Saturday, 17 August 2013

World First GPS E-Bike Trial

by Daniel
(Melbourne, Australia)

Throughout Europe, commuters are ditching high petrol prices for eco-friendly eBikes. We think it’s time this trend reached Melbourne.

To help spread awareness, we’re giving away 17 brand new SmartBikes worth more than $3000 each.

Well, we’re kind of giving them away. We’re looking for 17 SmartBike Ambassadors to ride them for us. Yes, you get to keep them 24/7.

Here’s how the program works: Each Ambassador gets a new SmartBike for free. The only obligation is that you ride it at least 35 km per week on your commute to work. As long as you hit your target, you keep the bike. (We’ll keep track through GPS.)

Some of these custom-designed Dolomiti SmartBikes have been fitted with WiFi, meaning your bike could be a hotspot. And like all of our pedal-assisted eBikes, they’re powered by batteries (charge them like a laptop) with up to 70 km per charge.

Anyone with a commute to the CBD that’s less than 20 km is invited to apply – even if you’re not an avid cyclist. Apply by JUNE 8th.


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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.

what is an electric bike

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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Choosing A Mountain Bike | Or an Electric Mountain Bike

electric mountain bike

If you’re choosing a mountain bike, you’ll be benefiting from a stronger frame, suspension and 'knobbly' off-road tyres – all to help you cover rougher terrain, but there are some subtle variations you need to be aware of.

If you’re mostly cycling in the city, you may be better off with a more affordable hybrid bike, or a folding electric bicycle if you’re using it to commute a lot. If you’re in the country however, an electric mountain bike could be perfect for you, but there’s a couple of things you should know first.

Any electric mountain bike should be light enough to pedal uphill quickly (although this isn’t as much of a problem with a power assisted electric mountain bike) whilst being fast on the downhill.

Lightweight mountain bikes are desirable, but take a bit more “magic” from the designers; better materials and manufacturing methods means the price tends to go skywards. If you can afford a lighter bike, by all means go for it – provided it isn’t “silly money” of course.

Suspension is a key issue with mountain bikes, particularly if they are power-assisted. In general, you don’t need expensive and complicated suspension unless you are doing ambitious runs up and down rocky sides of hills.

Similarly, good brakes are essential. Disc brakes (more like the brakes you’d fit on a car) are far more effective than normal bike brakes which simply grip the wheel. Particularly if you have a fast, electric mountain bike, disc brakes are best.

The best electric mountain bikes are light, fast, efficient and feature good suspension and brakes. They’re also good fun!

Return from Choosing a Mountain Bike to Electric Bikes Experts and read the full story

I recommend taking a look at MTB Britain which is a specialist mountain biking site run by Gareth. He's put together lots of tips and techniques and also a forum to ask questions. mountain bike

Gareth from MTB Britain

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Thank you for a great product - Electrifying Cycles

by Robert
(Norwich)

After being an electric bike fan for many years I have had a fair bit of experience with them and a lot of heartache with cheap and nasty models. I was a bit sceptical of buying another.

I was looking for good engineering, quality of manufacture, reliability and a different concept in the management system of the bikes. The Ebco Eagle has all of these, so I bought one and never looked back. It has been no trouble at all and if there is trouble it will tell me on its computer.

I would recommend an Ebco bike to anyone, a good backup system from the retailer and manufacturer. Once again thank you for a great product.


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Although I love going out cycling I find the hills are a bit tough nowadays! - Electric Bike Store

by Mr Tindall
(Galashiels)

I already had an electric bike but it was coming towards the end of its days so decided to purchase a new one with a better battery and lightweight design. It's very hilly around where I live in Galashiels and although I love going out cycling I find the hills are a bit tough nowadays!

I went on the internet and did my research. I wanted a good looking bike and also wanted to purchase from an established brand with good back up and support. The Volt bikes look great and come with a great specification. They're also a great price for what you get.

The service I've received from the guys at the Electric Bike Store has been excellent. They're very professional and definitely know their stuff. I would be happy to recommend them and the Volt bikes to anyone. I don't think you can get better for your money.


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Electrifying Cycles - Trusted Electric Bike Dealer in Norfolk - BEBA Member

electrifying cycles

Electrifying Cycles are a trusted electric bikes dealer based in Cromer, Norfolk. They sell a range of electric bikes online and at the showroom. They are also members of the British Electric Bike Association.

Electrifying Cycles David Wood

David Wood runs Electrifying Cycles


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Electrifying Cycles

2 Church Street

Cromer

Norfolk

NR27 9ER

Opening Times

Monday - Saturday: 10am - 4pm

Sunday: By appointment only

Telephone: 01263 513631

Email: dw@electrifyingcycles.co.uk

Website: www.electrifyingcycles.co.uk

We have a local train station which is located approximately 15 minutes away. There are regular buses from local towns and villages with a bus stop only a few minutes away. Parking is also available behind The Mobility Centre on Overstrand Road. Please note if you are travelling via Overstrand Road you will need to drive along part of the bus lane to access parking.

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If you've tried or bought a bike out at Electrifying Cylces, 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 Reviews Experienced...

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this shop...

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David Wood, Electrifying Cycles

I have always had a passion for green technology having previously worked in the renewable energy industry. Visiting a cycle show a few years back demonstrated how much electric bikes have developed recently and inspired us to get involved. These improvements have led to lighter bikes, longer battery ranges and some impressive looking bikes. Therefore we thought it was a great time to join the electric bike revolution.

Many journeys in towns are only a few miles and the rising cost of fuel means that more people are looking for more cost effective options. Electric bikes are a great low cost alternative with no need for road tax, a licence or MOT and insurance an optional extra.

Electric bikes are also a great way to get fit with a number of our customers not only saving pounds but also losing pounds. Although most of all they are great fun to ride!

Our bikes are great for commuters who want to arrive at work feeling refreshed. They are also ideal for people who enjoy cycling but do not want to feel like they have just run the London marathon.

Being located on the Norfolk coast means you can also enjoy the beautiful scenery by hiring one of our bikes. So there is no excuse not to make the most of the wonderful surroundings.

It is a good idea to think about how you will be using your electric bike. Is it for leisure or commuting purposes or a combination of the two and what battery range do you require?

However the most important tip is to test ride different models to see which suits your individual requirements. So do not delay and book a test ride with one of our bikes today.

We stock a wide range of bikes including Solex, AVE, 3E, FreeGo, Wisper and Ebco. Our brands were chosen to enable us provide a bike to suit the individual needs of any prospective customer without compromising on quality.

From customers looking for a bike which benefits from both throttle and pedal assistance to those who want a stunning looking bike which will turn heads. Whatever the requirement we are confident we can find a bike to make you smile.

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Brilliant. It’s made a big difference to my life. - Cycling Made Easy

by Eric

Eric, Tonara Eagle rider

Eric, Tonara Eagle rider

It’s very responsive as it goes round corners.. there’s no fighting with it or anything like that, it’s absolutely brilliant.

The area that I stay in is very hilly, and it’s a great thing because I no longer have to worry about which route I take.

Before when you knew you had a big hill at the end of your cycle run, it made you think ‘I don’t really want to do that today because I don’t feel fit enough’, but having electric assistance, I don’t worry about it anymore, I just carry on – Sometimes I go up some really fierce hills, just to try it out.

As I said, it’s absolutely brilliant and it’s made a big difference to my life.


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