Why choose an Electric Bike?

Convenience

Whether your motorhome is parked in a remote part of the country, or near local amenities, an electric bike is by far the most cost-effective, less exertive and simple means of getting around. No need to worry about steep hills, tough terrain or even going to and from the local grocery store - electric bikes take the pain out of everyday journeys, and allow you to enjoy the outdoors and countryside far more.

Many models of electric bikes come with rear racks, mudguards and lights so carrying groceries, picnics and just about anything can be done effectively and safely.

Portability

Electric bikes these days are much more contemporary in style, and have much lighter batteries than some years ago. Many electric bikes weigh less than 20kg excluding battery which means they can be lifted without much effort onto a rear rack/integral garage and easily transported.

Health and Hills

It is said that a conventional bike will keep you fitter. That, of course, depends how much, if at all, it is being used. Because riding an electric bike is such a pleasure even in hilly country, or into the wind, their owners tend to ride them much more often than conventional bikes. The motor provides up to half the effort, but regular use means more exercise for the rider.

If you want some strenuous exercise you can always switch the motor to a lower assistance ratio or turn it off completely.

Economy

Electric bicycles are incredibly frugal compared with motorbikes and cars and only cost around 5 to 10p worth of electricity to fully recharge a flat battery!

They are treated just like ordinary bicycles for legislative purposes so there’s no need to worry about Log Books, MOT, Road Tax, Insurance etc. Most of the working non electrical parts are standard cycle parts so day to day servicing like tire or brake replacement will seem very cheap for people used to paying for car repairs.

Green

Using an electric bike is the best way there is to break the car habit. The average car journey in Britain is 5 to 8 miles and every day people in Britain make millions of small journeys to work or the shops and back that could easily be non-polluting bike.

Fun

They are incredibly good fun! If you have never ridden one before you will find you get all the pleasure and fresh air of a bicycle, without the hard work, and all the excitement of a moped or a scooter, without the fumes, mechanical complexity, noise and cost.

Why choose an Electric Bike?

Convenience

Whether your motorhome is parked in a remote part of the country, or near local amenities, an electric bike is by far the most cost-effective, less exertive and simple means of getting around. No need to worry about steep hills, tough terrain or even going to and from the local grocery store - electric bikes take the pain out of everyday journeys, and allow you to enjoy the outdoors and countryside far more.

Many models of electric bikes come with rear racks, mudguards and lights so carrying groceries, picnics and just about anything can be done effectively and safely.

Portability

Electric bikes these days are much more contemporary in style, and have much lighter batteries than some years ago. Many electric bikes weigh less than 20kg excluding battery which means they can be lifted without much effort onto a rear rack/integral garage and easily transported.

Health and Hills

It is said that a conventional bike will keep you fitter. That, of course, depends how much, if at all, it is being used. Because riding an electric bike is such a pleasure even in hilly country, or into the wind, their owners tend to ride them much more often than conventional bikes. The motor provides up to half the effort, but regular use means more exercise for the rider.

If you want some strenuous exercise you can always switch the motor to a lower assistance ratio or turn it off completely.

Economy

Electric bicycles are incredibly frugal compared with motorbikes and cars and only cost around 5 to 10p worth of electricity to fully recharge a flat battery!

They are treated just like ordinary bicycles for legislative purposes so there’s no need to worry about Log Books, MOT, Road Tax, Insurance etc. Most of the working non electrical parts are standard cycle parts so day to day servicing like tire or brake replacement will seem very cheap for people used to paying for car repairs.

Green

Using an electric bike is the best way there is to break the car habit. The average car journey in Britain is 5 to 8 miles and every day people in Britain make millions of small journeys to work or the shops and back that could easily be non-polluting bike.

Fun

They are incredibly good fun! If you have never ridden one before you will find you get all the pleasure and fresh air of a bicycle, without the hard work, and all the excitement of a moped or a scooter, without the fumes, mechanical complexity, noise and cost.

Electric Bike FAQs for motorhome owners

So what are Electric Bikes exactly and how do they work?

Electric Bikes (eBikes) are standard bicycles that have been fitted with or designed to incorporate electrical assistance in the form of a battery and motor. They are not the same as a motorbike or moped and they do not require tax, insurance or MoT and can still be ridden on cycle paths and towpaths etc.

Generally speaking, there are TWO main types of electric bike:

• Throttle-Assist: Bikes that have a motor built into the wheel and are controlled with a throttle on the handlebar.
• Pedal-Assist: Bikes that are driven from a motor near the crank that senses how much pressure you are applying to the pedals and assist you directly onto the chain from there.

How much do they cost?

Electric bikes vary in price enormously, and can be as cheap as a few hundred pounds or as expensive as several thousand!

An important point to note is that all electric bikes are NOT the same; the less expensive electric bikes suffer from poor hill-climbing ability due to inferior motors, and low range due to small batteries. An electric bike with strong performance, range and good quality components is worth investing in.

How many miles will the battery last for?

It depends on a few factors and conditions which are:

• How much effort you put in yourself and the chosen bike assistance level.
• The capacity of the battery (measured in Ah).
• How 'hilly' it is where you're riding.
• Rider weight.

As a rule of thumb, you realistically get about 20 to 30 miles out of a single full battery charge, but more if you're a keen cyclist or run a dual battery system available on some models.

NOTE: Please be aware that some manufacturers' websites quote unrealistic mileages (often quoting a fixed mileage for a bike) that are taken from a flat test track or a very capable rider using minimal power to achieve high mileages and this is simply not a realistic measurement for real world use and ignores some of the major contributing range factors stated above!

What is 'Ah'?

Ah (Amp Hours) basically denotes the capacity of a battery; the higher the Ah rating, the longer the battery will last and therefore the greater the range. For example, a 14Ah battery will last 40% longer than a 10Ah battery.

Who can ride an Electric Bike?

Anyone over the age of 14 can legally ride an electric bicycle.

Does the battery recharge when you are cycling?

Currently, most electric cycles do not have regeneration due to the extra cost and weight of the technology; plus regeneration will only give you about 10% charge back into the battery at best - you consume far more power than you can realistically put back into the bike from riding / rolling downhill alone.

How do I charge my battery?

Simple! Batteries can be charged using a standard UK 13amp socket outlet available at most sites.

What if I don’t have access to a 13amp socket?

No problem! By purchasing a good quality 500W inverter, batteries can be charged from the leisure batteries of motorhomes without the need for mains electricity.

How much electricity does it use to recharge a battery?

It only costs around 5 to 10p worth of electricity to fully recharge a flat battery!

How long does it take to recharge the battery?

Around 3 to 5 hours from a completely flat battery to fully charged depending on battery capacity and charge rate, but Lithium Ion batteries should be topped up regularly after use and never left for long periods of time without a top-up charge.

How fast will an electric bike go?

European law states that an electric bike can only assist you up to 15.5mph, although you can pedal or freewheel faster than this if you wish, like a normal bike.

Some bikes have lights powered from the bike battery - what happens when the bike battery runs out?

The lights will continue to work as normal for several hours after the bike has stopped assisting you, as powering a couple of lights takes a tiny amount of power compared to powering the bike's motor.

How do I transport an electric bike?

The integral garage on a motorhome is an ideal means of transporting electric bikes. In addition, many motorhomes come with racks that are fitted externally to the rear of the vehicle, designed specifically to transport bicycles, including electric ones; check the weight rating with the manufacturer to ensure the rack is suitable.

What if I don’t have an integral garage or fitted rack?

A suitably rated tow ball can be fitted to the rear of the vehicle and used to support a bicycle rack. We recommend the Westfalia Portilo Cycle Carrier (£320.00), which we believe are the best bike carriers. The Westfalia rack is FOLDABLE which others aren't, portable and lightweight with a 60kg total payload (30kg per bike) , and is designed specifically for electric bike use. The rack sits on a tow bar that can be fitted to motorhomes.

Electric Bike FAQs for motorhome owners

So what are Electric Bikes exactly and how do they work?

Electric Bikes (eBikes) are standard bicycles that have been fitted with or designed to incorporate electrical assistance in the form of a battery and motor. They are not the same as a motorbike or moped and they do not require tax, insurance or MoT and can still be ridden on cycle paths and towpaths etc.

Generally speaking, there are TWO main types of electric bike:

• Throttle-Assist: Bikes that have a motor built into the wheel and are controlled with a throttle on the handlebar.
• Pedal-Assist: Bikes that are driven from a motor near the crank that senses how much pressure you are applying to the pedals and assist you directly onto the chain from there.

How much do they cost?

Electric bikes vary in price enormously, and can be as cheap as a few hundred pounds or as expensive as several thousand!

An important point to note is that all electric bikes are NOT the same; the less expensive electric bikes suffer from poor hill-climbing ability due to inferior motors, and low range due to small batteries. An electric bike with strong performance, range and good quality components is worth investing in.

How many miles will the battery last for?

It depends on a few factors and conditions which are:

• How much effort you put in yourself and the chosen bike assistance level.
• The capacity of the battery (measured in Ah).
• How 'hilly' it is where you're riding.
• Rider weight.

As a rule of thumb, you realistically get about 20 to 30 miles out of a single full battery charge, but more if you're a keen cyclist or run a dual battery system available on some models.

NOTE: Please be aware that some manufacturers' websites quote unrealistic mileages (often quoting a fixed mileage for a bike) that are taken from a flat test track or a very capable rider using minimal power to achieve high mileages and this is simply not a realistic measurement for real world use and ignores some of the major contributing range factors stated above!

What is 'Ah'?

Ah (Amp Hours) basically denotes the capacity of a battery; the higher the Ah rating, the longer the battery will last and therefore the greater the range. For example, a 14Ah battery will last 40% longer than a 10Ah battery.

Who can ride an Electric Bike?

Anyone over the age of 14 can legally ride an electric bicycle.

Does the battery recharge when you are cycling?

Currently, most electric cycles do not have regeneration due to the extra cost and weight of the technology; plus regeneration will only give you about 10% charge back into the battery at best - you consume far more power than you can realistically put back into the bike from riding / rolling downhill alone.

How do I charge my battery?

Simple! Batteries can be charged using a standard UK 13amp socket outlet available at most sites.

What if I don’t have access to a 13amp socket?

No problem! By purchasing a good quality 500W inverter, batteries can be charged from the leisure batteries of motorhomes without the need for mains electricity.

How much electricity does it use to recharge a battery?

It only costs around 5 to 10p worth of electricity to fully recharge a flat battery!

How long does it take to recharge the battery?

Around 3 to 5 hours from a completely flat battery to fully charged depending on battery capacity and charge rate, but Lithium Ion batteries should be topped up regularly after use and never left for long periods of time without a top-up charge.

How fast will an electric bike go?

European law states that an electric bike can only assist you up to 15.5mph, although you can pedal or freewheel faster than this if you wish, like a normal bike.

Some bikes have lights powered from the bike battery - what happens when the bike battery runs out?

The lights will continue to work as normal for several hours after the bike has stopped assisting you, as powering a couple of lights takes a tiny amount of power compared to powering the bike's motor.

How do I transport an electric bike?

The integral garage on a motorhome is an ideal means of transporting electric bikes. In addition, many motorhomes come with racks that are fitted externally to the rear of the vehicle, designed specifically to transport bicycles, including electric ones; check the weight rating with the manufacturer to ensure the rack is suitable.

What if I don’t have an integral garage or fitted rack?

A suitably rated tow ball can be fitted to the rear of the vehicle and used to support a bicycle rack. We recommend the Westfalia Portilo Cycle Carrier (£320.00), which we believe are the best bike carriers. The Westfalia rack is FOLDABLE which others aren't, portable and lightweight with a 60kg total payload (30kg per bike) , and is designed specifically for electric bike use. The rack sits on a tow bar that can be fitted to motorhomes.

About OnBike

With over 20 years combined experience, the four of us electric bike enthusiasts created OnBike because of our love of riding electric bikes, and our interest in both their mechanics and electronics.

OnBike are committed to breaking current perceptions and traditions by encouraging greater use of electric transport for environmental and health reasons, whilst at the same time energising the government into making a far greater provision for cyclists. We aim to offer a variety of affordable, quality electric bikes that will appeal to a wide audience and provide the majority of the population with a realistic alternative to motor vehicles.

We have found electric bikes to be a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting around the place while still being practical and affordable.

We stand out from our competitors by giving enthusiastic service, support and back-up to our customers. All bikes from OnBike will be assembled free of charge and that includes a 26-point inspection and set-up process by a Cytech qualified mechanic, ensuring the bike and it's brakes and gears are set up correctly!

There are three overriding reasons why you should come to OnBike to buy an electric bike:

• One
  You can turn up at either of our showrooms and immediately try out a whole range of quality electric bikes from the different leading manufacturers in a quiet and safe environment, as you will have easy access to quiet estate roads or longer country rides.
  (Each showroom will have around 15 to 20 demonstration electric Bikes from various manufacturers - If there is a specific model you would like to try, please contact us first to see if we have it in the showroom)
• Two
  All the staff are electric bike enthusiasts and organise the UK's largest electric bike rally, the Tour de Presteigne, so we all have extensive knowledge of the electric cycle market and will not be selling bikes we do not recommend and ride ourselves. You will receive genuine, unbiased, expert advice!
• Three
  We are a founder member of BEBA (British Electric Bike Association) and all our bikes go through a free 26-point inspection and set-up procedure by a Cytech qualified mechanic insuring the bike and its gears and brakes etc are all set-up correctly. You will also receive excellent after sales support from a team of trained specialists, who are qualified in electronics as well as bike mechanics - If any part of your bike needs servicing, we are the people who will be able to fix it.

About OnBike

With over 20 years combined experience, the four of us electric bike enthusiasts created OnBike because of our love of riding electric bikes, and our interest in both their mechanics and electronics.

OnBike are committed to breaking current perceptions and traditions by encouraging greater use of electric transport for environmental and health reasons, whilst at the same time energising the government into making a far greater provision for cyclists. We aim to offer a variety of affordable, quality electric bikes that will appeal to a wide audience and provide the majority of the population with a realistic alternative to motor vehicles.

We have found electric bikes to be a healthy and environmentally friendly way of getting around the place while still being practical and affordable.

We stand out from our competitors by giving enthusiastic service, support and back-up to our customers. All bikes from OnBike will be assembled free of charge and that includes a 26-point inspection and set-up process by a Cytech qualified mechanic, ensuring the bike and it's brakes and gears are set up correctly!

There are three overriding reasons why you should come to OnBike to buy an electric bike:

• One
  You can turn up at either of our showrooms and immediately try out a whole range of quality electric bikes from the different leading manufacturers in a quiet and safe environment, as you will have easy access to quiet estate roads or longer country rides.
  (Each showroom will have around 15 to 20 demonstration electric Bikes from various manufacturers - If there is a specific model you would like to try, please contact us first to see if we have it in the showroom)
• Two
  All the staff are electric bike enthusiasts and organise the UK's largest electric bike rally, the Tour de Presteigne, so we all have extensive knowledge of the electric cycle market and will not be selling bikes we do not recommend and ride ourselves. You will receive genuine, unbiased, expert advice!
• Three
  We are a founder member of BEBA (British Electric Bike Association) and all our bikes go through a free 26-point inspection and set-up procedure by a Cytech qualified mechanic insuring the bike and its gears and brakes etc are all set-up correctly. You will also receive excellent after sales support from a team of trained specialists, who are qualified in electronics as well as bike mechanics - If any part of your bike needs servicing, we are the people who will be able to fix it.