What is an Electric Bike?
Electric bikes are often referred to as E-bikes. E-biking is a fantastic way to explore, whether at home or on holidays!
Maybe you’ve heard a bit about electric bikes but are unsure exactly what an E-bike is?
Our Green Pedal E-bikes are “pedal assist”, which means as you pedal the electric assistance is activated. There are various levels of assistance you can choose. Our Merida E-bikes have three levels – low, medium or high. Or you can choose to use no assistance at all. One of the great things about E-bikes and E-biking is that if you are riding with others you have an equaliser that allows the group to ride together, and you get the exercise you want.
And E-bikes are also great for home to work commutes. With less huff and puff, you can arrive to work fresh. On the way home at the end of the day, wind back the electric assistance and tick off some exercise!
E-biking can be suitable for all ages – whether you’re a teenager or a senior – E-bikes are FUN! And there are many types of E-bikes too. Our hire fleet also includes NORCO hard tail E-Mountain bikes in sizes small, medium and large.
Echuca has some amazing river tracks and there’s no better way to enjoy the Murray River nature based attractions, than on two wheels.
Benefits of an Electric Bike
Bike Riding with Ease
An electric bike is really just a regular bicycle with the addition of an electric motor, battery and controller to provide assistance to the rider.
You can pedal a little, or pedal a lot!
- E-biking gives you the ability to bike further and see more!
- E-biking gets you to your destination faster and sweat free.
- E-bikes provide a great equaliser for riders of different fitness levels.
- E-biking gives you the chance to relax and take in the surroundings you might not have noticed before your journey.
- E-biking provides the satisfaction of doing your part for the environment.
- E-biking may be suitable for getting back into exercise following an injury or illness.
- E-bikes make riding fun, even with a head wind!
Things to Consider Before You Buy an E-bike
Factors to consider when purchasing your own E-bike include:
- your budget
- battery size and how far you plan to ride
- style of bike – step through, mountain bike, hybrid etc
- where you plan to ride – on trails, sealed roads, mountain bike tracks
- do you plan to transport it and if you do, factor in the cost of a quality bike carrier
- It is important to note if you plan to ride long distances you will need to choose a bike that has a suitable battery size. If you plan to commute to work on your e-bike, then make sure the battery will cover your return trip.
Hub Drive or Mid Drive?
There are generally two types of E-bikes, a Hub Drive or a Mid Drive.
A hub drive is where the motor is in the hub of the rear (or front wheel), whereas with a mid drive E-bike, the motor directly drives the pedal crank assembly.
Our Green Pedal E-Bikes are mid drive, pedal assist.
The pros of a mid-drive E-bike include
- they provide more efficient use of the battery. This is the main benefit and in our opinion is the most important.
- we have found them to be more reliable and quieter.
- it is much easier (and quicker) to change a tube in the rear tyre on a mid drive, compared to a hub drive.
The down side is that mid drive E-bikes are typically more expensive. Although investing in a quality E-bike in the first instance is always preferred, cheaper E-bikes are also a great way to get started. Establish your budget, then investigate the options.
E-bike Regulations
In Australia there are various rules and regulations regarding E-bikes. Each State and Territory have specific regulations, but one of the universal regulations is that an E-bike maximum speed must not exceed 25 km per hour. It is also compulsory to wear a helmet.
Try before you buy
Hiring an E-bike or joining an E-bike tour is a great way to find out if E-biking is for you. Green Pedal has various hire options, from 2hrs to a full day E-bike tour. When you hire an E-bike from Green Pedal, David will happily assist you with answering your E-bike questions to help you select an E-bike this suits your budget and E-bike adventure plans!
Choose the bike that’s right for you!
Options include – E-bike cruisers (step through e-bikes), E-mountain bikes and conventional bikes. Helmet and lock included in all hire options. If you would prefer a personalised experience with a local guide, check out our guided cycling tours.
Whatever option you choose, you’ll see more and enjoy more on a bicycle!
