Electric assist bicycles are set to revolutionise cycling in Britain, according to the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).
Sales of bicycles are booming and commuting on two wheels is enjoying a renaissance in urban areas, but from a nationwide perspective cycling in decline.
Many urban commuters cycle to beat congestion and keep fit, but electric bikes are able to cater to a vast number of people interested in cheap and efficient transport without too much effort.
Sales of electric bicycles in in this country increased to 30,000 last year and according to the British Electric Bicycle Association (BEBA) the market is forecast to grow dramatically.
120 million e-bikes in China
Electric bicycles are already well established in mainland Europe, but have some way before they catch up with the estimated 120 million e-bikes in China.
In terms of price, range and usability the bicycle is the most practical option for those who want the benefits of an electric vehicle today
Drivers are frequently told that electric cars are just around the corner, but the reality is that batteries remain expensive, heavy and troublesome to charge without widespread charging points.
Bicycles, on the other hand require far less power and as a result the batteries are light enough to be carried into a house to be re-charged. Furthermore, the electrically-assisted bicycle is the ultimate hybrid; if the battery runs flat, the rider can switch to leg power in an instant.
A spokesperson for the Environmental Tranport Association (ETA) said: “Electric bicycles have the potential to get millions of people out of their cars and onto a far cheaper, healthier and greener mode of transport.”
What are electric bikes like to ride?
I swapped my ageing mountain bike for a Wisper Alpino electric bicycle on my 10-mile commute this morning and it proved a revelation.
As a regular cyclist it is easy scoff at electric bikes, but once you have ridden one you realise that they need to be judged on their merits. Electric bicycles are at their most efficient when the rider works in tandem with the motor; with only moderate effort I was able to maintain a speed of around 16mph. The ability of the electric motor to get the bike up to speed from a standstill and offer a helping hand on hills makes a 30-mile round-trip commute a realistic option for even a novice cyclist. The technology allows fitter cyclists to reduce the amount of help given by the motor.
Win your own electric bicycle
When you get an instant online quote for cycle insurance from the ETA you have the opportunity to enter a draw to win an electric bicycle worth over £1000.
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