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Electric Bike FAQ – Your Top Bike Questions Answered!

Electric Bike Frequently Asked Questions

What is the range of an electric bike?

The range of a fully charged battery varies dramatically. It is usually between 5 to 60 miles with gentle pedalling depending on the many variables. There has been a trend for manufacturers to over estimate the range of their products. The Voltage times Capacity (measured in Watt Hours) gives an indication of the range. Aside from battery capacity factors effecting range include:

– Bike, rider and luggage weight
– Hills, terrain and tyres
– Tyre pressure makes a huge difference
– Suspension and rolling resistance caused by components
– Rider input and gearing used
– Motor/controller power rating

Motors with a higher nominal power rating may offer more hill climbing ability (torque) but will reduce the range.

Most of the power is drained when moving off and on hills so pedalling at these points will preserve the power.

​If you have specific requirements it is best to talk to us and get some advice before spending your hard earned cash.

Do I need to pedal?

Do I need to pedal

Strictly speaking when on the road the law requires you to pedal with the power assisting your pedalling (PAS), however on some models you have a throttle which can be used without pedalling or in conjunction with the pedals.

Hills slow you down so you need to pedal to maintain speed, although bikes designed for hill climbing are better at maintaining speed on hills.

Can You Cycle Normally on An eBike?

Can You Cycle Normally on An eBike

Yes! You can also increase or decrease the pedal assistance provided by the motor, changing the riding feel of the electric bike. Removing the battery makes the bike easier and lighter to ride. Yes, all electric bikes operate like regular bikes when the motor is off, so you can ride your electric bike the same way you would a traditional bike, whether the motor is off or the battery is dead. For example, you may want to use the power only when climbing hills.

A charged e-bike battery can last from 30 miles to more than 100 miles, depending on the electric bike, and some can go more than 50 miles. Sometimes you may forget to put the battery back in after charging. You can ride most e-bikes just like a regular bike.

What are the running costs?

What are the running costs

Other than charging the batteries at a cost of approximately 7 pence per full charge there are no other significant running costs. You should carry out basic maintenance as you would with a normal pedal cycle, however the electronic parts of the bikes are designed to be trouble and maintenance free.

How do I charge an Electric Bike?

How do I charge an Electric Bike

If you have access to a power point you can charge up your E-Bike battery. All E Bikes have batteries that can be unattached from the bike and taken inside to charge.

The time taken to charge depends on the size and type of the battery. Some E -Bikes have larger batteries for maximum distance and others are smaller to keep the weight down. Factor in an average of three to four hours for a full charge.

Overnight is the most practical time to charge but there is no reason not to top up the charge during the day. All our E-Bikes and conversion kits have a charge indicator to let you know who much juice is left in the battery so you can plan your trip. Unlike a car, if you run out of juice, you can always just pedal!

We do have some recommendations and guidelines to maximise the life of your batteries. Ask us direct and we can make sure you’ll get the maximum life out of your battery

What does it cost to charge an Electric Bike?

What does it cost to charge an Electric Bike

The total cost to charge a typically sized battery is less than 8 pence. That will get you an easy 30mls travel. Yes you read that correctly. Compare that to the cost of keeping a car on the road!

How far will an Electric Bike take me?

How far will an Electric Bike take me

Your range is dependant on a range of factors but an average of 25 to 35 miles is a good figure to base your trip on. The battery size is the main factor, the bigger the battery, the more juice and further it will take you. Some of the bikes will take you 50miles or more. Your weight also plays a part and the type of terrain you are riding.

Here is a quick trip guide based on battery Amp Hours.

9AH > 20 to 25 mls
10AH > 25 to 30 mls
12AH > 30 to 40 mls
14Ah > 40 to 55 mls

It is important to emphasise that these distances are based on pedal assistance, not sitting on your butt and letting the Electric Bike do all the work. Obviously if you only used the Battery to assist you on hills, and you only had a few hills on your journey, you could ride many Miles.

What is throttle mode?

What is throttle mode

Electric Bicycles come in a few different flavours when it comes to controlling the power of the motor.

The most simple is the Throttle only mode.

Operating just like a motorcycle, a throttle can be found either on the left or right side of the handlebars and is spring loaded so when it is not used the default position is off. Some throttles are full grip twist ones, others use a half grip and our favourite is the discreet thumb throttle. Very easy position to activate.

More often than not the throttle activates the motor whether or not you are pedalling. This is not a bad design as the bike can be ridden just like a normal bike but when you want power assistance it’s a simple twist of the throttle.

What about pedal assist mode?

What about pedal assist mode

Pedal Assist is in our opinion a great asset to your E-Bike. In Pedal Assist mode battery range can treble, Most bikes with this setup will have a controller on the handlebars that allows the rider to adjust how much power you receive.

Either three levels of assistance, just like Low – Medium – High or up six levels. This way you can focus on riding and let the bike assist you automatically. It also saves wrist strain as holding a throttle over a long period of time can be hard work on your hand.

All of the bikes / kits can be used in Pedal Assist mode but the throttle is always on, irrespective of pedaling a good way to ride an E-Bike like this is to use the PAS mode in a medium setting then override with the throttle when you get to the hills this really does add to the range and conserves battery power.

Are electric bikes good for beginners?

Are electric bikes good for beginners

Most bike shops work with electric bikes, but be aware that some, concerned about liability or focused on high-end bikes, do not.
Sure, riding into the recycling center on my bike gives me a blast of performative virtue-striking, but I still enjoy the ride even if no one sees me there. However, it’s important to note that just because an electric bike has such a high price tag doesn’t mean it’s necessarily high quality. With e-bikes, there are many motor sizes, battery sizes, different types of frames, lots of things out there, so it can be confusing.

The good news is that e-bikes still allow you to stay in shape by pedaling while also, taking a break using the electric motor. The growing interest and use of electric bikes for commuting means regular exercise and a healthier lifestyle.

Can Anyone Ride an eBike?

Can Anyone Ride an eBike

All you have to do is gently rock the pedals. In fact, the survey revealed that owners replaced 46 of their car journeys and 30 of their car errands with electric bike rides. Using an electric bike is, in many ways, like using a conventional bicycle. If you set the pedal assist to maximum, you can still pedal with your legs, but you’ll basically do the pedalling motions and move quickly and efficiently as the motor does most of the work.

Plus, if you’re not as young or fit as you used to be, or the roads in your area are full of steep hills, the extra help from the motor could make cycling a lot easier and less daunting for riders of all styles. Since the battery is charged, once the motor is activated, either by pedaling or the throttle, the motor starts turning the wheels and the bike moves forward. Indeed, there are some advantages to use and some tricks to learn.

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Lisa Hayden-Matthews

Lisa Hayden-Matthews

An avid Skier, bike rider, triathlon enthusiast, amateurish beach volleyball player and nature lover who has never lost a dare! I manage the overall Editorial section for the magazine here and occasionally chip in with my own nature photographs, when required.

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