Ebike Buyers Guide
How to Choose Your First E-Bike?
Our recommendation is to come to the shop and try them. We will listen to your needs — where you are riding, distance etc — and then advise on a range of bikes to try.
When choosing an electric bike we believe that you should consider the following:
— Mid Drive or Hub Drive — often a controversial question. A mid drive is smoother but its usually heavier and more costly. Great for hills as they have a torque sensor. Hub drive where the motor is on the front or back wheel gives set levels of assistance. Come and try both options.
— Distance you want to travel — there are various sizes of battery. The bigger the battery the more distance you will go (depending on terrain).
— Terrain you want to ride on — different bikes are more suitable to different terrain. Adventure riders will go for a mountain bike but leisure riders may go for a "Dutch" style bike or Hybrid.
— Folding versus a traditional style bike — does it need to fit in the car, on a bike rack or on a camper (weight is a big factor with this).
— Throttle Legislation — In January 2016 the law on the electric bike throttle changed to come in line with the UK. All bikes bought prior to January will have grandfather rights and will be legal. All new bikes are allowed to have a throttle but limited to 3.5mph. One brand that we sell can come with a legal throttle upgrade. The bike is put through a one time MOT type test and it comes with a certificate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a driving license to ride an ebike?
No. A driver's license is no longer needed for you to ride an electric bike.
How fast and how far can I cycle?
The power assisted function will take you up to 15.5mph which is the legal limit for electronically assisted vehicles. Naturally, you can cycle faster conventionally. The battery will take you between 40 to 100+ miles depending on the battery chosen, terrain and individual weight. There are various types of battery, ranging from 8–20Ah.
How much do batteries weigh?
Typically 2–3kgs. However, you will also find the exact weight of each bike listed in the descriptions in our online shop.
Can I try before I buy?
Yes — we have a test area and always encourage customers to ride a number of E-bikes so that they get the right bike.
Does the e-bike have a warranty?
Warranty may vary according to the brand but new bikes usually have a 1 year warranty on all electrical and frame parts. Consumables are not covered by warranty. Pre-Owned bikes come with a 3-month warranty.
Do you part exchange bikes?
Yes we do part exchange bikes, but we will need to see the bike (electric or not) in person before we can make you an offer.
Can you help to sell my electric bike for me?
Yes we can but we need to see the bike and test the battery. Please make sure you bring all keys, chargers and paperwork.
Do you charge for delivery?
Deliveries within England and Wales are free of charge if the bike is over £1500.00, otherwise we charge £30. Scotland and Northern Ireland deliveries are £50.
Can I collect my ebike from your shop in Kent?
Yes you can. Once your ebike is ready for collection, we will notify you and arrange a collection date and time. We will also help you load your bike into your vehicle.
Can I click and collect my bike?
Yes you can. Once your ebike is ready for collection, we will notify you and arrange a collection date and time. We will also help you load your bike into your vehicle.
Do you have the Cycle to Work Scheme?
Yes we work with a number of cycle to work schemes. Please note some carry a small surcharge.
General E-Bike Advice
How does an electric bike work?
You ride an electric bike in exactly the same way as a pedal bike. The difference is that when you pedal, the motor kicks in to help you. There are various motor settings so it is possible to cycle without making any effort at all. Alternatively, you can switch the motor off and ride your bike conventionally. The bike may also have a throttle that can be engaged to help at specific times, for example when setting off quickly at a junction.
How safe is an electric bike?
It is as safe to ride an electric bike as a conventional one. Some would argue that it is safer as you can engage the power when tired so are less likely to swerve in the road. The lithium polymer batteries on our folding electric bikes are the safest on the market. We recommend you buy from a reputable dealer as battery cells can fail in cheaper ebikes.
Although not a legal requirement, as with a conventional bike, we would strongly recommend wearing a helmet.
How can I secure my bike?
Secure the bike in the same way as any conventional bike. Some electric bicycle models also come with a self lock system. All our batteries can either be locked in place or removed for extra peace of mind.
Our Location
— Can we park at your shop? Yes we have free onsite parking.
— Are there toilets? Yes we have toilets available for customers.
— Is there a café on site? Yes but it's not run by UK Electric Bike Centre.