Electric bikes could be the solution. From providing a level playing field for a full family weekend ride – to adding a stress free commute option. The electric bike has already taken over the European market, providing up to 1/3rd of bike sales in some countries. So it’s no surprise that Britain is now catching on.
What is an E-Bike?
An electric bike is essentially a normal bike that adds motor assistance as you ride. Not to be confused with a motor bike which does the whole ride for you. Electric bikes often come with a variety of different settings allowing you to choose the level of assistance you require. And you’ll barely even notice it’s there.
Most of the time you won’t notice that the bike is putting in some extra yards for you. You’ll just be able to ride faster – for longer. Many professional riders have already confessed they’ve bought e-bikes for family members or friends. Or grandparents wanting to ride with the family. Allowing them to keep up on the hills – sharing the social experience. Although it has to be said – it won’t ride the descents for you!
Why not buy a normal bike?
Well we’re not all lycra wearing, leg shaving, fitness junkies. Nor does everyone want the adrenaline rush of racing down a hill on a MTB. Quite often you just want to get outside and enjoy some stress free fresh air. And an electric bike can provide that for you.
Perhaps you’re taking a large rucksack, picnic or otherwise. The extra power can help assist carry the load without you having to jump in the car and get stuck in the rush hour traffic. The assistance can help you get outside without slumping into the office a sweaty mess.
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If you’re carrying and injury or a cold – the e-bike can be a great way for you to increase your load again slowly. There is a huge variety of e-bikes now that can cater to whatever the need.
Different Types of Electric Bikes:
Electric mountain bikes – with the engineering in these bikes finally catching up it’s no surprise that sales are booming. Electric mountain bikes can handle well, holding their own on the descents keeping you on the heels of your friends. But on the uphill you barely notice your legs working and you’re at the front of the pack. With large demand in the ski resorts in the summer, electric bikes can remove the need for the lift!
Electric hybrid bikes – these are one of the major sellers across Europe. A compact bike durable enough to handle weekend trails, but nimble enough to aid you across the busy city traffic. Hybrids and urban bikes can be the most versatile electric bikes on the market.
Electric road bikes – of all the electric bikes these are probably seen the least. Although companies such as Giant have produced electric road bikes, they’re not quite as popular as the other types. The engineering isn’t quite up to scratch with the other makes – and many roadies use cycling as their weekly exercise – rendering the electricity as ‘cheating’.
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Are these bikes legal?
Well unlike motor
bikes or scooters – you have to actually use your legs to power these bikes. The assistance inside the bike is limited to 250 watts and the battery can only aid a rider up to 15.5mph (25km/h). Legally the motor can’t be the sole source of power for the bike – meaning you have to use the pedals at some point!
What’s the battery life like?
Unlike electric cars, which require specialist sockets, e-bikes can be charged as easily as your phone. And most will last for days before you need to swap the battery. You could even carry a spare! Often at trail centres people will ride one battery in the morning, stop for lunch, then ride a spare battery in the afternoon – making full use for the day.
Of course the batteries aren’t going to last for ever, but as research improves the batteries are lasting longer & longer. Generally e-bike batteries will last the best part of 1,000 charge cycles before you need to fully replace the battery. And currently the battery will last anywhere between 40 and 120km when fully charged. This will obviously depend on the battery and the amount of assistance you require.
Brands such as Specialized, Cannondale, GT – all have electric ranges now. So you’re in trusted hands. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to call the Cyclestore customer service team today. They’ll be more than happy to point you in the right direction.
