Fancy a healthier and easier commute to work? Or maybe you simply want to receive an added boost to
tackle those hills? Whatever your needs, an e-bike is the perfect solution.
Practical and a huge amount of fun to ride – e-bikes are more popular than ever before, and
it’s easy to see why. They can help you ride without limits and there are now e-bikes available in
every shape and size – so there’s sure to be the perfect option for your needs.
Like what you hear? Here’s everything you need to know before buying your first e-bike.
With more components than a regular bike, you've probably got lots of questions about how to maintain an
electric bike. For more information on how to care for your e-bike and its battery, view our handy
guides:
With an electric bike, you get all the amazing features of a regular bike with the added bonus of a motor to
help power you along.
This motor is paired with a battery and provides assistance as you ride, helping take the strain out of steep
hills and making rides easier. You’ll only receive this assistance as you pedal so you’ll still be putting
the work in, but with a range of assistance levels to choose from, you’re in full control of how hard you
ride - whether it’s an easy commute or a leg-burning workout.
With so many amazing benefits, it’s no surprise that more and more people are joining the e-bike
revolution. Need a little more convincing? Here are a few reasons why you should consider an e-bike:
Environmentally-friendly – Most major cities throughout the UK now have clean air zones to help
combat climate change; that means more charges for those driving a car. However, e-bikes release zero
tailpipe emissions and are the perfect solution for those who want to avoid the cost of driving through
these zones
and reduce their carbon footprint
Commuting made easier – Congestion is a major problem in most UK cities, but not if you’re
on an e-bike. You can take advantage of extensive cycle networks and choose quieter roads away from the
traffic. You’ll often find that an e-bike is actually quicker than your car when it comes to
inner-city commuting
Make big savings – E-bikes are much more affordable than you might think and once you’ve
made the initial purchase, the cost of charging it is much cheaper than filling a motor vehicle up with
fuel. Making things easier, Halfords also offer multiple finance options so you can
spread the cost of a
new e-bike over a period of time that suits you.
Take the strain out of riding – E-bikes have electric motors that provide assistance as you ride,
and you can choose between multiple levels of assistance depending on your needs.
Still get a workout – However, owning an e-bike isn’t ‘cheating. That's one of
the biggest e-bike myths we hear. You’ll only receive assistance while you’re actively
pedalling, so you’ll still be working. Plus, if you want more of a workout, you can turn the
assistance level down to a lower setting.
Long range – You won’t need to worry about range either as most e-bikes can provide
assistance for at least 40 miles – more than enough for most riders. In fact, you’ll most
likely find you can ride further on your e-bike than you can on a regular bike.
Choosing the right e-bike
Clearly, e-bikes have lots of amazing benefits, but how do you pick the best one for your needs? Here are the
various types available and some other things you’ll need to consider.
Electric folding bikes
Electric folding bikes
can be folded and unfolded in seconds, making them easy to stash away in train compartments, next to
tables and even under your desk at work.
Like all folding bikes, folding e-bikes have small wheels, which makes them speedy and manoeuvrable
– perfect for city streets and quick commutes.
Perfect for: Commuting and urban riding. They’re also a
convenient option for those with little storage space or those who take their bike on public
transport.
Hybrid bikes combine
the
best bits of a road bike and a mountain bike, making them a versatile option suitable for rugged
rides, challenging commutes and light touring alike. Expect flat handlebars, knobbly tyres,
mudguards and racks.
Electric hybrid bikes are the same, except of
course there’s a battery and motor that kick in when you’ve had enough of pedalling!
Perfect for: Electric hybrid
bikes are equally at home on commutes as they are exploring on off-road paths. So, if you value
versatility and plan to do a range of riding, an electric hybrid bike may be for you.
Electric Mountain Bikes
are revolutionising what’s possible in off-road adventuring. Fitted with a rechargeable
battery and a powerful motor, they enable riders to tackle higher climbs and more challenging
obstacles than ever before.
Here at Halfords you’ll find electric mountain bikes from trusted brands such as Carrera and Voodoo that are built
for the toughest trails and
tallest mountains.
Perfect for: All off-road adventures. Whether it’s
shredding your local trails or heading for adventures on smoother off-road tracks, electric mountain
bikes are at home on the rough stuff.
Once you’ve decided which type of bike is best for your needs, you'll want to consider
range. This can vary anywhere between 20 to over 100 miles, so choose a bike that you know is practical for
the amount of assisted riding you’ll be doing. It’s also a good idea to get a bike with more
than enough
range as you’ll soon be addicted to riding your new e-bike, and you’ll probably find you start
riding more and further than ever before!
Drive systems
Front hub motors
Front hub motors fit onto the front wheel. A front hub motor will efficiently pull you along and can feel a
little like a front-wheel-drive car.
Front hub motors are often fitted to entry-level e-bikes.
Rear hub motors
Rear hub motors are fitted to the rear wheel. They provide more traction than front hub motors and can feel
more stable on the road. They can be found on mid-range and high-end e-bikes.
Central-drive motors
Central-drive motors sit right on the bottom bracket, where the pedals attach to the frame. All power is
directed through the entire chainset, so powered cycling feels more natural. Plus, the motor’s weight is in
line with the rider’s centre of gravity which again, can make the power delivery feel more natural and the
bike more stable. These motors tend to be high-output motors, and give greater levels of support, in some
cases up to 300%.
Central-drive motors are fitted to mid-range and high-end bikes, including some electric mountain bikes.
Electric bike battery care
Choosing an electric bike can be a daunting prospect and the safety around electric bike
batteries is often at the forefront of people’s minds. At Halfords we have a rigorous process
to ensure these batteries are as safe as can be.
We inspect production facilities to ensure they meet the necessary safety standards; we also ask
our manufacturers to run third party tests to guarantee an impartial opinion.
There are a several UK and European laws regarding the standards that electric bikes must meet.
Our batteries comply with international standards EN62133 which specify the requirements of the safe
operation of lithium batteries and UN38.3 which certifies the safety of our batteries during
transportation.
Buying from a reputable retailer like Halfords gives you piece of mind that your products meet
the relevant safety standards. We also offer Free Bike Health Checks
that are carried out by a fully trained technician in store, for peace of mind that your e-bike is
operating as it should be.
Like a phone battery, the strength of an e-bike battery can deteriorate over time and can be affected by
extreme temperatures, so it’s important to take that extra bit of care with your battery.
Try to reduce the number of charges
The process of fully discharging a battery then recharging it back to full capacity is known as a
‘cycle’. The more cycles your battery goes through, the less effective it will be. To ensure you
get the maximum lifespan out of your battery, simply charge it less often. One way to do this is to only
charge it when it contains less charge than you need to complete your ride, rather than recharging it after
every use.
You can also extend battery length by using the motor more efficiently. Try not to use it when it isn’t
necessary and save it for those moments when you really need the assistance.
How long will an electric bike battery last?
This will depend on the battery your bike has, so it’s best to check this with the manufacturer.
However, by following the tips above, you should be able to maximise your battery’s life.
Can an electric bike battery be repaired?
For safety reasons, we can only look at bike batteries from one of our authorised brands. If your battery
stops working, bring it to your nearest Halfords store where one of our technicians can advise you on
whether we can help.
Important safety note: Never attempt to dismantle an electric bike
battery. Batteries can contain harmful substances and give electric shocks,
so always leave any battery repairs to the professionals.
When you reconnect your electric bike battery, take care to make sure it is fastened securely in place.
Loose connection points can damage the battery, plus you’ll probably notice that your e-bike
isn’t performing as it should.
For more information on how to maintain your e-bike battery, read our handy article
Here at Halfords, we understand that buying a new e-bike is a huge decision, and that’s why we want to
help you every step of the way. From finding the perfect bike to post-purchase care, here’s everything
you can expect when you buy a bike through us:
Flexible finance options - Want to spread the cost of an
electric bike? No problem! With our range of finance options available through Klarna, buying an e-bike
has never been more affordable. Learn more about our options here.
Free build - For any bikes over £350 and collected instore,
we can take care of building the bike for you – completely free of charge!
Warranty - Every bike sold through Halfords comes with either a
manufacturer’s guarantee or a Halfords limited lifetime warranty on the frame and rigid forks of
all Halfords and Halfords exclusive brands. So, you’ll have peace of mind that you’re
covered if anything goes wrong. You can learn more here.
Unrivalled expertise - With over 350 stores nationwide,
we’re always on hand to help with any queries or issues you may be having with your e-bike. You
can find your local Halfords store here.
E-bike battery replacement - You’ll know if you have a
mobile phone that constant recharging can affect performance. If your battery does eventually stop
working or doesn’t hold a charge, then you can purchase a replacement e-bike battery from
Halfords. We only sell genuine, branded replacement batteries that are guaranteed to perform.
It’s important to care for your e-bike battery by regularly charging it and only using the charger
supplied with your e-bike.
Premium E-Bike CycleCare - And if that wasn’t enough, we
also offer an e-bike
our CycleCare package
. And if that wasn’t enough, we also offer an e-bike CycleCare package. For either one or three
years, we’ll provide a host of benefits worth up to £587, including unlimited puncture repairs,
unlimited gear and brake adjustments, an unlimited 15% discount on bike parts and much more.
E-bike user manuals & guides - At Halfords we are here to
support you with life's journeys. That's why we have placed all our e-Bike user manuals and guides
into one convenient place -
which are available for you to read online or download to view as you wish.
Our specially made manuals are here to support you with getting you set up and on adventures with your
E-Bike.
Frequently asked questions
An e-bike, or electric bike, is a bicycle that is assisted by an electric motor. When you cycle,
the motor kicks in and adds some additional pedalling power to each stroke. The motor will help
propel you to a speed of about 15mph (the legal limit). If you’re going quicker than that,
you’re on your own!
Electric bikes still have everything you’d expect on a normal bike, including pedals, gears
and brakes. The rider is in control of the motor and can switch it on and off at will. Even if
the battery power goes flat, you can still ride the bike under pedal power.
Riding an e-bike is the same as riding a regular bike. You climb on, put your feet on the pedals,
and off you go! It really is that simple.
When you switch on your e-bike you’ll need to choose between various modes, which provide
different levels of pedalling support. The simple rule of thumb is, the more support the motor
gives you, the shorter the battery life. You’ll also need to plug your battery in and
recharge it regularly. If the battery runs out, your electric bike will simply become a standard
bike with a battery and motor fitted.
When you start riding, the motor kicks in and provides pedal assistance up to a maximum speed of
15.5mph. Beyond that, you have to rely on your own power to propel you.
The first time you ride an electric bike, it can feel a little odd, but you’ll soon get
used to it. Once you feel the extra pedalling power, you’ll wonder how you ever pedalled
without it.
At Halfords, we’ve created lots of information to help you get the most out of your
electric bike. If you still have any questions, drop into your nearest Halfords store where our e-bike
experts can offer advice.
Electric bikes are legally referred to as “electrically assisted pedal cycles” or “EAPCs” under
EU law EN15194. Your e-bike only falls in this category if:
The e-bike is powered by pedalling and not just a battery and motor
The electric motor won’t assist you if you’re travelling more than 15.5mph
The power output doesn’t exceed 250 watts (not to be confused with watt-hours)
If your e-bike meets these requirements, then you can legally ride it on the roads. All e-bikes
we sell at Halfords are legally safe to ride on the roads.
If the e-bike you’re looking at exceeds these regulations – for example, it has a motor over 250
watts or provides assistance above 15.5mph - then you’ll need to register it as a motor vehicle,
tax it and insure it. You’ll also need a driving license to ride it, and you’ll need to wear a
motorcycle helmet!
The ultra-light motors fitted to electric bikes are powered by a super-efficient battery.
Electric bikes use highly efficient Li-Ion batteries similar to those used in phones, laptops
and some electric cars.
Electric bikes have a handlebar-mounted computer or display which is used to control the motor.
The rider can choose from various modes, each providing different levels of powered support. Eco
modes will provide a gentle contribution to each pedal stroke, with more intensive modes
providing a stronger powered push.
Electric motors can provide rider assistance for up to 120 miles – depending on the size of
the battery. You’ll see an estimated range figure for each electric bike, but be aware
that this is an average and can depend on various factors, such as rider weight or the terrain
your riding on.
The good news is that all electric bikes come with a battery level indicator, which will tell you
if your battery needs a top-up. Every e-bike comes with a manufacturer-approved charger, with
battery recharging taking a few hours, depending on the size of the battery.
Electric bikes are not motorbikes. The motor on an electric bike provides assistance for each
pedal stroke but does not replace it. If you ride an electric bike, you’ll still need to
do some pedalling!
Unlike motorbikes, you don’t need a license to ride an electric bike on the roads.
Electric bikes are a different type of bike and are neither better nor worse.
Electric bikes appeal to a huge variety of riders because of their versatility. You can use the
motor when you want, or simply switch it off and pedal along as usual. They enable cyclists of
all ages, and abilities the freedom to ride, safe in the knowledge that the motor is there to
help them if they need it.
E-bikes and standard bikes don’t differ when it comes to size, so you can choose your
e-bike in the same way. Check out our bike sizing guide to find
out which size e-bike to get.
The law around electric bikes can be confusing, but it doesn’t need to be. Electric bikes
are entirely legal, and you don’t need a licence or insurance to ride one as long as the
motor is rated no higher than 250W, and the assisted top speed of the bike doesn’t exceed
15.5mph.
To ride an electric bike, you will need to be over 14 years of age. You can read the full
government guidance on e-bikes (or to give them their full name, electrically-assisted pedal
cycles) here.
It’s safe and legal to ride your electric bike anywhere you would ride your normal bike,
including cycle paths. It isn’t a legal requirement, but we’d always recommend that
you wear a helmet.
All our electric bikes are tried and tested and meet all current UK regulations. They’re
built by our experienced technical experts and conform to all rules, which means you can jump on
and ride without worrying about breaking the law!
Our experts can build and check your electric bike in store for free, with a
detailed handover to get you ready to ride away. We can also build your electric
bike and deliver to your home for £35.
Learn more >
Finance options available
We’ve got several finance options to help you spread the cost, covering
spends over £99.
Learn more >
Cycle2Work scheme
Save up to 42% on an electric bike and accessories whilst reducing your carbon
footprint and getting fit on your commute to work.
