How e-bikes can save you hundreds of pounds while making your journey greener

For those wanting to get started with an e-bike quickly, the initial cost may pose something of a stumbling block. Top models range in price from £500 to more than £5,000. Each model will provide different performance across everything from how smoothly they accelerate, how easily they can navigate steep hills or how comfortable they are to actually ride.

It found that all e-bikes are fundamentally equipped to tackle the basic job of taking the effort out of cycling, though there was a general trend for the more expensive models performing best. To start with, however, it’s best to have an idea of the kind of journeys you will be making, says Ms Hitchins.

If the cost of a new ride seems excessive, another option is e-bike conversion kits, such as the range made by Swytch. These lightweight components – comprising a front wheel with a hub motor, a battery pack that sits on your handlebars, a handlebar bracket and a pedal sensor – attach to your existing pedal bike to give it an electric boost. It is estimated that 90 per cent of the world’s 1.1 billion bicycles can be converted to pedal-assisted machines.

A single charge of a typical 36V lithium battery would cost you around 15p, based on current energy prices, and should be able to get you around 60 miles worth of travel, according to Volt’s estimations based on a cost of £0.28 per kWh and a 0.522 kWh capacity of a battery. E-bike batteries, often cited as the most costly expense in keeping them running, are becoming more reliable, longer-lived and cheaper to replace too. Most manufacturers estimate that a standard 36v lithium ion battery will last regular users up to five years, and can last for up to eight years with a bit of care and attention.

Another factor behind e-bikes, thanks to their growing popularity, is that they are a prime target for criminals. For when things do go wrong, it is worth ensuring that your insurance covers you fully. “If people use their e-bike for commuting, they may wish to consider insurance which covers e-bikes and bicycles while away from home,” says Whittington. “Many insurers offer a ‘personal belongings’ or ‘personal possessions’ add-on to home insurance which can provide this cover.”

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