Given that its price, range and usability makes an electric bicycle the most practical option for those wanting the benefits of a battery-powered vehicle today, it’s perhaps surprising that only 25,000 were sold here last year – less than one per cent of all bikes sold in Britain.
However, these relatively modest sales could be a thing of the past with the arrival of the Smart e bike.
The Smart e bike is one of a number of sleek and efficient battery-powered bikes that make commutes of ten or even twenty miles a breeze.
As a subsidiary of Daimler-Mercedes,Smart understands the importance of good design, desirable styling and clever marketing. The sleek-looking Smart e bike looks every inch the product of a German car maker; sleek and efficient, even the pared-down appearance of the hire purchase offer ads seem straight out of a Sunday supplement.
Electric vehicles of every description are currently in development, from aircraft to jet skis, but batteries remain expensive, heavy and troublesome to charge without widespread charging points.
But while affordable and practical electric cars remain some way off, battery-assisted bicycles are here now – and they avoid the need for charging infrastructure by being light enough to be carry into a house and plug into the nearest socket.
Furthermore, the electrically-assisted bicycle is the ultimate hybrid; if the battery runs flat, the rider can revert to leg-only power in an instant. Electric bicycles are at their most efficient when the rider uses the motor to get the bike going and then pedals to maintain momentum. The Smart e Bicycle has a range of around 70 miles, which makes a 30-mile round-trip commute a realistic option for even a novice cyclist. This type of bike also makes cycling more accessible for the elderly or disabled.
Other electric bikes worth a look include the Wisper Grace MX and BH-Emotion Neo 29” wheel mountain bikes.
Insurance for electric bicycles
Cycle insurance from the ETA covers electric bikes as standard. Every policy covers the bike against theft, accidental damage and vandalism. The bike’s battery is covered against theft and vandalism as standard. Other benefits include third party cover and breakdown recovery for your bike and you.
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