1.
electric bicycle; e-bike
A bicycle equipped with an electric motor that assists the rider's pedaling. Extremely popular in Japan, especially among parents with young children, commuters, and the elderly for navigating hilly terrain.
電動自転車を買った。
I bought an electric bicycle.
坂道が多いので電動自転車が便利だ。
Since there are many hills, an electric bicycle is convenient.
子供を乗せて通勤するために、電動自転車の購入を検討している。
I'm considering buying an electric bicycle to commute with my child on board.
USAGE:
In Japan, this usually refers to 電動アシスト自転車 (electric-assist bicycle), where the motor only assists pedaling rather than providing full propulsion. Fully electric models that move without pedaling are classified differently and may require registration.
COMMON COLLOCATIONS:
- 電動自転車のバッテリー (e-bike battery)
- 電動自転車を充電する (to charge an e-bike)
- 子供乗せ電動自転車 (child-carrying e-bike)
SIMILAR WORDS:
- 自転車: bicycle — the general term for any bicycle
- 電動アシスト自転車: electric-assist bicycle — the formal/full name