Electric bikes are designed for convenience and fun, giving you the option to add power to your pedals and enjoy the uphill climbs with ease. Electric bikes have become very popular as a green mode of transport in the last couple of decades, and new technology makes them an impressive option. However, adding a motor to a traditional bike is not a new phenomenon. Did you know that electric bikes have been in development for more than a century?
The first bike powered by electricity was invented in 1895 by Ogden Bolton Jr, an American inventor who attached a 10-volt battery to enhance his bicycle performance. Over the course of the next century, there were a few forays into electric biking and some successes, but it was not until the 1990s that progress was really made. At this time, the development of the lithium-ion battery made the electric bike commercially possible, and the e-bike became a real and viable option for the commute to work for many people.
How far can an electric bike go?
Electric bikes vary greatly in their designs and abilities and the range of an electric bike is dependent on factors such as the power mode, cargo load, terrain and riding conditions. However, most eBikes will be able to travel 20-100 miles on a single charge. Battery life can be extended by pedalling downhill and on level surfaces and using the battery only for going up hills or for particularly challenging parts of your journey.
Generally speaking, a 750W electric bike will be able to travel at about 28mph (45km/h) on flat ground, and a single charge will give you the potential to travel 20-60 miles (30-100km). This is dependent on the amount of uphill cycling, the speed at which you travel and the weight on the bike, as well as the terrain you are cycling on.
Extending your cycling distance
An eBike will cover greater distances in less time than a regular bike, and it enables to you conserve power until you really need it, so that you can enjoy the ride more. The battery capacity will be the biggest factor in determining how far an eBike can travel, with higher capacity equalling increased distance. Opting for a battery with a high capacity will give you greater potential to travel further, and you can also use your motor sparingly to extend the charge.
Always check your battery before you set out on a ride, and remember that an eBike that is fully charged will be more economical than one that is only partially charged. Investing in a solar panel charger may be a good option to increase your eco credentials and save money on your electricity bills. If you are planning a long cycling trip that involves several days of bike riding, you will probably need to carry a spare battery and use a mobile solar charging unit to charge your eBike as you travel.
Our best eBikes for a longer ride
Finding the eBike that is the best fit for you is all about matching your lifestyle and cycling habits to the type of bike you want. When you’re looking for an e-bike, it’s important to consider when and where you’ll be using it most, and which features are essential versus those you can compromise on. If long-range is essential for you, you’ll be looking at models with bigger motors and we can help you to narrow down your selection.
Here are some of our most popular eBikes suitable for longer rides:
- Cube Kathmandu Hybrid One 750 Electric Bike. This great-looking eBike is designed to give you comfort, versatility and style in one, with a 750W high-capacity Bosch motor that can take the strain off you for miles. The Kathmandu frame is a popular choice and it’s easy to see why – you’ll turn heads with this sleek model, wherever you choose to ride.
- Cube Touring Hybrid Pro 625 Electric Bike. This striking model is the ideal choice for riders who like versatility and comfort, and the powerful 625W Bosch Performance motor will give you a good range of at least 20-40 miles, depending on your riding habits, weight and terrain, as well as the conditions you are riding in. This eBike prioritises style and the neat integration of the motor and PowerTube battery is impressive.
- Cube: 2023 Kathmandu Hybrid Pro 750 E-Bike. The Kathmandu Hybrid Pro is a very popular choice, probably due to the smooth and powerful Bosch motor. It’s a well-designed, comfortable option that offers great suspension, easy gear shifting and an excellent range of accessories so that you can travel longer distances without compromising on comfort and style. The 750W motor should give you a reliable ride, extending your range to around 20-60 miles on a single charge, depending on the terrain, weight load and weather conditions.
- Bianchi E-Omnia T Type 12 Speed 625W 85Nm. We love the Bianchi designer eBike, perfect for commuting and leisure riding. The powerful Bosch motor is complemented by the advanced drive unit that is ideal for carrying the strain on uphill rides, making the journey more enjoyable all round. The 625W battery capacity ensures you can travel a good distance on a single charge and you can make the most of the integrated rear rack that enables easy carrying of bags and for a child seat to be fitted. You’ll love the sleek style and smooth suspension of this model, and you can adapt it for everyday use or cycle tourism, to suit your lifestyle and riding habits.
- 2022 Trek Rail 5 Deore 625w eMountain Bike. If you’re looking for a high-end trail bike that will give you the ability to explore in style, the Trek Rail 5 Deore might be the solution you need. It’s a great-looking bike with a battery big enough to travel further and it automatically delivers the right amount of power based on your terrain. It’s a cleverly designed model that looks and feels great, and it’s very easy to ride.
The eBike you choose will be your companion for miles and miles of happy riding, so it’s important to get the decision right. Take your time to research all the options and think carefully about your priorities. Do you need to travel long distances on a single charge or is it more important to have a lighter model that you can store and take on the train easily for commuting? These factors will influence your choice and you may find it helpful to hire an electric bike before you buy so that you can be sure you’re making the best investment for your lifestyle.
What is the law on electric bikes?
In law, electric bikes are recognised as regular bicycles, meaning that they do not require a license, insurance or an MOT. This applies to electric bikes that meet the requirements for Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles, which specify that riders must be over 14 years old. In Ireland, eBIkes must feature brakes, bells and lights to be compliant with the law, and this applies to bikes that can travel at speeds of up to 25km/h. Any eBikes that are designed to go at faster motorised speeds than this will need to be registered, taxed and insured.
In Ireland, the law has been changed to restrict faster eBikes since these pose a potential risk to pedestrians, and they are restricted from using pedestrianised zones and cycle lanes. E-bikes with high-powered motors and e-scooters are classified as ‘powered personal transporters’, and this protects users and pedestrians by enabling higher technical and safety standards to control their use.
Electric Bikes from The Edge
Here at The Edge, we know bikes and we have a great range of electric and non-electric bikes in store. We can help you work out what you want from your new bike, depending on where you intend to cycle, how often and how far, as well as the type of riding you enjoy. Whether you are looking for a mountain bike, a road bike or a hybrid that combines the best of both worlds, you will find several options to explore before you make your choices. Electric bikes open up the possibilities for longer commutes and leisure rides, and you’ll soon wonder how you lived without one.
We are specialists in cycling and swimming equipment, as well as running and triathlon, and we will be happy to help you get kitted out for your outdoor adventures. We know how much difference the right equipment can make when you’re running, swimming or cycling, and we’ll help you to find the best choices for you and your lifestyle. Pop into our store in Cork or visit our website for our full range, safety information and more.
