By Chris Dunham
Getting around contributes 27% of our carbon emissions in the UK and it’s one of the few sectors where emissions are still going up. Getting out of our cars and onto bikes could help reverse this trend, as well making Bishop’s Stortford a more pleasant environment with less noise and pollution. It was with this in mind that I recently made the decision to get an electric bike.
Now for some serious cyclists, electric bikes are ‘cheating’ to which I would say: who cares? While I’ve been a keen cyclist all my life, the hills around the town, combined with aging joints, do put me off just hopping on my bike.
Getting an electric bike has really changed that.
Electric bikes work by assisting your pedalling. The electric assistance is limited by law to a speed of 16 mph – higher than that and you would need a moped licence. The bike can of course go faster, but it will be all your own effort.
The bike I bought has three settings: eco, trail and boost. Coming back up Chantry Road from town I just switch to ‘boost’ and I could happily hold a conversation with anyone I pass on the hill. It really makes the hills no different to cycling on the flat.
Here are a few tips for your electric bike happiness:
Carrying stuff – Small shopping trailers are also available. There’s a guide here. Plus, with an electric bike pulling it is much easier.
Theft – If you’re worried about thefts, make sure your bike is insured, get a decent lock and fit a GPS tracker to your bike.
Charging – I’ve never run out on a journey – mine last around 60 miles on the eco setting. It recharges on a normal 3-pin plug in about an hour.
Buying one – A fairly critical part of owning one – I bought mine second hand on ebay from a man in banking who felt guilty about having two – and could provide proof of purchase.
Check out these local retail options for purchasing your own electric bike:
| Retailer | Notes | Website |
| The Bike Studio | Based in Stortford (Gypsy Lane), this shop only sells electric bikes | https://www.facebook.com/gypsylanebishopsstortford/ |
| Bakers Bikes | Long standing bike shop based at Southmill Rd Industrial Estate. | https://www.facebook.com/bakersbikesstortford/ |
| Halfords | Order online and have it built at the Bishops Stortford store | www.halfords.com/bikes/ |
| Rutland Cycling | 5 shops in Cambridge one of which is dedicated to electric bikes | https://www.rutlandcycling.com/ |