Electric bikes: the next big thing?
As more people opt for two wheels rather than four, Lily Barclay explores the advantages of electric bikes
With the rising price of fuel and growing environmental awareness, electric bikes (e-bikes) could seem like the perfect 21st century mode of transport. These battery-powered machines maximise speed, bypass congestion and avoid a whole list of motoring expenses like tax, MOT and parking. But are they any good?
The basics
E-bikes look very much like an ordinary bicycle, but come fitted with a discreet detachable battery. You still need to pedal but the motor gives you an added boost going up steep slopes.
Most electric bikes reach speeds of 15 miles per hour, so you could turn some heads with your superhuman uphill powers - just don’t forget your helmet.
Lean, green cycling machine
Although e-bikes are less green than a regular bicycle, they are good for long, loaded or hilly journeys that would otherwise be taken by motor vehicles. More than six million British commuters use a car, bus or train to travel less than five miles to work. All told, transport accounts for around 14 per cent of human-created greenhouse emissions.
E-bikes are noise- and pollution-free; even so they do require mains electricity to charge its battery. They use the same amount of power as running a 100W light bulb for a few hours a full battery should last you for a journey of 15 miles or more.
If you are concerned about electricity you could look into finding a green electricity supplier. Or if you prefer the feeling of riding a regular bike, check out our beginner’s guide to cycling.
Performance and power
Until quite recently, electric bikes have suffered a bad reputation for their performance, looks and reliability. However, technological advances in batteries and motors have seen lighter, sleeker and more efficient machines emerging onto the market.
The main drawback of an e-bike is the weight (due to heavy batteries), with the lightest bike on the market being around 20kg. Cheaper, older models are around 30kg or more.
Very few e-bikes have motors strong enough to completely replace pedalling. How fast they go is partly up to you, but most bikes will give you assisted power of up to 15-25 miles per hour.
The common myth about e-bikes is that pedalling recharges the battery; this isn’t the case with most bikes but it will preserve the battery power.
Battery life varies, but it usually ranges from 15-30 miles. E-bike batteries are designed to be low maintenance and detach easily, so if you’re using it to commute to work you can charge it in the office for the journey home.
Fitness first
One of the extra benefits of e-bikes is that you’re in control of how much help the motor gives you. If your aim is to improve your fitness, there is nothing to stop you just pedalling normally and occasionally using your battery for steeper hills.
For this reason, it can be a good option for people with injury or fitness problems. It’s also perfect for commuters who don’t want to build up a sweat on the way to work.
Money and the law
Green issues aside, one of the main benefits of using an electric bike is that there is no road tax, no MOT, no parking costs and no congestion charge for London commuters. The only running cost is the charging of the batteries, which equates to approximately 5 pence per full charge.
That said, the price of the bike itself is anything from £200-£2000, with some newer models exceeding that. And like any ordinary bicycle, it’s a good idea to keep on top of maintenance checks.
The legal speed you’re permitted to ride under power is restricted to 15 miles per hour. And your power output should be no more than 250 watts.
Also, you are legally obliged to pedal when on the road. To ride an electric bike, you must also be over 14 years old, so unfortunately the kids will have to wait their turn.
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