Mechanical vs hydraulic disc brakes on electric bikes: The pros and cons of each
Electric bicycles are a popular means of transportation that combine the advantages of traditional bikes with the benefits of modern technology to provide a gentle (or sometimes powerful) boost to the rider. As e-bikes continue to gain traction and increase in popularity, one crucial element for new and experienced riders alike to consider is the braking system. It’s hard to imagine a more critical piece of safety equipment on a bicycle, and the need for reliable and efficient braking becomes even more important when dealing with the increased speeds and weights typical of e-bikes.
The two most common types of disc brakes on e-bikes are mechanical (also known as cable-actuated) and hydraulic. They both have a lever on the handlebars and a disc rotor on the wheel, but differ in the way they actually engage the brake pads on that disc rotor.
Both have their pros and cons, and the choice between them often boils down to personal preference, riding conditions, and budget. Let’s dive into the key differences between mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes so that we can shed some light on the debate and guide you in making an informed decision.
Mechanical disc brakes: basics and benefits
Mechanical disc brakes work on a simple principle: when you squeeze the brake lever, a cable tightens, forcing the brake pads onto the disc rotor attached to the wheel, slowing the bike down.
When it comes to disc brakes, this is as simple as it gets, which is why you’ll find mechanical disc brakes on most budget e-bikes. Until recently, it was common for e-bikes priced at below $1,500 or so to always feature mechanical disc brakes, but that is starting to change as prices continue coming down. Just recently, Lectric eBikes grabbed headlines by reintroducing the Lectric XP 3.0 with hydraulic disc brakes while keeping the price at the same $999.
Affordability
Because of their simplicity, one of the main advantages of mechanical disc brakes is their cost. They are generally cheaper to purchase and maintain compared to their hydraulic counterparts.
This can be a significant deciding factor for riders on a budget or those who don’t require the additional features that come with hydraulic systems.
Many people think that because mechanical disc brakes are cheaper, that means they aren’t as good. And while it’s true that hydraulic disc brakes have several advantages (and result in their higher cost), mechanical disc brakes can still be highly functional and effective.
Simplicity and maintenance
Mechanical brakes are relatively simple to service. Adjustments and repairs can often be performed without specialized tools, and the system is generally more forgiving to DIY enthusiasts. Most mechanical disc brakes can be serviced with a single tool: a 5mm hex wrench (though some may require a 4mm or 6mm, depending on the model or task).
If you’re a long-distance or touring rider – or you just don’t keep a pile of specialized bicycle tools in your garage – being able to fix your brakes with commonly available tools can be a big advantage.
However, maintenance is a double-edged sword when it comes to mechanical disc brakes. They are easier to maintain (no hydraulic lines to bleed, for example), but they require much more frequent maintenance. Sporadic riders might only have to fiddle with their brakes every few months, but daily commuters could end up adjusting their mechanical brakes several times a month as the cables regularly stretch from normal usage.
Modulation
While mechanical brakes might not offer the same level of modulation (the ability to vary the braking force) as hydraulic brakes, they still provide ample control for most casual and commuter riders.
If you’re not a technical rider and don’t regularly ride on mountain bike trails or in races, then you probably won’t mind the reduced modulation of mechanical disc brakes. But when it comes to more advanced riding, especially mountain biking, the increased modulation available in hydraulic brakes is an important feature.
Hydraulic disc brakes: A step up
Hydraulic disc brakes are more complicated than mechanical disc brakes because they use a sealed system filled with hydraulic fluid (also called brake fluid). When the brake lever is squeezed, it pushes the fluid through the system, forcing the brake pads onto the disc rotor.
It’s been common in cars for a century, but hydraulic brakes have only started becoming popular in electric bikes in the last 5-7 years. Before that, they were largely seen as a luxury item on only the nicest bikes. Now, though, you’ll find them on budget models and nicer e-bikes alike (though the higher end models have significantly higher quality hydraulic brakes).
Power and precision
One of the biggest advantages of hydraulic disc brakes is the superior stopping power and precision. Hydraulic brakes require less force to engage, and they deliver this force more evenly to the rotor. This means that a light pull on a hydraulic brake lever can produce a strong braking response.
Many people use just one finger to pull the brake lever on their hydraulic disc brakes, leaving more fingers on the handlebars for better control.
The extra stopping power can also be useful on heavier e-bikes or electric cargo bikes, especially when carrying passengers.
Better modulation
Hydraulic disc brakes offer better modulation compared to mechanical brakes. This superior control allows riders to brake more effectively under different conditions, a feature particularly useful for mountain biking or riding on uneven terrain.
Again though, if you’re a recreational rider that doesn’t push too hard in technical terrain, you likely won’t have to worry too much about the nuance of brake modulation.
Low maintenance
Hydraulic disc brakes require less routine maintenance than mechanical ones because they self-adjust for pad wear. For casual riders, a yearly brake pad replacement might be enough, though more frequent riders may need to replace pads a few times a year.
For most riders, especially those that perform mostly commuter-style or recreational riding, you’ll never need to bleed your hydraulic disc brakes or replace the oil. However, electric mountain bikers may need to perform these steps more frequently, especially on the more sophisticated yet also maintenance-prone hydraulic disc brakes found on expensive electric mountain bikes.
So while maintenance is much less common on hydraulic brakes than mechanical brakes, when maintenance is required, it’s typically more complex and may require professional assistance from your local bike shop.
The verdict: Weighing the pros and cons
When it comes to choosing between mechanical and hydraulic disc brakes for your e-bike, it largely depends on your specific needs, riding style, and budget.
Hydraulic brakes offer superior performance in terms of power, precision, and modulation. They are a fantastic choice if you frequently ride in hilly areas, engage in off-road adventures, or just want the best performance and are willing to pay for it.
On the other hand, mechanical disc brakes still provide sufficient stopping power for most riders and conditions, especially those using e-bikes for commuting or leisurely rides. Their lower cost, simplicity, and ease of maintenance can make them a practical choice for many situations.
In conclusion, while hydraulic disc brakes generally outshine mechanical ones in performance and control, it’s important to remember that mechanical brakes have their own set of advantages that should not be overlooked. They may lack the raw power and fine-tuned modulation of hydraulic systems, but they are still capable, dependable, and more than sufficient for many riders and riding scenarios.
In the realm of e-bikes, where speeds can exceed that of traditional bicycles, safety is paramount, and the effectiveness of your brakes plays a crucial role. If you find yourself regularly riding in challenging conditions, such as steep descents or rough terrains, the added investment in hydraulic brakes can be well worth it for the enhanced stopping power and control.
That being said, if your rides typically involve flat, paved paths or moderate inclines, and your main considerations are affordability and ease of maintenance, then mechanical disc brakes should serve you well. While they may not offer the bells and whistles of hydraulic systems, they still provide reliable performance and safety, which is the essential role of any braking system.
Above all, whichever braking system you choose, it is vital to keep it well-maintained and regularly checked for safety. After all, even the best braking system can only perform as well as it is maintained.
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Ava Community Energy just rolled out a new program in California that pays EV and plug-in hybrid drivers for charging their cars when electricity on the grid is cleaner and cheaper.
The new Ava SmartHome Charging program, launched in partnership with home energy analytics platform Optiwatt, offers up to $100 in incentives in the first year. And because the program helps shift home charging to lower-cost hours, Ava says drivers could save around $140 a year on their energy bills.
EV and PHEV owners who are Ava customers can download the Optiwatt app for free, connect their vehicle, and let the app handle the rest. The app uses an algorithm to automatically schedule charging when demand is low and more renewable energy is available, typically overnight or during off-peak hours.
“Ava is on a mission to provide 100% clean energy to our customers by 2030,” said CEO Howard Chang. “This new program helps us get there by giving people an easy way to charge on more renewable energy while simultaneously saving money.”
Drivers who enroll get a $75 bonus for joining, and can earn an extra $25 per year if they stay enrolled. Optiwatt shifts charging to off-peak times, and it takes into account the customer’s individual schedules and preferences.
Casey Donahue, who founded Optiwatt, says this program is a win for everyone. “We can move a lot of energy use to cleaner, more affordable times by using smart algorithms and the growing EV base,” he said. “That benefits every Ava customer.”
The program is available to most EVs and plug-in hybrids. All it takes is signing up through the Optiwatt app (iOS, Android, or web) and completing a quick verification process. Savings and rewards start right away.
The Oakland-based not-for-profit public power provider aims to enroll at least 5,000 vehicles by the end of 2025. The company says this program is the first step in a broader virtual power plant (VPP) strategy. It’s powered by Lunar Energy’s Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) platform, Gridshare, which will help Ava coordinate energy from EVs, home batteries, and more.
Ava Community Energy was founded in 2018 and now serves 2 million people in Alameda County, California, and the cities of Tracy, Stockton, and Lathrop.
Read more: California now has nearly 50% more EV chargers than gas nozzles
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Environment
Jeep is teasing the new Grand Cherokee, but where’s the EV version of its best-selling SUV?
The Grand Cherokee is due for a refresh, and we just got our first look at it. Jeep claimed “the next chapter in the story of America’s best-selling full-size SUV begins” after releasing the first official images of the updated model. When will we see the Jeep Grand Cherokee as an EV?
2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee first look
Days after revealing the new Compass, Jeep is teasing another refreshed model, its best-selling Grand Cherokee.
Although it was the best-selling full-size SUV in the US last year, the Grand Cherokee is due for an update. The latest model was launched in 2021, but Jeep added a two-row version in 2022.
It remained Jeep’s top seller in the US last year with over 216,000 models sold, but sales were down 12% compared to 2023. It was also one of the best-selling plug-in hybrid (PHEV) vehicles, with over 27,500 4xe models
Jeep is giving us our first official look at the updated 2026 Grand Cherokee, inside and out. The first image previews the front end, which features new LED headlights and a revamped seven-slot grille, similar to the new Compass.
The interior is restyled with a simplified setup and other minor infotainment and climate control display adjustments. The preview also shows an added passenger screen.
When will Jeep launch the Grand Cherokee EV?
Jeep will continue to assemble the updated SUV in Detroit. The new 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee will be available as a two-row, three-row L, and a plug-in hybrid 4xe, but when will we see an EV version? The outgoing 4xe model is already one of the top three selling PHEVs in the US, so a fully electric version would make sense.
As part of its 2023 agreement with the UAW, Jeep revealed plans to launch the Grand Cherokee EV in 2027. It was scheduled to be built at the Detroit Assembly Complex, but plans have likely changed since then.
Jeep’s new Compass will be available as an EV, but only in Europe. At least for now. Stellantis halted operations at its Brampton Assembly plant earlier this year, where the Compass is built, as it “reassesses its product strategy in North America.”
For those in the US, Jeep currently offers one EV. The Wagoneer S (pictured on the left above), Jeep’s first global electric SUV, starts at $65,200 and has a range of up to 294 miles.
Later this year, Jeep is expected to launch the Recon EV (pictured on the right above), a rugged electric SUV like a Wrangler.
Jeep is currently offering employee pricing plus an extra $1,500 cash allowance on top of the $7,500 EV tax credit on 2025 Wagoneer S models. If you’re looking to snag some savings, you can use our link to find Jeep Wagoneer S models in your area today.
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Can Kia’s first electric sedan live up to the hype? After launching the EV4 in Korea, we are finally seeing it in action. A new test drive of the EV4 gives us a closer look at what to expect as Kia prepares to take it global. Here’s how it went down.
Kia EV4 test drive: The good, the bad, and the ugly
Kia claims the EV4 will “set a new standard in electric vehicles” with long-range capabilities, fast charging, and a sleek new design.
The electric sedan features a unique, almost sports-car-like profile with a long-tail silhouette and added roof spoiler.
Kia claims it is “the new look of a sedan fit for the era of electrification.” Despite its four-door design, the company is calling it a new type of sedan.
The design is not only eye-catching, but it’s also super efficient. With a drag coefficient of just 0.23, the EV4 is Kia’s most aerodynamic vehicle so far, enabling maximum driving range and efficiency.
Kia opened EV4 orders in South Korea in March, starting at about $29,000 (41.92 million won). It’s available with two battery options: 58.2 kWh and 81.4 kWh. The entry-level “Standard Air” model, powered by the 58.2 kWh battery, is rated with up to 237 miles of driving range.
The “Long-Range Air” variant starts at 46.29 million won ($31,800) and has a driving range of up to 331 miles (533 km) in Korea.
With charging speeds of up to 350 kW, the EV4 can charge from 10% to 80% in around 29 minutes. The long-range battery will take about 31 minutes.
The interior boasts Kia’s latest ccNC infotainment system with a 30″ Ultra-wide Panoramic Display. The setup includes dual 12.3″ driver displays, navigation screens, and a 5″ air conditioning panel.
With deliveries kicking off, we are seeing some of the first test drives come out. A review from HealerTV gives us a better idea of what it’s like to drive the EV4 in person.
Sitting next to Kia’s first pickup, the Tasman, the reviewer mentions the EV4 feels “particularly newer.” The test drive starts around the city with a ride quality similar to that of the K5, if not even better.
As you can see from the camera shaking, the ride feels “a bit uncomfortable” on rough roads. However, on normal surfaces and speed bumps, Kia’s electric sedan “feels neither too soft nor too hard,” just normal. The reviewer calls the EV4’s overall ride quality “quite ordinary” with “nothing particularly special about it.”
When accelerating, the electric car was smooth in the beginning but felt “a little lacking in later stages.” Overall, it should be enough for everyday use.
One of the biggest issues was that the rear window appeared too low. The rear brake lights also stick out, making it hard to see clearly through the rearview.
Keep in mind that the test drive was the Korean-spec EV4. Kia will launch the EV4 in Europe later this year and in the US in early 2026.
In the US, the EV4 will include a built-in NACS port for charging at Tesla Superchargers and a driving range of up to 330 (EPA-est) miles. Prices will be revealed closer to launch, but the EV4 is expected to start at around $35,000 to $40,000.
Would you buy Kia’s electric sedan for around $35,000? Or would you rather have the Tesla Model 3, which starts at $42,490 in the US and has up to 363 miles of range? Let us know in the comments.
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