FAQs

How’s the ride?

Electric Motorcycles ride like a conventional petrol motorcycle, no performance is lost in fact you may notice them accelerate faster. Electric Bikes simply amplify your pedalling effort. They pedal like a regular bike if the battery is not switched on or if the battery is flat.

Electric Bikes are basically just electric-powered motorcycles, right?

No, Electric Motorcycles use a throttle to engage the power. Electric Bikes are pedal-assist, so input to the pedals determines the level of assist. Riding an Electric Bike with pedal-assist is incredibly intuitive, and anyone who can ride a bike will immediately feel comfortable on one.

What’s the best part about an Electric Bike?

Electric Bikes break down barriers to riding. Most importantly, they are incredibly fun, you are able to ride further and faster and explore more on your adventure rides that come with a little extra power.

What's the best part about an Electric Motorcycle?

Obviously being carbon neutral compared to petrol engine motorcycles Electric Motorcycles are a hell of a lot cheaper to run sometimes only costing £1 for a range of around 100 miles. Also the cost of maintaining and servicing your motorcycle will be reduced due to less moving parts.

Where can I ride?

Many trails and bike paths allow Electric Bikes. Speed e-bike regulations may vary. Please check with your local authorities for clarification.

How fast can I go?

Check individual bike specifications for specific top speeds. Top speeds range from 16 mph/25 km/h, 28 mph/45 km/h for an Electric Bike.  Electric Motorcycles top speeds are from 28 mph/45 km/h to 56mph/90km/h.

What accessories are compatible?

Common accessories like mudguards and racks will fit most of our e-bikes, extra batteries and secondary battery chargers are available. You can discuss what accessories are available for your Motorcycle or Bike when at our showroom.

What’s the advantage of mid-drive motors and batteries?

This configuration keeps weight centred and low for predictable handling and improved ride quality.

How many assist modes are there?

Bikes equipped with non Bosch motors have between three and 4 levels of assist, and Bosch systems provide four levels of power assist.

Why are there different assist levels?

Riders don’t always need the same amount of assist. Using less assist increases battery life, while the option to use more is always there for acceleration or climbing hills.

What’s a watt hour?

A watt hour is a measurement of battery capacity. Think of it as the 'size of the fuel tank'.

What’s the range?

The general range is 20-100 miles/32-160 kilometres depending on power modes, terrain and other riding conditions like load or wind. Bosch has a handy e-bike range calculator that will help you estimate the range for specific riding conditions.

How long does it take to charge?

Approximately 3-5 hours to charge, depending on the state of the battery prior to charge.

How does it charge?

The battery charges like any personal computer or mobile phone. Plug the charger into a wall outlet and connect the charger to the battery. Most Electric Bikes don’t require you to remove the battery to charge, but it’s always an option. Lights on the side of the battery indicate when it is completely charged. The Electric Motorcycles have easily removable batteries that can be charged at home or work.

Is the battery waterproof?

Yes.

Can I lock the battery?

Yes, the battery is locked to the bike and a key must be used to remove it.

What if I lose my battery key?

Battery replacement keys are available.

Does pedalling charge the battery?

No, the efficient motors used in most of the bikes we sell are not regenerative. Most regenerative motors provide a negligible amount of energy back to the battery, and sacrifice a lot in efficiency.

Are replacement batteries available?

Replacement batteries are available directly from Bosch and Shimano.

What’s the warranty?

Warranties vary on all of the products we sell but generally frames are covered by a limited lifetime warranty. Bosch offers a warranty of around 2 years or 500 cycles, and Shimano offers a warranty of 2 years or 1,000 cycles for the battery.

What service is required?

Maintenance is generally the same as with any other bicycle. Lithium ion batteries perform better at room temperatures and battery life depletion may occur if left outside in extreme temperatures, so we recommend storing them indoors.

Do electric bikes require a licence or registration?

Depending on where you live, e-bikes may require licensing or registering. Electric pedal-assist bikes are exempt from ng treated as a motorbike if they are under 250 W, 25 km/h and as such do not require licensing/registration.

For Northern Ireland, this exemption is not yet in place and therefore all e-bikes require licensing, insurance and registration. As such are not currently available to purchase in Northern Ireland. The rules are changing quickly, so it’s best to check with local authorities for clarification before purchasing.

Do Electric Motorcycles require a licence or registration? 

30mph Electric Motorbikes

If an electric motorbike is restricted to 30mph, the law treats it as a 30mph 50cc petrol scooter. They cannot be ridden on motorways. Riders must wear a helmet and the motorbike needs a registration document, number plate and (once it’s three years old) an MOT. Electric motorbikes must carry a tax disc, but as with all electric vehicles, road tax is free.

If you don’t have a car licence:

Can be ridden by anyone aged at least 16 with a Provisional moped licence and a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) certificate. These riders have to wear L-plates and cannot carry a pillion. To ride without Learner Plates, they must take a further practical and theory test. CBT costs £70-£100, and includes both off-road and on-road riding and training. The pass certificate is valid for two years, or if you pass the car test in the meantime, lasts forever.

If you do have a car licence:

If your Full car licence was obtained before 1st Dec 2001, you can ride a 30mph electric motorbike without Learner Plates or a CBT certificate. If it was obtained after 1st Dec 2001, you must have a CBT certificate first.

30mph+ Electric Motorbikes

These are treated as small motorcycles. Full car licence holders can no longer ride any of them without a valid CBT certificate. But with CBT, they can ride for the life of the CBT (two years), with Learner Plates – no passengers or motorway riding allowed. There is also a power limit of 11Kw/14.6bhp.