A commuter’s guide to electric bikes
An increasing number of commuters are using electric bikes for both work and leisure journeys. Green transport initiatives such as the government’s ‘Cycle to Work Scheme’ have encouraged over 400,000 people to buy bikes over the years. With employees enjoying tax savings of between 32% and 42% on the cost of a brand new bike and accessories, more and more commuters are using this ‘tax perk’ to invest in an electric bike.
The idea of an electric bike is simple: take a bicycle and add an electric motor and a lithium ion battery. You then have the choice of riding it as a bicycle or switching on the power and letting the bike do some or most of the work.
Ask five electric bike commuters why they do it and you will probably get five different answers. Mostly they will mention cost, convenience, fitness, fast commute, and low CO2 emissions.
There are two main types of ebike, ‘Cadence’ and ‘Torque’, which can look the same at first sight but which feel very different to ride. Like buying a pair of shoes it is impossible to know which suits you best without trying out a few different styles first. Whichever bike you choose you will probably be riding it for years, so you might as well test ride a few different ebikes and be sure you have chosen the bike that suits you best.
Commuters – how do electric bikes compare with public transport?
Electric bikes are an ideal alternative to public transport for commuters looking to stay fit and healthy. Even on a bike that has a motor helping you, you will get plenty of exercise. Just turning the pedals will keep your joints mobile and burn more calories than sitting on a bus.
Modern electric bikes are powered by a light weight lithium ion battery which is similar to a large laptop battery. With an average range of 35 – 40 miles (some much more than that), they only have to be charged every few days and charging takes 4 – 6 hours; plug it in before you go to bed and it’s ready the next morning.
If you’d like to cycle to work but are afraid it would leave you too hot and dishevelled on arrival, ebikes could allow you to moderate your effort and still arrive on time. In the rush hour, bikes are often faster than cars because they get stuck in traffic, while bikes can filter past or take advantage of cycle paths.
Because they consume minimum energy and don’t emit fumes, they are environmentally friendly and good for planet, as well as for your wallet.
It is recommended that you buy your electric bike from a shop where you can test it before you commit to the purchase. The team at Ebike Centres are used to helping commuters choose the most suitable electric bike for their needs. They are happy to talk you through any questions that you may have, and offer a free test ride for an unlimited number of bikes before you buy.
