Rapid advances in battery technology have enabled widespread adoption of electric bikes (ebikes). Can an ebike be a realistic option for greener local journeys in the countryside? We spoke to several village residents about their ebikes.
What is an ebike?
Legally we are talking about ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’. The electric motor assists the rider while pedalling with up to 250 watts and a top speed of 15.5mph. Above that speed there is no further assistance from the motor. Just like a regular bike, ebikes do not need a licence, registration, road tax or insurance.
Why did you choose an ebike and how do you use it?
Our villagers gave different reasons for purchasing ebikes (and an eTrike!).
One uses a folding Brompton E bike to travel to and from Audley End station and takes it on the train to London. He picked it to deal with local hills and to give a good speed while not arriving at work too sweaty.
Another local adopted a Synch Monkey “fat tyre” bike after recovering from foot injury from an accident. “I was desperate to get out again and the assistance of the ebike was the perfect solution.” He uses the bike for exercise and short trips to Saffron Walden for shopping. Buying his wife an ebike has allowed evening bike rides and picnics, and they are anticipating taking their grandson along too. He adds “Built-in lights mean I can cycle at night as well”.
Another Littlebury family replaced the car school run with an ebike (Tern GSD from Cambridge Cycle Company, Pampisford). Motor assistance smooths the hills to Saffron Walden especially with two children on the back. After over 900+ miles, they say that apart from a few sub-zero conditions in winter, the majority of trips are great fun. They usually arrive back no later than motorists doing the same run, and really feel the health benefits of regularly getting out.
Another resident says “I have always enjoyed cycling the tracks and bridleways locally, but knee problems meant I needed a bit more help on the uphills. Since getting a Giant off-road ebike , I’ve been able to get out regularly and further than before (more than 40 miles on a charge off road). My wife has balance issues that precluded a bicycle, but getting an electric tricycle has allowed her to finally join family rides. The Trike is sturdy enough to go on unpaved tracks and bridleways, as well as being capable of a decent speed on the road. Good sized carrier baskets front and back on the trike also give us storage for any kit or shopping!”
Does ebiking have to be expensive?
Many employers offer the government’s cycle to work scheme so you can buy a bike with a discount off the price via your income tax.
Uttlesford District Council also now have two schemes to help. You can rent an e-bike or pedal bike for up to 6 months at a subsidised rate through the Saffron Walden Bike Club or use the ebike (and bike) hire scheme for short journeys between the 11 hubs around Saffron Walden including the Leisure Centre and Audley End Station. See for details.
Are there any downsides?
Ebikes are heavier than normal bikes due to the battery, so are slightly more difficult to manoeuvre when not powered. If you run out of charge away from a power supply, it can be a long cycle home!
There have also been reports about fire risk of the batteries, but this appears to be largely associated with batteries that have been damaged, cheap bike conversion kits or inappropriate chargers.
One of our keen ebikers says “The only slightly negative thing is that I wish there was a dedicated cycle path from Littlebury to Saffron Walden, as Windmill Hill is a bit treacherous.”