25 Jul, 2022/ by National Accident Helpline /News
What is an e-bike and how does it differ from a normal bike?
An electric bike is much like a regular push bike, but with the addition of an electric motor and battery to assist you as you ride. It's actually a hybrid form of transportation, because some of the power actually comes from the rider, as well as the motor.
E bikes are a popular way to get around, and it's easy to see why. They make pedalling feel effortless, and the environmental benefits of electric bikes are indisputable. They're also low cost, energy efficient, and despite the addition of a motor, they have physical benefits too.
When it comes to measuring the pros and cons of e-bikes vs regular bikes, especially where safety is concerned, there are a lot of factors at play.
How do e-bikes work?
An e bike relies on the addition of extra components, such as a battery, sensor and electric display, to make it work. When you push down on your e-bike pedals, a motor engages to give you a boost, which makes it easier to climb hills and cruise over long distances.
Unlike e-scooters, an e-bike doesn't move itself. Instead, the labour is somewhat distributed between the rider and the bike. A sensor on the bike recognises the movement of the pedals, and a motor produces power to the wheels or hub.
At the core, an e-bike is much like a regular bike. They are made up of much the same components, with the exception of an electric motor.
Are there different types of electric bikes?
There are three main classes of electric bikes, depending largely on the type of motor and the amount of ‘pedal assist' they have:
- E bikes that are pedal-assist only, with no throttle (max. speed 20mph)
- E bikes that are throttle assisted (max. speed 20mph)
- E bikes that are pedal-assist only (max. speed 28mph)
There are also many different e-bike types, just as there are with regular pedal bicycles:
- Hybrids/commuter e-bikes
- Off road e-bikes
- E-cargo bikes
- Folding e-bikes
Do e-bikes need insurance?
An e-bike doesn't need to be registered, taxed or insured, and you don't need a licence to ride one. However, when it comes to e bike safety, there are certain rules and regulations that need to be followed.
What are the e-bike rules and regulations?
You can ride an e-bike if you're 14 years or over, as long as the electric bike (EAPC) meets certain requirements. These are:
- The e-bike in question must have pedals
- The motor must not exceed 250W
- The bike must not go faster than 15.5mph
According to the guidelines set out by the UK government, if your e-bike doesn't meet the above requirements and exceeds 15.5mph, it's classified as a moped or motorbike. This means that your bike must be registered, taxed, insured and you have to carry a driver's licence to operate it.
What is the average weight of an e-bike?
The average weight of e-bikes is between 15 and 30kg. Unfortunately, this could relate to an increased risk of injury if a collision occurs with a pedestrian.
Are e-bikes waterproof?
On average, London gets around24 inches of rain per year, and yet 2.4 million e-bike rides were completed in London in 2021. With this in mind, it's safe to say that riders are definitely taking their e-bikes out when it rains, but just how waterproof are they?
Electric bike manufacturers say, very clearly, that e-bikes aren't waterproof. However, e-bikes have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating of 65, which means that they have the highest level of dust protection, and are able to withstand low pressure water jets from all directions.
When manufacturers say that an e-bike isn't waterproof, therefore, what they're actually saying is you can't ride an e-bike underwater. As with a pedal bike, it's always a good idea to follow standard e bike maintenance and e bike battery maintenance guidelines to fully protect your bike in all conditions.
Can you convert a normal bike to electric?
You can convert your regular bike to an electric bike, and the best way to do this is with a conversion kit. A conversion kit includes a motor and battery, sensors and an apparatus to control power output level. E-bike conversion kits can be easy to install, but it's alway sbest to do your research to determine which conversion kit is best for you.
Can you use an electric bike as a normal bike?
Yes. You can ride most e-bikes like a normal bike, but you should keep in mind that the battery will make your e-bike a lot heavier. If you have the option, and you'd like to try riding using only the power of your legs, consider removing the battery first.
What burns more calories between an e-bike and normal bike?
When people think about the pros and cons of electric bikes, they may compare the health benefits and e-bike vs normal bike calories burned. It's very easy to assume that an e bike would burn very few calories because of the extra assistance from the motor. While an e-bike does indeed burn fewer calories than a standard bike, one study has confirmed that the amount of calories burned are roughly only 20% fewer.
However, when it comes to health benefits, there are a lot of factors to consider. Another study conducted in Norway suggests that electric bikes make people cycle longer and more often than those with a regular bike. When it comes to e-bike vs regular bike exercise, therefore, people with e-bikes may be working out more often and for longer periods of time.
How fast is an e-bike vs a normal bike?
How fast is an e-bike, is a question that is actually more complicated than it seems. If you're asking how fast an electric bike can go, it can go as fast as you can pedal it. How fast you're allowed to go, on the other hand, has been pre-determined by the UK government.
The law in the UK is very clear when it comes to speed limits for cars and other large vehicles, but there are strictly no speed limits in place for cyclists. E-bikes, however, are considered to be an EAPC, or electrically assisted pedal cycle, and they have to adhere to a strict speed limit of 15.5 mph on public roads.
If you're confused, it's probably because you've spotted a major contradiction between the guidance for an electric bike vs normal bike speed. While it might sound strange, you could technically go beyond the speed limitation if you're pedalling your e-bike. As long as the e-bike doesn't assist you beyond 15.5mph.
Are electric bikes dangerous?
When it comes to an electric bike vs normal bike, there isn't really a definitive answer regarding whether e-bikes are more or less safe. As with any activity that involves speed, pedestrians, and varying road conditions, there may be some associated risks.
What are the potential dangers of e bikes?
There are a few dangers that are unique to e-bikes, mainly due to e-bike weight and speed. While there are restrictions in place in the UK, an e-bike can actually go faster than a standard bike and for a more extended period of time.
Here are some common dangers of e-bikes:
- Dangers to pedestrians due to lack of noise
- Increased speed dangers when travelling fast
- Battery failure dangers which may leave riders stranded
- Operational dangers, particularly with older riders
How common are electric bike vs normal bike accidents?
E-bike accident statistics in the Netherlands suggest that there has been a sharp rise in accidents involving them. In fact, more people are being killed while riding an e-bike in the Netherlands, than those riding a moped. Alarmingly, 90% of those who died were aged 60 or above.
How can I use an electric bike safely?
When riding an e-bike or regular bike on the road, or anywhere, it's always best to adhere to any recommended safety tips, as well as safety tips on road biking, and even safety tips for riding to work. Here are a few e-bike safety tips that you should know, before setting out on any journey:
- Wear a helmet
- Pay attention to cars and pedestrians
- Wear appropriate clothing
- Be aware of your speed
- Brake as early as possible
- Limit distractions
- Obey traffic laws
- Take care when mounting and dismounting
- Make sure your bike is well-maintained
- Always remember to signal
What should I do if I have an electric bike accident?
Even if you've adhered to all the e-bike safety tips and guidance available, accidents can still happen. When they do, emotions can run high and it can be hard to collect your thoughts and know exactly what to do. Remember to stay calm, and follow these simple steps:
- Check yourself for injury and get out of harm's way
- Check other people for injuries
- If another party is involved, make a note of their details
- Take pictures of the incident and any damage using your phone
- Get the details of any witnesses
- Report the incident to the police if a vehicle is involved
- Contact a personal injury solicitor
- Keep damaged goods and receipts
Can I claim compensation if injured on an e-bike or bicycle?
If you've been injured in an accident while you were riding your e-bike or bicycle, and it wasn't your fault, you have the right to make a claim. Call us on for free, helpful advice, or arrange a call back and we'll get back to you at a more convenient time.