Electric-Assist Cycles

This page gives some general background about electric bicycles. See further down for details of Local suppliers (London) and On-line suppliers (UK).

What are they?

Electric cycles (also called electric-assist) have a small electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery to help propel machine and rider. They can be good for hills, for hurrying to work without arriving hot and sweaty, and for carrying a lot of luggage. The motors are intended to assist pedalling, not to replace it. Since June 2003, only the pedelec type of electric bike benefits from being classified as a pedal cycle; throttle-controlled electric bikes (e-bikes) are now considered mopeds¹. With pedelecs, the amount of assistance you get from the motor reduces as go faster, and cuts out altogether once you reach 25kph. The motor also cuts out if you stop pedalling. This ensures an intuitive bicycle-like ride.

It is also possible to retrofit electric motors onto pretty much any pedal cycle. Kits range from cheap and cheerful friction drives of questionable merit, up to some very snazzy and quite expensive German electric front wheel hubs (N.B. some of which exceed the maximum legal wattage for a pedal cycle).

At present most models have a power-assisted range of about 20 miles. Many models feature removable batteries that can be easily recharged during the working day - assuming your workplace can provide a spare power socket.

¹Like most laws this is not retrospective: e-bikes bought before 17th June 2003 retain their original classification.

Why are they good?

We like electric-assist cycles for 5 good reasons:

• Social need: There are many people who may want and need a bit of electric assistance, whether through inclination, age or physical frailty, or a need to ride quickly to work without needing to shower and change.
• Environmentally responsible: Electric bicycles consume a tiny amount of energy compared to mopeds, motorcycles or cars; and the only consumables over-and-above a standard cycle are the batteries, which can normally be recycled when they have expired. Typical power consumption is 100 to 150 watts, compared with about 15000 watts for a car. If you wish to be even greener you can switch to a non-polluting eco-friendly electricity supplier.
• Socially responsible: Electric cycles, like pedal-only cycles, are relatively light and slow-moving vehicles that (unlike cars, motorcycles and lorries) pose little danger to pedestrians and other vulnerable road users. Under EU law, electric cycles cannot provide power over 25kph (or 16mph).
• Effective: Electric cycles tend to get used often, rather than left gathering cobwebs in the garage like many standard bicycles. Combined with a cycle trailer, they can easily help tow the weekly shop for a large family.
• Genuine cycles!: Electric cycles are true pedal cycles under the law, with all the everyday ease-of-use advantages this implies: (a) right to ride, i.e. no tests, licensing, taxes or other hassles; (b) no need for helmets or special clothing; (c) train operators carry bicycles, enabling effective mixed mode travel; (d) right to use cycle and bus lanes.

Disadvantages

The main downside to electric bikes is additional weight. Towards the top end, machines tend to be only a little heavier than many standard cycles, and can be used as practical non-assisted bikes without the battery. For example the Giant Lafree Twist Lite weighs in at 21 kilograms, no more than this writer's once "lightweight" tourer (now similarly equiped for town use, i.e. with racks, mudguards, prop stand, dynamo, integral lock etc.). However, many makes are much heavier, imposing a significant penalty if you ever have to cycle on a flat battery.

It is also worth remembering that most non-cyclists greatly over-estimate the amount of effort it takes to cycle. Leisurely cycling allows you to go about three times walking pace, for only about half the energy. So most people are unlikely to need electric assistance.

Buyer's Guide - models, prices and technical stuff

Even more so than standard bicycles, good electric cycles are not cheap. At the cheaper end, full machines start from about £550, but you should consider paying more - £800 upwards for a better model. So long as your purchase helps you realise the full benefits of cycling, you should recoup the outlay quickly.

The best place to get more information - including details of available models and prices, reviews and ratings - is A to B magazine, www.atob.org.uk. This site is a "must visit" before buying.

At this time, A to B magazine rates the Giant LaFree its top buy: "A modern classic - probably the best electric bicycle in the world".

Local suppliers

Shops and dealers selling electric bikes, in and around the Greater London area (please contact us if you know others, or if information is out-of-date):

Name	Contact Details	Models
DeVer Cycles	632-634 Streatham High Road, London SW16 3QL Telephone: 020 8679 6197 www.devercycles.co.uk	Giant Lafree
Thameside Cycles	Market Place, Kingston upon Thames Surrey KT1 1JT Telephone: 020 8547 2761	Powabyke
Stratton Cycles	101 East Hill, Wandsworth SW18 2QB Telephone: 020 8874 1381	Giant Lafree
Bicycle Magic	44 Compton Close, off Robert Street NW1 3QS Telephone: 020 7383 4334 www.bicyclemagic.com Also has store in Lancaster.	Giant Lafree
Edwardes of Camberwell	221-225 Camberwell Road SE5 0HG Telephone: 020 7703 5720	Giant Lafree Powabyke?
Action Bikes Putney	337 Putney Bridge Road, Putney SW15 Telephone: 020 8785 3147	Giant Lafree
Cycle King	26-40 Brighton Road, South Croydon CR2 Telephone: 020 8649 9002	Powabyke

On-line suppliers

Other suppliers, on-line and delivering throughout the UK:

Name	Contact Details	Models
Bonthrone Bikes UK	Reputable London-based chain, on-line service delivers across UK... Telephone: 08702 402073 http://www.bonthronebikes.com	Giant Lafree Electra
ebikecentral	Telephone: 020 7727 6363 http://www.ebikecentral.co.uk	Powabyke

Other stuff

Eco-friendly electricity suppliers

To make your electric bike an even greener transport choice, why not consider switching to a eco-friendly electricity supplier?

According to Friends Of The Earth, the greenest UK electricity supplier at present is Good Energy. They source exclusively from wind and hydro.

For other alternatives, go to Friends Of The Earth and view their Clean Energy pages.

Electric-assist cycles & UK law

In the UK, riders must be at least 14 years of age.

Electric cycles are classed as pedal cycles provided they conform to the pedelec definition (motor power output inversely related to speed, and power cut whenever the rider stops pedalling) and have a powered-assisted maximum speed no greater than 25kph (16mph, but you can pedal faster unassisted). They must also have average power output limited to 200W (250W for an electric tricycle or tandem) and weight limited to 40kg (60kg for a tricycle or tandem).

The Department for Transport produces two relevant factsheets about electric cycles and the law: Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPCs) in Great Britain and Regulations For Powered Two And Three Wheeled Vehicles .

Page updated: 04/03/2005