Feeling electric

The newest health craze or a ‘cheaters’ way to cycle? Here’s everything you need to know about e-bikes

- Judith Palmer

E-bikes, or electronic bikes, have been around for several years and the technology is improving constantly, but are they good for you or just a lazy alternative to ‘proper’ cycling?

In 2018 a French amateur rider was sentenced to 60 hours of community service after being caught for ‘mechanical doping’ when it was discovered he had covertly hidden an electric motor in his racing bike. There has also been some negative press, such as Simon Cowell recently breaking his back falling from one. But outside of competitive racing and celebrity mishaps, electric bikes have a much more positive side.

For those not familiar with it, an e-bike essentially looks and works exactly the same as a regular pedal bike, but when you need it (for steep hills, strong headwinds or long distances when your legs are tired) you can switch to an electronic motor that will give you extra pedal power to keep going, or take over completely when you want to rest and enjoy the scenery.