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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Coca-Cola’s bottling partners in India are going electric, three wheels at a time. The company just announced a major expansion of its electric delivery fleet, adding thousands of electric three-wheeled vehicles (often called e-rickshaws or electric tuk-tuks) to its logistics operations across the country.
These compact electric vehicles are already a common sight on India’s roads, used for everything from passenger transport to last-mile cargo deliveries. Now Coca-Cola’s bottlers are ramping up their use of these efficient EVs as part of a broader sustainability and welfare initiative dubbed “Vividhta ka Uphaar,” which translates to “a gift of diversity.”
According to the company, the rollout is already underway, with more than 5,000 electric three-wheelers integrated into delivery routes in cities such as Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, Bhopal, and more. The vehicles not only reduce tailpipe emissions but also lower noise pollution and operating costs, making them a win for both the company and the communities they serve.
Coca-Cola joins a growing list of multinational corporations turning to electric tuk-tuks to clean up their delivery fleets in Asia. IKEA has deployed similar electric three-wheelers in India and other Southeast Asian countries as part of its push to achieve zero-emissions deliveries. Amazon and Flipkart have also experimented with three-wheeled EVs to reach urban customers on tight, traffic-clogged streets.
While North America often focuses on four-wheeled electric trucks and vans for commercial use, much of the developing world relies on these nimble three-wheeled workhorses. Affordable, maneuverable, and easy to charge, electric rickshaws are a natural fit for dense cities with hot climates – especially where small businesses and large corporations alike need efficient last-mile solutions.
Electrek’s Take
These types of EVs can’t come soon enough. They use electric drivetrains that are closer in size to an electric bicycle than an electric delivery truck or van (usually 2-4kW motors and 3-5 kWh batteries), yet can carry loads closer in size to those same trucks and vans.
Sure, they can’t carry quite the same tonnage, but they’re often more appropriately sized for the kind of last-mile delivery that so many companies require.
I actually bought an electric tuk-tuk back in 2023 and found it to be the perfect ‘city truck’ for my lifestyle, where I live car-free in a city and my wife and I travel by e-bike and e-motorcycle. For the few times we need to actually haul stuff, an electric tuk-tuk or rickshaw gives truck-like capacity in a smaller and more efficient vehicle. What’s not to like?!
Images via: Coca-Cola
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![Yangwang U9 Xtreme cracks 300 mph to become fastest production car EVER [video]](https://i0.wp.com/electrek.co/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2025/09/Yangwang-U9-Xtreme.jpg?resize=1200,628&quality=82&strip=all&ssl=1)
Move over, Bugatti! The new Chinese Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric hypercar just blasted its way to a staggering, 308.4 mph top speed on a German test track, seizing the “world’s fastest car” crown and busting the last traces of the myth that electric cars are slow.
Just weeks after BYD announced that the nearly 3,000 hp, all-electric Yangwang U9 Track Edition model set a new global speed record for electric vehicles after hitting a ridiculous 472.41 km/h (~293 mph), the Yangwang crew returned to Germany’s Automotive Testing Papenburg GmbH (ATP) test track with the U9 Xtreme with its sights set on a new goal. They didn’t want the world’s fastest EV title – they wanted the world’s fastest production car title. Period.
The BYD Yangwang crew got that record, rocketing all the way to 496.22 km/h – that’s 308.4 mph to you and me!
“This record was only possible because the U9 Xtreme simply has incredible performance,” explains German GT racing driver Marc Basseng, who piloted the Chinese EV on its record-setting run. “Technically, something like this is not possible with a combustion engine. Thanks to the electric motor, the car is quiet, there are no load changes, and that allows me to focus even more on the track.”
The Yangwang U9 features the world’s first mass-produced 1,200V ultra-high-voltage vehicle platform. Developed by BYD, the car is powered by the company’s latest li-ion phosphate batteries in BYD’s now-familiar “blade” configuration.
The U9 Xtreme’s record-setting run dethrones the previous Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+, which managed 304.8 mph back in 2019. The Bugatti now has to settle for the lesser “world’s fastest combustion-powered production car” title, which is objectively lame.
Definitely NOT lame
The company says it’s selling “no more than 30” of the Xtreme U9 EVs, presumably to customers with incredibly long driveways. The Xtreme version features smaller, 20″ wheels (instead of 21s), and gets wider, 325 mm tires (up from 275 mm) to match the rears. The fronts also ride on a narrower track.
You can watch Marc Messang put the 3,000 hp Yangwang U9 Xtreme electric hypercar to the test in the video, below, then let us know what you think of China’s first-ever world record-setting vehicle in the comments section at the bottom of the page.
Fastest production car EVER
SOURCE: CarNewsChina.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
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With dual electric motors pumping out 776 hp, over 400 miles of all-electric range, and a relatively low MSRP, the new AUDI E5 Flagship Quattro electric wagon is electrifying the Chinese wagon market – scoring over 10,000 orders in its first thirty minutes on sale!
First launched last fall, the new Audi-backed AUDI sub-brand kept the sexy wagon aesthetic but ditched the Germans’ interlocking rings and Auto Union heritage in favor of a simple, all-caps AUDI logo on the E concept wagon. Now seen in production trim, the production AUDI E5 Sportback is surprisingly true to the original concept – except in the horsepower department, that is.
But, while a production car having lower horsepower figures than the concept car that preceded it is pretty typical, the production AUDI E5 is different: it actually offers more peak power than the 765 hp concept!
That’s right, kids! the range-topping Flagship Quattro version of the new AUDI E5 Sportback offers buyers 776 horsepower (that’s 11 more than the concept), and gets 402 miles (CLTC) of range from its 100 kWh battery. And, while that version is a monster, even the base-level Pioneer version at just 235,900 yuan ($33,000, as I type this) offers a 76 kWh battery pack sending power to a 295 hp rear-mounted electric motor and over 600 km of range (~385 miles).
It’s a solid achievement in value and tech, and the Audi people seem pretty proud of themselves. “The AUDI E5 Sportback is our first model based on the Advanced Digitized Platform, and it delivers on our brand promise: the best of both worlds,” says Fermín Soneira, CEO of the Audi and SAIC Cooperation Project. “Audi’s DNA and engineering excellence is blended with China’s digital ecosystem and innovations, specifically tailored for our tech-savvy customers.”
And it’s pretty.
AUDI E5 Sportback
The wagon’s exterior, while not necessarily shouting “Audi” in the conventional, Western sense, is still proportioned well enough to carry the four rings (or, looked at another way, a VW logo). But, while it’s a great-looking wagon on the outside, it’s on the inside that the all-new E5 AUDI Sportback really sets itself apart.
The interior of the AUDI E5 Sportback is noticeably different from any Audi model, being much more inline with similar entry-luxe EVs sold in China. The E5 dash also sports a 59″-inch” wide screen that stretches across the entire dash, digital side mirrors, Alcantara seating surfaces, and wireless phone chargers.
All that tech is powered by the QUALCOMM Snapdragon 8295 automotive chipset with 5-nanometer precision and the ability to perform 30 billion operations per second, and the Chinese-market AUDI OS offers what its makers call, “an intuitive experience designed to make the vehicle occupants’ lives easier.”
You can take a look at the new E5 Sportback’s interior, below, then let us know whether or not you think an Audi AUDI like this (and its purple mood lighting) would be a hot seller Stateside in the comments.
E5 Sportback interior
SOURCE | IMAGES: AUDI.
If you’re considering going solar, it’s always a good idea to get quotes from a few installers. To make sure you find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. It has hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use, and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and share your phone number with them.
Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisors to help you every step of the way. Get started here.
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