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Can Speed Pedelecs Get More People on Electric Bikes?

So-called Speed Pedelecs (Class 3) are just like regular e-bike pedelecs in that you turn the pedals to activate the electric assist.

The main difference is that the motor will continue to assist you up to 45kmh / 28mph.

Even in most places where lower speed assisted pedelecs are very popular it’s often the case that speed pedelecs are used in much lower numbers.

Some within the e-bike world have pointed out that speed pedelecs could be one of the keys to unlocking a more sustainable transport future as they obviously allow the rider to cut journey times even more than when using regular pedelecs.

And of course, with quicker e-bike journey times on offer, the car seems less attractive.

This article delves further into the subject of speed pedelecs. Where are they used most? Why and how do people use them? Could and should more be done to encourage them? [Read more…] about Can Speed Pedelecs Get More People on Electric Bikes?

eBiking with Artificial Hearts: The Cranks Electric Cycling Club

-By Richard Shrubb

Last week a group of four men with artificial hearts completed a 27 mile ride on e-bikes on the Dark Peak 3 Reservoirs Cycle Trail in the UK Peak District.

Collectively they call themselves The Cranks Electric Cycling Club and regularly ride 20-30 miles together.

They are either waiting for new hearts or enjoying life to the max with no hope of one.

Electric Bike Report spoke to two of them, Ian and Bob.  [Read more…] about eBiking with Artificial Hearts: The Cranks Electric Cycling Club

Study: eBikers Get More Exercise than Traditional Cyclists & Use Cars Less

-By Richard Shrubb

New research from the University of Zurich in Switzerland suggests that e-bike users are bigger in terms of Body Mass Index (BMI) but cycle further & get more exercise than traditional cyclists.

While this is a positive benefit for public health campaigns, city planners should also take note: e-bikers use their cars less too.

Lead researcher Dr Alberto Castro Fernández is a civil engineer with an interest in active mobility such as cycling and walking.

The research used self-reported questionnaires from nearly 8,600 e-bike users and cyclists from seven European cities. [Read more…] about Study: eBikers Get More Exercise than Traditional Cyclists & Use Cars Less

My Cancer, My Breath, My Electric Bike Journey

By Stephen D. Rappaport.

I lost my cycling fitness overnight. Having ridden 100+ miles a week for years, I struggled after two, breathing hard, short of breath.

I couldn’t go on. I returned home, taking the flattest way, even cutting through a neighbor’s yard to avoid the 10-degree grade to my hilltop home.

The fatigue, I thought, might be related to a recent medication change. My doctor stopped that, but my energy and ability never returned. He ordered a blood test. He called the next day.

“You’re not going on vacation tomorrow. You’re seeing the head of blood cancers on Monday.” “Can’t it wait a week?” “No!”

Monday came. The doctor seemed nervous. He didn’t know me but had news to break. He told me plainly: “You have leukemia. Where do you want to be admitted?” [Read more…] about My Cancer, My Breath, My Electric Bike Journey

Could Electric Bikes Help Tackle Cities’ Pollution Problems?

-By Richard Shrubb

Could Electric Bikes Help Tackle Cities’ Pollution Problems?

Following the 2018 National Institute for Transportation and Communities (NITC) National Electric Bike Owner Survey, lead author John MacArthur wanted to see if this was the case.

Published in May this year the white paper, MacArthur showed that e-bikes could remove 900 metric tonnes of greenhouse gases from Portland OR’s atmosphere every day. 

In his previous research, MacArthur had seen that a significant number of e-bike trips would have previously been done by car thanks to a range of factors including age and mobility issues of those riding them, and the fact that riding an e-bike people will often travel double the distance they would a traditional bike.  [Read more…] about Could Electric Bikes Help Tackle Cities’ Pollution Problems?

London Bike Show: New Electric Folders & Commuters + Innovative Accessories [VIDEO]

I took a stroll around the London Bike Show (29th-31st March) for a day, to check out what was happening in the always busy e-bike area. 

In this report:

  • New Gocycle GX eFolder
  • Compact Brompton eFolder
  • Lightweight Hummingbird eFolder
  • Ribble’s new eRoad & eCommuters
  • Von Crank Mobile Mechanic
  • Foldable Helmet
  • And More!

[Read more…] about London Bike Show: New Electric Folders & Commuters + Innovative Accessories [VIDEO]

Former Tour de France Pro Sean Yates Rides Electric Bikes [VIDEO]

-By Richard Shrubb

Retired professional cyclist Sean Yates has turned to riding an e-bike due to a disabling heart condition that makes it difficult for him to ride even gentler climbs where once he used to ride among the top cyclists in the world.  

Tour de France Yellow Jersey

Starting his professional cycling career in 1982, Yates was a ‘domestique’ in a number of teams on the major cycling Grand Tours in Europe for 14 years.

He explains, “I had to support the team leader, leading the sprint lead out and helping them start their climbs, as well as preventing them from losing out in cross-winds”.

Top end road cycling is a team sport and Yates played an important role in his teams’ successes. 

While a team sport, there are occasions where individuals can shine. In 1994, two years before he retired, he won a time trial in the Tour de France and [Read more…] about Former Tour de France Pro Sean Yates Rides Electric Bikes [VIDEO]

Keep Riding, Electric Bikes Are Good For Your Physical & Mental Health [VIDEOS]

Once upon a time, in the dim and distant past of early e-bike history, e-bikes were seen as large, unwieldy and definitely uncool machines, only for those no longer physically able to ride ‘regular’ bikes because of old age.

As the technology progressed and designs became more innovative and battery range increased year on year, it quickly became apparent this view of e-bikes was complete nonsense.

eMTBs attracted adventurous and sporty riders, cool urban designs of e-bike became the latest must have tech, and the financial and logistical benefits of e-cargo bikes became apparent to hard-worked families looking to leave the hassle of car-bound transport behind as well as to enlightened businesses. 

However, e-bikes still remain massively popular amongst older riders for obvious reasons; age may bring limitations but an e-bike may just be the tool to keep you active and on two wheels for much longer than you might have imagined.

The benefits are greater than just added mobility as more and more evidence emerges about the marked physical and mental benefits to be had of cycling well into old age.  [Read more…] about Keep Riding, Electric Bikes Are Good For Your Physical & Mental Health [VIDEOS]