10 reasons you need an e-bike in 2020
The meteoric rise in popularity of e-bikes shows no sign of slowing down any time soon. So what's so great about these battery-powered buddies and why does everyone seem to want one now? Read on for 10 reasons why 2020 should be the year you finally get your hands on an e-bike.
1. Get fit
It's a widely believed myth that e-bikes do all the work for you. This simply isn't true! Most models are pedal assists - meaning they augment whatever power is produced from your pedalling - up to a certain speed. You can choose to ride more comfortably or go faster - but a cardio work-out is still perfectly possible.
2. Earth-friendly
Although a motorised mode of transport, e-bikes put out zero harmful emissions, making them one of the most eco-friendly travel options out there. Many riders say that after getting their first e-bike they are able to almost permanently leave the car keys at home - a huge plus point for the environment. Some reports even suggest that e-bike owners are likely to use their bike more often than people with "normal" bikes. Most e-bike users say they use their bike at least once a day while those with traditional bikes tend to ride only three to four times a week.
3. Get epic!
Riding an e-bike can mean riding longer distances than you ever have before. Now nothing will stop you from exploring new parts of the world - blustery headwinds or riding up the sides of mountains won't stand as excuses anymore! Want to ride over 100 miles today? Sure! Having an e-bike means you no longer have to be Lance Armstrong to nail that!
4. Comfy commuting
As any cyclist who commutes year-round can tell you, they often arrive at the office in the summer a sweaty mess - hardly the perfect way to start the day! Using your e-bike to get to work won't just cut time off your ride; it also doesn't demand quite the same level of sweat-including effort. This means you probably won't have to think about bringing extra clothes to change into once you get to work - so ride to work in your prettiest clothes if you fancy! Also, what may have once seemed like too far to ride to work should now be within your reach.
5. Save £££s
Riding an e-bike doesn't require a special license, registration, tax or insurance. This means operating costs pale in comparison to running a car. E-bike prices range from roughly £1.000 to £4.000 - not really any more expensive than a quality road bike. Of course, some repairs and replacement parts can be expensive, but when you compare this to paying for petrol, yearly tax, parking tickets and other car-associated charges, it's easy to see how economical using an e-bike can be.
6. Lighten your load
7. Ride safer
Because it takes a few seconds for a cyclist to build up speed, the majority of bike accidents happen at crossroads or roundabouts, where cyclists are caught up amongst cars. This is less likely to happen to an e-bike rider, simply because they are able to accelerate faster out of the "danger zone". It's also no secret that many cyclists jump red lights, partly down to their frustration at having to regain momentum after coming to a stop; the e-bike also makes this a thing of the past. Similarly, you won't mind slowing right down to negotiate bends and corners, because you know you can painlessly recover your lost speed afterwards.
8. Keep pedalling
Unfortunately, many people over a certain age feel they are too old or not athletic enough to cycle anymore. E-bikes have made this a thing of the past, often giving many elderly people the ability, confidence and freedom to cycle as much as they did before - and in many cases further than they ever have. For some people, e-bikes perfectly bridge the gap between a traditional bike and a fully motorised vehicle. They might even inspire them to permanently get on two wheels for the first time in their life.
9. Something for everybody
Following number 8, it's important to note that e-bikes are not only available in one style or for one demographic. Many people will be surprised to learn that e-bikes come in a variety of styles: from more functional city bikes with rear racks over to road bikes and of course to mountain bikes with full suspension. Kids' bikes are also available, so youngsters' frustration at going on a multi-day bike trip with Mum and Dad could soon be forgotten.
10. Things can only get better
Let's not ignore the elephant in the room any longer. E-bikes get a lot of criticism for being clunky and "less visually attractive" (polite euphemism) than other more classically beautiful, traditional bicycles. Going forward, the design of e-bikes is only going to get better and better and the batteries and motors more and more discreet. So, if you have been dissuaded from buying an e-bike because you never thought they looked particularly good, keep an eye on the market - pretty soon you won't even be able to tell what an ebike is and what is not.