Electric Bike Guide

Electric Bike Guide

E-bikes, there is no way of avoiding electric bikes in recent years, from the Boris bikes of London to the wide array of road, mountain, and commuter bikes in stores nationwide. 

The benefits are obvious, not only do they save you time and energy they can inevitably make riding more enjoyable, taking you further, faster and removing the dread of trudging up hills.

However, with more and more e-bikes coming onto the market purchasing an electric bike can be a little daunting. Check out our guide and let us help you pick out the perfect ride. To change your life!

What actually is an electric bike?

e-bikes are simply normal bikes with a motor that assists pedalling to make life easier. Generally, the harder you work, the harder the motor works. In the UK they will assist you to 15.5 mph but of course you can pedal them as fast you like.

The battery is either housed within or mounted on the bike. The distance you can cover on a fully charged battery will depend on the rider size, how much you’re using the motor and the battery quality and size itself.

Whether you’re looking for a road, mountain, cargo, commuter or family bike there is an electric bike for you. 

At the Bike Shed we only stock EPAC’s (electrically assisted pedal cycles). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed, or insured. (However, we still advise insuring your bike, click here for more information)

Rules in the UK for electric bikes are:

You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.

It must have pedals that can be used to propel it and only provide assistance while you are pedalling

It must show either:

• the power output
• the manufacturer of the motor

It must also show either:

• the battery’s voltage
• the maximum speed of the bike

Its electric motor:

• must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
• should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph

The two small exceptions to this are:

• there can be a “Walk Assist” mode where a button on the remote can move the bike by itself up to 4 mph (6 kph) to help with pushing the bike
• the motor can momentarily output up to 750+ watts, for example when starting on a steep hill

Where you can ride?

If the above are met it is classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are allowed.

The rules are different in Northern Ireland, and any motor-assisted bike counts as a moped and you will need a licence. You will also be unable to take it on cycle paths or bridleways legally.

Do you need an e-bike?

No matter how you enjoy your cycling an e-bike will almost certainly increase your pleasure. Is it cheating? Simply put, no, an e-bike will give you just as much independence and satisfaction as a traditional bike if not more! Of course if you’re competing with a hidden motor then yes – that is cheating.

If you’re enjoying being active, you’ll do it more frequently, often for longer and feel a lot more positive so if an electric bike can increase your enjoyment then it’s a win! 

If you cycle for commuting, an e-bike will help with time, energy, sweat levels!

If you’re a keen mountain biker, an e-bike will take the dread out of the hills leaving you more energy for the descents.

Road enthusiast with just a few too many hills round your way? An e-bike will take the strain leaving you more energy for the longer more enjoyable rides.

Can’t keep up with your family or friends? Let an e-bike keep you on track and in the pack.

Do you cycle for work – eg: takeaway delivery? An e-bike is a no-brainer! 

What to look out for

Motor Guide

Whether you’re looking for a hybrid, mountain or road electric bike an important consideration is the location of the motor on the bike. This affects the bike handling, how easy it is to transport and how simple repairs will be. Mid hub motors tend to be more expensive but will give you a smoother more controlled experience - especially when it comes to mountain bikes.  A test ride is the easiest way to find out which is best for you and your riding requirements.

Front-hub motors 

These are located on the front wheel hub and often found on more affordable hybrid bikes and some folding bikes. 

Positives: The motor doesn’t wear down the chain. You can customise and repair gears easily. 

Negatives: With extra weight on the front the bike can feel unbalanced. Removal of the front wheel is time consuming and tricky for transportation. Uphill the front wheel can slip if your weight is not distributed properly. With the motor being in front of you it can feel a little strange to be pulled rather than pushed. 

Rear-hub motors 

These are situated on the rear wheel hub and again mainly found on more affordable options. 

Positives: With the motor located behind you and pushing you it feels a little more natural than a front hub motor. The motor doesn’t wear down the chain. You can customise and repair gears easily. Negatives:  Difficult and time consuming to remove the rear wheel. Can also feel a little unbalanced with lots of weight in the rear - especially if the battery is also located there.

Mid-hub motors 

E-bikes with a mid-hub motor (sometimes called a mid-engine motor) are typically more expensive. They do have some significant advantages though. 

Positives: More natural weight distribution. Easier to carry and lift. Centre of gravity is lower so great for mountain biking. Wheels are standard so easy to remove, repair etc

Negatives: You can't customise the gear setup as easily. The crankset (pedals and front chain ring) can't be changed, although you can change the cassette (gears) on the rear hub so you're not completely limited. Drive chain can wear down more quickly.

Battery guide

You’ll see electric bikes are supplied with different sizes of battery. The capacity gives you an indication of how far you can travel on one charge. Capacity is measured in Watt hours (Wh) and electric bike batteries typically range between 250Wh and 750Wh. The bigger the capacity, the longer the range, however the efficiency of the motor also influences range. The bigger the battery the more assistance the motor can provide so if you’re planning on using your bike up a lot of hills then consider a high wattage battery. 

You may want to check if the battery is replaceable - most are but the more affordable options are not and once the battery is no longer the bike is no longer!

Display unit

You’ll be using this a lot to control assistance levels so it's a good idea to have a long look to make sure its clear and easy to use.

Frame size

As with traditional bikes the fit is perhaps the most important element of choosing a bike to ensure you enjoy the experience. Try to test ride your bike or check out our size guide.

Brakes

With the extra weight of the motor and battery ensuring the brakes are of good quality is vitally important as it is with traditional bikes too. 

Are they expensive to run?

After the initial out lay for an electric bike, with regular use an electric bike will cost less than £5 of electricity a year to run, compare that to even a small car’s running costs and you will be saving a considerable amount. 

---

An electric bike for every situation

No matter what type of cyclist you are there is now an electric alternative – we’ve gone into a little more detail on each category but for expert advice and guidance why not pop into one of our 4 stores or ask us a question

Hybrids/Urban

If you enjoy leisurely weekend rides with the family, use your bike for the weekly shop or your daily commute then an electric hybrid bike is sure to enhance your experience. Hills become less intimidating and you can arrive a work fresh and fit to start the day.

---

Mountain Bikes

Trudging up hills become a thing of the past leaving you fitter and faster with more time and energy for more runs in your day. Keep up with mates and enjoy the thrills without the struggles. Check out our electric mountain bike guide for help in choosing the right bike for you. 

---

Road Bikes

Looking to ride further for longer? An electric road bike will help you put miles on the clock and reduce the fear of the more daunting hills. The perfect option if you’re looking to keep up with faster friends, family, or a cycling group.

---

Folding Bikes

Folding bikes are perfect for the city, for commuting, holidaying, or any situation where storage is restricted. An electric folding bike gives you all this plus reduces the strain and increases enjoyment so you can arrive at your destination feeling fresh and fit.

---

Cargo Bikes

Whether you’re off on a road trip, wild camping or just going about your weekly shop a cargo bike allows you to ditch the car and get adventurous, an electric cargo bike allows you to explore further for longer and take your adventures to another level

---

You May Also Like