Commuters
Commuters who wish to ride an electric bicycle to travel directly
from home to work and back on a daily basis tend to choose bicycles with
larger wheels and conventional rigid frames, as these provide the best
ride. Those who have a commute in excess of 2-3 miles each way often
prefer to have gears so that an optimum pedaling speed can be chosen if
and when desired. With regard to distance, the range commuters travel on
electric bicycles varies considerably. We know of some riders who travel
less than a mile per day while others cover in excess of ten miles each
way per day. The electric bicycles we suggest commuters consider, in no
particular order, are the Milan 2 (31kg), Cambridge (25kg), Windsor
(22kg), Salisbury (22kg) and
UM44 (20kg) for the medium/normal to larger rider and the UM55 (20kg) for the smaller
rider. If lighter bicycles are preferred then the Windsor, Salisbury,
UM44 and UM55 should considered as all have Lion batteries and Aluminium
frames.
Commuters whose journey includes an overland train or car journey
When an electric bicycle must regularly be placed in the boot of a
car or on a train then an folding electric bicycle is often considered
as an alternative to the rigid framed bicycles listed above. We offer a
wide range of folding bicycles but would suggest frequent commuters
consider at least a mid range model for their journey such as the UM24
and Lynx. For short journeys and smaller riders
the Puma should also considered. All have six gears.
Commuters whose journey includes a London Underground type section
Being the smallest sensibly sized folding bike in the UK, the Puma is
the best bike for such journeys where carrying the bike up and down
stairs may be required..
Boating, camping, caravanning, motorhome users and holidaymakers
Boating, camping, caravanning, motorhome users and holidaymakers can
have widely differing requirements and expectations of their electric
bicycle. Some simply want a small electric bicycle to go to and from their
local store a trip often no more than a few hundred meters in length,
while others like to use their bicycle for travel and exploration and
may wish to cover twenty or more miles each day. In addition, some
holidaymakers demand a folding bicycle since it must be transported in a
car boot, onboard a boat or in a small space while others can attach a
rigid framed bicycle to the roof or rear of their vehicle.
Practical bicycles include Windsor, Salisbury, UM44, UM44L and UM55 from the
rigid frame group and UM24, Lynx, Puma from the folding range. All are
light in weight. For light
off road use the UM36 mountain bike style electric bicycles is a distinctive
and fun alternative.
Shopping
Electric bicycles used to transport shopping require carrying space.
Electric bicycles which come with a rack as standard include the Milan
2, Cambridge, Windsor, Salisbury, UM44, UM44L, UM55 from the non folding
frame range and the UM24 from the folding electric bicycle range. All
bicycles can however be fitted with a front basket for additional
carrying capacity
Increased Mobility
Many people who purchase an electric bicycle do so as it gives them
more independence and enables them enabling them to get-out-and-about.
The best solutions here tend to be the simpler, and thus lighter,
electric bicycles, often with low step through frames these include the
Cambridge (25kg), Windsor (22kg), UM44L (without the crossbar, 20kg),
UM55 (20kg), UM24 (20kg), Lynx (20kg) and Puma (19kg). All have either NiMH or Lion
batteries and aluminium frames, thus keeping total weight to a
minimum.
Genuine Electric Mopeds
In addition to electric bicycles, which look like mopeds, we also
offer a range of electric bicycles which are actually classified as
mopeds and thus require DVLA registration etc. These are considerably
bigger and heavier (over 100kg) than our electric bicycles ranging from 1.5 kilowatts to 2
kilowatts in power and require that the rider hold an approved license,
insurance and wear an approved crash helmet.
Electric Bicycles Just For Fun
Without exception, all electric bicycles are fun. The magic of being
whisked along effortlessly and silently often at speeds which would make
pedaling arduous brings a smile to most faces. For many of our customers
each and every electric bicycle, scooter and moped we list could fulfill
all their needs. However, for those in search of an electric bicycle
with a care free character the mountain bike styled UM36 from Urbanmover
is very good.
And Finally,
Please don't be left believing that there are hard and fast rules
about electric bicycle selection. Frequently any one of the electric
bicycles we offer could fulfill all the tasks asked of them and thus
personal preference is far more important than wheel size, frame style or
weight.
One thing to remember is that electric bicycles need not
break the bank. £500-£600 buys a quality electric bicycle and
£700-£800 a high quality machine employing the latest technology in a
well proven package.
We hope this section helped outline some
selection criteria that can be employed while selecting an electric
bicycle.
