What is an electric bike?
An electric bike is fundamentally a conventional bicycle that uses a battery powered electric motor to assist the rider. Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC) is the term used to describe the two main types of electric bicycle, these are known as ‘Pedelecs’ and ‘E-bikes’: • A Pedelec gives power assistance automatically but only when the rider is pedalling. If the rider stops pedalling the power assistance will stop too. • An E-bike gives power assistance on demand at any time, including when the rider is not pedalling. Power is usually controlled by a switch or throttle on the handlebar. Some EAPCs are hybrids that provide the benefit of both E-bikes and Pedelecs with power assistance on demand as well as via a pedal controlled sensor. Currently in the UK (unlike the rest of Europe) E-bikes and hybrids are permitted although they must conform to additional motor vehicle type approval before they can be sold in UK for use on the public road (our electric bikes already conform to thi
