E-bikes - answering commuters' prayers everywhere

E-bike commuting

We all know that cycling to work is cheaper, healthier and less stressful than driving. Record numbers of people have now signed up to the Cycle to Work scheme and saving money on work travel is the latest financially savvy skillset. The city of Cambridge is setting a great example for commuting by bike: the City Council says one in three of its residents cycle to work.

Yet many people are still put off by the thought of cycling the long distance to the office only to arrive exhausted and sweaty.

Enter the electric bike, which might change all of that. A Dutch study from 2012 found that e-bikes have the potential to boost the growth of cycling to work from 4% to 9%, and even to 20% in some areas. E-bikes and Cambridge look like a match made in heaven!

In this article we look at all the ways that electric bikes are making cycling to work quicker, easier and more enjoyable.

Keep exercising

Cycling to and from work every day is a great way to exercise, and this includes using an electric commuter bike. That's because e-bikes are pedal-assist, which means the motor helps you as you pedal. So you'll still get in a great workout.

In fact, studies have shown that people use the same energy and effort to ride an e-bike as a normal bike. The electric motor simply helps them arrive at their destination quicker.

So if you commute with an e-bike, you'll shorten your daily journey time versus using a standard bike, and still get plenty of exercise. For more information, read our post on why e-bikes aren't cheating.

Protect the planet

Riding a bike is widely acknowledged as one of the greenest and cleanest ways to commute to work. And the addition of an electric motor for e-bikes has a negligible effect on emissions. Plus it makes you more likely to cycle than drive, which is definitely better for the planet.

Save money

Compared with public transport and driving a car, e-bikes can even save you money. We've crunched the numbers and calculated that you could save £1,500 a year.

The cost of electricity to charge the battery is trifling, so the only expense is the initial outlay and maintenance. But you can also save money on costs like gym membership if you're getting a good daily workout on the bike.

Plus, many companies and city councils are part of the Cycle to Work scheme which allow you to get tax-free bikes and accessories.

Overall, electric bikes have the potential to make cycling to work easier, faster and more realistic for many of us.