Cycling Electric

I’ll never forget the time I was first shown a picture of an escalator leading to the front door of a gym. Naturally it provoked a laugh. Instinctively, something so contradictory prompts you to brand the user as lazy. But to do so is to ignore the fact that that first step is so important for people who want to get back into activity. It’s possible that without assistance or encouragement, that first step – which is undoubtedly the hardest to take – is often not taken. Some people have found the idea of an electric motor on a bike similarly contradictory – but for many more, it’s proving to be just the encouragement they need. The “cheating” label aimed at those using e-bikes is now fading as more people…

“E-bikes are cheating! They’re for people who can’t be bothered to ride a proper bike!” That’s all I ever seem to hear from road bike users when I mention I’ve been riding or even considering an e-bike. The statement simply isn’t true. E-bikes aren’t cheating: they assist, they enable, and they’re empowering. You don’t twist the handlebar and sail off at up to 30mph with no effort – that’s an electric motorbike. You actually have to turn the pedals to make the motor work. Cycling Electric spoke to a variety of e-bike users about their experiences. Jude Stone bought his e-bike to commute to and from work; Roy Moody acquired one after being diagnosed with back issues; Wolf built a custom e-bike in 2018 after experiencing spinal cord damage and…

A much-loved characteristic of the electric bike is the ability to be quick away from the lights and with the Hummingbird e-bike you’ll have two reasons to be the leader of the peloton. First, it’s featherweight and carries a lovely kick. Second of all, it’ll undoubtedly become a conversation piece any time you stop – not that that’s a bad thing if you’re passionate about either bikes or sustainability. As you can see in the pictures above, Hummingbird has brought something a bit special to the table with its Gen 2.0 electric folding bike. Its chassis is made from all-natural European Flax fibre that is combined with an epoxy matrix to bond the fibre and create the Hummingbird’s distinct shape. The idea came to the bike’s designers during lockdown and…

The Carbo electric folding bike is one that we had sought to glean information on for our second issue of Cycling Electric, but at the time our curiosity had to be satisfied by the brand’s Instagram adverts which you may have seen floating about if you were in the market for a folding bike late last year. Thankfully, with a deal in place with London retail chain Velorution, the Carbo is now far less elusive for the UK consumer – assuming they don’t sell out, that is – and we’re confident that for those in the know, its appeal will be strong. Let us explain why. First of all, if there’s one thing you want from a folding bike, particularly one with its battery stashed in the seatpost, it’s a…

The GoCycle turned heads even with its first-generation product, which many e-bike enthusiasts said was ahead of its time, and has now had time to mature in the marketplace. While the competition has also had time to get up to speed, the GoCycle’s fourth-generation refinement remains ahead of the pack. This time around a new G4 Drive motor delivers more torque, more power and low-speed start capability. This, along with GoCycle’s gearbox, gives the rider a silent and reliable tailwind that is backed by an ultra-discreet battery. This is securely stashed inside the hydroformed aluminium segment of the frame, but visible for removal when you fold the bike and unlock the clasp. The new GoCycle has also speeded up the charge time with a new 4A 36v charger capable of…

Volt is a specialist UK e-bike manufacturer that got into e-bikes in the fairly early days of the industry and has progressed to a point where it now offers more than a dozen models, using either its own SpinTech-branded hub motor system or the pricier and slightly higher performing Shimano mid drive. With the Metro, Volt has focused on performance rather than producing an ultralight e-folder. There’s Volt’s well-established own-brand rear hub motor, derailleur gears for hills and a decent-size battery containing Panasonic cells with the optional extra of an even bigger one for an extra £200. The 20in wheels provide greater handling stability than smaller ones, and it also has its own bespoke carry and storage bag. The Metro is fully kitted out with useful and comfortable all-weather commuting…