Pedal to the Metal

Electric Bikes have really developed over the last couple of years although powered cycles have been around for considerably longer than you might think. The key improvements have been in weight saving in the battery source, frames and components.

Just a few years ago a typical electric bike was a hefty, cumbersome and unattractive beast only really suitable for short shopping or commuter uses. The current versions available have advanced significantly in style with models being manufactured to appeal not just to those wanting a bit of mechanical assistance in pedalling whether that be a consequence of reduced natural mobility from health or other issues but to existing and longstanding cycling enthusiasts.

A number of manufacturers now offer bike models for long distance touring, off road and lightweight endurance and speed as well as the traditional sectors of city-users and portability. Of course whilst still a relatively rare sight in the UK their numbers in continental Europe continue to increase on a year on year basis. Sales in the UK of E-Bikes in 2016 were at 35,000 units compared to, in Germany alone, a figure of 535,000 over a similar period. In the US market powered bikes have started to replace car use on the daily commute.

It has been likened to a quiet revolution, no pedalling pun intended, with around 1 in 7 of bikes on a global basis now having battery power.

The first recorded Patent for an electrical bicycle dates from 1895 by Mr Ogden Bolton Junior although the wording of the US Patent Number 552,271 does refer to further developments suggesting that other inventions and creations predated the Bolton Jnr offering but with no trail or documents seemingly available.

The power in this late 19th Century pioneering machine was from a rear wheel hub mounted motor which schematics show although evidently in a very heavyweight combination of frame, wheels and a sling hung battery under the crossbar.

Many others had a go at progressing the electric bike to a commercial and mass-produced entity all through the 20th Century but it was not until Jesse D Tucker filed his Patent US2514460 in 1950 that the combination of a motor and the ability to freewheel or pedal really brought the technology into a truly workable format.

In 1992 the Zike was marketed being of a frame integrated motor running on nickel cadmium batteries and improvements in torque and power first saw the acceptance of the term E-Bike in the perception of the public.

Ogdens invention of the back wheel hub motor had a resurgence in some models before the very recent acceleration of style and ease of use that are characteristics of current popular models.

The main manufacturers have invested heavily in promoting E-Bike sales and this has been very successful. Those wanting cycling assistance have been easily won over but what of the hard core of purist pedalling enthusiasts who regard mechanical power on a bike as, well, cheating?

The expansion of E Bike types has served to allay the fears and suspicions of the sceptics, me included, in that any increase in participants of cycling is a good thing for overall health, to reduce pollution and hopefully demonstrate to Governments and Authorities that the cycling lobby is getting stronger and that more and suitable infrastructure must follow to cater for this.

A small concession to the increase in E Bikes was the recent uplift in the level of funding for Cycle to Work and other such schemes in the UK so that entry level E Bikes, which are not currently cheap, can be considered.

A Hybrid E Bike, meaning a model suitable for road and off road riding can cost around £2250 rising to £2700 for a Tourer. Specialist Racing Bikes and Mountain Bikes are currently over the range £3000 to £5000 although in reality there is an E-Bike bike somewhere to suit all budgets and riding requirements.

In practical terms there remain some restrictions on use. It is likely to take some 3 to 4 hours to recharge a typical battery source although this can be done from a standard domestic socket. The Law currently restricts the electrical assistance to 15.5mph and with a minimum rider age of 14 years old. Battery life can be covered by a warranty of 12 to 24 months although replacement will cost a few hundred pounds. The cost and eco-conscious rider will incur a cost for electricity of around 0.4 pence per mile. Best expectation for distance on a single charge is up to 80 miles although with many determining factors of terrain, weight and fitness of the rider, tyre pressure and the inevitable stop-go nature caused by other road users on a bike ride.

There is every indication of continued investment in E Bikes and as with most technology it may be best to sit tight and just await for the next best thing in terms of models.