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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Commuting by Bicycle Quickly, Safely and Faster than a Car?

"Green, lean and cost-effective - and he'll need a shower as soon as he arrives"

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… the reasons why it isn’t a principle adopted worldwide, and why cyclists get such a hard time.

First off, cycling can be slooooooow. Except perhaps when there’s heavy traffic, or if you’re stopping and starting between the lights often – or (sin of all sins!) there are roadwork’s and you have to divert, a car is surely the faster form of transport; and since the acceleration is superior anyway, so you feel like you’re going faster.

Second, cycling can appear to be dangerous. You’ve heard the horror stories of some poor cyclist desperately trying to pull away from the traffic lights as a double decker bus ploughs over them?

Finally, cyclists sweat. No one wants to arrive at work, their suit dripping in sweat and just waiting to sit down to a whole days work in damp, smelly and nauseating shirts. Worse, no one wants to be the person sitting next to the guy who’s just cycled in. It’s not just uncomfortable – it’s putrid.

The simple answer to this is providing shower facilities, but no company boss will resent paying for staff to wash in steamy hot water each and every morning when everyone else is happily (and productively) stepping out of a car.

Is there a way to make commuting by bicycle attractive...?

Or better – make commuting by bicycle compelling

There are of course elements of truth to these commonly assumed “facts” about commuting by bicycle, based upon what we see everyday and hear in the news – however, there is one type of bike which can actually overcome all these problems with ease. It’s electric.

Electric bikes promise many things – principally, they’re quick. By featuring a powerful motor which works with your pedaling, you can travel at much higher speeds for longer.

Although they’re limited to 15mph to avoid road tax and expensive licensing problems, 15mph is equivalent to a fast cycle for a healthy person, and also much higher than the average speed of a vehicle within a city. What’s more, bicycles can happily chop and change between the main roads, cycle paths and any shortcuts you know of. You can take your faster bike over shorter more direct routes.

The electric power has another major safety benefit. Accelerating away from traffic lights is no longer an issue, since at the touch of a button or twist of the throttle you’re matching (or exceeding) the speed of the traffic around you. One of the main reasons cyclists get into trouble is because they’re slower than the traffic around them – hard to blame since they have to pedal so hard after each and every junction!

The sweat issue is overcome two-fold; not only do you actually put in less effort and so you don’t have to sweat so much, but your higher speed increases the ‘wind chill effect’, cooling you down so your body doesn’t need to sweat if at all. But the benefit of cycling for exercise remains since the action of being on a bicycle forces you to pedal.

The best commuter bikes are folding electric bicycles which can collapse into a small bag or a rucksack. Not only does this mean they can be carried on trains or the underground with ease, but they can also be discretely carried into an office – leaving a bike outside increases the likelihood of it getting nicked!

There is one other “secret” benefit to commuting by bicycle. A little gentle exercise never hurt anyone, and we’re all supposed to do it. This isn’t a rant on the benefits of daily exercise but instead the divulging of something else…

...two stressful activities surround your commute. Work, and organizing your evening. That peaceful haven in between should be your quiet time, your own sanctuary where you can reflect on the days happenings and prepare for your relaxed night ahead. Instead you sit in traffic, or boxed up on a bus for an hour or so – hemmed in.

Cycling not only gives you a great feeling of freedom (you’re outside!) and thrill of speed (you really feel it with the wind rushing past your cheeks) but it also encourages the release of ’endorphins’. Endorphins are your bodies “feel good” drug, and their release is triggered by exercise – even the gentle exercise you get on an electric bike.

The effect is greatest when moderate exercise is sustained over a long period of time – an effect nicknamed "runners high" where people experience a feeling of euphoria. Whether or not you’ll experience a hormonal high each and every working day depends on you – try it.

What you can be certain of is that commuting by bicycle – particularly an electric bicycle – can lift your entire day. You’ll arrive at work elated (!) and return home fresh and eager to enjoy the evening. If you want to learn more about how electric bikes can change your commute, and your life, click to return from Commuting by Bicycle to Electric Bikes Experts and read the full story.

There's also this very good directory of bicycle commuting links with lots of practical day-to-day advice on commuting by bike.

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Bicycle Hill Climb | Bicycle Hill Climbing Tips and Techniques

Bicycle 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 momentum and climb hills easier:

1) As you are approach the hill, change to your higher gears and try and increase your speed as much as you can. You want to create as much momentum as you can before the angle increases too much.

2) As you near the foot of the hill, <>change down into a lower gear, but keep pedaling to maintain the same speed (don’t do this too early or you’ll tire easily, or too late because it’ll be harder to pedal!). You’ll experience far less resistence in the lower gear, but it’ll tire you out quickly. Alternatively, if you have an electric bike, simply engage the motor here by pushing your power button or twisting your throttle.

3) As you climb the hill, maintain your high speed of pedaling to keep up your speed. If you find your speed is slowing too much, don’t be afraid to stop and walk. Its safer. Electric bike users – if your speed begins to drop much beneath the top speed, you could start pedaling again to supplement the motor.

4) As you near the top of the hill, you won’t need to pedal so fast. Slowly change up to a higher gear again to pick up some speed, unless you're...

1) Again, stay in a low gear. You’ll have far more control at the bottom of the hill. As the hill flattens out and your speed slowly begins to drop, you’re pedaling will become effective again. It’s much better (and safer) in this situation to be in a lower gear.

2) Use your brakes sparingly. It isn’t sensible to try and brake hard when you’re travelling fast downhill. If you do a lot of cycling on hills or fast cycling, it’s best to have disk brakes (more similar to cars) since they’re much more effective than other bike brakes which simply grip the wheel.

3) Don’t brake with the front wheel at speed! It’s a one-way ticket to the dentist!

A bicycle hill climb disc brake: Essential if you're doing a lot of hilly or fast cycling

Disc brakes tend to be quite common on mountain bikes where they're needed to rapidly slow a bike descending down a hillside.

There may still be a variety of problems trying to cycle, like your home is on a hill and you can’t get the momentum to get going, or you lack the strength or endurance - then why not consider an electric bike?

You can power up a hill at the push of a button, or twist of the throttle. It’s affordable, its fast and it still has all the benefits of cycling. Find out even more benefits of electric bikes.

Return from Bicycle Hill Climb to Electric Bikes Experts and read the full story

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Smart E-Bike

by opsgraham@yahoo.com
(Edinburgh)

I've recently purchased my new Smart E-bike from the car dealership Smart of Edinburgh. I thought I would come on and write a small review as this bike has only just been launched. Its my pride and joy already, everything I could possibly ask for in a electric bike. Please feel free to check out photo attached.

I would recommend the Smart guys to anyone.

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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

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

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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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