The best commuters’ bike? Electric vs Push bike

The best commuters’ bike? Electric vs Push bike

What is the best commuters’ bike?

With many of us back to work and the government advice to reduce public transport use, bike sales are on the rise. In fact, many bike retailers are struggling to keep up with sales and have enough bikes available. Cycling to work can improve your overall fitness, save costs on tickets or petrol, and is definitely better for the environment when compared to any other means of commuting transport.

Electric bikes vs Push bikes.

If you intend to use bikes for regular commuting, it’s worth considering something that makes you as comfortable as possible for your regular journeys. One of the options to consider could be using an electric bike. So how different is an electric bike? The short answer is that cycling on an e-bike is a lot like any other push bike. Just start pedalling and the electric motor kicks in. ... An electric bike doesn't change the act of cycling – it just makes it much easier to do so. Once people hear about electric bikes, they often wonder why someone would buy an electric bike instead of a standard bike, and more so what is the difference? The typical questions are:

What is the technical difference between an electric bike and a regular push bike?

An electric bike is a regular bike with the addition of an electrical drive system. This consists of a battery, a motor, a way to integrate the motor’s power into the drivetrain, and a way to control that power. The mid-drive motor is usually at the centre, below the frame, the battery that powers the motor is in the rear rack, the drivetrain that integrates the power is in the rear wheel, and, the throttle, which controls that power, is in the handlebar. Apart from those 4, electric bikes share the same components than regular bikes. A frame, two wheels, disc brakes, suspension, a seat, handlebars, and pedals.

What are the advantages of an electric bike?

The electric bike clearly addresses all the disadvantages of a regular push bike. A regular push bike is a fantastic method of transportation and recreation. People have been riding bikes since the 1800s and they still do today. It gives you freedom and fun and helps you to stay fit and healthy.

Many European cities and countryside are run on bikes.

Amsterdam bike

The problem comes when obstacles such as hills, fitness levels, health or even the simple inconvenience of arriving at work sweaty can get in the way of enjoying the ride.

The electric bike motor solves those issues. It feels as though the time and the distance are lessened due to the lesser need of effort from the rider. It makes riding convenient, easy and leisurely when otherwise it may not have been.

Any bike gives you freedom. Freedom from being stuck in traffic when driving anywhere, freedom to go where you need, when you need without worrying about the road conjunction fees, narrow streets or petrol prices. And freedom to have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

An electric bike just takes this freedom to the next level, by making biking easier and more fun, or just accessible in the first place.

What bike should I get for exercise?

Electric bikes make riding convenient, easy and effortless. And this might keep you asking: ‘Isn’t the point of riding a bike to get fit? Will using e-bike defeat the subject?

That is a valid question and the answer is ‘No’

That is why.

First of all, that electric motor is there to help you, but you don’t have to use it all the time. The pedal assist makes riding easy, but you can just pedal or use the motor only. The other good thing is that electric bikes make exercising accessible, whether you are fit or not. Many e-bike riders ride their bikes more often and for longer distances. Imagine if you have to commute to work 20-30 miles every day? Electric bike will just make it possible for you without putting you off cycling and switching back to public transport or driving the car. The same happens with regular trips to the local shop, dropping kids off to school or visiting friends. An easier way of cycling means you’ll be more likely to leave those car keys on the table by the door and grab your helmet instead.

Copenhagen bike

For most people, the difference between an electric bike and a regular bike is riding or not riding. My sister lives in Copenhagen and they don’t even have a second family car. They use one car for the long journeys and use electric bikes for daily commute to work, taking children to school or going to the seaside. Children started to ride regular bikes to school when they grew older. Riding a regular bike is fun, but can be exhausting and physically demanding. Electric bikes are easy, convenient and accessible, that’s why you’ll be more inclined to ride and exercise.

Unlike a regular bike, you have a choice: Pedal a lot, or a little, or not at all!

Is cycling to work safe? What is Cycle2Work?

In many places in Europe commuting by bike is a norm for quite a long time. Cities like Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Munich successfully managed to introduce dedicated cycling lanes in the new build areas, as well as in the old city centres or even in the countryside. If you have ever visited Amsterdam then you know that you are more likely to get run over by bike than by car there.

Munich bikes

The UK is moving towards adding more cycling lanes and introducing best practices from other countries. COVID-19 crisis brought cycling high up on the agenda and more help and government schemes are introduced every day. For example, Cycle2Work is a government initiative which offers the most cost-effective way to get new cycling equipment. The scheme is run through participating employers, meaning you do not have to pay tax or national insurance on these products – saving you up to 42%! This reduced cost is then simply deducted out of your payslip over 12 or 18 months.

Why are electric bikes more expensive than regular bikes?

As we already know, electric bikes often have extra technology that comes with an additional expense. On saying that, many regular bikes of high specification don’t come cheap either.

commuters

The good news is that there are plenty of bike models available for every budget. With the Cycle2Work scheme you can save money on your commuter bike, and don’t forget to check out all the latest offers from different Cycling retailers. Comparing the latest discounts and reading customers reviews will definitely help you get the best deal and make your cycling commute a much more pleasant ride.

Check out our latest bikes voucher codes, discount codes and deals to get the right bike for you at the right price:

Pure Electric discount codes. Pure Electric is a specialist e-bikes and electric scooter retailer. 

Halfords voucher codes. Halfords is the UK's leading retailer of motoring and cycling products

Leisure Lakes Bikes promotion codes. Leisure Lakes Bikes are a family run business established over 34 years ago by four brothers with a great passion for the outdoors.

Rutland Cycling voucher codes. Rutland Cycling is the UK’s Go-To outlet for everything cycling.

Tredz Bikes voucher codes. Tredz Bikes house a great range of Bikes, Clothing & Accessories from the biggest cycling brands

More bikes voucher codes and discount codes

Tanya Larsen

Tanya Larsen, mother of 3, keen gardener, world traveller and a business owner

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