E-bike vs. push bike

Choosing a new bike for your commute can be a daunting task.

Folding bikes, hybrid bikes, mountain bikes, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed by all of the different choices available.

And that’s just regular push bikes!

E-bikes have come a long way in the last few years and are a great, sustainable and healthy, alternative to jumping in your car and driving to work.

Whether you’re sceptical about the benefits of an electric bike or are ready to hop on and start pedalling, there are a lot of reasons you should consider an e-bike for your morning commute.

So, is an e-bike worth it? We’ve broken down some of the benefits for you below:

Repairs and Maintenance

All bicycles need a bit of love and elbow grease sometimes and e-bikes are no exception. Many people tend to assume that an e-bike would be more difficult to repair or maintain than a regular bike due to the motor.

However, in many cases, regular repair and maintenance for an e-bike is just as simple as a regular bicycle. If you keep your e-bike clean, and your wheels/brakes lubricated, you’ll keep your bike in top shape for longer and avoid unnecessary repairs.

Just remember to store your bike indoors and avoid overcharging your battery. Yes, you may have a problem with your motor at some point but you can always try turning it off and on again.

Speed

In the UK, e-bikes must have a maximum power output of 250 watts and can travel up to 15.5mph. It’s fair to say that, when it comes to speed, e-bikes have the advantage.

When you’re used to getting stuck in traffic on your way to work, that 15.5mph probably puts your car to shame. With no pesky petrol costs to worry about, it’s easy why an e-bike is great (Green!) alternative to a car.

With an e-bikes pedal assist, anyone can reach high speeds and conquer those hills. For many less confident cyclists, that extra speed makes all the difference and could persuade even the laziest commuter to put their car keys away.

Staying Active

According to several studies, you get just as much exercise from riding your e-bike as you would with a regular push bike. Researchers at Brigham Young University compared the heart rates of 33 subjects after completing a cycle trail in Utah and found very little difference between those who’d ridden a conventional bicycle and those on an e-bike.

Many e-bikes owners find that they cycle more often than they would if they’d purchased a regular bicycle.

Rules and Regulations

At this time, in the UK e-bikes are classed as EAPCs (Electrically assisted pedal cycles) and you don’t need a license to own or operate one. E-bikes are treated just like normal pedal bikes, they don’t need to be registered, taxed or insured and can make use of cycle paths.

However, there are some restrictions on what counts as an EAPC under UK regulations. For instance, as previously mentioned the maximum power output is 250 watts and speeds are 15.5mph. Anything over this speed or power, wouldn’t be classed as an EAPC and would be subject to different rules and regulations.

Are e-bikes worth it?

Absolutely! Obviously, if you’re already an experienced cyclist or very physically fit you likely don’t need the extra help. However, for less confident cyclists or those at the start of their fitness journey, an e-bike could be that extra push that helps get you moving.

Now, we want to hear from you!

What are your thoughts on e-bikes?

Have you made the plunge recently and purchased an e-bike?

Let us know in the comments below!

Visit our FAQ for more information on the Bike 2 Work scheme and how your business can take advantage of the government's tax-free cycle scheme.