2020 is the year of the bike, with increasing environmental awareness, economic pressures and the need for social distancing making two wheels the go-to option for many commuters.
Electric bikes are leading the way, with the number of Google searches for e-bikes growing by a third this year, and a quarter of Europeans saying they intend to use one in the near future, according to a YouGov survey.
E-bikes are fitted with an electric motor to boost your own pedal power, allowing you to cover longer distances with less effort than a conventional bike - while still enjoying the benefits of light exercise.
As the UK's leading cycle retailer, Halfords is ideally placed to help pick the e-bike that is right for you, with a range of over 30 models - many of which are not sold elsewhere - and experts on hand to advise you.
E-bikes are fitted with an electric motor to boost your own pedal power, allowing you to cover long distances with less effort than a conventional bike
Halfords has 400 colleagues who are specially trained to maintain and repair e-bikes, and demand for their services has risen by 373% as the electric revolution takes hold.
But like all innovations, e-bikes have attracted their fair share of myths, some of which may be putting people off buying one.
Here, we expose these myths to give you all the information you need to take advantage of this speedy, eco-friendly and cost-effective form of transport.
What is an electric bike?
An e-bike is a regular bike with the addition of a battery-powered motor. When you pedal, the motor kicks in to inject extra power up to a maximum speed of 15mph - the legal limit. Any faster than that and you'll have to go under your own steam.
Like normal bikes, e-bikes have gears and brakes. You are in full control of the motor and can switch it on and off as often as you like. And there's no need to worry about the battery running out, as if it does, you can just keep on riding like you would a normal bike.
How nearly one in ten people think e-bikes can't be used in the rain
Almost a tenth (9%) of those surveyed for Halfords 2019 E-Bike Report thought they couldn't be used in the rain.
Thankfully though they are weatherproof and have gone through rigorous safety testing. So get that waterproof on and off you go!
How do they work?
Electric bikes have a display panel on the handlebar that you can use to control the motor. You can choose between different modes providing varying levels of support, from a gentle push to a stronger burst of power for steep hills... or when you've woken up too early and not had a coffee!
The super-light motors are powered by highly-efficient lithium batteries similar to those you'd find in phones, laptops and some electric cars. They can provide assistance for up to 120 miles, depending on the size of the battery and other factors like the difficulty of the terrain.
How do they help the environment?
Unlike petrol and diesel cars, e-bikes do not emit carbon dioxide - which contributes to global warming - or other polluting gases that are usually released through the exhaust pipe.
If motorists in England switched from cars to e-bikes for every journey where this was feasible the amount of CO2 emissions from cars could be slashed by 50%, according to research by the University of Leeds. This is equivalent to about 30 million tonnes per year.
Even replacing just 20% of miles travelled by cars with e-bikes would mean 4-8 million fewer tonnes of carbon going into the atmosphere each year.
E-bikes can also help to cut congestion and vehicle noise by getting people out of their cars.
The batteries are also fully recyclable.
Do you have to use special charging stations?
E-bikes can be charged from the mains using a conventional three-pin socket. Recharging takes a few hours, depending on the size of the battery.
You'll know when your electric bike is running out because they all come with a battery level monitor.
E-bikes can be charged from the mains using a conventional three-pin socket. Recharging takes a few hours, depending on the size of the battery
Are they good for commuting?
An e-bike can help you overcome the barriers that were stopping you from cycling to work.
Faced with a long commute it often seems easier just to get in the car, but with an electric-powered boost you'll find yourself able to conquer longer distances - and those tricky hills - with less effort.
Getting out into the fresh air at the start and end of the working day can have great mental health benefits, including cutting stress and improving your mood.
And what's more, e-bikes allow you to avoid crowded forms of transport so you can effectively socially distance.
Pop into Halfords for a free safety check
Remember that if you don’t think your e-bike is performing as it should, or you think there may be something wrong with the frame, wheels, chain or brakes, you can always visit your local Halfords for free safety checks.
Thanks to the electric motor you'll arrive feeling fresher too, and can even cycle in your work clothes without having to change.
Can e-bikes save me money?
Keeping a car on the road can be expensive, as can shelling out for public transport every month. Cycling, on the other hand, can be a highly cost-effective way to get to work.
Cycling to work over a commute of 40 minutes each way could save you more than £2,000 a year compared to travelling by car, and only slightly less if you switch from public transport.
That's according to Halfords Cyculator gadget, where you can input your own commute to find an estimated saving.
E-bikes can be charged through the mains without the need to use an expensive charging station. A full charge typically costs only a few pence.
Halfords has a large range of e-bikes to match your own price expectations, with prices starting from £599.
And don’t forget to check if your employer takes part in Cycle2Work, as joining the scheme means you can spread the cost of a brand-new bike over 12 months with a guaranteed to saving of at least 32%!
Will I need to pay for insurance or road tax?
In the UK, e-bikes can be ridden by anyone aged 14 and over and they do not require a licence.
You do not have to pay road tax and insurance is not compulsory.
An e-bike can help you overcome the barriers that were stopping you from cycling to work
How do you care for an electric bike?
E-bikes may use motors and batteries, but at their core they are mechanical bikes. This means they can usually be looked after by following basic bike maintenance tips, which can be found on Halfords Cycling Help & Advice hub.
What type of electric bike is best for me?
Just like mechanical models, there are different types of e-bike depending on your specific needs. These are:
Classic -
The most popular type of e-bike for everyday use. Ideal for surfaces like tarmac and smooth bridal ways.
Hybrid -
These are highly versatile and can be used on irregular and rugged terrain as well as regular roads.
Mountain -
Mountain e-bikes have thicker tyres and suspension at the front and back, allowing you to cross over the roughest terrain.
Folding -
These can be easily folded for storage and travel and are great for busy commuters, camping holidays and people with limited space at home.
Other simple approaches like scrubbing off dirt and regularly applying lubricant and grease to reduce friction can help slow key components from wearing out.
Taking care of your battery can make it last for longer. Batteries can shed their capacity when exposed to excessively hot or cold temperatures, so try to remove yours after each ride and keep it somewhere temperature-neutral, like a cupboard.
Continually charging and recharging the battery also reduces its lifespan. So only recharge the battery when it is fully out of power. Alternatively, you could use assisted pedalling slightly less on flat sections of road to save power.
If you don’t fancy having to maintain your own electric bike, need extra help, or don’t have the tools or time, then let Halfords do the hard work for you.
You can choose between two service plans, one for bikes under £1,000 and another for those over £1,000. For both plans you can choose between one or three years' worth of coverage.
Aren't e-bikes cheating?
Nearly two-thirds (65%) of respondents to Halfords 2019 E-Bike Report didn't know you have to pedal when riding an e-bike. So no, they're not cheating. And thanks to the handlebar control panel, you can put in as much or as little effort as you like.
E-bikes require less physical exertion than a normal bike, but they still provide a workout that can boost your fitness whether you are commuting or riding for leisure.
This was shown by a study by the University of Colorado Boulder, which asked 20 volunteers who usually drove to work to use an e-bike instead for a month.
Tests conducted at the end of the study found improvements in the riders' cardiovascular health, including increased aerobic capacity and better blood sugar control.
E-bikes are a great way for everyone to get into cycling, including for people looking to get back into exercise after a while.
Staying safe while we stay open- As an essential retailer Halfords stores, garages and mobile experts will remain open with continued safety measures in place.
How Halfords can help pick the right e-bike for YOU
If you’re interested in buying a new electric bike, you can find Halfords entire range online.
Or drop into a store, where experienced colleagues are on hand to offer advice and guidance to help you choose the bike that’s right for you.
Find out more at Halfords Electric Bike Hub.
