Buying An Electric Bike: The Core Factors You Need To Consider 

For a long time, it seemed that there were only two modes of transport that fit the modern world. You could either drive a car or cycle.

 
However, another mode of transport has rapidly grown in popularity over the last twenty years despite it being around for almost two hundred years. That is the electric bike. 

Unfortunately, not much is known about these types of bikes. That is why this article aims to let you know everything there is to know about these machines. 
 

How Do They Work?

 
An electric bike comes with a battery that powers the pedals. This means that you can peddle to influence the battery, which gives the rider a nice speed boost. The electric assistance makes it easier to travel up hills or across terrain that you would normally avoid on a regular bicycle, like grass. 
 

How Do They Get Charged?

 
A common concern for those who purchase large electric appliances is keeping them powered. Fortunately, this is not an issue with electric bikes. Most modern versions are kept powered by the riders pedalling. Some electric bikes come equipped with a throttle to ignite the battery. If this is the case, then your bike will likely come with a three-pronged plug that can be used in any standard wall socket to keep your bike charged. 

The average electric bike can take between three and six hours to fully charge. Fortunately, you can still peddle on an electric bike even when the battery is flat. This means that you will never end up stranded when out for a ride. There is also no danger of overcharging one of these bikes, so feel free to leave yours on charge overnight. 
 

Are Electric Bikes Legal To Ride?

 
In the UK, anyone over the age of fourteen can ride an electric bike on the roads so long as they travel thirty miles an hour or faster. You do not need a license to drive these bikes in the UK; however, you cannot ride an electric bike that exceeds two hundred and fifty watts of power. Furthermore, recent law changes have designated pavements as places for pedestrians only. This means that you cannot use any type of bike on the pavement in the UK, including electric bikes. 
 

Do You Need Electric Bike Insurance?

 
Electric bike riders are not required by law to get insurance when they ride their electric bike on the roads, nor do they need to tax the vehicle. However, it is still a good idea to pay for electric bike insurance as these policies can help you financially if your electric bike is stolen or damaged. 

The price of your insurance policy will be affected by the type of electric bike you use. Although, a quick search online will reveal that electric bike insurance is a cost-effective way to give yourself peace of mind.

Benefits of Using an Electric Bike

 
Now that you know how an electric bike works, you are probably wondering why you ever need to use one. There are plenty of benefits to using an electric bike. 

One example of these benefits comes from how these vehicles can improve your physical health. Just because the bike is electric, that does not mean that you do not need to peddle. What’s more, there is no need to cut your workout short, as these bikes can traverse difficult surfaces that a regular bike will struggle with. 

Another benefit to using an electric bike is that they are more efficient than regular bicycles. This is because they are much faster while also affording the rider the same eco-friendly benefits. 

Electric bikes also have benefits over driving a car. For starters, they are much cheaper to purchase. The average price for an electric bike is usually between one thousand and one thousand five hundred pounds. The average car is often ten times this price. Driving an electric bike also removes the need to constantly buy petrol or pay for parking. Cycling is also much better for the environment, as mentioned above. This means that riders can do their bit to fight climate change by using an electric bike instead of driving a car. 
 

Disadvantages of Electric Bikes

 
One potential downside some riders may notice when buying an electric bike is that it can be quite heavy. This means that some of these types of vehicles may prove challenging for elderly riders. It also may make navigating some workplaces quite difficult. 
 

How Long Does an Electric Bike Last?

 
A good electric bike is expected to last around three to five years, just like a standard bicycle. Obviously, your electric bike will last longer if you take proper care of it; however, you may find that the chain or moor will need to be replaced after this time. It is also recommended that you charge the bike after every use. 
 

Can You Cycle in the Rain?

 
It is natural to be concerned about water around an electrical appliance. Fortunately, you can still ride your electric bike in the rain. However, you should try to avoid riding through deep puddles, especially if the water is deep enough to reach the battery or motor. Submerging this equipment in such a way is likely to short out the circuit and break the machine. That is why, although you can ride your electric bike in the rain, you do need to be more careful than if you were riding a standard bicycle. 
 

Conclusion

 
Now that you know almost everything there is to know about buying an electric bike, you should be more knowledgeable about whether one would fit your current lifestyle. They are very similar to standard bikes, but they are much more beneficial than driving a car. Just make sure you get one that fits your country’s current laws surrounding electric bikes. The fact that they are legal in the UK does not mean that electric bikes are universally accepted modes of transport. Make sure you research these rules before you buy one, and you should be good to go.