Issue Six - Spring 2013 - Electric Bike Magazine

+E-BIKE BASICS
ELECTRIC BIKE BEGINNER GUIDEI
Electric Bike
beginner guide
If you’re new to electric bikes, the sheer range on offer can be mindboggling.
So how should you go about choosing the right bike for you?
Over the following pages we’ll aim to guide you through the maze.
We’ll add to this guide each issue with regular updates.
How to buy an electric bike
Once you’re all fired up about the idea of electric bikes, perhaps from
reading this magazine, what’s the next step? Read on...
First
Before all else, seek out your closest
specialist dealer, by which I mean a
dealer who stocks a good selection of
electric bike brands. To do this check
our map on page 42: you may have to
travel, but it’ll be worth it. Definitely
ring first to ensure that they’ll be
ready to devote some time to you, and
have bikes ready to try.
When you do buy, the backup of a
reasonably local dealer is invaluable,
especially in the event of anything
going wrong. They’ll also be able
to carry out any modifications or
servicing you can’t do yourself.
Alternatively, attend one of the
events listed on page 6. These are also
excellent opportunities to try several
different electric bikes at one visit,
and to talk to experienced electric
bike dealers and users. Most of these
events are free to attend and include a
test track where you can try the bikes.
Beginners are especially welcome.
Another option is electric bike
hire – a chance to ride for several
hours, usually on car-free trails in
the countryside. Again see our map
on page 42, or search online for ‘UK
electric bike hire’.
The reason for suggesting test rides
as the very first step is simple: no
amount of research can substitute for
first hand experience riding several
different bikes. Your preferences may
not be the same as mine, or another
reviewer, and only you can decide
what works for you. And the way to
find out is to try.
ABOVE: Specialist dealers
will have a good range of
bikes for you to try. Here
Onbike in Kidderminster
show some of their bikes.
PHOTO: Velo Solex via EBC
34 Electric Bike Issue 6