From the number of bicycles you now see on the road, you’d think the cycle market was thriving. In fact, only one sector is growing – electric bikes. This is because people buying these bikes do not see themselves as cyclists but as commuters. They are often new to the joys of two-wheel travel and the addition of a labour-saving electric motor is just the push they need to try a bike.
The only drawback is that ebikes have been expensive and riders have had to pay up to £2,000 to get a decent machine. That figure is now falling and the sub-£1,000 ebike is a real possibility. This one, for example, is from British firm Emu. It comes either as a step-through or with a crossbar and has a choice of two motors. Both are driven by a clever Samsung battery which is partially integrated into the frame to give a neat, smooth finish. The bikes come with free delivery, a two-year warranty, puncture-resistant tyres and integrated lights. It’s a good bike at a fair price.
My secret hope, however, is that once this ebike bubble bursts many of these new riders will find themselves converted to the original joy of pushing their own pedals.
Price £999, emubikes.com
Gears Shimano Nexus 7 hub
Motor 250W
Range up to 65 miles
Email Martin at martin.love@observer.co.uk or follow him on Twitter@MartinLove166
This article was ammended on 20 June 2018 to reflect the fact that Emu is a British company but the bikes are built in China
