Electric Bikes: Worth The Investment In The Uk?

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular, with many different models available. They look just like normal bicycles but use an electric motor driven by a battery to assist your pedalling. There are plenty of different designs of e-bikes, from commuter-friendly hybrids to folding models, e-mountain bikes and even practical cargo bikes. In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of electric bikes, and help you decide if an electric bike is right for you.

The benefits of buying an electric bike

Electric bikes have many benefits. They look just like normal bicycles, but they use an electric motor driven by a battery to assist your pedalling. This means that you can easily manage hills, travel longer distances without getting tired, and keep up with the flow of traffic. They are also a quiet way to get around, reducing noise pollution.

Electric bikes are a great alternative to cars, trucks, SUVs, motorcycles, buses and other gas- or diesel-powered vehicles. They are a healthy option that can improve your overall well-being and provide excellent physical exercise by boosting the rate at which your body burns calories. They can also help to reduce lifestyle-related diseases due to inactivity.

Another benefit of electric bikes is that they are economical. There are no licensing or insurance requirements, and you can reduce the cost by buying your electric bike using the Cycle to Work scheme, which now purchases over the £1,000 mark.

Finally, buying an electric bike locally ensures that the bike will be assembled properly, following specific torque ratings on screws, and will be fit to the rider for improved comfort.

The different types of electric bikes

Electric bikes are a great alternative to traditional bicycles, offering assistance with pedalling through an electric motor driven by a battery. There are many different types of electric bikes available, each designed for a specific purpose or type of rider.

One of the most popular types of electric bikes is the commuter-friendly hybrid. These bikes are designed for those who use their bikes for their daily commute, offering a combination of comfort and performance. They often feature a more upright riding position and a range of gears to handle different terrain.

For those who are short on storage space or need to take their bike on public transport, folding electric bikes are a great option. These bikes can be quickly and easily folded down to a compact size, making them easy to store or carry. Despite their small size, they still offer the same power and performance as larger electric bikes.

For the more adventurous rider, e-mountain bikes are a great choice. These bikes are designed for off-road riding and feature sturdy frames, suspension, and wide tyres to handle rough terrain. The electric motor can provide a boost when climbing hills or navigating challenging trails, making it easier to explore further and experience more of the great outdoors.

Practical cargo bikes are another type of electric bike that is perfect for those who need to carry extra loads. These bikes often feature a large front or rear basket, or even a small trailer, to transport groceries, packages, or other items. The electric motor helps to ease the burden of carrying extra weight, making it a breeze to ride with a heavy load.

With so many different types of electric bikes available, it's important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the right one for you. Whether you're looking for a comfortable commute, an off-road adventure, or a practical way to carry cargo, there's an electric bike that can meet your needs and enhance your riding experience.

The legal requirements of owning an electric bike in the UK

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, look just like normal bicycles but use an electric motor driven by a battery to assist your pedalling. They should not be confused with "twist-and-go" bikes, which don't require pedalling and are classed as motor vehicles in the UK. As such, they should be registered and taxed, and riders need a licence to use them legally on public roads.

E-bikes are subject to the following legal requirements in the UK:

• The rider must be over 14 years of age.
• The limit of the motor assistance is 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and the motor power cannot exceed 250 watts.
• The bike must be fitted with a front or rear wheel with an electric hub and a display unit.
• The bike must be assembled properly by a local bike retailer, following specific torque ratings on screws to ensure it is fit for the rider.

Where to buy an electric bike

Electric bikes are a great way to get around, but there are a few things to consider before buying one. Firstly, don't confuse them with "twist-and-go" bikes, which are classed as motor vehicles in the UK and require registration, tax and a licence to ride legally on public roads. Electric bikes, on the other hand, are limited to 15.5 mph and 250 watts of power and don't require a licence.

There are many different designs of electric bikes available, from commuter-friendly hybrids to folding models and even cargo bikes. You can buy an electric bike kit to fit to your current bike, but this can be fiddly to do yourself, so you may want to get your local bike retailer to do it for you.

When it comes to where to buy an electric bike, it's recommended that you buy locally if possible. This is because the bike will be assembled properly, following specific torque ratings, and will be fitted to the rider for improved comfort. Many shops that sell both traditional and electric bikes report that their customers use electric bikes ten times more than regular bikes.

If you're not sure where to start, you could try consulting an expert, such as Court Rye, the e-bike demigod behind ElectricBikeReview.com. You could also do some further research by downloading an ebook on the topic, such as "A Practical Guide to Electric Bikes", which includes photos, videos and a deeper look into topics like motor design.

The pros and cons of electric bikes

Electric bikes are a great option for many people, but there are some things to consider before buying one.

Pros

Electric bikes are a cheap form of transportation and are great for transporting heavier loads, such as children, shopping, or commercial goods. They also have greater acceleration, which makes it safer and easier to pull away quickly at traffic lights. Electric bikes are also perfect for those who live in hilly areas, as they flatten out hills. This means that cyclists can cycle in their work clothes without raising a sweat, as the rider has control over the level of effort they exert. Electric bikes also make cycling accessible to people with chronic injuries and illnesses, including heart conditions, knee injuries, reduced lung capacity, and those who have suffered strokes.

Cons

Electric bikes have a larger environmental footprint than conventional bikes, as their production is more complex and energy-intensive. Batteries contain dangerous chemicals, and electric bikes consume electricity throughout their lifetime.

In the UK, there are also some legal considerations to keep in mind. Under current UK law, the limit of the motor assistance for electric bikes is 15.5 mph (25 km/h) and the motor power cannot exceed 250 watts. Riders must also be over 14 years of age.

Frequently asked questions