eBikes are the future of travel, don’t get left behind. Here’s why you need one and how it will impact your life.
Here you’ll find the answers to many of the most common questions about ebikes.
What do I want to use my electric bicycle for?
Is the e-bike also suitable for sportsmen?
The electric bicycle isn’t just for Sunday cyclists. Nowadays we also get on the electric racing bike and compete in races.
How fast could my e-bike be?
There are mainly two speed categories for electric bicycles: up to 25 kmh (15.5 mph) and up to 45 kmh (28 mph). This means that the electric assistance is deactivated once these speeds are exceeded.
For e-bikes up to 25 kmh the same rules apply as for standard bikes. The benefits are more than clear:
The fast variant: electric assistance up to 45 kmh
It is in fact a real motorcycle with the appearance of a bike.
Warning! On cycle paths, the engine of fast electric bicycles must be switched off. For this reason, an e-bike with electric assistance up to 25 kmh is often the most suitable for city rides.
How long does the battery last on each ride?
Electric bikes don’t charge as you go, but if you charge the bike after each use it will last around 80km (50 miles) on average, so you don’t have to worry about the battery running out. The duration can also be lengthened by using different output modes to increase the distance; the less assistance, the longer the bike battery will last.
Are there any UK laws I need to be aware of?
You can ride an electric bike if you’re 14 or over, as long as it meets certain requirements.
Its electric motor:
Might I need a driving license to ride an ebike?
You don’t need a license to ride an ebike in the UK or the EU. The ebike must be legal, and that means it has to conform to the follow regulations:
The bike must have a motor with a maximum power of 250W, it must be pedal-assist only — a throttle is only allowed for speeds up to a walking pace. The motor must stop assisting when you get over 15.5mph (25 kmh).
Do I have to pay for riding an ebike on the road?
There is no VED (Vehicle Excise Duty) on electric bikes that conform to UK laws.
What are the laws and rules for riding an ebike in the EU?
In most EU countries, kids under 14 are allowed to ride ebikes legally.
And finally If you’re determined to use an ebike that is more powerful
It’s not illegal to own an ebike with a power output exceeding 250 Watts, or where the electrical assistance doesn’t cut off at 25kmph. However, it is illegal to ride it as you would a standard bike (without it being registered and insured like a moped), on a public highway – this includes both roads and off-road rights of way such as bridleways and byways. eBikes that do not conform to regulations can only be ridden on private land where the public doesn’t have access, with the permission of the landowner.
Must I wear a helmet?
Helmets are recommended but not mandatory, and you can ride them anywhere a non-assisted bicycle is allowed.
Does an electric bike need special maintenance?
Keeping the bike clean and providing regular maintenance services will keep the bike running smoothly.
Keeping your bike as clean and tidy as another bike is key to keeping it as smooth as possible.
It is necessary to check the tightness of the nuts and bolts from time to time and lubricate the drive chain and the wheel hubs. etc.
The motor and main unit of an ebike are sealed and waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about getting them wet when using the electric bicycle in the rain or washing it!
The battery in particular must be treated with some care. We suggest letting it cool after use and before recharging it. Although the most recent chargers indicate when the battery has completed charging, it is advisable to keep it charged for a little longer as charging slows down in the final phase.
It is a good idea to remember that when the charger indicates that the charge is completed in reality it is only 90%.
It is recommended to store the battery at room temperature, avoiding conditions that are either too hot or too cold.
It is advisable to completely discharge the battery the first few times, otherwise its charging capacity could be reduced in the future.
Some precautions are recommended when cleaning the battery and electrical contacts in order to avoid water infiltration into the electrical system which could compromise the performance of the battery.
Do the batteries used in your electric bicycles have a memory effect?
The lithium-ion battery used in our ebikes has no memory effect, delivers high power with minimal weight and dimensions. Safe and reliable, it remains efficient for at least 700 charging cycles (average life about 3 years). Non-polluting because it uses environmentally friendly materials. However, it is advisable to completely discharge the battery every 2-3 months (just pedal for a long time until you no longer feel the thrust of the engine).
Should I completely drain the battery before charging?
All of our electric bikes feature high tech batteries, so this is not required. It is in fact, best to always top up our batteries, even if you have only travelled 10 miles, just top it up.
Where should I get my electric bike serviced?
At ST3IKE all of our electric bikes use standard components, so any cycle shop in the world is able to service the bike.
The electrical components of the eBike are sealed and require no further servicing once the bike has been initially built by our team.
The electric bicycle works like a normal bike only that having the addition of the electric motor, it helps you (assists) in pedalling or if you want to pedal without assistance you can use it in the traditional way by disconnecting the aid of the motor with a simple click of a button.
No, it must necessarily be pedalling, pedaling assistance takes place through sensors that are usually placed on the pedals that evaluate the type of help to be given to the cyclist with a mechanical or electronic system.
It is true, electric bikes have been targeted by thieves in recent times, but there are insurances for compensation in cases of theft (we strongly recommend it), or electronic security systems such as our GPS anti-theft system able to warn you on your mobile phone of any movement of the bike. Without forgetting the bike lock.
Since electric bicycles use rechargeable batteries instead of fossil fuels, they are in fact more efficient and environmentally friendly. Costing only 7p per full charge; to date, they are the cheapest motor vehicle for mobility.
On electric bicycles with brushless motors like ours, you can pedal, with the engine off, like on a normal bicycle. If the motor is of the traditional type, the friction makes pedalling too difficult.
Your bike will arrive 99% assembled and will be delivered in one of our specially designed boxes. Someone needs to be available to sign for the parcel. The box is rather large, our courier will help you carry it in, but they may not enter the property and carry upstairs for example.
To fit the eBikes into our special boxes we have to turn the handlebars 90 degrees and remove the pedals. These are simple to re-fit once you have unpacked your bike. If you require assistance please email us and we will be happy to help.
The restrictions that apply to normal bikes on public transport also apply to ebikes. These vary from region to region, as well as between different transport operators. Therefore, it’s wise to check before you travel!
Ultra fun! Our electric bikes are smooth and easy to ride; riding on flat ground feels like riding gently downhill, and climbing hills is easy. As the motor helps with acceleration, ST3IKE ebikes are really well suited to riding in stop-start city traffic; you’ll always feel safe and in control, since the motor assistance stops as soon as you stop pedalling or when you pull on the brakes.
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At ST3IKE, we strive to provide you with a top-quality electric bicycle at an affordable price. With our capabilities, we can offer innovative electronic technology that is accessible to everyone, at a price that was previously two or three times higher.
i-LAPS Ltd © 2024
In the UK, electric bikes with throttle (that are faster than 15.5mph and 250watts) are not allowed on footpaths, cycle lanes, or roads. It is solely the customer’s duty to make sure that you adhere to all UK legal requirements when using your e-bike. The customer releases i-LAPS Ltd and its owners from any liability resulting from the usage of electric bikes and takes all responsibility and risk associated with their use.
