Everyone is talking about electric bikes right now. It is seen as the new way to travel to work and to get fit. But, when something is new to the market and not a lot of people know about them, some misconceptions can float around. This can happen on social media and the internet, as well as in person. Indeed, there are myths about electric bikes and this might be stopping you from enjoying them. So, let’s debunk five common myths about e-bikes so that you know the truth.
You Need a Driver’s License First
There is a lot of confusion around electric bikes and driving them on the road. Namely, because they have a motor, people are convinced that you have to have a driver’s license in order to use them. However, this is simply not true. Electric bikes differ from scooters or motorbikes. This is because the motor is providing you with peddling assistance.
Therefore, for most electric bikes, you do not need a driver’s license. This is going to be the case if the bike is classed as road legal and abides by the rules in the UK. You have to be over 14 years old to ride this type of bike on the road and it should not go faster than 15.5 mph.
All E-Bikes are Too Expensive
There is no doubt that there are some electric bikes that are more expensive than traditional bikes. But, this is not always the case and this does not make them totally unaffordable. In fact, there are so many brands you can now choose from, there is something to suit everyone’s budget. You just have to shop around.
For example, there are companies like Eco Bike Company that offers a range of electric bike brands. You can shop here and find out what fits your budget and needs. For example, you can browse the Ampere bike range and find a model that you like. From step-through frames to foldable bikes, you can enjoy a lot of different features.
They are For Lazy People
When you hear someone talking about an electric bike, you might assume that the motor is doing all of the hard work for you. So, it is natural then to say that it is easy to ride one and you are not going to get any exercise. After all, the motor is doing all of the hard work, right? On the back of this, people jump to conclusions and say that electric bikes are for lazy people that do not want to exercise.
Well, we want to clear up this rumor straight away. Yes, an electric bike has a motor and this is going to give you some power and speed. However, it is important to note that this motor provides a rider with assistance. It does not do all of the hard work for you and you still have to pedal. For example, it can assist you with difficult hills and if you want to gain speed after a long ride. But, you cannot sit back and do nothing. So, you can still work on your fitness with an e-bike and they are certainly not for anyone that is lazy.
It's great for people who have places to be all day and are concerned about the environment. Eco-conscious people from various industries are looking for folding eBikes for sale that will take them around the city in an eco-friendly fashion. Further, electric bikes can help you get to places faster than traditional bikes, so they are great for busy people who want to save time and energy.
You Cannot Legally Ride Them on the Road
Another myth we see a lot on the internet is that electric bikes are not legal for the road in the UK. We believe that the reason why this myth might be spreading is that there is confusion between e-bikes and e-scooters. But, we can confirm that electric bikes are legal for the road while electric scooters are not.
When it comes to electric scooters, you are able to own one and use it on private land. However, it is not currently legal to ride them on pavements or public roads. They also cannot be used in cycle lanes.
They Are Unusable in the Rain
The weather in the UK is notorious for being unpredictable. In fact, in some parts of the country, you can experience all four seasons in one day. One thing you can expect throughout the year is a lot of rain. Since electric bikes have a battery and motor, it is often assumed that they are unusable in bad weather. In other words, it is dangerous to ride them when it is raining.
However, we can confirm that this is a misconception that is not true. There are a lot of companies out there that offer electric bikes that can be ridden in the rain. They have water-resistant parts that provide protection against the elements. Yes, you do not want to stand them in water. But, they can be enjoyed when it is raining in the UK.
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