15 questions to ask before buying an e-bike

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There is a quiet revolution happening on UK roads. Sales of e-bikes are on the rise.

Walk 100 meters on one and you’ll quickly understand why. E-bikes don’t require expensive charging infrastructure, dramatically extend driving range, and are loads of fun to ride.

How much does an electric bike weigh?

E-bikes come in all shapes and sizes. The Brompton electric P Line tips the scales at 15.6kg. By contrast, the Babboe Curve electric cargo tricycle weighs 73 kg. There is no escaping the fact that e-bikes are heavier than conventional bikes. However, electric bikes are not intended to be ridden without the assistance of the electric motor, so you are unlikely to notice the extra weight unless or until you have to carry the ladder. Or you screw up.

Fortunately, you can get it breakdown cover for e-bikes and trikes for just £24 a year.

How fast is an e-bike?

An e-bike motor will help you reach just over 15 mph. This doesn’t mean you can’t go faster – it’s just that your legs need to work harder. If your e-bike engine is more powerful, in the eyes of the law it is a motorcycle (see below).

Which e-bikes are legal?

UK e-bike law might be easier to navigate if there was a catchy name for legal e-bikes. As it is, the officially recognized acronym EPAC (electric cycle assisted by electrical energy) just rolls off the tongue. In simple terms, if your cycle has pedals and an electric motor of no more than 250 watts that cuts out once you travel at 15.5 mph (25 km/h), then in the eyes of British law it is a bicycle, or to be more precise, an EAPC (electrically assisted pedal cycle). It is important to remember that the figure 250W refers to the power of the motor and not the battery.

An electric bike with a motor over 250W, or that does not automatically cut off at 15.5 mph, is a motorcycle. Some of these e-bikes may be indistinguishable from the EPACS described above, but their higher performance is usually an obvious giveaway. People have been known to fit official-looking 250W stickers to their over-the-top electric bikes, but the police are smart about it. When in doubt, the electric bike can be confiscated on the street and sent for testing.

How much does e-bike service cost?

In general, e-bike motors do not require servicing. For example, Bosch motors fitted to many e-bike models are sealed for life and, if kept dry, will do more than 50,000 miles (80,000 km) without a problem. You may find the heavier weight of the bike means you go through a few more consumable items. Fortunately, brakes and tires are relatively inexpensive items to replace.

How much does it cost to charge an e-bike?

No simple answer to this since there are many factors to consider such as the rate of electricity, the size of the battery and its age.

Take the battery capacity of your e-bike (Wh) divided by 1,000 to get the kWh (kilowatt hours). If you multiply this figure by the kWh rate you pay your electricity supplier, you will get the price of a full charge. Assuming the battery is completely empty and giving it a full charge.

For example, if the rate you pay is £0.27 per kWh and your battery is rated at 500Wh, it will cost just over 13p for a full charge.

What if my electric bike breaks?

We launched the first one in the UK Cycle Rescue service 30 years ago and included with everyone cycle insurance our politics. Alternatively, we sell it as a standalone service for £24 a year. If your e-bike or electric cargo bike suffers a puncture, a mechanical problem, or even a flat battery, we can send a recovery truck to rescue you.

How long does an e-bike battery last?

E-bikes use the same type of battery as smartphones and laptops, so you know from experience that as they get older, they need to be charged more frequently. As for the duration of a single charge, it depends on the capacity of the battery, how it is used and its condition.

Is there a fire risk with e-bike batteries?

According to the London Fire Brigade: “Many of the fires we see involve batteries that have been purchased on the internet, which may not meet the correct safety standards. We know that lithium-ion batteries are susceptible to failure if wrong chargers are used, so it is important to always use the correct charger for the product and buy an official one from a reputable seller.”

Only buy aftermarket lithium ion batteries from a reputable supplier and always use the correct charger to minimize the risk of battery overheating.

How far can I go with an electric bike?

The range of your e-bike on a single charge will vary depending on many factors – not least how much assistance from the motor you use. In other words, you can conserve your battery and thus extend your range by doing more than the pedal itself. The most powerful e-bike batteries can provide up to 80 kilometers of range.

Do I need insurance for my e-bike?

E-bikes are expensive to replace and attractive to thieves. Every ETA insurance policy includes theft and accidental cover, battery theft cover without a doubt and Cycle Rescue break cover plus many other benefits. Read a full list of all of which we include as standard.

Who can ride an electric bike in the UK?

You do not need a license, vehicle tax or insurance to drive an electric bike, but you must be over 14 years old.

Can I still exercise?

E-bikes allow you to choose the level of assistance from the motor, so it’s up to you how much effort you put in. It’s not like riding a motorcycle – you still have to pedal.

Are e-bikes more likely to be stolen?

Thieves target e-bikes so it’s a good idea to protect them with a good cycle insurance policy.

What happens if I have a flat battery?

We launched the first one in the UK Cycle Rescue service 30 years ago and included with everyone cycle insurance our politics. Alternatively, we sell it as a standalone service for £24 a year. If your e-bike or electric cargo bike suffers a puncture, mechanical problem, or even a flat batterywe can send a recovery truck to rescue you.

low battery for e-bike

ETA Cycle Rescue safeguards against breakdowns – including a flat battery

Can I convert my bike into an electric bike?

Yes. For almost as long as there have been bicycles, people have added motorized assistance. For example, the French Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede of 1868 pre-dates the first safety bicycle by nearly two decades.

Modern electric motors and lithium-ion batteries have made it easy to motorize your bike.

Many riders who want to retrofit an electric motor opt for kits made by Bafang. The kits are available with hub or mid-drive motors are good value for and easy to fit. However, be aware that many are too powerful to comply with British law.

The ethical choice

ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green and reliable travel services. More than 30 years later, we continue to offer cycle insurance , break cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of everything we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the The UK’s most ethical supplier.

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