. Today, lithium ion battery e-bikes are being sold by the millions.

How the future of e-bikes looks like is anyone's guess, but the continued technological advancements leading to longer range per charge, as well as the fact that e-bikes are great at tackling some of today's most daunting infrastructure challenges, such as air pollution and traffic jams, makes it a top contender for the future of urban transportation.

In case you have any questions about electric transportation you can let us know in the comments below or contact us directly on our live chat.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Have a question? We've got answers.

What's the best commuter ebike?

For daily commuting, the Babymaker II Pro is our most popular pick. It weighs just 35 lbs — light enough to carry up stairs or onto transit — and its Gates Carbon Belt Drive means virtually zero maintenance. A single charge gets you 20–70+ miles depending on assist level.

If you want cargo capacity and a more upright position, the Moonrider is a great alternative with dual racks and a Bafang mid-drive motor that handles hills with ease.

What's the best lightweight ebike?

The Babymaker II is our lightest model at just 33 lbs — significantly lighter than most ebikes on the market. Its minimalist frame and compact battery keep the weight down without sacrificing range or performance. Perfect if you need to carry it up stairs or store it under a desk.

Do I need a license to ride a Superhuman ebike?

In most US states, no license, registration, or insurance is required to ride an ebike — as long as it meets federal ebike classification standards. Most Superhuman models meet these requirements. Rules vary by state and municipality, so we recommend checking your local laws, especially for Class 3 bikes on trails or shared paths.

What's a fat tire ebike?

Fat tire ebikes feature oversized tires — typically 4 inches wide or more. Those wide tires give you more traction on loose surfaces like sand, gravel, and snow, better shock absorption, and increased stability at low speeds or in technical terrain. Great for riders who want to go off the beaten path or ride year-round regardless of conditions.

If you're looking for the best fat tire electric bike for all-terrain riding, the Superhuman Bikes Bomber is our top pick. The Bomber is a 750W scrambler-style fat tire ebike built to go anywhere — sand, trails, dirt roads, or city streets. It runs on a 48V 17Ah battery with 40+ miles of range, 20-inch fat tires for maximum grip, hydraulic brakes, dual suspension, a comfortable bench seat, and optional foot pegs for a moto-inspired feel. Available in multiple colors and two configurations, it's one of the most capable and versatile fat tire ebikes on the market.

What's the best ebike for beginners?

We recommend the Moonrider or the Photon for riders new to ebikes.

The Moonrider has a step-through frame (easy to mount and dismount), an intuitive mid-drive motor, and comes with front and rear racks so you can start using it for real errands right away. Its Shimano 10-speed lets you gradually learn how to blend pedal assist with gear selection.

The Photon is a great option if you want something lighter with a throttle option, so you can start by letting the bike do the work and increase your own pedaling input as you get comfortable. It ships 95% pre-assembled — front wheel, pedals, and handlebars and you're ready to ride. (And they glow in the dark!)

How long does shipping take?

All in-stock Superhuman bikes ship within 3–7 business days of order confirmation. You'll receive a tracking number via email once your order leaves our warehouse. For the most current availability on specific models, check the product page or contact our support team.

What's the longest range ebike in your lineup?

The Weapon leads the lineup with 70+ miles of range on its 840Wh battery — the highest-capacity battery we offer. The F5 Trail also carries an 840Wh battery and delivers 50+ miles per charge under typical conditions.

Real-world range depends on rider weight, terrain, wind, temperature, and how much you pedal vs. rely on the motor. Using lower assist levels and pedaling more actively will always extend your range.