With the cost of living soaring, climate change upon us, endless queues of cars on the roads (not to mention the train strikes), plus ebike technology coming on in leaps and bounds, more and more of us are considering injecting some fun and fitness into our commutes by leaping on an electric bicycle.
But which one to choose? At first sight, the ebike world is a bit of a minefield, with battery life, motor power, weight, ease of use and the all-important finishing kit just some of the things to consider when handing over your credit card. We’ll talk you through three bikes designed to suit different types of commutes and commuters that sit towards the less pricey end of the spectrum to help you decide which features you should prioritise for your own unique needs.
Running errands
First up is a Ridgeback. This brand has been a stalwart of British commuter bikes since 1983. Initially specialising in classic touring bikes, it moved into the burgeoning commuter market with the original flat-bar Ridgeback Genesis Day 01. It was a bike that spawned a generation and even an offshoot brand: the highly regarded steel specialist Genesis.
Ridgeback’s new Errand is the brand’s take on an urban utility bike. While its low-slung frame, generously sized front rack, and small, 20-inch wheels have all the hallmarks of an e-cargo bike such as the Mycle Cargo (see issue 395), the Errand is a bit lighter, a bit nimbler, yet still a very practical ride. It’s a bike that’s ideal for mid-length commutes and for using to replace those short car trips to the supermarket and general errand running.
The bike comes in a single size, but the extra-long 400mm seatpost and the stem that adjusts from 0° through to a 40° rise means the bike can, according to Ridgeback, accommodate riders from 5ft (153cm) to 6’4” (194cm). I’m 6’2” and my partner is 5ft and we could both find a comfortable riding position.
The heart of the bike’s e-system is a compact rearhub motor from Danish e-motor company Promovec.especially up in the 4th and 5th setting. Controlling the motor is a breeze with the small, ring-shaped, barmounted display. As well as the on/off button there are up and down buttons to cycle through the five modes, and the battery level is clearly displayed. It’s simple to use, but the glossy black, curved screen suffers from reflections, making it hard to read on brighter days.
