This feature was produced in association with Cycle Surgery.
E-bike sales are growing faster than any other sector of the cycling industry, and with good reason.
They're great for commuting and helping out with crosswinds, headwinds, hills and tired legs, and an e-bike helps you to keep up with fitter friends or simply to ride further for longer.
Although electrically assisted bicycles have been about for years, modern e-bikes are commonly powered by an electric motor attached to either the bottom bracket or the front wheel, that runs off of a rechargeable battery typically stored on, or in, the down tube.
Battery life depends on the size of the bike and the rider, the terrain, the level of power assist being used (there are usually three or four power modes), and even tyre pressure.
Optimum ranges can reach the 80-mile mark. UK law, however, restricts the motor’s contribution to your efforts to 250 watts with a cut-out that prevents electrical pedal assistance once you reach 25kmh.
They are completely road legal, however, and you don’t need to own a driving licence or pay road tax.
Orbea Gain F40
In a nutshell: Part of Orbea’s game-changing Gain range, this urban orientated machine does such a top job of integrating the motor and 250-watt battery into the frame that you barely notice either are there.
Stand-out features: The hub motor measures a mere 100mm and is tucked away neatly in the cassette, while the battery is concealed in the down tube – removing the most obvious sign that the bike is indeed electrically assisted.
There’s no e-bike display in the cockpit either, just a simple colour-coded LED mode button on the top tube.
£1,699 | cyclesurgery.com
Kalkhoff Berleen Advance G10
In a nutshell: Another e-bike designed very much with the urban cyclist in mind.
The 250-watt battery is safely hidden away in the down tube while the Groove-Go rear wheel motor is inconspicuously integrated into the cassette.
Stand-out features: The frame is made from lightweight aluminium with a 3-D forged handlebar stem that houses an integrated front light.
A rear light, meanwhile, is positioned under the saddle, while mudguards and rack mounts further add to the Kalkhoff Berleen’s impeccable urban/commuter credentials.
£2,299 | cyclesurgery.com