Our generation eBike guide -New Mobility
An eBike is the perfect green way to get about.
Every generation loves to bike and I have been enjoying new found mobility with an eBike for over a year now. You really start to notice how important movement is, not to just be sitting at a desk with work , it is that freedom that allows you to get about so choosing the right ebike for your comfort and a good ride becomes important.
Let me tell you a certain Dr Roy Shepherd from Toronto University discovered in 2008 that as you reach middle age and above regular cycling can actually turn back the clock by up to 12 years as you get older.
A further study in 2015 at Kings College London examined a group of seasoned cyclists aged between 55 and 79 and discovered they they displayed significantly fewer signs of ageing compared to non cyclists. So point 1 cycling as you get older is great for our health, but what if we have mobility issues ? An eBike is just what you will need.
Make a decision to cycle and then find the right bike
Mobility? - This is where an eBike comes into it's own
Mobility is always a concern as you get older so that is why you should think about an eBike!
What is an eBike? Lets start with the official guidelines as with most things this will help you understand the requirements.
You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements (There is no upper limit I hear you cry!)
What are electric bikes?
Electric bikes are known as ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPCs). You do not need a licence to ride one and it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. Good news so far I hear you say, and actually there are quite a few incentives around as well to help you purchase a new eBike.
What counts as an EAPC?
- An EAPC must have pedals that can be used to propel it.
- It must show either: the power output the manufacturer of the motor
- It must also show either: the battery’s voltage the maximum speed of the bike
- Its electric motor: must have a maximum power output of 250 watts
- should not be able to propel the bike when it’s travelling more than 15.5mph
- An EAPC can have more than 2 wheels (for example, a tricycle).
E-bikes are electrically assisted bikes, they assist you when you pedal using the pwoer of the battery. If like me ten years ago you had never ridden an eBike when I finally got to have a go on one it was fantastic, the older ebikes back then were heavy steel bikes and the batteries looked like a small power station.
Fast forward 10 years and we now have small lightweight folding ebike’s that can fit in the boot of your car to take away with you or to store in your shed. lightweight with batteries that are no bigger than a shoe box, we have certainly come a long way and now is the time to invest in one, technology has never been better and they are much lighter now and can go upto 40 miles on a single charge, but most of all they are fun, fun , fun..
Make sure you choose the right style of eBike. There are lots of eBikes out there but you need to think about the bike that suits you best. A lightweight bike is easier to handle and will be easier also to move around when folding, make sure you still have manual gears as well as electrical assist in other words if you need the battery off you still can ride it like a normal bike.
Different styles of bikes for different terrains.
Mountain Bikes – For heavy tracks in aforest and often rough terrain riding, larger tyres , heavier and more powerful bikes needed in some cases.
Touring Bikes – Often light frames for general road use, nice and easy to ride but you need to match the frame size for your height thinner tyres for a smooth ride.
Hybrid bikes – Off road and on road bikes. A mix of rugged tyres and often suspension for on road and off road use.
Folding Bikes – bikes you can fold and put in your car and take with you on holiday, up to 20 inch wheels and very light and one size fits all can be used on smaller trails, roads and a great bike for cycle paths.
A lighweight eBike makes it easier to ride a bike if you have small mobility issues.
An eBike gives you back a lot of independence, you can meet people and go greater distances.
Choose your eBike with easy to use controls and clear LCD screen for speed, mileage and night time view.
Make sure you feel comfortable by adjusting all the handlebars and seating. Good eBikes can all be adjusted.
Always start off without the assist - It is easier to get your balance and then add the power as you get use to 5 levels of assist.
Good Health and Wellbeing
Reduce Inequalities
Sustainability
We would recommend using a built in LCD screen for power, speed and trip monitoring.
Often when you see different eBike’s you get told you need to use an app, and lets be honest a lot of people don’t want to have to get out a phone, find an app and turn on bluetooth and drain the battery on your phone.
We feel with an eBike you should just have everything at hand, it should be easy to turn on and press a button and go no waiting for a connection or a worry the weather will get your phone wet.
LCD screens are simple to use, they don't require a phone and are clear to read day and night.
We recommend using a simple LCD for reading your speed, power and trip. It can light up at night and it is simple to press to adjust your speed . You can use the + and – button to increase or decrease the power and everything can be easily seen when riding. Safe – Secure and Sound. Any bike you buy the mechanism for adjust the speed is crucial for your ride and comfort.
A good eBike should be easy to ride and assist you.
Checkout the range, how far you can cycle before having to charge the battery again most are around 40 Miles.
Ask about the recharge time - A bike will have come with a charge adaptor and often just takes a few hours to recharge the battery.
Ask about spare parts for your eBike.
Buy local is often the best way, a company that supports you will give you added value miles. Most eBike online stores have their own service networks at Grön we have a small network of dedicated Grön service engineers.
At Grön we have a special deal for you you can book an appointment now and we will give you a personnel demonstration to run you through our bike and to get the chance to ride it in safety and comfort of our experts. We can do this at HQ in Northampton or in Milton Keynes just book online.
If you feel you need to try before you buy, you need to experience an eBike first hand then contact us with the title “Back to Ride” Scheme and we will sort you out with a visit and make sure you have gone through all the right questions and of course take that first ride.
We guarantee it will put a smile on your face , and take you back to your childhood where bikes were everywhere and you came home at tea time.
We created Grön for people who wanted to take their time, to enjoy their journey and not be in a rush. We wanted to deliver you to your destination safely, we are not about speed but we are alll about enjoying the journey, making the most of your life with a lovely lightweight eBike. We know people love to travel so it was important you could take a bike with you, with Grön, you can fold it and put it in your car, and have that mobility at your caravan, beach house or simply at your cottage rental.
An ebike can give you freedom of course at any age but a special mention to a few of our customers we have had Frank a 71 year old enjoy Grön taking it 30 miles without feeling the saddle or aches, also a grandfather of 83 who took it on the Sussex lanes and did not want to give it back. What fun to be had in later life, an eBike makes hills disappear and long journeys shorter, a family affair where Grön does the work and those summer care free days await.
