If you haven’t already seen e-bikes on the roads of Ireland, then be prepared to see them everywhere this summer. Shops can barely keep up with demand, but there are some essential points to know before you commit to buying one. We’re here to help! In this everything you need to know guide, we answer some of your important questions about electric bikes.
What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes look very similar to regular bikes but have an added electric motor that the user controls for assistance when pedalling. You can plug them in at home and they charge within a couple of hours.
Tens of thousands of people in Ireland are getting back into cycling thanks to the use of electric bikes.
How do Electric Bikes Work?
You select the amount of assistance you want on a digital display and the electric motor assists the pedalling motion.
Depending on the rider’s weight, the assistance used and the terrain the bike travels on, a good e-bike will assist you for 60-120km on a single charge. Bikes like the Fuell Flluid S-Pedelec have two batteries giving it a range of up to 200km!
How do e-bikes differ from other motorised vehicles?
It is very important that you buy a legal e-bike that gives you pedal assistance, as some bikes are sold with a throttle that propels you forward without pedalling. For a pedal-assisted e-bike, you do not need tax and insurance, so it’s a great way to get around quickly and cheaply without much effort.
The level of assistance can be adjusted to suit your terrain or how much effort you want to do yourself. The assistance also shuts off once the speed goes past 25kmph, but you can pedal it faster yourself if you want. Remember, with e-bikes you can ride them with assistance turned off and they feel just like a regular bike.
How to Choose an Electric Bike?
- Most e-bike riders will go for pedal assisted bikes over wheel driven systems as it feels more natural.
- Stick to reputable sellers with a good customer care history as you want to know that the bike is reliable and is very well built.
- Make sure you have a good range of over 60km and that you have some frame style options such as hybrid, step-through or foldable.
How much does an e-bike cost?
Like anything, you get what you pay for. You can get electric bikes in Ireland for under €1000 but considering this is what a decent regular bike costs, you can imagine the quality of the cheaper electrics wouldn’t be very high. Proven brands such as Shimano parts and Bafang motors can last far longer than non branded parts.
Until last year, you wouldn’t want to spend much less than €2000 to get a reasonably good electric hybrid bike or mountain bike, but brands like Veloci have changed that. Now you can get really good quality step through, foldable or sport models from €1499.
If you are employed and paying PRSI you can avail of the Cycle to Work scheme, which is a fantastic way to save up to 51% of the cost of your bike. Go to shop.independent.ie/pages/cycle-to-work-scheme for more information.
Are ebikes worth the investment?
So many people can benefit from having the option of an e-bike:
- They are ideal if you haven’t cycled in a few years and are a bit daunted by getting out on the road.
- If you want to cycle with your partner, family or friends who are fitter than you.
- If you have a commute and don’t want to get sweaty.
- If you want to see more of Ireland or abroad.
- If you were going to buy a regular bike but also like the idea of having a little assistance.
Talk to anyone with an electric bike and they will tell you they would never go without it.
What types of Electric Bikes are available at Independent Shop?
Independent Shop only sells the best brands on the market, including Fuell and Veloci bikes. Fuell makes some of the most technologically advanced bikes globally, and their quality is second to none. You can get their new S-Pedelec on sale for €4195, down from €5495.
Veloci bikes are the best selling e-bike brand in Belgium, where cycling is a regular part of daily life, with over 50,000 sales and counting. They have five models available to suit men and women, and their folding electric bike is really popular for people needing to save a little space. Their bikes stand the test of time and are exclusively available in Ireland at Independent Shop. Sale prices are now available with savings of up to 42% and prices start at €1499.
(Source – Irish Independent – News – Sponsored by IndependentShop.ie – 15/06/2022)