Best Commuter Bikes | Commuter Bicycle

What defines the best commuter bikes? Defining “best” is totally relative, so factoring in the demands of a commuter; we came up with the following.

They’re Comfortable

No one likes to be going to and from work with any stress or tension, or even pain in their body. Part of this is down to riding position, but finding a suitably comfortable bike for your commute is important.

They’re Affordable

Getting to and from work shouldn’t eat away at your income. Cycling should be cheaper overall than anything. Even incorporating cycling on a small part of your journey can help cut the cost of commuting compared to public transport or driving.

They’re Quick

Cycling on the whole must be able to match or shorten the time it take to commute to and from work. Bicycles can generally travel through traffic relatively easily, maintain a high average speed and take shorter, more direct routes (if you know your shortcuts well), but the best commuter bikes must be fast.

…and they DON’T require a shower at the other end!

The bane of a cyclist who commutes is the “sweaty suit syndrome”. Simply put, it means you have to have a shower, or at least get changed after you arrive at work. This makes the whole idea of saving time on your journey somewhat pointless, and employers “angst” over having to provide shower facilities.

There is a solution which covers all these points. The best commuter bikes are electric bikes. Electric bikes feature a small battery and motor which provides assistance to you as you pedal or provides "power on demand" to give you that all important boost.

Whether you want to effortlessly cruise across a city, or cut the cost of your commute, or even get healthier - electric bikes are by far the best way.

Like “traditional” bikes, electric powered bicycles come in various different types, each with differing advantages. The best electric bikes for commuting are folding electric bicycles since they can compact down into a rucksack or bag so you can easily carry them on a train, or a bus – even in the office (so no fears of your bike being nicked outside) and can be made ready to ride in as few as 15 seconds on some models.

In order to fold up as small as possible, folding electric bikes tend to have smaller wheels which don’t take as kindly to an off-road routing as a mountain bike for example. If you’re journey does involve travelling on dirt a lot, a folding bike may not be the most suitable, even with an electric motor to help you along.

Similarly, if you don’t need to fold up your bike often to get it on a train or in the office, or if you have more mileage to cover that may be slightly harder with smaller wheels, a dedicated road bike may be more up your street.

On the subject of cyclists “sweaty suit syndrome” commuters travelling by electric bike don’t have to shower and change after getting to work. The pedal-assist or “big red power button” means you can do as little (or as much) work as you like. More over, the wind-chill effect from cycling at a higher speed will help keep you cool easier.

...And did you know that electric bike exercise is more likely to help you become fitter than normal cycling?

Electric bikes are also much more affordable per day, mile or any other metric you could possibly compare them with than public transport or driving. Not only are they much more affordable but they’re also quicker. Cyclists are able to take shorter, more direct routes to work – but particularly around roads and busy junctions, an electric motor can make all the difference in getting away from the accelerating traffic.

In summary, the best commuter bikes are electric and foldable because they're quicker, more affordable and you don't need a shower after cycling to work.

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Electric Bikes For Sale | Electric Bike Buyers Guide: Chapter 4

When you’re ready to buy your electric bike, there’s a couple of insider tricks to saving money, getting more for your money and avoiding headaches later on. In this guide, we'll also share with you the best places to find electric bikes for sale, all here in the UK.

First things first, have you tried some electric bikes?

Chapter 3 walks you through the process of choosing and trying electric bikes. This stage is really important so that you get the right kind of electric bike for you. If you haven’t already tried chosen the electric bike you’d love to get, then go back to Chapter 3 and choose an electric bike.

Electric Bikes Experts talk you through some best practices for when you buy and first ride your new electric bike.

Here's a list of trusted, recommended places to find electric bikes for sale.

Buying online vs. at a dealer

The electric bike industry is growing quickly. There are plenty of new entrants, as well as old timer dealers where you can buy your electric bike from. You should scout around online to get a rough idea of prices before buying, but just remember there are several advantages to going to a dealer to buy.

A dealer can show you the ins and outs of your bike in person. That’s so much better than sorting out problems over the phone or via email. If you want to walk out working for sure, and aren’t the most technical bike expert, then a dealer may be you’re best bet. You also don’t have to wait for your new electric bike to arrive either.

That said, any good online dealer can send good pictures and diagrams, and there are lots of great video tutorials and guides online for help with the main bicycle parts. Some dealers even publish their own setup videos to help you get started.

Online dealers can have more friendly prices, but not always. Watch out for shipping, which can be the deciding factor - Some dealers do it free, others don’t. If you’ve found the same product you like online at a more competitive price than you’re local dealer, why not bargain with them and ask for a price match or a few freebies?

Even if you are buying online, buy from somewhere which clearly has a physical location anyway; a showroom and somewhere you can go to if needs be. That way you get the best of both worlds.

Don’t forget, you can also call up and order. Most dealers have phones manned throughout business hours, and will happily take your order and answer any questions. Its the next best thing to buying in person.

If you can get to a dealer, it’ll be a worthwhile trip. If you can’t, its not the end of the world, but take these recommendations to heart.

Guarantees and a manufacturers warranty on both the battery and the bike are important. Not only does this show confidence in the product, but also reassurance that in case something goes wrong, they’ll take responsibility for fixing it. There are enough dealers and manufacturers offering stellar, long guarentees that you can be picky with that you buy based on this alone.

Also, being able to service an electric bike quickly and affordably, having been trained by a manufacturer or something similar is also really useful.

Does Experience Matter?

Yes and no. Of course, going to a shop that has been selling electric bikes for years helps; having staff experienced with handling typical electric bike enquiries is always useful.

But, the industry is blossoming. Lots of new entrants are setting up shop, and if there’s a dealer near you, its probably best to go to your nearest shop than trek around the country. Use the notes in this guide to help you; a newer dealer might be perfect.

Having both electric bikes for sale, as well as spares (or easy access to spares) in stock is really important. Besides having a range of electric bikes to try out (you should definitely test more than one), nothing is more frustrating than having to wait weeks, even months for a box to arrive!

Smart shop owners will also be able to help you out with your electric bike away from the shop. Being able to answer a phone as well as show you how to use the bike properly (the controller, make adjustments etc.) is really, really handy.

Buying online, there are some larger ‘bike shop chains’ which run large online shops selling all sorts of cycling equipment. Some of these are now stocking electric bikes, with the huge network and support that comes from having a nationwide chain. Although they’re not specialist, they can be quite competitive on price and set the bar for online service.

Evans Cycles

Evans Cycles is the largest chain of bike shops in the UK, and a great place to get quality service. As well as having a great online selection, you can also go to any Evans Cycles shop up and down the country, and still get that specialist bike shop experience.

Chain Reaction Cycles

Chain Reaction Cycles is a mail-order only bike shop, and one of the largest of its kind. They’ve been doing mail-order bikes and accessories for over 25 years, and they really pride themselves in customer service.

Amazon

Amazon know how to deliver an excellent online shopping experience, and yes, they do stock some electric bikes (and at very competitive prices!). Check to see who’s actually selling them, since Amazon is a shopfront for many sellers, but you’re still protected by their A-to-Z Buying Guarantee.

Buying Abroad

Importing electric bikes from foreign sellers is a risky way of getting an electric bike. The lack of support in your own country in case anything goes wrong and the headaches of long, expensive shipping times and not being protected by UK selling laws make this, on balance, an unwise move, even if the prices and exchange rates are heart-poundingly comepelling.

Instead, look to these...

Financing Services

Some dealers will offer options to get your bike on a finance agreements where you can buy now, pay later or pay monthly often with 0% interest. This is a really easy way to fund an electric bike, especially with the amount of savings they bring so you don’t really notice the cost. Ask your dealer about financing options.

Cycle to Work Scheme

The government would love us all to be cycling to work and being totally carbon neutral. One project born out of this is the ‘cycle to work scheme’. You effectively buy a bike tax-free, but rent it from your employer through a salary-sacrifice scheme (often so small, you don’t really notice it.). There’s a few hoops to jump through, but you can end up saving up to 50% of the cost of the bike with the cycle to work scheme.

Used Electric Bikes

Buying used can be a smart way to get a more affordable electric bike, but you must try it out first. Ask about the battery condition. Always look into the costs of replacing the battery since you don’t know the battery’s history. Make sure you read the used electric bike guide.

Electric Bike Conversion Kits

Perhaps you’ve got a decent bike already, and would consider perhaps adding an electric bike conversion kit to it? It simply means adding the main electric bike components; a motor, a battery and a controller to turn your bicycle that may otherwise be sitting in the shed, into a daily commuting workhorse. Ask your deal about conversion kits.

Sell or trade-in your car or bike

If you’re replacing a bike or a car with an electric bike, you can sell or trade in your old vehicle to pay for your new electric bike. An easy way to get a better way of getting around without forking out more of your paycheck.

Take your new electric bike out as soon as the battery is fully charged, test all the systems and components and get used to the new ride. Let your dealer know how you’re getting on, and offer a testimonial if you thought their service was good. They’ll appreciate that!

Day to day help

Connecting with other electric bike users is important. The Pedelecs Forum is a community of electric bike owners, where they can share their problems, stories and questions. I really recommend registering - its a great community there.

Stay Safe!

Cyclists need to be aware of potential road hazards, like cars cutting across. With that in mind, please take a look at Bicycle Safe and the guide on their homepage.

Getting Used to Your New Electric Bike

If you’re using your new electric bike for commuting you could break yourself in slowly with a drive-in/cycle home, cycline-in/drive home alternating schedule. Experiment with different routes - and when you’re used to your electric bike, why not share your electric bike story here?

A couple of must-haves and a few other suggestions.

An Awesome Bike Lock

In case you’re going to leave your bike anywhere away from home or somewhere else secure, a good quality bike lock is a must.

Sat Nav

Motorbike or bicycle sav nav systems can really help with navigation, especially if you’re touring places you’ve never been before, or you’re running a courier service or something similar.

Cycling Clothing

Perhaps not so necessary on a daily commute, but if you’re planning an extended leisure ride and want something more comfortable and suitable for riding in, then cycling clothing is definitely worth getting.

Repair Kits

Having a mini bike “first aid” kit will be handy in case of minor mishaps. Being able to repair things like punctures yourself rather than taking it into a bike shop will save a lot of hassle.

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Electric Bikes London | The Best Places to Buy Electric Bikes in London

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Electric Bikes Experts | We Simply Explain Electric Bikes

Welcome to Electric Bikes Experts - The website that simply explains electric bikes. Electric Bicycles are the fastest, the cheapest and by far the most fun way of getting around town, and they’re becoming more and more popular here in the UK.

To make this site exactly what you need, the help of dozens of Electric Bikes Experts from across the industry has been enlisted. You’ll find impartial, thorough advice to help you choose the perfect electric bike for you.

Cycling isn’t as really good as people make it out to be. It’s hard work. It takes a long time. And it doesn’t look nearly as fun when you have to dress up especially before and after travelling around. So of course, you and most other people stick to sitting in traffic or forking out for public transport...

Enter the electric bike

An electric bike is like strapping a fit athlete to your pedals. Suddenly, cycling becomes much, much easier. Nothing is faster, cheaper and as ridiculously good fun as riding an electric bike across town. It is the perfect solution for people who aren’t already cycling.

Of course, they’re not supposed to replace people who are already cycling (unless they’re older or physically can’t cycle without assistance anymore), but since everyone isn’t already riding around around in cycling lycra everywhere, this isn’t a problem. Electric bikes are great for encouraging cycling.

Electric bikes are really popular in countries where cycling culture is strong. From the end of 2010, there are about double the number of electric bikes in China alone as there are iPhones worldwide, and in Holland about one in eight bicycles are electric. The exciting news is this trend is hitting the UK like a storm...

Dozens of dealers are sprouting up across the country selling highly engineered, reliable electric bikes with excellent backup and support networks. And thanks to the soaring costs of fuel and travel, the economics of an electric bike make even more sense than ever. They normally pay for themselves well within a year.

Here's a few links to some of our favourite articles and guides. Don’t forget to bookmark this site if you find it really useful, and if you can think of someone else who will really love this. You can find useful links for sharing at the bottom of each page.

The Electric Bikes ExpertsElectric Bikes Buyers Guide | Produced by Electric Bikes ExpertsIn this free electric bikes buyers guide, you’re going to find out why electric bikes are the cheapest, fastest and most fun way to get around town; and why now is the time to get involved.Benefits of Electric Bikes | Electric Bike Buyers Guide: Chapter 1The big benefits of electric bikes come from the electric motor. It's like having a fit athlete with you, making hills and headwinds a thing of the past. Effortless cycling. Yes please!Electric Bikes Experts InterviewsHere’s the idea with this page. Rather than you contact and talk to dozens of electric bike experts about the benefits of electric bikes, I’ve gone and asked some of your FAQs on your behalf. Read.Electric Bike Owners and Stories | Share Your Own StoriesElectric Bike Owners hare their stores of owning, riding and using an electric bike. I remember when I first got on an electric bike...Electric Bike Parts | Electric Bike Buyers Guide: Chapter 2There are three main electric bike parts which separate an electric bicycle from a traditional bike; the battery, the motor/hub and the controller which acts as the brain for all the electrics.Electric Bikes Conversion Kits - The Ultimate Guide for 2012Electric bikes conversion kits are on paper a really smart way of getting an electric bike. But they’re not for everyone and not necessarily the easiest or cheapest way of getting an electric bicycle.Choose an Electric Bike | Electric Bike Buyers Guide: Chapter 3A great piece of advice from Richard Peace, author of ‘Electric Bikes Guide’ on how to choose an electric bike: “It it’s nice to ride without power, it’s often a good electric bike”Best Electric Bikes Manufacturers and Brands in the UKWe’ve sourced out some of the best electric bikes brands you can find here in the UK. With established dealer networks where you can try them out, make a purchase and get year-round support.Electric Bikes For Sale | Electric Bike Buyers Guide: Chapter 4Find electric bikes for sale. When you’re ready to buy your electric bike, there’s a couple of insider tricks to saving money, getting more for your money and avoiding headaches later on.Electric Bike Dealers - recommended by Electric Bikes ExpertsElectric bike dealers that electric bikes experts recommend.Commuting by Bicycle Quickly, Safely and Faster than a Car?There are so many rational benefits to commuting by bicycle; its greener, its cheaper and it helps keep you healthy – but it still doesn’t solve many of the irrational fears of cycling... Learn MoreElectric Bicycle Exercise | Simply Easier and More Practical for EveryoneElectric bicycle exercise has the chance to save you money and help make you fitter – more so than ‘traditional’ bikes. Curious conclusion? Here's why...Bicycle Hill Climb | Bicycle Hill Climbing Tips and TechniquesBicycle hill climb journeys are a joy to the keen athletes that cycle everywhere. For everyone else, they can seem a bit of a chore. Here’s some basic tips and techniques to help you gain momentumElectric Bikes Experts BlogSee the latest and greatest articles and interviews published here at the Electric Bikes Experts.Latest Electric Bicycle News - Updated Daily!There's more and more electric bicycle news everyday; we've aggregated some of the best news feeds for you. Got your own story, photo or video? Publish it here!Best Electric Bike Websites AwardsMost of the most relevant, high-quality electric bikes websites and webpages are linked to from within the guides, but here’s still a list of websites who really stand out as great resourcesPrivacy PolicyClick here to read our privacy policy.Contact UsYou can contact us via this web form. Messages are normally replied to in the evenings either the same or next day.Electric Bike Rentals - Places to Hire Electric BikesElectric bike rentals are a great way of both trying out electric bikes and getting around town. Electric Bikes are by far the fastest, the easiest and the most fun way to travel across a city.

Our free, extensive electric bikes buyers guide will walkthough all the steps you need to be a smart electric bikes buyer.

Ask questions and join in discussion with hundreds of electric bike users, manufacturers and other folks from the the industry.

Peter Eland, editor of Electric Bike Magazine puts together a fantastic quarterly magazine featuring the latest news, guides and in-depth reviews on electric bikes in the UK. And you can read it all online too.

David Henshaw of A to B Magazine, and cycling author Richard Peace have co-written an excellent book on the history, best practices and technology all in one handy book. Available on Amazon for a very reasonable price.

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Volt Electric Bikes - exclusively sold in the UK by Electric Bike Store

Read about Volt Electric Bikes, or scroll to the bottom to arrange a test ride.

An interview with James Metcalfe, Electric Bike Store

It was apparent [in 2008] the market was missing electric bikes which were both stylish and good quality, we saw this a great business opportunity. There is an abundance of low quality electric bikes on the market, they use cheap components, cheap frames, even cheap nuts and bolts. Within a few months (or even days sometimes) of buying them they are falling apart, the motors break and the batteries are terrible.

We wanted to bring to the market electric bikes which look great, ride great (even without the power on), and set a new standard.

There was a lot of research needed. We spent nearly 2 years designing and refining the bikes. There was an incredible amount of product testing needed. Most people assume that one battery is the same as the next, or one motor is the same as the next, but this is far from the truth. There’s so many different battery technologies and so many different quality levels of these battery types that even choosing the correct battery manufacturer took 3 months of research and testing.

We use Bafang motors which are easily the largest manufacturer of electric motors in the World and our controllers are built by us, specifically to optimise performance of the battery and motor together. Our controller isn’t just there to start and stop the bike, it is intelligent and it manages the power distribution from the battery to the motor to enhance your ride, protect the battery and motor and to give you more miles from each charge.

We already had a vision for the style we wanted and our design team had already come up with the frames and look for the bikes. We had to then choose the features and components that would separate Volt Bikes from the other brands available.

Yes, we are constantly innovating and coming up with new ideas and designs. For instance, we've just launched the Volt Alpine electric mountain bike.

The Volt Metro is a foldable, light weight (for an electric bike), easy to use and great looking. This is ideal for commuters, people who wish to put it in the back of their car, motor homes, boats, caravans etc. Anyone who wants a fun easy bike to ride around on. And anyone who is maybe limited on storage space for their bike.

This is easily the best folding electric bike in the UK. It’s very easy to fold and the build quality is just excellent. The bike rides beautifully and is at home zipping around the streets of London as it is cruising along the beachfront in Brighton. A great fun ride which will take you anywhere you need to go.

This bike is very popular with anyone looking for a mountain bike style electric bike. Anyone looking for a bike which can go on-road and off-road will find this bike perfect. It’s got everything a good mountain bike should have.

There are only limited offerings for electric mountain bikes, and in this price category there is nothing that comes close to ours. The motor is powerful enough to get you up the steepest hills and the battery gives you enough distance to keep you enjoying yourself.

This is a brand new model which sets a new standard for this price category. There are no other bikes below £2000 on the market which come close. This bike can also be fitted with a larger capacity battery giving you 576 Wh.

Classically British in style and very popular with anyone looking for a bit of old Britain with a modern twist. It’s a step through frame and has proven very popular with ladies and gents looking for a bike that is easy to get on and off. It gives you a very upright ride, and some people say it’s our most comfortable bike.

People buy this bike because they love the look of it. It’s great for nipping down to the shops because of the basket on the front!

Its look and overall performance separates it from other bikes. We haven’t seen any other bikes with the classic style which the Burlington offers. The technology and components used on this bike also separate it from other electric bikes. This bike comes with everything you need, mudguards, lights, basket, rear carrier, comfort saddle.

This is one of our most popular bikes. Guys seem to really like this, I think it has that cool look that people search for in a hybrid. It has been designed to be the ultimate hybrid. Strong suspension, puncture resistant road tyres, very good riding position and as happy on road as it is on a towpath or country trail. This bike looks great and delivers what it’s meant to.

It looks great, the frame is made from reinforced lightweight Aluminium making it lighter than others in its class, it uses only top of the range components throughout - from the Shimano Alivio gears to the Tektro Power-cut front and rear disc brakes. The ride position is excellent and guarantees you an enjoyable cycle every time.

This is a great looking bike which is also a great ride with the power off.

The Volt Savile is very popular with the City workers and the Oxbridge crowd. This bike is designed to be the ultimate gentleman's bicycle.

It has the right look. It is a classic style British gents bicycle. It has original Brooks leather saddle and a stylish chain cover to protect those expensive suit trousers. It also comes with the latest in Volt E-bike technology, 360WH Battery, 250W motor and gets you where you want to go fast.

There are not many other bikes we’ve seen that target this classic stylish market. Although this bike looks very traditional in design, it still has all the latest Volt E-bike technology and will easily outperform most other e-bikes on the market. You’ll have great fun stylishly shooting past all the lycra-clad gang sweating on their cycle to work. It is a very stylish and great fun bike to ride.

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Electric Bikes Edinburgh | 2 Verified Dealers

Electric Bikes are perfect for Edinburgh! Edinburgh is one of the most cycle-friendly cities in the UK, with more bikes than other registered motor vehicles on its streets.

Disused railway lines and pathways have been mapped and tracked. Now called the "Innertube", a map (similar in design to the London Underground) has been produced to help cyclists navigate the less crowded routes in the city.

Since Edinburgh is quite hilly, it lends itself to electric bikes best. Hills aren't a problem on electric bikes at all since the motor can take the excess strain of pedalling uphill. Cycling in Edinburgh can always be fun!

If you want to try electric bikes in edinburgh, there’s two shops in the city, as well as a dealer up in Locknelly which is only a short drive away. Make sure you get to try a variety of e-bikes on the hills in Edinburgh!

The Electric Cycle Company
133 - 135 Granton Road
Edinburgh
EH5 3NJ

Contact information on their homepage
Landline Telephone: 013 1552 0999

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Biketrax
11 - 13 Lochrin Place
Edinburgh
EH3 9QX

Visit their contact page
Landline Telephone: 013 1228 7633

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Alien Bikes
1 - 9 Plantation Street
Edinburgh
KY5 9LP

Contact details at the bottom of this page
Landline telephone number: 015 9278 0528

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6 Ways to Find Cheap Electric Bikes

Electric bikes make so much sense money-wise, it seems logical to go and get cheap electric bikes and maximize the savings. I like your logic, but there are a few things you need to be aware of first. I’ll show you how to get fantastic value only if you follow these guidelines to a tee.

Cheap electric bikes aren’t always the best electric bikes. Obviously, price is a big consideration when looking at purchasing an electric bike, but there are many other factors like:

• How comfortable your electric bike is

• How easy it is to ride and control with the motor

• How much range the battery has

• How long will the battery last

• What type of brakes, suspension and accessories it comes with

• How powerful the motor is (can it carry you up a hill at speed?)

And that’s only a small list of things to consider; there are other “off-bike” criteria too like:

• Will there be someone to answer the phone if you need support?

• Is it easy to get your bike serviced in the UK?

• Or get parts replaced in the UK?

• What about warrantees…

• … or guarentees

• Or even – is your bicycle retailer a trusted seller?

• Could you get your electric bike in a sale?

You need to consider all of these before buying. China is the leading producer and user of electric bikes, and many models have ended up over here. Some brands are more trustworthy than others – in general, importing directly from China bears many risks.

Suppose something goes wrong; are you really going to try and get in contact with someone in China and ship your bike out? Unless you’re a fan of unnecessary hassle, avoid buying direct from China. It’s just not worth it.

Buy from a company that has already imported bikes into the UK (or wherever you live). Buy from a company that can provide easy and convenient maintenance support; you want to be safe in the knowledge there is always someone on the end of a phone.

Buy from a registered UK company; buying from individuals, unless its someone you personally know well. Meeting strangers in the streets or buying used products like electric bikes off eBay brings with it numerous risks you don’t want to get involved with – especially with something like an electric bike.

Stick to these principles and you’ll be fine. And as promised, here are 6 Ways to Save On Electric Bikes:

You could trade in an older bicycle - or even a car (if you’re planning to cycle to work for example) with your local bike shop. Generally, you’ll still have to pay more, but the savings you make by getting rid of an older bike which perhaps you’re less likely to use can make an electric bicycle affordable.

The bicycle retail sector tends to work around the seasons, and in general manufacturers produce new models for each year. Retailers make more money selling ‘the latest and greatest’ – so they tend to flog off older models at a discount.

Keep a wary eye out for any ‘end of season sales’ in the late summer/early autumn and of course, over winter. E-Bikes Direct in particular often have many overstock electric bikes for sale.

There are some serious problems with buying used electric bikes but they can represent incredible value for money. This is best reserved for the savviest of bargain hunters, and perhaps those who don’t mind tinkering with bikes mechanical parts. You should also expect to buy some new replacement parts.

The Government likes “green” transport methods which help reduce congestion, cut pollution and create a much happier society, so they’ve created a system where employees can get bicycles tax-free via there employers (and save 40-50%!). The best commuter bikes by far are cheap electric bikes, where you’ll also benefit from the percentage savings the most.

Similar to buying a car or house on finance, you can get payment plans from some bicycle retailers where you will pay for your cheap electric bikes over monthly installments. Usually, a small interest payment is added – but if you can’t afford the upfront cost, a scheduled payment plan is ideal!

If you’re looking to really save money, you could invest in buying a conversion kit and get your hands dirty adding a motor, battery, controller and connector to your bike. This takes some skill and guidance, but if you’re comfortable with changing over an existing bikes into electric bikes withs conversion kits could create really good cheap electric bikes for you.

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Best Electric Bikes Manufacturers and Brands in the UK

We’ve sourced out some of the best electric bikes manufacturers and brands you can find here in the UK. With established dealer networks where you can try them out, make a purchase and get year-round support with your electric bicycle.

These bikes are designed for the UK market, and are built with high-quality, branded parts for piece of mind. Some of them are accredited members of the British Electric Bike Association (BEBA for short) which ensures more protection and quality for consumers thanks to its set of members guidelines.

If you click through onto each of these companies profiles on here, you'll read more specific information about their brand, their bikes range and who they're best for.

Read and watch our complete Electric Bikes Video Guide

What makes your electric bike great? What's the best feature and why? How did you go about choosing that particular model?

Don't forget to upload photos too!

What Other Reviewers Posted

Click below to see other reviews that have been submitted.

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Our free, extensive electric bikes buyers guide will walkthough all the steps you need to be a smart electric bikes buyer.

Ask questions and join in discussion with hundreds of electric bike users, manufacturers and other folks from the the industry.

Peter Eland, editor of Electric Bike Magazine puts together a fantastic quarterly magazine featuring the latest news, guides and in-depth reviews on electric bikes in the UK. And you can read it all online too.

David Henshaw of A to B Magazine, and cycling author Richard Peace have co-written an excellent book on the history, best practices and technology all in one handy book. Available on Amazon for a very reasonable price.

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Electric Bike Rentals - Places to Hire Electric Bikes

Electric bike rentals are a great way of both trying out electric bikes and getting around town. Electric Bikes are by far the fastest, the easiest and the most fun way to travel across a city. No traffic jams. No crowded public transport. No sweat.

You can also find electric bikes for hire in the countryside where electric bikes can help you cover the ground with less effort, so you can enjoy the scenery.

Here's some top places to rent electric bikes.

Electric Bike Rentals offers Volt Electric Bikes from £10/hour or £25/day, including weekends. For any trip over 1/2 hour, Electric Bike Rentals are the cheaper than the Boris Bikes you can rent in London too - but less effort, and far more fun.

You can reach them through the above link, or through calling 020 7378 4728. Electric Bike Rentals London is managed by Electric Bike Store, located by London Bridge.

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Electric Bikes Conversion Kits - The Ultimate Guide for 2012

Electric bikes conversion kits are on paper a really smart way of getting an electric bike. But they’re not for everyone and not necessarily the easiest or cheapest way of getting an electric bicycle.

Electric Bikes Experts argue the pros and cons of electric bike conversion kits;

There are so many benefits of electric bikes but diy electric bikes give a lot of extra flexibility and choice. For some people, it can make the whole electric bicycle experience even better.

The Electric Bike You Know and Love

The big benefit of electric bike conversion kits is you can take a bicycle you already own, ride and love, and convert it so it adds assistance. That way, you can be absolutely sure that you’ve got a bike which is the right size, the right colour, the right look and any other customization you like. We recommend getting parts from Chain Reaction Cycles.

They allow people to tailor an e-bike to suit their individual requirements for the bicycle - Tony Flecchia

The DIY Project You’ve Been Waiting For

If you just love a good project to get your teeth and toolbox stuck into, then converting your electric bike will be immensly satisfying. The shear number of customizations you can make, from buying complete kits to topping it up with extra bits and pieces from other bike shops.

Also, by building your own electric bike, you’ll also be competent enough to maintain and, if necessary, repair and replace parts if you have malfunctions. You can also then move your electric bike kit from one bike to another with relative ease, and if you like, sell a previously converted bicycle on.

Yes, You Can Save Money!

The electric bike components that make up a kit are by far the most expensive part of an electric bike. Either way, you’ll still be paying for the battery, the controller and the motor, which is the bulk of cost for an electric bike anyway.

When you’re buying a more expensive, complete electric bike, what you’re paying for is a better quality bicycle. Try and compare the costs of an electric bike kit to around the £1500 mark for a good quality e-bike.

I had a perfectly good bike and just wanted a little extra assistance. Conversion was much cheaper than a dedicated ebike, and I had fun and satisfaction fitting it. The other bonus is that my bike hardly looks any different to a standard bike. - Paul Darnell

If you’ve already got a very good quality bicycle you already like, then a conversion kit can be a smart way to get an electric bike. Otherwise, it may work out more expensive if you try and buy a new bike and a conversion kit separately than buying a complete bike - or you’ll end up with an electric bike that’s not really that good.

Electric bike conversion kits, like electric bikes, typically aren’t built from the ground upwards in the UK. If exchange rates are favourable, you can expect more affordable electric bike kits or even just better electric bicycles for your money.

Its not all good. Conversion kits are hard work, and aren’t always best for your bike, or you. That’s why we prescribe...

The Litmus Test.

If you’re not comfortable already taking a bicycle apart already, you might struggle with converting your bicycle with a motor in the wheel hub, fitting electrics and a controller and making sure the bike still rides well afterwards.

You need to be mechanically confident. There’s no ifs or buts around this. Even if you get your incredibly technical neighbour or even a bike shop to convert it for you, you need to understand how your converted bike goes together, in case something goes wrong and you’ve got to figure out how to fix it.

You need to be mechanically, electrically minded and willing to put the time into the fitting kit - John Larkin

Buying a conversion kit without having at least basic technical understanding of how to maintain a bike, could turn into a very expensive blunder.

“I’ll Start It Tomorrow”

Procrastination is the enemy of productivity, but some of us simply don’t have time for projects like this in the end. How sad might it be to have an array of brand-spanking new components gathering dust in your garage, having already forked out for them all?

You need to be willing and able to convert your bike, to give what it takes. And if you really don’t have time, its probably worth buying the complete bike. Maybe set aside a few weekends to get on with your conversion in advance before ordering.

Inevitable Compromises

The frustrating thing about electric bike conversion kits is there are inevitably going to be some things which don’t quite fit together, and you’ll end up having to make some compromises. It might mean just spending a bit longer pieceing your bike together, or spending more money on new or replacement parts.

The unfortunate thing is you never quite know what your bicycle will be like post-surgery, and this isn’t helped by the lack of reviews online, or reviews on different bikes. Beware, different kits may not be suitable for some bikes too.

Warranty Problems

Unless you’re totally confident buying any mix of electric bike parts, its a good idea to buy a branded conversion kit that comes with a warranty you can rely on. Look out for clauses in the warranty (and perhaps check beforehand).

Also, be aware that adding a conversion kit to your bicycle may void the warranty on the bicycle. It can also affect the resale value if you’ve added and removed a conversion kit before passing it on.

Here's four summary questions if you're still not sure where an electric bike kit is for you or not...

You might also like to take a look at Steve's story, and why he got an conversion kit.

Are You Buying to Save Money?

You can save money by buying an electric bike kit, but you will still end up paying for the most expensive components - the battery, the controller and the motor - which all add up. However, if you’ve already got a very good quality bicycle, then you will be able to save a substantial sum by converting it.

If you're handy, own your own bike and want to save some money a conversion kit is a realistic option - John Larkin

Do You Like DIY?

There’s no getting around the fact that you’ll end up spending a lot of time building and tinkering with your electric bike kit. You’ll end up with a bike that is more “your own” which is great, potentially, but you’ve got to be prepared to put the hours in.

If the idea of doing lots of DIY work doesn’t really appeal, then it may be worth spending that little bit extra and buying a complete bike. You’re buying convenience effectively.

Is Your Bike Fit for Purpose?

Its a bad idea to fit an electric bike kit to a rusting hulk in your shed. You should always try and use an existing bike that is in good condition, rides well without any kind of wobble and doesn’t have any serious mechanical faults. If in doubt, take it your local general bike shop and have them look it over first.

Are You Buying Good Parts?

There are some very good kits which are sold as whole electric bike kits. Although you might need a few cycling tools, the idea is you won’t need to buy anything else, and that also usually means that the complete kit comes with some kind of warranty, which is great in case something goes wrong.

If you’re comfortable buying in your own parts separately, or tinkering with complete kits such that the warranty’s might be void, there’s no stopping you. You should also take a look at this guide to electric bike parts.

They need good attractive presentation as a composite boxed product, first class conversion documentation and availability of technical help from a dedicated competent adviser by phone or email for users who get into difficulties. No company has anything like this complete package at present. - Tony Flecchia

What to Read Next?Checkout our complete Electric Bikes Buyers GuideRead and add your own Owners StoriesCheckout ElectricBikeBuilding.comSee these Frequently Asked Questions answered by Electric Bikes ExpertsReturn from Electric Bikes Conversion Kits to Electric Bikes Experts and read the full story...

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Barnes and Robinson introduce their range of affordable Electric Bikes and Scooters to the U.K.

by Jamie
(Burnley)

Barnes and Robinson Limited Edition GB Electric Road Scooter

With the news this week that the number of driving tests being taken in the U.K. has dropped by a staggering 200,000 compared to figures from 2005, thanks mainly to the ever rising cost of conventional motoring, Barnes and Robinson is proud to showcase its range of affordable Electric Bikes and Scooters.

Powered by a robust 2000 Watt electric motor achieving the equivalent power of a 50cc road scooter, our Retro 2000 Scooters aim to spell the end of costly visits to the pumps and, with zero emissions, an end to road tax and congestion charges for U.K. motorists.

With its simple “Twist-and-go” controls and no gears to worry about the Barnes and Robinson Retro 2000 is one of the most user-friendly and easy to ride vehicles on the road making low-cost, green motoring accessible to more people than ever before.

Whilst our scooters help motorists save money when they’re on the road, we don’t charge the earth to get them on the road in the first place. All our Scooters come registered, taxed and ready to go from just £1,500!

With practicality and affordability our main focus we haven’t neglected style. The Retro 2000 range is named for its sleek design and its throwback to the timeless fashion of the 60’s mod scene. For the more adventurous individual we also offer a customisation service which allows you to design your very own unique Scooter like the Union Jack Design above for an additional cost of around £450.

Scooter Specification

Barnes and Robinson Retro 2000 Electric Scooter
Power = 2000 Watt 48 Volt 50A Brushless Motor
Battery = Maintenance free Lead-Acid Battery Cell
Maximum Speed = 30 MPH (Restricted)
Charge Time = 8 Hours
Range = 30 Miles
Wheels = 10 Inch Stainless Steel Rims
Brakes = Front: Disk Rear: Drum
Throttle = Twist Throttle on the right
Colours = Black, Silver, White, Custom* (Additional cost*)

To complement our range of road scooters we are now offering a range of Electric Mountain and City bikes. With only the 36V 10Ah battery distinguishing these stylish bikes from ordinary pedal bikes, the Barnes and Robinson electric bikes offer easy riding to the masses.

The pedal assist system can be adjusted to suit all riders needs using the simple handlebar mounted controls and kicks in automatically when pressure is applied to the pedals, providing a motorised boost which sends the Barnes and Robinson Electric Mountain and City bikes cruising along at speeds of up to 16m/ph.

Ideally suited for short trips and regular commutes, the bikes have an impressive range of approximately 30 miles on a full charge meaning they can easily get riders of all ages and abilities from place to place without working up a sweat.

Like our Scooter range we aim to bring you electric powered travel at an affordable price with our bike range. With prices for the Mountain bikes starting at just £949 and the City bikes at just £999 you can enjoy the benefits of electric power for less than you may have thought.

Bikes Specification

Barnes and Robinson Electric Mountain Bike
Power = 36 V 250 Watt Hi-Speed Brushless Motor
Battery = 36 V 10 Ah Lockable Lithium Battery
Maximum Speed = 16 MPH
Charge Time = 4-6 hours
Range = 30 Miles
Wheels = 26 Inch double wall alloy rims
Suspension = Front Forks
Gears = Shimano 7 Speed
Brakes = Front and Rear Disk Brakes

Barnes and Robinson Electric City Bike
Power = 36 V 250 Watt Hi-Speed Brushless Motor
Battery = 36 V 10 Ah Lockable Lithium Battery
Maximum Speed = 16 MPH
Charge Time = 4-6 hours
Range = 30 Miles
Wheels = 28 Inch double wall alloy rims
Suspension = Front Forks
Gears = Shimano 3 Speed
Brakes = Front V Brake, Rear Roller Brake

For more information about our full range of Scooter and Bikes please visit www.BarnesandRobinson.com

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Cycling Made Easy - Trusted Electric Bikes Dealer in Coulsdon, Surrey

Cycling Made Easy is a trusted electric bikes dealer in Coulsdon, Surrey with a particular focus on making the trying and buying process as simple and straight-forward as possible

Cycling Made Easy: Trying out electric bikes with customers...

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Cycling Made Easy

18 Chipstead Valley Road

Coulsdon

Surry

CR5 2RA

Opening Times

Monday-Saturday: 9am - 5pm

Sunday: By appointment only

Telephone: 0208 660 8823

Email: enquiry@cyclingmadeeasy.co.uk

Website: www.cyclingmadeeasy.co.uk

We are located in the heart of Coulsdon, South London – Just inside the M25. We are local to two train stations and several bus routes. Both Coulsdon Town and Coulsdon South stations are a few minutes walk away, and there is a local Pay & Display car park.

We also have free parking space available at the rear of our showroom for customers who come down by appointment.

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If you've tried or bought a bike out at Cycling Made Easy, then please leave a review and any photos below. Your thoughts, comments and photos will be invaluable to the thousands of other visitors to the site looking at electric bikes.

What Other Reviewers Have Said

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Cycling Made Easy was founded by Ray Wookey; Ray is a keen leisure cyclist and experienced in business.

In 1997 Ray moved from a very flat Cambridgeshire to Surrey and “discovered” the Surrey hills! “My journey to work was about 7 miles, a perfect distance to cycle, beat the traffic queues and keep fit at the same time. Sadly the way back was nearly all uphill and so I started to take an active interest in electric bikes.”

The fascination did not go away and Ray kept a constant eye on the eBike market, actively researching and test riding the latest ranges of increasingly high performance bikes. Cycling Made Easy opened in late 2010 with a range of electric, folding and leisure bikes.

We know from personal experience and extensive customer feedback that electric bikes are the most convenient way of getting around. The big benefit of power assistance is that more people can go further and more quickly if they so desire.

An electric bike is...

The most energy efficient form of transport, and has minimal environmental impact.The best way to get regular exercise, as the rider is not pushed beyond their limits.Accessible and easy – It benefits all ages and capabilities.The means to hassle free leisure and commuting cycling.

Read more benefits of electric bikes.

The high level of service and security we offer means that anyone who shops with us gets access to a wider range of options than they would elsewhere, as well as full warranty and back up to ensure they are well protected in their purchase.

To our customers credit they take every effort to compare bikes on specification and capability. However in electric bikes this is more difficult to do as it requires a level of technical knowledge to know what it all translates to in use.

The real test of a bike comes from a live test ride to feel how it handles and performs. Every bike is different and has its own unique strengths, which is why we stock such a varied range.

We stock primarily bikes we have faith in as proven, capable and attractive, and aim to get the best bike possible for the customers budget. A lot of time is spent stacking up different options to see which bikes provide the best value, and making sure money spent gives a good return.

Like we advise our customers to, we make our decisions by test riding each bike. It is this which helps us understand what models suit each persons differing cycling ambitions.

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Electric Bikes Buyers Guide | Produced by Electric Bikes Experts

In this free electric bikes buyers guide, you’re going to find out why electric bikes are the cheapest, fastest and most fun way to get around town; and why now is the time to get involved.

In the UK there’s a growing base of really smart, reliable brands and dealers as well as a couple of electric bike magazines, blogs, forums and even a trade association.

And we’re all here, just for you.

Enlisting the help of Electric Bikes Experts, we've created this buyers guide complete with videos to help you find the perfect electric bike. You can read a few Electric Bikes Experts interviews here.

Chapter 1: Benefits of Electric BikesChapter 2: Electric Bike PartsChapter 3: Choosing an Electric BikeChapter 4: Buying an Electric Bike

If you’re serious about getting an electric bike or unfamiliar with how electric bikes work and how’s best to go about trying and buying one, then read this buying guide front-to-back. It’s a thorough walkthough of how to make the most of your electric bike purchase.

An electric bike bike is just like a bicycle, but with an electric motor and battery attached. Its like having a fit athlete pedal your bike with you, meaning faster, sweat-free travel in windy, uphill conditions on a bike thats a lot more fun to ride!

Statistics show that most people’s journeys are around 2 miles about a 25 - 30 minute walk. However, most people will take their cars and spend time finding and paying for parking at either or both ends, so a bicycle becomes a far more practical alternative.

Similarly, the average UK commute has now risen to just under 9 miles, which most people could easily cycle in under an hour. Electric bikes could do this much quicker, and leave you fresh and ready to work at the other end.

What makes electric bikes so much more different than anything else is the ability to cross towns so much faster and more affordably. The various different makes and models give you a range of between 15 and 50 miles which is ample for most commutes with a recharge time typically around 3 hours.

Electric bikes can route more directly to destinations by travelling on roads as well as any shortcuts (like through parks, narrow streets and past traffic) and don’t have to spend ages finding and paying for parking, waiting for a bus or sitting in a gridlock.

What’s more, since electric bikes ‘fuel’ comes out of your household electricity bill and not from the pumps, the cost of a return two-mile - or even twenty-mile - trip is mere pennies.

And that’s even without considering the costs of MOT, insurance, depreciation, driving licences and dozens of other motoring expenses you simply don’t to deal with when you have an electric bike. And although the battery may need replacing after a few years, an electric bike will go on and on and on, and still hold a high resale value.

Sure, you wouldn’t get these problems with public transport, but rather over-crowding, rising costs, not necessarily reliable service and the frustrating zig-zag across towns that you inevitably have to take.

But perhaps one of the biggest secrets that electric bikers enjoy is liberation. You spend most of your waking hours sat at a desk, or in your car, or on the bus or train - stuck inside, not able to exercise much and stressed out either at home or work.

An electric bike encourages you to do that little bit of exercise (even without sweating, so you might not need to have a shower at either end, and change out of some specialist cycling clothes. Work or casual clothes are usually fine) and get some fresh air.

What this does is releases endorphins, ‘feel-good’ hormones your body produces. It’s like a free drug which makes you feel happy and relaxed, the perfect remedy for a stressful day at work or at home.

Oh, and it’s really, really good fun! The power-to-weight ratio is high. You’ll get a massive grin each time you ride.

If that’s whetted you’re appetite, the next chapter will explain how electric bikes deliver each of these benefits.

The real winner is you!

Next: Chapter 1: Benefits of Electric Bikes

Return from Electric Bikes Buyers Guide to Electric Bikes Experts

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