About Electric Bikes

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to assist your pedalling rather than replace it. The more pressure you apply to the pedals the more electrical power is applied to assist the rider. The motor will cut out once you reach 25kph (15.5mph) so if you want to go faster than that, it’ll be down to your effort.

E-bikes are at their best when you want to start commuting on two wheels, but feel your journey is just that bit too far or strenuous, or in off road situations where all the fun is in the downhill sections and you need that extra boost to get you back to the top of the hill so you can have the thrill of the decent again and again.

Assisted pedalling means less exertion and less chance of arriving at work or the top of the hill dripping in sweat.

There’s some evidence that e-bike owners cycle more, so even if it’s not as good a workout as a regular bike, it’s certainly better than nothing.

E-bikes are heavier than regular ones, often 7kg extra or more.

Zero bikes can supply bikes for all terrains and styles...

• Off Road / Mountain Bikes
• Utility Commuter
• Road race

Taking Control

How do electric bikes work?

Modern electric bikes use very similar setups to provide extra power when pedalling. These can be in the form of a hub or bottom bracket mounted motor. Meaning that sensors register when the pedals are turning and power is provided from brushless motors. 

How do I control an electric bike?

All electric bikes will have some kind of control unit; this can be found in the form of a handlebar mounted computer, on the battery or in some cases even controlled via a smart phone app. The handlebar mounted computers are very similar to a normal bicycle computer providing information about speed, distance and more electric bike specific things like remaining battery life and give you control over the level of assistance required.

The more advanced smart phone based systems offer a fully customisable system, allowing you to set your assistance based on the GPS data of your route. Luckily most manufacturers systems are a basic plug and play which means you can get the most out of your electric bike without having to touch a button.

Batteries: The Power Source

What battery will I need for the electric bike?

The battery is unarguably the most important part of an electric bike. Batteries come in a variety of wattages from 200w to 550w; the amount of watts a battery has depends on the amount of power provided to the motor. Ultimately defining the amount of assistance provided and range of your electric bike, this is similar to the different octane fuels available for your car. A lower wattage is like a small unleaded car compared to a diesel car with a higher wattage battery giving your more torque and range.

Where are the batteries located on an electric bike?

Just like cars, the batteries or ‘fuel tank’ can be found in multiple positions on the bike. Most will currently be found on the down tube of the frame or on a rack on the back of the bike.

Fully integrated, electric-assist mountain bikes - perfect for everything from self-shuttling mountain trails, finding flow between the descents, and squeezing in power lunch rides.

Electric Mountain Bikes are great to get you to the top of a climb so you can enjoy the thrill of going downhill many more times than would be possible on a conventional bike (no more queuing for the up-lift).

Types of Electric Mountain Bike

Enduro, cross country, trail, singletrack, downhill, aggressive trail and all mountain bikes - whatever you call the discipline - the lines between them all become a little more blurred when talking about electric bikes.

Thanks to the motors and the weight, the discipline styles are all but eradicated. It now comes down to the type of terrain you plan to attack on your electric bike. The more technical and aggressive the terrain, the more travel you will probably need.

Full Suspension

This area has had the most development over the last few years, this is to accommodate all the things we take for granted on a conventional mountain bike. Short chainstays, longer front centres, lower bottom brackets and even the bottle brands have had to re-think how they design these to fit onto an electric mountain bike. This development in the full suspension electric bikes means that these bikes have some of the most advanced technologies the industry has ever developed, allowing you to tackle the most gruelling of terrains.

Our range of e-bikes all use different manufacturers of electric motors.

• Rocky Mountain developed their own motor and drive system called PowerPlay
• Orbea fit the Bosch Performance Line CX

If you feel that your commute is just that bit too far or strenuous, our electric commuter bikes are a great way of getting you to your journey's end sweat free. They also give you that extra boost you need when pulling away in traffic or from traffic lights, which is often when a rider can feel most vulnerable.

Utility / Commuter bikes are designed for the more urban environment, and are usually designed with mud guards to help protect the rider in poor weather conditions and racks to carry luggage. They are used more for getting from A to B rather than going for a pleasure ride just for the sake of it.

The e bike has really found its place with commuters, leisure riders and hybrid fans. It’s opened up the possibility of weekend rides for the whole family and longer distances are now in easy reach thanks to the extra power. When it comes to commuting, the ride to and from work can be even more enjoyable thanks to the on-board motor – you don’t always have to turn up to work dripping in sweat! Don't forget, you can get an electric bike with the Cycle to Work scheme Electric hybrid bikes are perfect for taking on all the great traffic-free cycle routes found across the UK, helping you cover more miles and stay on the road for longer.