The fuel crisis has prompted many people to consider switching car trips to bicycles and e-bikes to save money.
Australian bike stores are already reporting an uptick in e-bike sales and owners bringing their disused bikes in for a spruce-up before getting back on the road.
Anecdotally, bike riders are talking about the increase in the number of other bicycles on their regular routes over the past few weeks.
But for every person who can easily switch to riding, we know there are others out there thinking about it but are not sure what to look for as they’ve never ridden an e-bike.
Firstly, why an e-bike over a normal bicycle?
We think bicycles are pretty great, but some people don’t feel they are fit enough or that a bicycle won’t allow them to carry the things they need. That’s where an e-bike comes in.
E-bikes still have to be pedalled but the motor assistance means you don’t have to exert as much energy as on a bicycle. This makes it easier to wear everyday clothes and carry what you need without raising a sweat.
If you’ve never ridden an e-bike but are comfortable riding a bicycle then you’ll be fine. The main difference is handling the added weight when stopping and turning but that is simple to adapt to. E-bikes can weigh up to 25kg, compared to bicycles that weigh about 10–15kg.
There’s been a lot of talk in the media about e-bike dangers but this is referring to e-bikes that are faster and more powerful than the law allows. According to the Victorian Road Rules, the bikes being talked about are effectively unregistered, unroadworthy motorcycles.
A legal e-bike ridden correctly is no more dangerous than a bicycle.
The main features to look for to ensure an e-bike can legally be ridden on roads and paths is that they have to be pedalled to move, have a 250-watt motor, and that motor is limited to 25km/h and cannot be easily changed.
If you want to use an e-bike for transport some of the basic features to look for include:
- Mudguards – good for riding in wet weather as they stop spray from the road marking your clothes.
- Inbuilt lights – these are much easier than having to charge and attach separate lights.
- Chainguard – these keep your pants free of grease but can be a bit trickier to put the chain back on if it comes off.
- Pack rack – these are good to have so you can use panniers or a basket instead of a backpack. These typically carry about 25 kg but more if you buy a cargo e-bike.
The technical aspects of e-bikes can be quite confusing, with lots of opinions online and in stores about wattage, torque and range. The following is basic advice to keep in mind:
- Torque – this is what helps you get up hills and is often not advertised but will be in the specifications. A good quality e-bike will have a torque of around 50 Nm and will cover most streetscapes but if you do regularly tackle steep hills then 70–85 Nm will be more comfortable.
- Battery – look for good quality brands marked with the Australian standard that have safety features to stop overheating. Removable batteries are more convenient than having to plug the whole bike in to charge.
- Range – range is often advertised on the lowest assistance level, so be aware that something advertised with 80km range will decrease if you are riding on higher assistance levels. More battery power means more range.
- Mid-range or hub motors – have a test ride of each type to feel the difference. Most mid-range motors feel no different to riding a bicycle whereas some hub motors can produce a noticeable acceleration effect.
If you are still unsure, hire an e-bike. There are lots of options across the country and it will give you a sense of how much it easier it is to ride than a bicycle. Find out more about e-bikes on our website: https://bicyclenetwork.com.au/tips-resources/getting-started/intro-to-ebikes/
For more information or interviews, contact the Bicycle Network Media team at media@bicyclenetwork.com.au or 0425 858 428.