A beginners’ guide to … e-bikes

1. E-bikes are really fun   

E-bikes are about more than just practicality - they’re a real joy to ride. Whether you're heading to work, picking up groceries or exploring the countryside, the sensation of gliding past traffic and feeling the wind on your face is both empowering and freeing.

You’ll arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and uplifted, thanks to those feel-good endorphins released during physical activity. It’s an experience that public transport or sitting in a car just can’t match.

More about the benefits of e-cycling.

2. The extra weight needn’t be a barrier 

One of the first things people notice about e-bikes is their weight - they’re heavier than regular cycles because of the battery and motor. This can seem intimidating at first, especially if you're not used to cycling.

But the moment you start pedalling, the assistance kicks in and that added weight all but disappears. In fact, many riders say they barely notice it while moving. E-bikes also tend to be sturdier, which can make you feel more stable and confident, especially when riding alongside traffic.

If you're concerned about moving the bike around on foot, many e-bikes now come with a walk assist function. This feature gives you a bit of power to help manoeuvre the bike into position, making parking and storage much easier.

More about e-cycle batteries.

3. They can help you to keep fit 

There’s a common misconception that e-bikes do all the work for you - but anyone who’s ridden one knows that’s far from true. While the motor offers assistance, you still have to pedal, steer and put in effort.

In fact, e-cycling can help you incorporate more exercise into your daily life than you might otherwise get if you were driving or taking public transport. You control the level of assistance using various modes: use power mode for an easy cruise or switch to eco mode for a workout, especially on hills.

You’re still moving, your heart rate still rises and over time, you’ll build fitness without the intimidation factor of traditional cycling.

More about how cycling positively impacts your health. 

4. They’re not as expensive as you might think 

E-bikes are often seen as a luxury item, but the upfront cost doesn’t tell the whole story. There are a variety of ways to make e-bikes more affordable, including the Cycle to Work Scheme, which allows you to save money on the purchase and spread the cost over one to four years.

Many suppliers, such as Evans Cycles and Halfords offer 0% bike finance options making the overall payment far more manageable.  

Evans Cycles also gives a 15% discount code to Making cycling e-asier participants once they’ve returned their free e-cycle loan or finished a skills and confidence session.

Compared to the ongoing costs of running a second-hand car - fuel, insurance, tax, MOTs and repairs - an e-bike is a long-term investment that can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of pounds annually.

More about how much money you can save by cycling.  

5. The running costs are manageable  

Beyond the purchase price, it’s good to know that e-bikes are cheap to run. If you keep up with basic maintenance, like lubricating the chain, cleaning off dirt and keeping components free of mud, you’ll extend the life of your e-bike and reduce how often it needs servicing.

A standard bike service costs between £25–£50, which is significantly less than vehicle maintenance. Charging your e-bike also won’t break the bank. Even with rising UK energy costs, it costs under 15p per charge, and a full charge typically takes four to six hours.

That means you could ride for several days, or even longer, before needing to plug in again.

More about bike maintenance.  

6. They can cut journey times  

E-bikes open up a world of alternative, often quicker routes. Traffic-free paths along canals, coastlines, parks and forests are not just beautiful - they’re often faster than sitting in traffic or waiting at bus stops.

In busy urban areas, e-bikes allow you to skip the congestion and get from A to B faster, more consistently and with less stress. Every time you avoid a traffic jam or skip the queue of cars at a standstill, you’ll be glad you made the switch.

More about switching from a car to an e-cycle for short journeys. 

7. You don’t need to recharge the battery after every journey 

Worried about running out of battery mid-ride? Don’t be. A fully charged battery can last for multiple journeys, depending on how you ride. For example, two members of staff commuted 40 miles over the Pennines and still have power left! 

E-cycle battery life can be affected by which mode you choose to pedal on. If you always opt for power mode, even on flat surfaces, the battery life will drain quicker. 

Most manufacturers recommend removing the battery from the e-bike and storing it inside, not just for security reasons, but because cooler temperatures can affect its longevity.  

More about e-cycle batteries.

8. You can wash an e-cycle with the garden hose 

You don’t need to worry too much about cleaning your e-bike - they’re designed to handle the elements. Reputable e-bikes come with waterproof motors and batteries, which means you can safely wash them down with a garden hose, just like a regular bike.

Just avoid using a pressure washer, as it could force dirt into the components and damage the bike’s internal parts. A soft brush and gentle stream of water will do the trick.

More on cleaning your bike. 

9. E-cycling is for everyone! 

E-bikes come in a wide range of styles, meaning there’s something for every rider. Returning to cycling after an illness or injury? An e-bike offers the support you need to build confidence again.

People with mobility issues or health conditions like osteoporosis may benefit from e-trikes, which offer more stability. If you need to carry children or cargo, e-cargo bikes can make everyday tasks easier without relying on a car.

There’s an e-bike solution for virtually every lifestyle and ability.

More about types of electric cycles. 

10. It’s worth trying before you buy 

If you’re curious about e-cycling and you’d like to give it a go before you buy, Cycling UK’s free e-cycle scheme, Making cycling e-asier, is offering communities based in Manchester and Luton & Dunstable free one-month e-cycle loans. We’re also offering skills and confidence sessions for those who might want to experience an e-bike before committing to a loan, or just need that little bit of extra help to get back on the bike.  

By taking part in Making cycling e-asier, you will have the opportunity to discover the invaluable benefits of e-cycling regularly. You’ll also be helping to reduce harmful emissions that contribute to climate change.  

More about Making cycling e-asier.