Best electric bikes 2020: e-bikes for the road, commute and mountain biking reviewed
A biking revolution is here
Best electric bikes 2020 article published in the Evening Standard, October 23rd by Rob Smith
From banana breads, to puzzles, lockdown reignited a passion for an array of weird and wonderful trends – but cycling may just have been the most ubiquitous of them all.
Bikes, and in particular electric or e-bikes, have become even more popular in the post-lockdown commuting world as the ideal solution to tube-related woes.
Rob Smith, Head of Partnerships at Smartech (the smart brand specialists behind Selfridges’ The Bike Shop) tells ES Best everything you need to know before making the investment and the best e-bikes to shop now.
What is an e-bike?
An electric bike (e-bike) is a regular bike with the addition of a motor to assist your progress. It is a hybrid form of transport meaning part of the power comes from the rider and part of it from the motor.
How do e-bikes work?
Generally speaking, e-bikes are bicycles with a battery-powered assist that comes via pedalling and, in some cases, a throttle.
When you push the pedals on a pedal-assist e-bike, a small motor engages and gives you a boost.
In addition to the pedal-assist feature, some e-bikes come with a throttle that engages the motor by pressing a button.
Why are e-bikes so expensive?
E-bikes vary in price but have more associated costs than traditional costs.
The motors used in e-bikes include highly engineered and technical parts. That being said, you get what you pay for, they are worth an investment and are certainly the post-lockdown transportation of choice.
How far do e-bikes go on one charge?
Anything from 50km to 400km, depending on the battery size.
There are other factors to consider, over and above the specified distance from the brand; everything from speed to rider weight to terrain style to wind conditions and even tire choice can impact an e-bike’s effective range on a single charge.
With distances varying hugely, it is important to select the e-bike with the travelling distance in mind.
How fast do e-bikes go?
The max speed limit for e-bikes in the UK is 15.5 miles per hour. Most e-bikes are capable of speeds faster than this but they are not suitable for road use.
Can you use e-bikes the rain?
Yes, you can in-fact use e-bikes in the rain, as most are made with water-resistant sealed components. We would always recommend care and attention is given to your e-bike after it has been out in the rain; such as a wipe down with a soft cloth and the use of wet sponge to remove dirt and debris.
What they say about Trefecta in Best electric bikes 2020
This is THE ultimate performance e-bike. The DRT Off-road is the untamed beast. The absence of any compromise ensures this e-bike transcends all that has come before it. Questions of purpose seem irrelevant after experiencing the performance off-road. Every inch is optimised to perfection. Every piece of material the best of its sort. One of the most luxurious and quickest bikes on the market. Simply put, stunning.
Read the whole article from the Evening Standard online here
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