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Test before you invest
Good electric bikes are a big investment £1,000-£2,000 but a wonderful way of getting about in hilly areas. We think people need to experience the benefits over about 2 weeks and then get good help to choose if it is right for them, if so where to buy. This is what our scheme offers.
We can also put you in touch with other users in Malvern area.
We have chosen ‘step through’ frames with easy adjustable saddle height. All our bikes have a rack and panniers for shopping, a stand, lights, a lock and simple re-charging from your 3 pin plug. We have selected 2 different systems a hub drive and a crank drive and can tell you about the relative benefits.
Ring 01684 540284 or email robin@robincoates.com
Why electric bikes?
Electric Bicycles are very similar to conventional bikes in construction but they have been fitted with a battery, a controller and a motor in order to assist the cyclist. This can be a kit fitted to a standard bike or a bike designed for the purpose, with the electrics built into the bike.
Some bikes have their motors in the front wheel some in the back wheel and some drive through the chain - all three systems seem to work well and nearly all the modern machines have either 24volt or 36volt Lithium batteries. They are very easy to ride and anyone who can ride a bike will instantly feel at home.
Fun
Before we tell you all the economical and environmental reasons why you should have an electric bike, we must stress that they are really good fun. You get all the pleasure and fresh air of a bicycle, without the hard work, like a moped but without the fumes, noise or cost.
First time riders always have a big smile on their face and many have commented “It’s like riding a bike only with a big hand to give you a push on the difficult bits”.
Health and Hills
It is said that a conventional bike keeps you fitter, but that of course depends how much, if at all, it is being used. Riding an electric bike is a real pleasure, even in hilly country or into the wind, so their owners are inclined to make more use of them. The motor can provide up to half the effort, but means more exercise for the rider. For more strenuous exercise you can switch the motor to a lower assistance ratio or even turn it off completely.
Perspiration may not be a serious issue when out for a leisurely ride, but it is relevant when cycling to work. An electric bicycle eliminates the problem and allows riders to wear their normal clothing and really enjoy the journey.
If you are or have been, a regular cyclist but are beginning to find it a bit too much then you really must try an electric bike. Suddenly those trips that seemed a bit too long appear to have halved and hills that were too steep have miraculously flattened!
Economy
Electric bikes are incredibly frugal compared to motorbikes and cars. On average they cost less than 2p to recharge which is the equivalent of 1,000mpg (20 times the mpg of a small car).
Electric bikes are treated just like ordinary bicycles for legislative purposes so there’s no need to worry about Log Books, MOT, Road Tax, etc.
Most of the working non-electrical parts are standard cycle parts so regular servicing, like replacing tyres or brakes, are very cheap compared to car repairs.
Green
Using an electric bike is a good way to wean yourself off cars. The average car journey in Britain is 8 miles and every day people make millions of small journeys to work, or to the shops and back, that could easily be non-polluting bike rides.
An electric bicycle can be made genuinely sustainable. Purchasing electricity from a ‘green’ supplier, or generating it via a roof-mounted solar panel, enables the vehicle’s fossil fuel consumption to be zero.
For help with supply and service: www.malverncycles.org.uk
For other information on the Loan Scheme, ring 01684 540284 or email [sf_email]robin@robincoates.com[/sf_email]