One positive to come out of the horrors of the pandemic is that more people than ever have taken to two wheels.
Bicycles have more or less completely sold out across the country and the MCIA reports unprecedented amounts of interest in motorised two-wheelers.
Falling somewhere between the two are electric or “e-bikes”, which have also seen soaring sales in the past few months.
An e-bike is essentially a bicycle with an integrated battery-powered electric motor which assists with propulsion, usually via pedalling or sometimes with a throttle.
UK law states that the motor must not assist you “when you’re travelling more than 25km/h (15.5mph)” and that power “doesn’t exceed 250watts’.
You must be over 14 to ride one and there is no need for a licence, and no vehicle tax.
You can ride an electric bike anywhere that a normal bicycle would go.
So, it’s no surprise that motorcycle manufacturers are getting in on the act.
First up is the Trekker by Triumph.
The firm has been producing motorcycles for 118 years, but actually began as the Triumph Cycle Company in 1886.
So it seems appropriate it is now entering the e-bike market.
The Trekker uses Shimano battery technology and a Shimano Steps E6100 250W motor, which provides 44ft lb of torque and a range of around 150km (93miles).
The motor itself weighs just 2.9kg.
This very cool-looking machine comes in either matt silver or matt black and features on-trend blacked-out wheels, pedals, seat-post and handlebar stem.
Standard features include LED lighting, full-length mudguards, pannier rack, sidestand and integrated Abus lock.
The aluminium frame hides the lockable battery and motor, it has Shimano Deore disc brakes, Shimano Deore 10-speed gears and adjustable RockShox suspension forks.
There is a choice of four optional information display systems.
Price is £2,950.
Next up is the e-Scrambler by Ducati, in collaboration with Thok Ebikes.
This uses a 250W Shimano Steps E7000 motor and Shimano battery.
Described by the Italian giant as “urban ready”, the e-Scrambler features 11-speed Sram NX transmission, aluminium mudguards, front and rear lights, a stand and a luggage rack.
It has a telescopic seat-post – operated via a handlebar lever – which allows for easy mounting and dismounting, and secure footing on the ground when stopped.
There’s Suntur XCR spring-loaded forks, Sram Guide disc brakes, Thok wheels and Pirelli tyres.
And, of course, the all-important Ducati badge.
The e-Scrambler retails at £3,835.
