On the right track Gareth Ffowcs-Williams discusses why electric bikes are so well suited to North Wales…
Over the past two years electric bikes have really taken off and
When looking for an e-bike you need to make sure you get one
more and more people are realising the benefits an electrical
that is the correct size, feels comfortable and is designed to
assisted bike can bring, but there are still many people who are
do the sort of riding you want to do. There is no point getting
unaware of their capabilities and limitations.
a mountain bike if you plan to do all your riding on the road! Prices vary a lot depending on the parts on the bikes, the
Firstly allow me to dispel the myth that they do all the work for
choice of motor and the size of the battery. All these differences
you and are just for lazy people! All road legal e-bikes are pedal
can be a little overwhelming so seek advice when considering
assist, which means they will help you pedal, but they won’t
your options.
do the work for you. They have different levels of assistance which you can change while riding and which level you choose
There are some things you need to watch out for.
is based purely on how much help you want to get up the hills!
Manufacturers warranties usually last for two years and are
Obviously, we have a lot of hills around us, and sometimes quite
only for the original purchaser, which is something you need to
a bit of wind as well, and fundamentally this is why e-bikes are
factor in if looking at bikes on the second hand market. A new
proving so popular: they are helping people get out and about
battery or motor can be expensive. There are e-bike conversion
and exercising in terrain and locations that are simply not
kits available which will transform a non-electric bike into an
accessible for many people without the assistance.
e-bike by attaching a motor and battery to it. These can seem attractive as they are significantly cheaper than a purpose built
Electric bikes are definitely here to stay. They enable many of
e-bike. We have seen some bikes with these on which don’t
us to get outside in the fresh air and go to beautiful places. The
look too bad, but most look decidedly dodgy, as the systems are
assistance means we are able to talk to the people we are with
often fitted onto bikes which are not suitable or safe to take the
rather than panting at them. Getting out on a ride promotes the
added weight and power that the motor gives.
positive endorphins so we get a sense of achievement but still arrive home with enough energy to carry on with the rest of
There are many places, such as Beics Betws, which offer
the day, rather than needing to collapse into a heap on the floor
e-bikes for hire, so if you haven’t tried one yet, I strongly
and be carried to bed!
recommend you hire one for a day and see how good they are. I’m sure you wont be disappointed, but be warned, it can be addictive and you will have fewer excuses not to go out for a ride! n Gareth Ffowcs-Williams is the owner of We Cycle in Llandudno Junction – the largest bicycle showroom in North Wales. www.wecycle.co.uk
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