Hydraulic And Mechanical Brakes For E-bikes: How Do They Work?

The brake mechanism is a crucial part of e-bikes as it ensures your safety while you ride. E-bikes have electric power and can help you reach your destination easily with minimal effort. But with more acceleration comes the responsibility of controlling it properly. Good brakes keep you and others safe on the road or wherever you like to ride. 

You can choose mechanical or hydraulic brakes for an e-bike. Both are capable of stopping your e-bike in nanoseconds. While either serves the same purpose but are very different from each in many aspects. Tektro hydraulic disc brake pads, hydraulic fluid, and pistons are present in hydraulic brakes but not in mechanical brakes. Let’s understand what the other differences are and how they work. 

Mechanism And Differences - Hydraulic and Mechanical Brakes 

Mechanism

Once you pull the brake lever in a hydraulic braking system, a piston moves the master cylinder, which pushes brake fluid to the brake calipers. The fluid acts on the pistons in the brake caliper and pushes the pads against disc rotors. 

Mechanical brakes are operated by cables, brake levers, and discs. The lever pulls the brake cables, adjusts the brake caliper to squeeze the pads strongly against the rim, and stops your e-bikes.

Maintenance

Hydraulic brakes require more maintenance as they have more complex mechanisms. You need to seek professional help every time you need to get something done with hydraulic brakes. The replacement of parts can be hectic if you don’t find the right spares. Tektro HD e350 hydraulic brakes, calipers, fluid, and more can be availed from companies like Phat E-go.

On the other hand, mechanical brakes are easy to maintain, and replacements can be found easily. But hydraulic brakes are more durable compared to mechanical brakes.     

Accessibility 

Hydraulic brakes are easy to apply. Just put minimal pressure on the lever, and it will stop your e-bike. In contrast, you have to pull the lever hard to apply mechanical brakes. 

Hydraulic brakes have better power with minimal effort, and you can stop your e-bike at high speed. This is not the case with mechanical brakes; you might move a few meters before stopping if you’re at high speed.

Mechanical brake strength is reduced in mud, wet, and gravel conditions, but hydraulic brakes work perfectly in all conditions. 

What is Your Need?       

The hydraulic system is indeed the better choice for your e-bike, but the use depends on the rider. If you like to ride your e-bike easy, then mechanical brakes would be perfect for your e-bike. But if you like the thrill of fast riding, choose hydraulic brakes.

Hydraulic brakes are expensive compared to mechanical brakes, so you have to check your budget. Tektro hydraulic disc brake pads, brake fluid, and calipers are expensive to replace so keep the maintenance charges in mind.  

Conclusion

Hydraulic or mechanical brakes, you can choose anyone according to your needs. Your budget and how you ride are the main factors determining which brake system is perfect for you. Also, remember that the maintenance of hydraulic brakes is more complicated than mechanical brakes. If you are looking for hydraulic brake parts or a new e-bike, then Phat E-go is here to help. Visit their website to choose custom e-bikes and new spare parts anytime.