Don’t listen to anyone who tries to put you down if you’re riding an e-bike, I’m here to set the record straight – e-bikes are not cheating. They are a fabulous alternative to riding a regular bike and can play many roles. There are many types of bikes – road, mountain, utility, track and more, and for e-bikes there are also many categories that are suited to different purposes. The first e-bikes were utility-style bikes designed to get around the suburbs. They weren’t very pretty but they served a purpose.
The use of e-bikes is on the rise. According to Bicycle Industries Australia, the number of electric bikes imported to Australia has tripled over the past three years and sales are growing faster than any other segment of the Australian bike market, with more than 50 brands offering a range of models.
In Australia where I live, there are two classes of e-bikes that are permitted on our public roads and designated public areas. The first group is the 250-watt pedelec bikes, which are restricted so that powered assistance cuts out from 25 km/h. The second is the category of 200-watt electric bikes, which are not speed restricted, and may be fitted with a throttle, meaning no pedalling is required. Some bikes have both throttle and pedal…
