Come along to an e-bike roadshow to try out some e-bikes and find out:
- What they are like to use
- Different models for different needs
- How much they cost
- How to charge them
- The rules around using an e-bike How they can be used for day to day travelling
- How using an e-bike instead of a car is a viable option
There will be a range of different e-bikes at the event with different features and styles on show.
Range of electric bikes
This depends very much on the weight of the rider, the hills involved, how much motor assistance you use as well as battery size. Roughly, you can expect about 10 miles for every 100wh of battery. So, a battery of 400wh capacity can travel about 40 miles.
Speed of electric bikes
E-Bikes use an electric motor to boost your pedalling power. You can easily control your speed because the amount of power the e-Bike gives depends on how much you pedal. You can also select different power modes to vary the amount of assist that the motor gives you.
How to charge an electric bike
You can charge the battery with a normal 3 pin plug. In most cases, you can either:
- charge the battery directly on the bike
or - easily remove the battery to take it indoors and charge it there.
Most batteries can be charged in 3-6 hours from flat depending on the battery capacity. If you have a long commute you can take the battery into the office and recharge ready for the trip home.
Cost of running an electric bike
It is roughly 5p - 10p to charge, so if you travelled 40 miles it would only cost about 0.25p per mile.
The rules for electric bikes in the UK
- The electric motor must not exceed the maximum power output of 250 watts
- The motor assistance should cease once a speed of 15.5 mph is reached
- The motor should only give assistance if the rider is pedalling the bike. So, the use of a throttle to propel the bike without the user having to pedal is not permitted.
- Rider must be 14 years of age or older
- If the e-Bike exceeds these limits it is legally classed as a moped or motorcycle
Weight of electric bikes
E-Bikes are significantly heavier than regular bikes. However, you won't notice this extra weight when you ride one. Many pedal assisted e-Bikes also have a push assist button so the bike won’t even feel heavy when you walk with it.
Averaging around 20kg you will however notice the extra weight if you need to lift one onto a car rack. You can always remove the battery to reduce the weight before you lift it.
How an e-bike could replace your car
Although more expensive, there are e-Bikes that allow you to carry larger shopping loads or two younger children for the school run. (These are known as cargo bikes.) Even just a normal e-Bike will allow you to carry quite a bit.
An e-Bike is usually easier to park and avoids the traffic queues. So for shorter journeys is often much quicker than a car and it is a much healthier and greener choice.
Previous roadshow dates
Between September 2021 and June 2022 we ran a series of events showcasing e-bikes. These were held across Cornwall at the following locations:
| Date | Location |
| Sunday 5th September 2021 | Marazion |
| Saturday 27th November 2021 | Cornwall College, St Austell |
| Friday 1st April 2022 | Cornwall College, Redruth |
| Tuesday 5th April 2022 | Camborne Community Centre |
| Tuesday 5th April 2022 | Alverton Manor Hotel, Truro |
| Wednesday 6th April 2022 | Redruth Community Centre |
| Thursday 7th April 2022 | Stithians Centre |
| Friday 8th April 2022 | Chacewater Village Hall |
| Monday 18th April 2022 | Bude Food Festival |
| Saturday 30th April 2022 | Trevithick Day, Camborne |
| Thursday 26th May 2022 | Tevi Funding Roadshow, Truro Cricket Club |
| Saturday 28th May 2022 | Teagle Machinery, Blackwater |
| Thursday 9th to Saturday 11th June 2022 | Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge |
| Saturday 11th June 2022 | Falmouth Bike Week |