Lets talk e-Bikes!
While the very first electric bicycle was invented in the late 19th Century, historically e-bikes have struggled to gain momentum, only breaking into the mass market in mainland Europe in the early 2000’s. E-bikes now make up over 35% of all bike sales in Germany, and the trend is now moving into the UK market.
What is an e-bike?
An e-bike is power-assisted and silent, with the rider pedalling as normal so they still get a good workout but at the same time triggering a computer that starts the motor, propelling the bike along with a variable power boost.
Clwb Beicio Hiraethog runs a taster session on e-bikes
Based in the rural village of Llansannan in North Wales, Clwb Beicio Hiraethog recently received a Sport Wales Development Grant and community funding to purchase a fleet of 10 e-bikes. Club Chairman Huw Rawson said ‘We are actually in a very hilly area, every direction out (of the village) we need to go up a hill, so people can now use the bikes to get out any enjoy some cycling’ The e-bikes are perfect for all members of the community to join rides and explore the local area.
The club recently ran both its first group ride and also taster session on the new e-bikes, inviting the community to come and try them out, and tackle some of the famous hills in the area!
The response was overwhelmingly positive, with people ranging from club cyclists, people who hadn’t ridden a bike for over 30 years, to people previously put off by the hilly terrain and those experiencing mobility issues with taking a bike out for a short ride.
One family who took part in the session commented on how well they would all be able to enjoy cycling together as a family, with some members utilising traditional bikes whilst others who previously wouldn’t have joined in, able to use the e-bike. The e-bikes mean that the rider can keep up with everyone else on the hills, and then use whatever level of power they need on the flat.
The impact on the clubs offering means more individuals can join in cycling
One of the inspiring individuals behind the e-bike project at the club is Noreen who took part in the pilot study and is now a club ambassador.
Noreen said 'Having not been on a bike for a number of years (20 to be precise) my first experience was to ride the bike for over 9 miles. Once I had rode with the group for a number of sessions not only was I able to ride the course but I really enjoyed it and would never have been able to do it on a traditional bike'.
The taster session and initial rides are just the beginning for Clwb Beicio Hiraethog and their e-bikes. The club is now planning a series of group rides during the spring, and will be working alongside local community groups to provide rides for different groups, from those aiming to improve their fitness and experience on a bike, to introducing club rides, family rides and women’s rides. All giving the local community a chance to explore some of the picturesque hills and mountains around them on a bike.
Well done Clwb Beicio Hiraethog!
BBC Wales attended the taster session, welsh language report below;
