Why is the electric vehicle difficult to push when it feels very heavy?
2 Answers
There are several reasons why an electric vehicle may feel very heavy and difficult to push: Reasons related to short-circuit current: Due to the high current caused by a short circuit, it can easily damage the internal components of the motor. Therefore, this situation should be avoided as soon as possible by disconnecting the positive and negative wires before pushing the vehicle. If there are no other mechanical faults, this is the main reason why the electric vehicle is difficult to push. Design-related reasons: Some electric vehicle manufacturers design special circuits that intentionally lock the positive and negative terminals to prevent the vehicle from being pushed, serving as an anti-theft measure. Other manufacturers utilize the principle that the motor can generate electricity, allowing the electric vehicle to generate power during downhill and braking, which is then fed back into the battery to increase the driving range.
My electric bike is extremely difficult to push, feeling like a heavy iron block that won't budge. This situation is often caused by a stuck brake system, commonly where the disc or drum brakes haven't fully released, preventing the wheel from turning. Additionally, if there's residual current in the motor when it's turned off, the magnets inside can stick to components, creating extra resistance. Tires are another major issue—low pressure or being punctured by a nail can increase rolling resistance. If the chain is rusty from lack of lubrication or stuck on the chainring, pushing it will feel rough. From my experience riding electric bikes, these problems most frequently occur with vehicles that haven't been maintained after long periods of inactivity. I recommend first checking the brakes by spinning the wheels manually to see if they move smoothly. If that doesn't help, listen for any unusual noises from the motor. Keep tire pressure around 30-40 psi, and regularly lubricate the chain. Addressing these issues promptly can prevent more serious problems like bearing damage.