It is said that a conventional bike will keep you fitter. That, of course, depends how much, if at all, it is being used. Because riding an electric bike is such a pleasure even in hilly country, or into the wind, their owners tend to ride them much more often than conventional bikes.

The motor provides up to half the effort, but regular use means more exercise for the rider.

If you want some strenuous exercise you can always switch the motor to a lower assistance ratio or turn it off completely.

Come and Try an Electric Bike...

Electric bikes are a new concept, right? Wrong! The very first electric bikes were around in the 1890s. Yes you did read correctly, 1890’s not 1990’s! Throughout that decade there are records of various patents for bicycles with electric power. As crude as they were, these were the very first electric bikes! In 1897 an electric bike was invented that housed a double electric motor in the crankshaft (not too dissimilar to the crank drive power systems in use today!). In 1898 there was an electric bike with a belt-drive to the rear wheel, and in 1899 there was a roller-drive to the rear! It seemed as though electric bikes were the way forward, so what happened?

Well in short, some bright spark invented the internal combustion engine. The said 'bright spark' was Francois Isaac de Rivaz of Switzerland, and the year was 1807. Unfortunately for Issac, his attempt was an epic failure. This is the reason that many today still regard Daimler or Benz as being the 'true' inventor of the combustion engine, many years later in 1885. Roughly the same time as our initial electric bike boom! The problem was that gas-powered engines were being developed quicker, made commercially available, and ultimately had a much bigger range. The early electric bikes were struggling on paltry 10v batteries and didn't go far at all. The First motorized vehicle, from Daimler, could manage a whopping 10mph top speed and had half a horsepower! For the following 100 years or so the gas-powered engine was the preferred way to power all vehicles.

Fast forward 100 years to the 1990's, and all of a sudden people are starting to look at alternatives to fossil fuels. Global warming is a recognised term, and there have been huge developments in electronics. Unlike the crude first attempts, we can now use and develop power controllers, torque sensors and bigger capacity batteries. Japan was the first country to start developing advanced systems, first of all the 'Zike', which was in the early 90's, then quickly followed by Yamaha, Honda and Panasonic all making crank-driven motor units. These were not cheap, but the bikes built in the 90's proved what can be achieved. Electric bikes had been commercially born!

The rest of the world soon caught on, and China started mass producing hub-based electric motors in large numbers. Electric bikes grew from being just one brand available commercially at the start of the decade, to around 50 brands available towards the end of the 90's.

A few more variations were tried, including a belt-drive system mounted on a pannier rack, a dynamo-style direct drive to the tyre and motors bolted to pannier racks. The main two accepted types were identified as the hub drive (motor situated within the wheel hub) and the crank drive systems. By the turn of the century, there were plenty of electric bikes on the market that could achieve 20 mile ranges, and climb steep hills.

The potential of electric bikes was quickly realised at this point. Brushless motors replaced the older brushed types, allowing more efficient, quieter operation. Lithium battery power was commonplace, enabling much lighter bikes with improved range. Torque sensors started to replace throttles, which made the ride more comfortable and much more natural feeling. Electric bikes have now evolved into the bikes you see today. Lightweight, good-looking and able to complete distances of up to 50 miles on a single charge. Electric bikes are now the fastest growing sector of the cycle industry, and with growing numbers on the road today, and the recent national press recognition it is only set to get even bigger!

Come and try a Raleigh eBike at OnBike by clicking here!


 

Leading this challenge cycle ride from Presteigne to The Bracken Trust in Llandrindod Wells were electric bikes supplied by OnBike and owner-riders.

Some of these were ridden by patients from the Bracken Trust Cancer Support Centre, to show that being affected by cancer does not stop you challenging yourself and  helping others.

This year the Mayors of Presteigne and Norton and Llandrindod lead the challengers from The Workhouse in Presteigne  along the highways and by-ways for over 40km to a celebration at the Bracken Trust, in Llandrindod Wells.

The Bracken Trust Cancer Support Centre was established in 1995 and has gone from strength to strength, providing information and support, counselling and complementary therapies to those affected by cancer, their carers, families and the bereaved.

Each rider was challenged to raise a minimum of  £100 in sponsorship... Read More...

The Classic eZee Sprint Electric Bike
Still as popular 10 Years on...

eZee electric bicycles (Est 2001) are built with advanced materials and engineering that augments rather than replace the human empathy for movement, bringing back the joy of mobility and giving the world a real, fun and efficient form of transportation.

These remarkable bikes have grabbed attention from the media for many years, and not only for the quality and diverse model line up… Three years consecutive winner of the ‘Tour de Presteigne’ (the world's largest electric bike rally), 3000km of Africa, the entire length of the Mississippi, Melbourne to Sydney, London to Paris, the Silk road in China, Cycling Plus Magazine's Bike of the Year and TV’s The Gadget Show chosen bike and challenge winner... and that’s only half of it!

No other electric bikes out there have gone the distance, chewed as many roads and been praised worldwide as eZee. These beautifully crafted machines of grace and grit take you as far as you want to go, in style.

The Sprint, with its classic look and sloped frame is immensely popular with both ladies and gents. It's been designed primarily for comfort and pleasure. The latest lithium polymer battery and high torque motor powers the front while the rear internal hub gears change speedily and silently without a hitch, ensuring an easy ride in any scenario. With full mudguards, front and rear, and sturdy rear rack, this bike is as practical as it is comfortable, stylish and fun.

Come and try an eZee Sprint at OnBike
 

Germany's ElektroRad magazine: "The sportive Storck RADDAR outperforms all E-bikes we've ever tested ! Conclusion: The Best E-bike in Germany"

We have a Storck Alloy Multitask Raddar bike on demo that is based on the Storck Alloy Multitask Hybrid / city bike frame. The Alloy framed Multitask bike is manufactured from aircraft quality 7005 Aluminium. The frame has won numerous design awards including the prestigious ‘IF design award and Eurobike Award in 2006. The frame is double welded with 2 different materials and the welds smoothed to provide extra strength. The frame geometry is tuned for precise handling and designed with supersize stays to accommodate large profile tyres like the Schwalbe Big Apple tyre to soak up all the vibration form the road or trails.

Not just any type of paint is used to protect the frame. Storck Alloy frames are powder coated with high quality plastic covering. This multi-layer process creates an extremely durable and resistant surface. As the colour is applied without harmful solvents or residues this process is environmentally friendly. The transfers are then sealed under a layer of clear powder coat.
The unique rear hub motor system is built in Switzerland to extraordinary precision. 250 watt, with 60Nm of torque, the motor has a patented torque sensor in the motor that understands how much pressure you are putting through the pedals and transmission to deliver instant seamless power that is silent and super smooth.

Come and try a Storck at OnBike
 

EBCO is a British company built around quality. With significant experience and expertise in the premium bike market our focus is on producing ebikes that demonstrate design with attention to detail - manufactured without compromise - and giving unparalled performance.
The team behind EBCO has won numerous European awards for both design and innovation in the bike industry. Anyone choosing an EBCO bike can be assured of the best quality, design, specification, technology, value for money and – most important of all – a low-maintenance, comfortable and easy to use ebike.

The EBCO Eagle is an ebike whose appearance is bound to turn heads, but it’s not just about looking good. This stunning ebike features cutting edge technology and no-compromise finishing kit giving a superb ride, fantastic range and an ebike that will be the envy of every other road user. The Roadster frame is a traditional bike design incorporating a crossbar for those wanting a more conventional design.

Come and try an EBCO at OnBike

Electric bicycles are incredibly frugal compared with motorbikes and cars and only cost around 5 to 10p worth of electricity to fully recharge a battery!
They are treated just like ordinary bicycles for legislative purposes so there’s no need to worry about Log Books, MOT, Road Tax, Insurance etc. Most of the working non-electrical parts are standard cycle parts, so day to day servicing like tyre or brake replacement will seem very cheap for people used to paying for car repairs, tyres, oil and servicing.

Using an electric bike is the best way there is to break the car habit. The average car journey in Britain is 5 to 8 miles and every day people in Britain make millions of small journeys to work or the shops and back that could easily be non-polluting bike rides - during rush-hour, a bike is twice as fast as a car - great if you hate jams! Remember, you're not stuck in traffic, you ARE the traffic!

An electric bike is completely emission-free, and can be made genuinely sustainable by purchasing electricity from a ‘green’ supplier, or generating it via a roof-mounted windmill or solar panel. This will enable the vehicle's fossil fuel consumption to be zero...

Come and Try an Electric Bike...

The new look eZee Street (previously called Chopper) has taken on a more modern look and hardy frame style, and is now available in a range of colours - white, black and silver*

The eZee Street has a compact design and features a step-through frame, so it's easy to mount; when coming to a stop, you'll have no problem touching your feet on the ground. Plus, with 20" wheels, stunning hill climbing ability is achieved, and with a shorter wheel base and low centre of gravity, it's ideal for those riders with less confidence or those wanting a smaller more manoeuvrable bike. Plus full mudguards front and rear, rear rack, integrated LED lights powered the main bike battery and now with full puncture resistant Schwalbe Marathon Plus tyres!

Come and try the new look eZee Street

*Colour variants subject to availabilty and stock - please call or e-mail

 Tour de Presteigne - Saturday 7th May and Sunday 8th May 2011
 The World's Premier Electric Bike Rally

 The New BH E-motion Folding Bicycle with High Capacity 12Ah Battery
 It's our lightest folder yet!

Thursday 8th October 2009 saw the launch of BEBA (British Electric Bicycle Association)
at the Cycle Show 2009, Earl's Court, London.
BEBA has been formed by electric bike manufactures and distributors in the UK to both promote electric bikes and ensure a fair business practice, whereby all members adhere to the code of practice produced to protect the consumer and retailer.

If you are looking at buying an electric bike, it is now recommended you look for the BEBA member logo to ensure good quality and friendly service and support.
For more information please visit www.beba-online.co.uk

Delighted OnBike customer Sue Johnson tried several elelctric bikes, but settled on an E-motion City 650:
"I just can't stop telling people how good electric bikes are! It's just like normal cycling, but with someone giving you a little push. If you like cycling but dislike hills and headwinds, this is the bike for you."

OnBike is showing a range of electric bike at this years 'Monmouth Green Travel Day'
Saturday 19th September 9:30am - 3:30pm

If you wish to know more, please visit:
http://www.monmouthpartnershipforum.org/

Newtown Action on Climate Change is a voluntary organisation with the aim of raising awareness of climate change and helping to reduce carbon emissions.

A variety of electric bikes were available to take for a test ride, provided by OnBike

Thursday 10th September 11am - 3pm

To find out more, please contact Jeremy Thorp on
01686 650 144 or jeremy.thorp@googlemail.com

OnBike are showing a range of electric bike at this years 'Ludlow Green Festival'
Sunday 30th August

A great day was had in Ludlow with lots of people trying out our various electric bikes from E-motion, eZee and Wisper and returning with big grins on their faces...

Come on - Go Green for the day. You could stay that way!

If you wish to know more, please visit:
http://www.greenfestival.co.uk/

[Click HERE to see the eZee Forza win The Gadget Show Challenge]

On Monday August 24th 2009, TV's The Gadget Show reviewed electric bikes for a Cycle Courier Challenge around London:

After spending a day reveiwng a huge selection of bikes for the challenge, Suzi Perry chose the eZee Forza and went on to win the Challenge!!!


Presenter Suzi Perry on the eZee Forza
"I loved my bike, the eZee Forza" 


"When going up hills the eZee Forza came into its own"
"It was so easy to use and I never got out of breath"

OnBike Customer Chris recently purchased an E-motion Sport Deluxe and cycled back a couple of weeks later to let us know what he thought...

Chris's opening words were, "I'd love a cup of tea with one sugar please"

We asked how he'd been getting on and he just smiled and said, "This is an outstanding machine!"

Experienced cyclist Chris has been riding bikes for years and has covered tens of thousands of miles on many bikes, but recently decided he wanted some help on the hills and to extend his range.
Chris told us he had shopped around and tried several electric bikes with the Panasonic system, but said, "The E-motion far exceeded my expectations". "I rode it home, from OnBike to Stourbridge, the day I bought it and unfortunately it was into a headwind, but on this bike it was a piece of cake"

Chris Continued, "It's a proper road bike. I've already covered 350 miles on it and pedalling with no power on is excellent - then you come to a steep hill, turn on the power and it really comes into its own... It really does"

Chris added, "I even took it along tracks and canals and it handled all the environments I came across brilliantly - There's no limit to what this bike can do".

We asked Chris about the efficiency and range he was achieving and he told us, "I went for a ride with the bike in low power mode and much to my surprise, I had covered 50 miles and still had one light left remaining on the battery!"
Chris continued, "The bike's so light I ride it with the power switched off, like my old manual bike, and just turn on the power for any hills, so battery life is not an issue to me regardless of how far I go"

Chris finished his cup of tea, bought some oil, pointed to his bike and exclaimed, "This is the future of cycling"

Thank you Chris

June 13th - 21st is National Cycle Week and it's time to shout about it!!!

Using an electric bike is the best way there is to break the car habit or get some fresh air and have some fun. The average car journey in Britain is 5 to 8 miles and every day people in Britain make millions of small journeys to work or the shops and back that could easily be non-polluting bike rides - during rush-hour, a bike is twice as fast as a car - great if you hate jams!

Electric bikes are also superb recreational fun - so with the assistance making hills and your fitness level no problem, what's your excuse?

Visit the Official Bike Week website and find an event near YOU: www.bikeweek.org.uk

OnBike have been supporting Bike Week - See our local paper's front page with OnBike's Pete on an eZee Sprint!!!

BH’s electric/pedal-assist bicycle easily surpassed the other Power Assisted Bikes at the 1st Two-Wheel Electric Vehicle Challenge held last Friday within the framework of the EVER fair in Monaco. The BH E-Motion bicycle completed 16 laps around Monaco’s emblematic circuit – 54km in two and a half hours with close to half of its Panasonic battery reserve left.

BH’s E-Motion bicycle was without rival at the 1st Two-Wheel Electric Vehicle Challenge held last Friday at Monaco’s F1 circuit. The Challenge was one of the events planned for the prestigious ‘EVER’09 (Ecological Vehicles and Renewable Energies) fair held in the capital of the Principality of Monaco and featuring the latest innovations in environmentally-friendly vehicles and renewable energies.

The E-Motion bicycle was the undisputed winner in the pedal-assist bicycle category after completing the two-and-a-half-hour event where 15 major pedal-assist bicycle brands competed, and 10 brands in the electric motorcycle category.

The bicycle model that competed was the E-Motion Sport (KE960). With its 10 Ah battery, it surpassed all of the other bicycles and even some of the scooters in autonomy and number of laps. By the end of the two and a half hours, it had completed 16 laps around the Monaco Grand Prix circuit (54km) with 35% of its battery remaining.

This result simply confirms the optimal performance of the Panasonic pedal-assist system used for E-Motion bicycles, ideal for both easy use in the city and more demanding bicycle tourism.

Throughout the event, the power source remained connected at the SPORT level for uphills, the ECO level for flat areas and downhills, and at the INTERMEDIATE level for starts and control points (3 per lap).

This was an important victory for both BH and the environment and demonstrated the efficiency and ease of the application of pedal-assist systems to bicycles.

 The UK's largest electric bike event: The Tour de Prestienge - come and see us and join in the fun!!!
 www.tourdepresteigne.co.uk

UGO was a two day event to promote and encourage all kinds of outdoor activites including electric biking of course.

Even the original (black) 'Stig' AKA Perry McCarthy came to check out the bikes!
The Stig (left) with Phil and Andy from OnBike and an E-motion Cross.