Electric bicycles have ceased to be a futuristic curiosity and have become a real alternative to cars, mopeds, or traditional bicycles. Whether for daily commutes to work, long weekend expeditions, or active recreation — an e-bike opens entirely new possibilities. Electric assistance doesn't mean giving up effort, but intelligently managing it. It's the ability to travel further, faster, and without exhaustion, whilst retaining the pleasure of cycling.
Why are electric bicycles gaining popularity?
Electric bicycles combine the best of traditional cycling — outdoor exercise, ecological transport, a sense of freedom — with modern technological solutions that eliminate barriers that previously prevented many from cycling. It's a tool that democratises bicycle mobility, enabling people of different ages, fitness levels, and needs to enjoy riding.
Further and easier riding
The most important advantage of an e-bike is electric assistance that makes pedalling easier. This doesn't mean the bike rides itself — assistance only activates when pedalling and is proportional to the effort applied. The result? Climbs cease to be agony, a strong headwind is merely a minor inconvenience, and previously unattainable distances become realistic. Someone who previously rode a maximum of 20 km can easily cover 50 km on an e-bike and return home without exhaustion.
For older people or those with fitness limitations, an e-bike is a chance to return to physical activity. For commuters, it's the ability to arrive without breaking a sweat and needing an immediate shower. For families, it's a way to enjoy outings together where differences in fitness aren't a problem — a parent with a child in a seat or trailer can manage without difficulty, and pace differences can be equalised through assistance levels.
Ecology and savings
Electric bicycles are zero-emission transport — they produce no harmful exhaust whilst riding. In cities, where air quality often leaves much to be desired, everyone switching from car to e-bike genuinely improves the environment. Noise? Practically zero — an e-bike moves quietly, generating no noise, which in crowded cities is no lesser problem than air pollution.
Economics also favour e-bikes. The cost of travelling 100 km on an electric bicycle is approximately a few pounds — that's the cost of charging the battery. Compare this with petrol (£30–40), public transport tickets (£15–20), or even a regular bicycle (additional calories and time). Additionally, an e-bike eliminates parking costs, compulsory insurance, MOTs — everything that burdens a car or scooter owner's budget. Over a year, an e-bike pays for itself many times over, particularly for daily commuters.
Health and activity
A common myth is the claim that e-bikes mean laziness and no effort. This is untrue. Research shows that electric bicycle owners ride more frequently and longer than those with traditional bicycles, meaning more movement and calories burned weekly. Electric assistance doesn't eliminate effort — it adapts it to capabilities. You can set minimal assistance and ride as on a regular bicycle, or increase power on climbs or into headwinds. It's an intelligent approach to physical activity, particularly for people returning to fitness after a break or injury.
How do electric bicycles work?
An e-bike consists of several key components: an electric motor, battery, controller, and cadence or torque sensor. Understanding how these elements work together helps appreciate the advantages of electric bicycles and make informed model choices.
Motor — the heart of an electric bicycle
Motors in e-bikes come in two main configurations: hub motors and mid-drive motors.
Hub motors are mounted in the front or rear wheel hub. They're simpler, cheaper, and practically maintenance-free. They provide constant, even assistance that works well in cities on flat routes. The disadvantage is a less natural riding feel — the motor operates independently of gears, which can be less effective on steep climbs. Weight placed in the wheel also affects bicycle balance.
Mid-drive motors are located in the lower part of the frame, around the bottom bracket area. This is a more advanced solution, offering better bicycle balance, a natural riding feel, and effective use of gears. The motor works in synchronisation with pedalling, giving the impression that your legs have incredible power. This is the preferred solution in more expensive e-bikes and off-road or mountain models, where effectively conquering difficult climbs is crucial.
Battery — range and riding time
The battery is the element that determines how far we can travel. Capacity is expressed in watt-hours (Wh) — typical batteries range from 300 Wh to 750 Wh, whilst top models reach even 1000 Wh. Range depends not only on battery capacity but also on many other factors: assistance level, terrain, rider and luggage weight, tyre pressure, wind, and ambient temperature.
Approximately, a 500 Wh battery allows travelling 50–100 km, depending on conditions. Modern lithium-ion batteries are light, durable, and charge in 3–6 hours. Most models allow battery removal and charging at home or office, which is convenient for those without a garage or cellar. A good battery's lifespan is 500–1000 charging cycles, which in practice means several years of intensive use.
Pedal assist — intelligent assistance
Most European e-bikes operate on the pedal assist (pedelec) system — the motor only assists whilst pedalling. Sensors detect whether we're riding and with what force, then deliver appropriate assistance power. Usually 3–5 assistance levels are available, from minimal (eco) to maximum (turbo or sport).
In eco mode, the battery lasts longest, but assistance is subtle. In turbo mode, assistance is maximum — the bike almost accelerates itself, but the battery depletes considerably faster. The skill of adjusting assistance level to conditions is key to maximising range and riding enjoyment.
According to European regulations, an e-bike can assist up to 25 km/h, after which the motor cuts out. You can ride faster, but solely through muscle power. There are also s-pedelecs assisting up to 45 km/h, but these require registration, insurance, and an AM category licence.
What to consider when buying an e-bike
Buying an electric bicycle is an investment — good models cost from £3,000 upwards, whilst top-end ones reach several thousand pounds. An informed choice requires thinking through several key issues.
Purpose and riding style
The first question is: what will I use the bike for? E-bikes divide into several main categories, each optimised for specific use.
City e-bikes are bicycles with comfortable, upright positioning, chain guards, racks, lighting, and mudguards. Ideal for commuting to work, shopping, and getting around the city. Tyres are smoother, riding comfort is high, and the whole package is designed with practicality in mind.
Trekking e-bikes are versatile machines for longer trips. A combination of city bike comfort with the ability to travel on gravel and forest roads. More powerful motors, larger batteries, robust racks, and pannier mounting capability. This is the best choice for those planning weekend expeditions and multi-day tours.
E-MTBs (electric mountain bikes) are off-road machines with reinforced frames, suspension, chunky tyres, and mid-drive motors. They enable conquering extreme climbs and aggressive mountain riding. This category is for singletrack enthusiasts and technical trail lovers.
E-gravel is a relatively new category — bicycles that appear road-like but with wider tyres and geometry adapted for riding on gravel and field roads. For those who enjoy fast riding and exploring routes beyond tarmac.
Range and battery
If you're planning short, daily commutes (10–15 km each way), a 400–500 Wh battery will be more than sufficient. However, if you dream of all-day expeditions of 80–100 km, it's worth considering a model with a 600–750 Wh battery or even with the ability to mount a second battery (dual battery system).
Remember that the range quoted by manufacturers is under optimal conditions — on flat terrain, with a light rider, without wind. In real-world use, it's worth assuming 70–80% of the declared range. Better to have reserve than to finish a ride with a flat battery and pedalling a heavy e-bike without assistance.
Size and fit
An e-bike, like any bicycle, must be matched to height and body proportions. A poorly chosen frame size means discomfort, back pain, wrist pain, and knee pain. Most manufacturers offer size charts — it's worth consulting these and, if possible, trying the bike before purchase. Adjustable saddle and handlebar height allows fine-tuning position, but the basic frame size must be correct.
Component quality
An e-bike is a heavy bicycle — typically weighing 20–28 kg, sometimes more. This means greater load on brakes, derailleurs, tyres, and all components. It's worth investing in models with solid components — hydraulic brakes, Shimano or SRAM derailleurs from higher series, reinforced wheel rims. Economising on components can result in frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs.
The future of electric bicycles
The e-bike market is developing dynamically. Batteries are becoming increasingly capacious, lighter, and cheaper. Motors are more efficient and quieter. Electronics offer ever more features — from navigation and technical condition monitoring to mobile app integration and automatic adjustment of assistance level to terrain.
Cities recognise e-bikes' potential and are developing infrastructure — dedicated cycle paths, charging stations, parking with bicycle security options. The number of bike-sharing systems offering electric bicycles is also growing, allowing you to test an e-bike before buying your own.
Prices are systematically falling — models that cost £8,000 a few years ago are now available for £5,000–6,000. This makes e-bikes a realistic alternative for an ever-wider group of people. Forecasts suggest that within a few years, electric bicycles will become the dominant category in bicycle sales across Europe.
E-bike care — looking after it properly
Electric bicycles require regular care, similar to traditional ones, but with a few additional considerations related to electronics. A clean, well-maintained e-bike lasts longer, rides more efficiently, and retains its value.
Cleaning an e-bike
A regularly dirty bike isn't just an aesthetic issue, but primarily one of durability. Sand, mud, and road salt settle on the chain, sprockets, derailleurs, and in bearings, accelerating wear. For cleaning electric bicycles, OC1 Bicycle Cleaner works ideally — safe for all materials, effectively removes road grime, oil stains, and insect traces. Important: when washing an e-bike, avoid a strong water jet directed directly at electronics, batteries, and connectors. Gentle spraying, wiping, and rinsing is the safe method.
Chain and drivetrain maintenance
The chain on an e-bike works more intensively than on a regular bicycle — greater power and torque translate to faster wear. Therefore, regular chain cleaning and lubrication is an absolute essential. OC1 Chain Cleaner effectively removes old, baked-on lubricant and contamination, restoring the chain to full efficiency. After cleaning, lubrication is necessary — depending on conditions, you can use OC1 Chain Lube Dry (dry, dusty conditions), Wet (rain, mud, moisture), or Wax (maximum wear reduction for the demanding).
Frame protection and maintenance
An aluminium or carbon e-bike frame deserves appropriate protection. OC1 Polish & Protect leaves a hydrophobic coating and long-lasting shine effect, protecting paintwork from minor scratches and making subsequent cleaning easier. Plastic components, such as motor or battery covers, can be protected with OC1 Tires & Plastic Shine, which intensively polishes, protects against dirt, and slows the re-soiling process.
Summary
Electric bicycles aren't a passing trend, but a lasting change in thinking about urban mobility and cycling expeditions. Electric assistance democratises cycling, making it accessible to a broader group of people — regardless of age, fitness, or distance to cover. It's an ecological, economical, and healthy way of getting around that combines pleasure with practicality.