{"id":20158,"date":"2022-11-25T12:14:58","date_gmt":"2022-11-25T11:14:58","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/?p=131124"},"modified":"2022-11-28T10:13:26","modified_gmt":"2022-11-28T09:13:26","slug":"black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now","status":"publish","type":"rss_feed","link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/rss_feed\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now\/","title":{"rendered":"Black Friday ebikes: the best deals on electric bikes right now"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"rssexcerpt\"><\/p><p class=\"rssauthor\">By James Witts\n                \t\t<\/p><p class=\"rssbyline\">Published: Friday, 25 November 2022 at 12:00 am<\/p><hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/><?xml version=\"1.0\" encoding=\"UTF-8\" standalone=\"yes\"?>\n<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body> <p>Electric bikes are the fastest-growing sector of the UK bike market, following the trend seen elsewhere. Half of the bikes sold in the Netherlands, for instance, are now ebikes. And you can see why. Not only are they environmentally a much sounder option than driving, they\u2019re also a great way for folk who are not in six-pack shape to start shedding the pounds.<\/p>\n<p>That said, you\u2019ll find plenty of fitter riders using ebikes, too. The extra speed up the climbs means you can go further for the same effort, which is great if you\u2019re having to fit riding around work or parenting and want to squeeze as many miles as possible into a short time frame. They\u2019re also fun\u2026 though only to 25km\/hr where they\u2019re capped by UK law! Here, we test a quintet on the market to suit numerous cycling scenarios\u2026<\/p>\n<p>One of the biggest issues when it comes to electric bikes is the larger investment needed to buy one. Luckily, we\u2019re in the Black Friday weekend period right now. That means plenty of bikes are coming down in price, and we\u2019ve listed the best picks below.<\/p>\n<h2>The best Black Friday electric bike deals<\/h2>\n<ul><li><strong>Carrera Vengeance Electric mens mountain bike: <\/strong><a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.halfords.com%2Fbikes%2Felectric-bikes%2Fcarrera-vengeance-e-mens-electric-mountain-bike-2.0---18in-20in-frames-446110.html&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Halfords (<del>\u00a31099<\/del> 989)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Assist Crossbar electric bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.halfords.com%2Fbikes%2Felectric-bikes%2Fassist-crossbar-hybrid-electric-bike-2021-445814.html&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Halfords (<del>\u00a3649<\/del> \u00a3584)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Hitway electric bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.co.uk%2FHITWAY-Electric-35-90KM-Folding-Mountain%2Fdp%2FB0B1494FZS%2Fref%3Dsr_1_8_sspa%3Fcrid%3D3SF6I7B5XRU1S%26keywords%3Debike%26qid%3D1669305320%26sprefix%3Debike%252Caps%252C322%26sr%3D8-8-spons%26sp_csd%3Dd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY%26psc%3D1&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Amazon (<del>\u00a3999.99<\/del> \u00a3899.99)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Carrera Vengeance Electric womens mountain<\/strong> <strong>bike<\/strong>: <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.halfords.com%2Fbikes%2Felectric-bikes%2Fcarrera-vengeance-e-womens-electric-mountain-bike-2.0---14in-16in-frames-445790.html&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Halfords (<del>\u00a31099<\/del> \u00a3989)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Evans electirc bikes:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.evanscycles.com%2Felectric-bikes%2Fall-electric-bikes&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Evans (\u00a350 voucher for every \u00a3250 you spend)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>E-Move Premium electric Mens bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.argos.co.uk%2Fproduct%2F3111006%3FclickSR%3Dslp%3Aterm%3Aelectric%2520bikes%3A1%3A85%3A1&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Argos (<del>\u00a3950<\/del> \u00a3750)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Raleigh Array Cross electric bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tredz.co.uk%2F.Raleigh-Array-Crossbar-2022-Electric-Hybrid-Bike_240121.htm&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Tredz (<del>\u00a31399<\/del> \u00a3999)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Orbea Rise H15 electric mountain bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tredz.co.uk%2F.Orbea-Rise-H15-2022-Electric-Mountain-Bike_245366.htm&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Tredz (<del>\u00a35499<\/del> \u00a34999<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Frappe FSD M800 electric bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.tredz.co.uk%2F.Frappe-FSD-M800i-2022-Electric-Hybrid-Bike_256967.htm&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at Tredz (<del>\u00a32599<\/del> \u00a32099)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Vitesse Advance Unisex electric bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fvitesse-advance-unisex-26-inch-single-speed-electric-bike-silver%2Fp6369578&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at John Lewis (<del>\u00a3900<\/del> \u00a3749.99)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Vitesse Stream folding electric bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fvitesse-stream-folding-20-inch-electric-bike-black%2Fp6369218&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at John Lewis (<del>\u00a31099.99<\/del> \u00a3949.99)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><strong>Vitesse Pharos unisex electric bike:<\/strong> <a href=\"\/\/go.skimresources.com?id=71026X1535948&amp;xs=1&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.johnlewis.com%2Fvitesse-pharos-unisex-26-inch-electric-bike-turquoise%2Fp6369117&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">at John Lewis (<del>\u00a31099.99<\/del> \u00a3949.99)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2>The best electric bikes<\/h2>\n<h3>Best overall \u2013 Brompton Electric C Line Explore<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--aspect=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C199,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C236,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C269,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C369,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C271,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C370,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-131215\" align=\"\" size-landscape_thumbnail=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--aspect=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Brompton-21853e7.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C413&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;413&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p>Like Hoover and vacuums cleaners, Brompton\u2019s ubiquity means they are <em>the<\/em> folding bike. Vis-\u00e0-vis, that means for many cyclists they are <em>the<\/em> commuting bike. Brompton forged their reputation on a superb folding mechanism that\u2019s simple and results in a compact set-up. That\u2019s seen here, the C Line Explore taking fewer than 30 seconds to fold and unfold. It folds to a compact 585mm high x 565mm long and 270mm wide, and weighs 14.5kg. That\u2019s perfect for hopping on and off a train, as per our Yatton to Bristol sojourn.<\/p>\n<p>It actually weighs 17.4kg with the battery that sits on the front of the bike. It\u2019s easily added and removed, and has a handle to carry. The battery\u2019s 300Wh and features an LED display to show battery status. It has four modes of assistance, which you switch through via a press of the battery button. On paper, reaching over to the battery is a safety hazard. In practice, it was absolutely fine. The front-wheel motor\u2019s 250 watts. Range is around 30km to 70km depending on mode, temperature and terrain. Manually, you\u2019re given six gears (2 x three-speed) and the ride is incredibly fun.<\/p>\n<p>The phone mount\u2019s worth the extra outlay to attach your phone and tap into Brompton\u2019s Electric app (iOS and Android) where you can switch modes to save reaching over to the battery. It also monitors metrics like speed and distance. In fact, the only moot point\u2019s the bell, which rattles all the time. We\u2019d suggest replacing.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rating: 9\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" electric=\"\" c=\"\" line=\"\" explore=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/sciencefocus.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"sciencefocus.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 1306, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><h3>Best if money is no object \u2013 Riese &amp; Muller UBN 5<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C416,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C416,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-131216\" align=\"\" size-full=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/RM-1b91714.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;465&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p>Riese &amp; Muller are the artisans of the ebike world. This is the German brand\u2019s singlespeed, meaning just the one gear. That signals its urban, commuting intentions, and ensures it\u2019ll be easier to maintain than a geared version. The Fazua motor provides a smooth, natural feeling of assistance with a maximum power output of 450 watts and maximum torque of 60Nm. You can shift through the three modes via a thumb lever, the LED on the top tube highlighting which mode you\u2019re in. The pink mode (greatest assist) certainly came in handy when cruising up Bristol\u2019s short but steep Park St.<\/p>\n<p>Minimalism\u2019s the UBN 5\u2019s major sell. It weighs sub-20kg (18kg), boasts a slimline battery that slots into the sleek downtube (range a solid 40 to 100 miles) and features a svelte pannier rack (bags not included). The built-in Supernova Mini2 headlight is plenty strong enough for urban riding, while your trousers will thank the grime-free carbon Gates drive belt and sleek mudguards.<\/p>\n<p>Rather neatly, the LED mode panel lifts up to reveal a USB-C port for charging your smartphone that can slot into a phone mount (at an additional cost). In theory, you can then download the company\u2019s RX Connect app to provide riding data (distance, speed\u2026), statistics and further safety features, albeit it wasn\u2019t live at time of press. TRP disc brakes are quality stoppers, giving reassurance in the urban jungle.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rating: 8\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" muller=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/sciencefocus.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"sciencefocus.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 1306, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><h3>Best on a budget \u2013 Volt Connect<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C415&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C415&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-131226\" align=\"\" size-full=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Volt-2720d53.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;464&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p>Volt is the only dedicated electric-bike brand here, highlighted by their extensive range across the genres. Folding, mountain, step-through\u2026 they have the lot. We went urban, testing the nine-speed-geared Connect around the rather sodden, winter streets of Bristol.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a utilitarian build, featuring full-length mudguards to deflect the worst the roads can flick up; a slick but strong pannier rack complete with elastic straps; front and rear lights that are powered by the battery; and an integrated security lock on the rear wheel. Its no-nonsense aluminium frame and reinforced wheels shout that this is one urban bike designed to batter the elements into submission.<\/p>\n<p>The lithium ion battery sits within the downtube and is removable for easy charging. However, it\u2019s removed via a key. Activating the motor\u2019s by key, too. That strengthens security but isn\u2019t ideal for the absent-minded of us, so keep the spares somewhere safe. As for the motor, it\u2019s a 250-watt Bafang M200 that sits within the crank. And it\u2019s rather impressive, delivery a natural-feeling ride across three different modes. At its most frugal, range is around 100km, which is impressive.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a comfortable experience, improved via the Suntour forks, the likes of which you\u2019d see on a mountain bike. It\u2019s a neat touch to smooth out wrinkles in the road. All in all, it\u2019s a fine urban bike, albeit all of that durability comes at a weight penalty with the bike plus battery coming in at over 23kg. So not one for those of you who live on the top floor of a flat.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rating: 8\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul><li><strong>Buy now<\/strong> from <a href=\"\/\/voltbikes.co.uk\/e-bikes\/hybrid\/connect&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Volt Bikes (\u00a32499)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2>Best of the rest<\/h2>\n<h3>Ribble Endurance SL e Sport<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C416,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C416,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-131217\" align=\"\" size-full=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Ribble-88085fe.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;465&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p>Lansdown Hill out of Bath is a brute. Distance is only 3km but it averages 6.8% gradient and maxes out at 12.2%. It\u2019s a sweat fest\u2026 but less so on Brit cycle manufacturer Ribble\u2019s e-road bike, which they claim is the lightest e-road bike around. It\u2019s certainly svelte with builds in this range from just 10.5kg. It\u2019s so svelte you don\u2019t even notice the battery that\u2019s integrated into the downtube. The Mahle SmartBike System 250-watt motor is nestled within the hub of the rear wheel and provides three levels of assistance, which you shift through via a top-tube mounted control button. How often you\u2019ll need assistance, however, remains to be seen. Its lightweight nature means, certainly on the flats, it\u2019s relatively easy to hit the motor\u2019s 25km\/hr limit. So it\u2019s solely for the steepest of hills, meaning its range is over 100km. Impressive.<\/p>\n<p>As for the rest of the kit, you have 22 gears via SRAM\u2019s Rival groupset. This shifts smoothly and reliably. The Mavic Ksyrium wheels are bulletproof, while the Prologo saddle is comfy, albeit with cycle-specific bib shorts.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s a fast bike with a racy geometry \u2013 perhaps too racy for some who might want a slightly more upright position. Then again, you could always choose a smaller stem to help there. Internal cable routing\u2019s neat, though a little trickier to maintain, while the custom colour option will appeal to many.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rating: 8\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link-list&quot;\"><li data-type=\"&quot;in-text&quot;\" class=\"&quot;monetizer-in-text-link&quot;\" data-config=\"'{&quot;nameKeywords&quot;:\" endurance=\"\" sl=\"\" e=\"\" sport=\"\" data-text=\"&quot;&lt;b&gt;Buy\" now=\"\" from=\"\" and=\"\"> <\/li>\n<\/ul><script><![CDATA[ (function () { var s = document.createElement('script'); s.type = 'text\/javascript'; s.async = true; s.src = \"\/\/sciencefocus.com\/pricecomparison\/widget\/intext\/app.bundle.js\"; s.onload = function () { new inText({ domain: \"sciencefocus.com\/pricecomparison\", shopId: 1306, geolocation: true, }); }; var x = document.getElementsByTagName('script')[0]; x.parentNode.insertBefore(s, x); \/\/trim whitespace from li to flag empty items (twig seems to strip out closing if you remove the space..... [].forEach.call(document.querySelectorAll('.monetizer-in-text-link'), function(textLink) { textLink.innerHTML = textLink.innerHTML.trim(); }); })();\n]]><\/script><h3>Saracen Ariel 50E<\/h3>\n<div class=\"&quot;image-handler__container\" image-handler__container--full=\"\" style=\"&quot;padding-bottom:\" calc=\"\"> <picture><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=300%2C225,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=355%2C266,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=405%2C304,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C415&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(max-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=554%2C415&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=408%2C306,\" https:=\"\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?webp=true&amp;quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/webp&quot;\"><source media=\"&quot;(min-width:\" data-srcset=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=556%2C417&quot;\" type=\"&quot;image\/jpeg&quot;\"><img class=\"&quot;wp-image-131227\" align=\"\" size-full=\"\" image-handler__image=\"\" image-handler__image--full=\"\" no-wrap=\"\" js-lazyload=\"\" data-src=\"&quot;https:\/\/images.immediate.co.uk\/production\/volatile\/sites\/4\/2022\/11\/Saracen-a168682.jpg?quality=90&amp;resize=620%2C465&quot;\" width=\"&quot;620&quot;\" height=\"&quot;464&quot;\" alt=\"&quot;&quot;\" title=\"&quot;&quot;\"\/><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\n<p>Those of you who mountain bike at trail centres know that the cost of an uplift \u2013 where you and your bike are driven up the slopes by the centre\u2019s (wo)man with a van \u2013 can add up. That\u2019s been one of the drivers behind the growth in e-mountain bikes. As has the potential to ride longer off the beaten track for even greater adventures.<\/p>\n<p>In the case of Saracen\u2019s Ariel 50E, that potential\u2019s down to Shimano\u2019s EP8 motor with 85Nm of torque and 250 watts of power that sits within the bottom bracket. It has three riding modes \u2013 Eco, Trail and Boost \u2013 and a Walk mode, which is a common feature on electric mountain bikes for when the steepness and muddiness just becomes too much. Shimano\u2019s own 504Wh-capacity battery provides the juice, though that juice is less than many of its contemporaries, so be judicious with mode choice if you\u2019re riding all-day long. We tested at the Forest of Dean trail centre, though, and had ample power for a morning\u2019s riding.<\/p>\n<p>Noted MTB brand take care of fork duties, featuring 160mmm travel that\u2019s fine for most terrain, while the 150mm travel in the frame is a solid offering, too. The wheels are from DT Swiss and consume the gnarliest of trails for breakfast. It\u2019s a solid e-mountain bike, though one for the racier riders out there as the reach to the bars is relatively hefty.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Rating: 7\/10<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul><li>Buy now from <a href=\"\/\/www.freewheel.co.uk\/saracen-ariel-50-e-varrn2180&quot;\" target=\"&quot;_blank&quot;\" rel=\"&quot;noopener&quot; noopener noreferrer\">Freewheel (\u00a34499)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul><h2>Are e-bikes road legal?<\/h2>\n<p>All ebikes available from mainstream brands in the UK are road-legal \u2018pedal-assist\u2019 or \u2018pedelec\u2019 models. Their motors only kick in when you pedal and cut out at 25km\/hr (15.5mph). Their formal moniker is \u2018electrically assisted pedal cycles\u2019 (EPAC), and you don\u2019t need a licence to ride one. Also, it doesn\u2019t need to be registered, taxed or insured.<\/p>\n<p>What counts as an EPAC? According to the government, as well as having pedals to propel it, it must show either: the power output or manufacturer of the motor; and the battery\u2019s voltage or the maximum speed of the bike. An EPAC can have more than two wheels (like a tricycle).<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What do I need to know before buying an ebike?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Your first port of call is, like you would a traditional bike, knowing which genre of ebike to buy. Looking to become the new Bradley Wiggins but with a little helping hand? You want an e-road bike. Predominantly to the office and back? An e-commuter, e-hybrid or e-folder? Heading off-road? If very gnarly, an e-mountain bike. If mildly gnarly, an e-gravel bike. Of course, this isn\u2019t the law. You can happily consume many a mile of tarmac on an e-mountain bike but, to maximise its features, choose the bike that suits your riding.<\/p>\n<p>They really are an ingenious invention but there are a few downsides over a traditional bike. Despite the shrinking evolution of motors and batteries, the whole package is still heavier than unassisted versions. And while riding range is improving, it remains relatively low so remember to recharge regularly (thankfully, most batteries are removable). And all that tech comes at a cost with e-bikes starting at around two grand.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Is an ebike still good exercise?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>In short, yes. You have to pedal before the motor kicks in so you\u2019ll still enjoy a decent workout even with that extra assistance. Broadly, the highest level of support is around 250% motor assistance; in eco mode, that cranks down to around 40%. You can even switch off the motor to ride like a normal bike.<\/p>\n<p>European research has shown that urban ebike riders ride further than non-assisted riders. As distance is one component of a workout (alongside intensity), ebike riders can often enjoy greater fitness gains than traditional riders. In short, ebike regularly and your heart and lungs will grow, stress will drop and your smile will increase\u2026<\/p>\n<h2><strong>What makes a good ebike?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>You can break this down into battery, motor and control\u2026<\/p>\n<ul><li><strong>Battery<\/strong> While battery range is improving, the power packs themselves are gradually shrinking in size. As seen in our test, many are now small enough to be hidden inside the downtube, especially on higher-end ebikes. Most can be charged in situ, though, more conveniently, others can be removed from the bike for charging.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Motor<\/strong> Drive units vary in terms of their torque, maximum assistance, response time before the assistance kicks in, smoothness and noise. The latest motors, such as Bosch\u2019s Performance Line CX (not tested here), offer enough grunt for even the steepest climbs and trickiest of trails \u2013 in this case, up to 340 per cent assistance and a maximum 85Nm torque.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Control<\/strong> Most ebikes have controls on the handlebar or top tube and some have LCD screens, which make it easier to switch between modes, monitor battery life and see your speed and mileage. Some systems also now offer Bluetooth connectivity and phone apps, so you can track your heart rate and other data.<\/li>\n<\/ul><h2><strong>Are there any good alternatives to ebikes?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>There are a few but each has drawbacks\u2026<\/p>\n<ul><li><strong>E-scooters <\/strong>Those of us who live in Bristol have benefitted from rental schemes like that from Voi where you log into via an app. You can buy private e-scooters, too, but you can only ride them on private land. There\u2019s reason to believe that e-scooters will be able to go from private land to public roads in 2023. Watch this space\u2026<\/li>\n<li><strong>Throttle-only ebikes <\/strong>Legal ebikes require pedals to be turned so, in theory, throttle-only ebikes shouldn\u2019t be allowed. However, they can be \u2018type approved\u2019. You can apply for the Type Approval certificate by filling in an online application and paying a fee of \u00a355.00.<\/li>\n<li><strong>28mph e-mopeds <\/strong>These fall broadly into the same category as 50cc petrol mopeds. They can be ridden by anyone of 16 or over who has either passed compulsory basic training (CBT) or has category Am or P on their existing driving licence.<\/li>\n<\/ul><p><strong>Read more:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul><li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/future-technology\/cool-gadgets\/&quot;\">49 cool gadgets: Our pick of the best new tech for 2022<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/buyers-guides\/best-smart-meat-thermometers\/&quot;\">Best smart meat thermometers for roasts and BBQs<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"&quot;https:\/\/www.sciencefocus.com\/buyers-guides\/best-educational-board-game\/&quot;\">Best educational board games that make learning fun<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul> <\/body><\/html>\n<hr class=\"no-tts wp-block-separator\"\/>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>By James Witts Published: Friday, 25 November 2022 at 12:00 am Electric bikes are the fastest-growing sector of the UK bike market, following the trend seen elsewhere. Half of the bikes sold in the Netherlands, for instance, are now ebikes. And you can see why. Not only are they environmentally a much sounder option than [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":24,"featured_media":20159,"template":"","categories":[1],"acf":{"readingTimeMinutes":"12"},"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2022\/11\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now.jpg",1200,511,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2022\/11\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now-150x150.jpg",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2022\/11\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now-300x128.jpg",300,128,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2022\/11\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now-768x327.jpg",768,327,true],"large":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2022\/11\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now-1024x436.jpg",800,341,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2022\/11\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now.jpg",1200,511,false],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/uploads\/sites\/42\/2022\/11\/black-friday-ebikes-the-best-deals-on-electric-bikes-right-now.jpg",1200,511,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"importmanagerhub@sprylab.com","author_link":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/author\/importmanagerhubsprylab-com\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"By James Witts Published: Friday, 25 November 2022 at 12:00 am Electric bikes are the fastest-growing sector of the UK bike market, following the trend seen elsewhere. Half of the bikes sold in the Netherlands, for instance, are now ebikes. And you can see why. Not only are they environmentally a much sounder option than&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed\/20158"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/rss_feed"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/rss_feed"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/24"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/20159"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20158"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/c01.purpledshub.com\/bbcsciencefocus\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20158"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}