Choosing a Bicycle | Choosing the Right Bike FREE Downloadable Mini Guide

Choosing a bicycle can be a daunting task; the amount of choice, different options and technical jargon can easily complicate the whole process. This mini guide will help you in choosing the right bike for you.

First off, is deciding what kind of bicycle you need – and to do that, you need to outline its purpose. Download this choosing guide and follow its instructions to help you in choosing an electric bike

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Once you’ve found what bike is best for you, or if you’ve already got an idea of what kind of bike you want, take a look at these articles on individual types of bikes.

If you haven’t already come across electric bikes, they are definitely worth considering. If the concept is totally new to you, take a look at this article on electric bikes which introduces the main concepts and their advantages.

Did you know an electric bike is more likely to help you exercise more effectively than a normal bike? The motor means people are more likely to use them (well you would if you could cruise through traffic at up to 15mph) since they require less effort to go further, faster.

You can make the most of the Government’s tax-free bike initiatives with an electric bike too; see how the Cycle to Work scheme works. There are lots of other savings you can make with an electric bicycle over other forms of transport. You don’t pay for road tax, petrol, parking or anything like that – you can save a lot of money!

Electric bikes tend to cost a bit more to buy, but there are various ways you can get cheap electric bikes – in fact I’ve come up with six ways here. Electric bikes are by far the best commuter bikes too; you can even get folding electric bicycles which can be packed into a rucksack in your office!

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Choose an Electric Bike | Electric Bike Buyers Guide: Chapter 3

A great piece of advice from Richard Peace, author of ‘Electric Bikes Guide’ on how to choose an electric bike: “If it’s nice to ride without power, it’s a good indication of a quality electric bike”. This guide will walk you through the big questions and suggestions over what electric bike to choose.

First, watch this video: Electric Bikes Experts discuss the best way to go about choosing an electric bike:

Don’t Consider Price First.

Yes, price and what you can afford are a limiting factor, but its more important to get something which works best for you than just find the cheapest model readily available. You don’t want to be two weeks down the road and thinking “if only if only if only...”

TOP TIP: Stay on the right track. Download your free, printable one-page matrix to help you decide between different electric bikes

Printable 'Choosing Your Electric Bike' Guide [PDF]

You may also need Adobe Reader to view and print this file.

Read our Best Electric Bike recommendations

Think Of Your Typical Trip

Is long range important?Commuting?Recreational rides?Hauling heavy loads?Step through vs. CrossoverIn a hilly area?

What do you want out of it? Save money?Get fitter?Save time on your commute?

Is range important?

If you’re planning on using your electric bike on extended trips, more than just across town, more than 20 miles each way and over more hilly terrain, then make sure to choose an electric bike that has excellent battery life.

Top Tip: Use the new Google Maps Directions, Bike Routes feature

Broadly speaking, you get two types of bicycle. A step-through and a crossover. A crossover is more like a man’s road bike, and features a bar at the top of the bike. A step-through doesn’t have this so you can mount your bike much easier – useful if your limbs aren’t as flexible.

Pedal-assist bikes vs. Throttle-assist bikes

Pedelecs use motion or torque sensors to add power as you pedal harder, as if you had an extra pair of strong legs helping you cycle. It makes the feeling of cycling really quite natural.

Alternatively, you can have a throttle-assist electric bike which is similar to a moped with a twist grip on the handlebars, or even just a button which you hold down, making you feel eight-year old astronaut again.

This is better if you’re not happy about pedalling constantly, although you do have to pedal to get going, albeit gently. This is so it’s still legally classified as a bicycle, and means you don’t have to hold a licence or pay road tax here in the UK. Throttle-assist electric bikes aren’t legal in all countries however.

There are three places for the motor to be; near the pedals as part of the transmission system, in the front wheel hub or in the rear wheel hub. It’s worth trying them all out. See the last chapter on electric bike parts and motors.

Good storage options

Electric bikes often have their batteries mounted behind the saddle, right where you would normally attach bags, shopping, your briefcase and anything else. Depending what you want your electric bike for, keep in mind great storage options.

Is It Easily Adjustable?

Nothing is more annoying and difficult than having a bike with a saddle that is too high, or that has a crossbar at knee level. Being able to adjust a bike easily is really handy, even if you’re not going to tinker with it endlessly once you’ve found a comfortable riding position. Don’t be afraid to ask about this, and try bikes ‘adjustability’ out.

Does it weigh a ton?

Electric bikes are typically heavier than traditional bicycles, but generally speaking you don’t want to get a bike more than 30kg. Above that, it becomes difficult to lift and manoeuvre especially when you’re not riding at speed. Electric bikes are getting lighter and lighter, but be wary of some older models.

At least a 20-mile range

Remember, the figures quoted by dealers aren’t necessarily going to reflect your day-to-day mission. Also remember that batteries need looking after, and even the best ones will lose performance over the years. Try to get a battery that promises at least a 20-mile range, with a reasonable recharge time (a few hours is good). This normally means buying some sort of lithium battery.

Availability of spares and support?

Make sure you stick to a branded electric bike company with a good supply of readily available spares. Having a bike that features standard gauge bicycle features means you can replace everything except the core controller, motor and battery from any bike shop. Ask your dealer about the availability of spare parts.

New vs. Used Electric Bikes

In principle, a used electric bike is a good idea. However, early electric bikes tend to have batteries which use lead-acid or other less-efficient batteries which are far more likely to deteriorate over time than lithium-based batteries. Be prepared to buy a replacement battery in any case.

Take care to look over the actual bicycle (with your local bike shop) as well as the controller, motor and battery before parting with any money. Try it out first, rather than buying blind. Read our full guide to Used Electric Bikes.

What About Electric Bike Conversion Kits?

If you have a bike you like already and it’s in good condition, a conversion kit could be a very smart, affordable way to get an electric bike. It usually involves replacing the rear wheel with a hub-motor mounted wheel, and installing a battery holder and controller.

The important issue is getting a kit that doesn’t stress your current bike too much, so a conversion kit definitely isn’t something you should skimp on.

Electric bikes can cost anywhere from £500 - £2,500 depending on the model. What you’ll often find though is the better quality, purpose-built bike with great support and dealer networks will cost nearer the top end, but don’t forget its a bargain compared with running a car or getting bus and train tickets.

Don’t forget the hidden cost...

How Much Does the Battery Cost to Replace?

Don’t forget to find out how much the batteries cost to replace. Also, make sure you find out too how long the waranty on the battery itself is. This way you can avoid unexpected costs later on.

Almost all quality electric bikes will have lithium-based batteries (much like your laptop or mobile phone) which should last for at least 3 years before performance really starts to be affected.

New batteries typically cost around £300 north, about equivalent to topping up your car a couple of times, but buying one every 36 months or so makes the cost of it pretty marginal. Read more about how to prolong lithium-based batteries.

TOP TIP: Stay on the right track. Download your free, printable one-page matrix to help you decide between different electric bikes

Printable 'Choosing Your Electric Bike' Guide [PDF]

You may also need Adobe Reader to view and print this file.

The single biggest piece of advice any Electric Bikes Experts will give you is try an electric bike before you buy. By trying out a whole range of different models, you’ll realize what you like and what works for you. And your preferences are going to be very different to mine, or someone elses.

This also helps you work out if your electric bike measures up to the job in terms of real world performance. Got a big hill you’re unsure about, or aren’t convinced it’ll make getting around that much easier?

Try it and see. Besides, its so much fun!

You should definitely try: At least one hub motor bikeAt least one crank-drive bikeTry riding up at least one hill

Finding a Dealer

The first step is finding a dealer. Local dealers are always better for trying places out, but make sure you find somewhere where you can test a whole range of electric bikes out. That’s important for helping you find the perfect electric bike for you.

Google is a great place to start, by searching for ‘electric bikes’ plus your hometown. But it’s also important to know how to assess a dealer.

You might want to run a few checks on them first. Google them, their address and see what happens. There are some fly-by-night dealers out there hiding behind websites with little or no contact information. Please, please stick only to dealers with: A landline telephone number. That means no numbers that begin with 07. Phone them up (its a good test of customer service for a start) and ask them when you can come and try some bikes.A clearly displayed street address. Plug their address straight into Google Earth and see if they’re trading from their house (i.e. stay away) or from a retail park (much more promising!). Also, look for somewhere near them which looks good for an extended electric bike test ride.They have a range of different electric bikes to try. Its not a one-size-fits-all kind of product. Find a dealer with a wide range of different electric bikes for you to try.

Dealer Directory Checkout out dealers page and book a test ride from the links there.

Arrange a Time to Go Test Riding.

Its always best to ring up before hand to schedule some sort of appointment. That way you can walk into a showroom and have a range handpicked for you read to try out, perhaps some that you’ve requested to have a look at over the phone?

Some dealerships won’t have the most room to try something out. Ask the owners if there’s anywhere nearby you could cycle to and try out a few models. And if you’re not ready to buy straight away, tell them.

What to Do on a Test Drive

Riding up a hill is a great test of an electric bike, as is riding into strong headwinds or anywhere else where cycling would traditionally be a difficult challenge. Also, once you’ve got to the top of the hill, try riding down the hill again at speed - this helps you test whether its a good bicycle or not (pssst! Its also really good fun!)

Test it in different power modes. Most electric bikes have a range of power levels which give you more or less assistance. Experiment with them. Some electric bikes allow you to alternate between pedal and throttle assist, which is worth trying out to. Try the bike out without the power on as well. That’s helps you decide on the quality of the actual bicycle.

Trying more than one electric bike

Make sure you try at least one pedal-assist electric bike, and one throttle-assist electric bike. Try one hub motor and one crank-drive motor too. That way, you’ll know which kind you prefer, since the two are very different.

Take time to think about each bike before you decide. Don’t feel pressured into buying straight away; if necessary, ask if you can take a bike away for an extended test ride near your home.

When you're ready to buy, the next chapter will show you five ways to save money on your new electric bike and how to make sure you get the best bike you can.

Still confused as to what electric bike is for you? Try the Pedelecs Forum.
Next: Chapter 4: Best Tips to Buy Electric Bikes

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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 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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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

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