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A Brief History Of Electric Bikes

Ebikes have been around for decades now, the very first motor-powered bicycles were documented at the end of the 19th century. However, pedal-assisted bikes did not spark interest until recently; making a breakthrough towards the end of the 20th century then led to the most significant improvements, before the great bicycle boom of 2020 where it became more attractive to millions of commuters.

 

 

Throughout history, individual transport modes have evolved at different rates and times which led us to the rise of electric bicycles. Cycling was first developed in the UK in the late 19th century, primarily as a leisure activity for wealthier people. By the late 1940s, the number of bicycles in the UK peaked and cycling was only second to the bus as a means of transport to commute.

 

Ebike’s history surprisingly also goes back to the 19th century, when inventors and engineers were trying to convert safety bicycles into powered bicycles. The first bicycles with electric motors appeared at the end of that century and in the following years, the design was tested and improved. While for the most part of the 20th century, there was low interest in cycling. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Despite the introduction of EVs, consumers didn’t worry about fuel-efficient vehicles. The automotive industry was benefiting from cheap oil, which reinforced the image of the car as a symbol of progress and innovation. As the mass-production assembly lines for cars and motorbikes became ever more efficient, interest in cycling began to decrease. As the price of oil quadrupled in 1973, this took both a toll on both energy consumption and the world’s opinion on oil-fueled cars.

As the industry entered the new millennium, the manufacture and use of electric bikes saw a complete resurgence. Production began to grow again, where ebikes now made use of technological advancements such as modern electric motors and highly efficient batteries. This was just the beginning of the ebike industry revival.

 

Growth Of The Global Electric Bike Market

 

There was a noticeable shift towards the beginning of the 21st century where ebikes enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, both as a hobby and as a means of alternative transport. Innovations in technology meant batteries now have larger capacity batteries that allow ebikes to efficiently replace cars on medium distance trips. With a desire to make people’s commute easier, Japanese companies such as Yamaha or Panasonic started developing new electric motors and battery technologies, leading to new levels of performance and marking a new beginning for the ebike industry. 

 

The biggest issue at the time was that the batteries were bulky and very heavy compared to the ones we use today. The weight problem was solved in 1991 with the invention of the lithium-ion battery. Lighter and more capacious batteries made electric bikes the optimal mode of transport for short-distance trips. As a result, ebike’s now looking almost identical to a classic non-assisted bike – with the main difference being the ease of travelling up hills.

 

Ebike usage has seen rapid growth on the worldwide market, which has exploded since the 1990s when there were only a few thousand on the market. As a result, ebikes are now recognised by law and are considered as regular bicycles; therefore requiring no license, petrol, insurance or MOT. 

 

In the 90s, a new version of powered bikes emerged, called Pedelecs. Following these improvements, the production of ebikes saw an astonishing hike and as a result, the production of a normal bicycle fell down radically. It is unlikely that any other transportation technology has experienced a decade of such growth. Consumers now have more choices than ever when it comes to buying an electric bike.

 

For an electric bike to be legally considered as a pedal cycle it must meet the requirements for ‘Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles’. Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycles do not require a licence to be ridden, but riders must be over the age of 14 years old; and they do not need to be registered, taxed or insured.

 

Aboard The Electric Bike Revolution

Transports are central to the whole of society and respond to a continuously changing environment, economy and lifestyle. The way we socialise has greatly changed over the past year and electric mobility helps people to connect and sustain their way of life. The micro-mobility market is changing in conjunction with other clean modes of transport. Electric bikes have the potential to profoundly impact mobility patterns and ensure a cleaner transport mix. 

 

Ebikes are an economic and simple solution to urban transport problems. One of the most appealing features is that they have no harmful emissions from combustion engines. It helps to reduce the high reliance on heavy fossil fuels and has the ability to ‘decarbonize’ the transport sector. As well as this, ebikes have other competitive advantages; they’re time-saving, cost-efficient, reduce congestion and also save the difficulty of finding a parking space. They can easily replace the car on distances that would otherwise be considered too long for a conventional bicycle. 

 

“A wide range of both battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles offer routes to achieve significant levels of decarbonisation in the transport sector. Both battery and hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicles require the decarbonisation of electricity and/or the development of hydrogen. As such he believed that the provision of low carbon fuels for transport will become increasingly connected to other parts of the energy system, including power and heat.”Professor Nigel Brandon of Imperial College London

 

The use of electric bikes is growing rapidly in many cities in Europe and studies have shown that using ebikes as a main mode of transport means both an increase in the user’s happiness and health. The electric motor reduces the physical effort and therefore results in the user’s likelihood to use the bike more often.

 

Of course, the pandemic induced a massive “bike boom” and as a result accelerated the transition to electric bicycles. The switch generated new opportunities for many people, giving them the confidence to go out longer and more often than they would have on a traditional bike. According to Forbes, Europeans are expected to buy an extra 10 million bikes per year by 2030, or 47% more than the annual number in 2019 (3.7 million bikes were sold in 2019). 

 

Regardless of the limitations of e-bikes, it seems to provide enough benefits to increase cycling at the expense of driving. The evolution of the transport system is characterized by a pattern of replacements in which more efficient and higher quality transport modes substitute for the traditional ones. EVs are now giving us the opportunity to shape a better, cleaner future for transport as well as increase the social connectivity in the congested cities that were originally designed around cars.

 

 

 

Pay Your E-Bike With Bitcoin: Furosystems Is Accepting Cryptocurrencies As Payment

Cryptocurrencies are on the rise, so if you have been building up a nest egg, we are happy to announce that you can now buy your escooter or ebike with it. Furosystems wants to empower everyone to be able to participate in the micro-mobility revolution, including those of you who now want to pay with crypto.

 

In an effort to participate as much as possible in this revolution, Furosystems now accepts Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin and Bitcoin Cash for its products — a first in the booming micro-mobility industry. The Aventa, Furo X and Fuze models are now available to purchase using digital currencies.

 

 

 

‘’E-bikes and e-scooters are the next-generation transport modes and are key to creating healthier, less congested cities. At the same time, demand is rising for cryptocurrencies and we think they will play an important role in the future of payments. We want to empower everyone to participate in the micro-mobility revolution which is why we’re now accepting cryptocurrencies as payment.”  FuroSystems CEO and co-founder Eliott Wertheimer

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our crypto payment system was developed in partnership with Coinbase to ensure our customer’s funds can be transferred from wallet to wallet securely while making the checkout experience straightforward and easy to use. To pay this way, just follow the normal purchase process on our site and select “Pay with cryptocurrencies”. You will then be taken through a series of simple steps to complete the transaction and secure your order.

 

pay with crypto

 

If you request a refund after your purchase for any reason aligned with our refund policy, we will refund you the value of your purchase in the currency of your choice, either FIAT or crypto. For example, if your purchase was worth £100 and you paid in Bitcoin. We will give you back the equivalent of £100 in crypto at the time of the refund or £100 by bank transfer.

 

 

Which Gear Can I Choose For My Ebike?

Gearing can be sometimes overlooked when purchasing an ebike in comparison to the power of the motor or the size of the battery. However, as is the case on a regular bike, it will make your ride easier and more enjoyable when riding hills in addition to optimizing your battery usage.

 

On your Furo X or Aventa your computer will detail your PAS (Pedal-Assist System) level which can be changed using the controls on the left, and on the right shifter, your controls for your mechanical gears.

 Using gears on an electric bike is very similar to using them on a regular cycle and allows you to adjust your pedalling effort. The 9 speed Shimano cassette offers a large number of gears and will help you to maintain a comfortable cadence regardless of the gradient you are tackling along with increasing your cycling efficiency.

 

 

Low gears are for easy climbs and where there is more resistance. You will want to shift to higher gears by clicking the shifter on the handlebars to increase your speed on the flat or downhill – this will allow you to pedal slower, but with more force. Lower gears mean the motor must work harder and use more power, whereas the higher the gear the more leg power you will have to put in to supplement the battery putting less strain on the motor. For example, when approaching a hill you will want to go for a low gear level for the motor to do the work.

 

 

You will want to shift gears and change pedal-assist to match your speed and terrain. Take some time to play around with shifting and see how it feels to ride in different gears to find the cadence you are the most comfortable with. Note that a low cadence will drain power quicker. Make sure you spin rather than grind and always anticipate shifting gears before the terrain changes and remember to keep pedalling when changing gears in order for the chain to move from one gear to the next.

While your pedal-assist sensor provides you with 5 different levels of assistance – from eco to sport mode. When you start rotating the pedals, the motor will smoothly give you the selected power. Unlike mechanical gears, you can change the level of electric assistance while at a standstill. If you are pedalling and reach the top motor speed, the power will fade out and require leg power to keep going at those speeds.

 

 

Many riders keep their bikes in a low pedal-assist system in addition to the gears to maintain a certain level of exercise and not entirely relying on the motor to do the work, therefore using less energy from the battery. It will also work if you aim for longer rides where you will want to get the most out of your battery.

 

Maintenance is key when you are using your bike regularly. To get the best of your gears and chain, ensure to maintain them! A lubricated and clean chain is essential for keeping your bike’s drivetrain running smoothly. Check that no dirt or dust has built up as this could disrupt the shifting systems.

Stay Safe On The Road With Your Electric Bike

Cycling is a great way to avoid public transport and is a beneficial form of exercise but the fear of road traffic can be a barrier to some. The more aware you are of your surroundings, the more you will be able to navigate the road confidently. If you haven’t already opted to commute by bike and are considering riding your bike to work, here are our top tips to provide you with that confidence boost to go out and navigate safely in traffic!

 

 

Road positioning

Your top priority is to make sure you ride in a visible position on the road at all times. Try to avoid a situation where you do not have a clear exit or can be trapped between two vehicles. If you find yourself in a position where it would be dangerous for a driver to overtake you, it is safest to move into the centre of the road. Doing so is called taking the lane or ‘primary position. Riding assertively in your lane will increase your visibility to other road users. Another frequent error is riding too close to the curb. Maintaining a safe distance from the gutter will not only give you more room to navigate but will help you avoid slippery manhole covers and other road debris.

 

 

 

 

Anticipate road hazards

Becoming a safer rider is about developing skills to anticipate road hazards. This means looking ahead for potholes, bumps, other road users, car doors, hidden driveways, etc. You need to have a high level of awareness at all times to anticipate potential problems at junctions, traffic lights and roundabouts to prevent you from sudden manoeuvres. The further ahead you look, the more time you have to recognise and respond to hazards and avoid abrupt manoeuvres.

 

 

Keep your distance

The more aware you are of your surroundings, the more safely you will be able to ride and stop in time if you need to. Keeping your distance amongst other road users will give you more time to identify hazards early on and give you enough time to safely respond to them. It might seem tempting to cycle out of the way of traffic, however, it is essential to stay at least a car door’s length from parked vehicles as a driver might open their door into the road at any time without seeing you.

 

 

Make eye contact with other road users

It’s important to not assume that a driver has spotted you. The best way of ensuring you have been seen is to make eye contact. Do not hesitate to check behind you that you aren’t going to be overtaken.

 

 

Signal your intentions

Before making any manoeuvre, it is key to signal your intentions clearly with your hands to other road users when you want to turn at a junction. When turning, extend your arm horizontally pointing in the direction you are about to turn. Extend your arm vertically upwards when you are about to stop.

 

 

 

Be careful around large vehicles

Your positioning in relation to a driver’s blind spot is crucial when riding near long vehicles as they can be a significant risk for your safety. Passing lorries and buses on the left when moving is riskier as you will evolve in the driver’s blind spot who may have not seen you. If you can’t see the driver in the vehicle’s side-view mirrors, the driver can’t see you so you want to stay back behind them.

 

 

Personal protection

You should always take precautions to make yourself visible before going out on your bike. Protecting yourself starts by ensuring you are maintaining high visibility when on the road to be seen in any circumstances. Maximize your visibility by wearing bright coloured clothing and high visibility or reflective accessories to make sure you get noticed by other road users to see you. Other essential pieces of your kit will include a helmet and a complete light kit.

 

 

Pre-ride checks

It is important to conduct the following checks on your e-bike before each ride to help avoid any unwanted surprises.

  • Ensure that your tyres are up to the pressure and properly inflated
  • Check that your battery is fully charged
  • Always bring your tool bag with a few spares. Your tool bag should include a hand pump, a multi-tool and a puncture kit.
  • Check that your quick-release levers are fully closed to ensure safety.
  • Make sure your chain is clean and lubricated
  • Give your front and rear brakes a squeeze to ensure they are working correctly

 

 

Plan your route before you set off

Riding in fast-moving traffic and busy junctions can be tricky and intimidating. Planning your route ahead is a great way to make you feel more confident on your bike. A number of apps are available to help you plan the best route. This may mean using quiet roads, using paths specifically for cyclists to avoid congestion and traffic lights, allowing you to feel safe and in control.

 

Preventing Bike Theft: Mark & Protect Your Bike

The pandemic has made more people start riding with 1.3 million Brits buying a bike during the first national lockdown, but with this rise in cycling came the inevitable spike in bike crime. Cyclists are now more at risk to have their bike stolen. One easy way to help prevent anyone from taking your bike is to have it registered and a solid lock. According to UK crime data, a bike is stolen every 90 seconds in the UK and bike thefts reported to BikeRegister rose by 58% in August 2020 in comparison to the previous year. Registering your bike won’t prevent it from being stolen but it means there’s an opportunity for it to be recovered and has already enabled hundreds of cyclists to be reunited with their bikes after they have been stolen.

 

 

Register Your Bike

Registering on BikeRegister is free and only takes a few minutes to add your bike details to their National Police-approved database. The company has helped inform the government on legislation relating to cycle crime.

 

All you need is your bike’s make, model, identifying number code and a few photographs. Your details will be held on a secure online database to which all UK Police Forces have access. Once registered you simply have to protect your bike with one of their security marking kits to obtain a unique reference number for your bike.

 

The Furo X carbon frame is coated so BikeRegister’s marking kits will work on it. You will find its identification number under the bottom bracket.

 

For all new bikes bought through Cyclescheme you can choose to have your bike auto-registered with the UK’s national, Police approved, bicycle marking & registration scheme.

 

 

 

Bicycle Security

 

These tips below will make it more difficult for thieves to leave with your precious bike and significantly help to reduce the chances of becoming a victim of cycle theft.

  • Invest in a high-quality lock that is suitable for your needs
  • Get your bike registered and marked
  • Store your bike in a secure location covered by CCTV
  • Unlock and remove your battery when you lock it up
  • Secure your bike in a different location each day
  • Don’t leave it parked in public for long periods of time
  • Remove your bike accessories
  • Adopt the same level of security at home that you would do in the streets

How you lock up your bike is important. To provide a higher level of security for your bike, lock the frame and both wheels to a stand with two quality locks. BikeRegister data reveal that bikes are more commonly stolen from homes, followed by the streets and at work.

 

 

What To Do If Your Bike Is Stolen?

 

If you find yourself being the victim of theft we recommend proceeding to the following steps to improve your chances of recovering your bike and quickly identify yourself as the owner:

 

1/ Report the theft to the police

You can report the theft to the police either online or in-person at your local police station.

2/ Report the theft to your insurer

Once you have reported the theft to the police and if you have a specific bike insurance, you need to inform them immediately, the claim should be done within 24 hours of the theft.

3/ Report your bike as stolen on BikeRegister

BikeRegister allows you to report your bike as stolen on its platform. Once the stolen bike has been reported on the database, it makes it is easier for members of the cycling community or the Police to prove that a bike is in the wrong hands.

4/ Alert the cycling community and local bike shops

We recommend posting on local community groups on social media with the bike details and theft details. Tap on the power of the cycling community and get help from fellow cyclists who will help to keep an eye on your stolen bike on the streets. You can also approach your local bike shop.

5/ Search & monitor online

Monitor and set up alerts for second-hand goods websites and social media listings. Websites like Gumtree, eBay and Facebook Marketplace are often used to sell stolen bicycles. Stolen Bike on Twitter assists victims of bicycle theft and helps to recover their bikes.

 

If you find your bike for sale, either online or in a bike shop, we do not recommend trying to approach the seller but contacting the police instead who will advise you of the best actions to take.

 

 

What Is The Correct Tyre Pressure?

Riding your electric bike with the right tyre pressure is very important. It will play a huge part in your comfort and safety on the road and affect your tyres grip and rolling resistance. Several factors will determine what pressure you should be riding at. We explain below how to find the right settings for our electric bikes and scooter range.

 

 

Why is the correct tyre pressure important on a bike?

Riding with the correct tyre pressure makes a big difference to your own comfort and your bike’s performance. The ideal pressure is going to depend on a variety of factors including the rider’s weight, road conditions and the width of the tyres.

Heavier riders will benefit from more tire pressure and lighter riders may prefer lower pressure.

Thinner tyres will need more air pressure than wider ones. As the latter can feel more comfortable at lower and still remain safe.

Finding the sweet spot is about finding a balance between getting the best grip level and rolling resistance level.

 

 

 

 

Grip

A lower tyre pressure means the tyre makes more contact with the ground that it is rolling over. It will result in a greater grip level and allow a smoother ride but a higher rolling resistance. Whereas an over-inflated tyre will reduce the grip, the rolling resistance and will feel faster. A tyre at lower pressure is also able to absorb more of the bumps on the road than a tyre at a higher pressure which will transmit the impacts to the rider and will affect the quality and comfort of the ride.

 

 

Rolling resistance

Rolling resistance is simply the friction between the tyres and the road. It is affected by how much contact with the surface the tyre provides, so the greater the friction, the harder your motor will need to work to achieve the same speed. An over-inflated tyre can also increase rolling resistance as the tyre ends up bouncing up on the surface rather than travelling smoothly. The rolling resistance is determined by the accumulation of several factors like the tyre pressure, the type of tyre used and the road conditions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

What if I pump my tyres too much or too little?

If you overinflate your tyres, you run the risk of blowing the inner tube and too little pressure can cause pinch flats, this can also potentially damage the tire and the rim.

 

 

What is PSI?

PSI is a unit of pressure expressed in pound-force applied to an area of one square inch. It stands for Pounds per Square Inch.

 

 

 

What pressures do you run in FuroSystems models?

Every bike tyre comes conveniently with the minimum and maximum advisable pressure details on its side. Those values must neither be exceeded nor undercut since values outside of that scope can cause damage. The ideal pressure value is in the middle of those limit values but can vary greatly between riders as body weight and baggage will impact the tyre pressure.

 

 

Furosystems Tyre Pressure Guide

 

 

 

How often should I check the pressure?

Tyres pressure naturally goes down over time as the inner tubes are permeable so we recommend checking your tyres pressure at least once a week or before every ride if you don’t go out that often to inspect whether the tyres have lost any air and need a quick top-up.

 

 

 

 

Pumps

For your pre-ride safety checks we recommend using a floor pump with an integrated pressure gauge so you can accurately pump to the optimum pressure and avoid over-inflating a tyre. Make sure your pump has a Schrader valve for a perfect air seal. You also want to go for a solid built model for durability.

While a mini-pump is your best bet for on the road inflation. Its small format makes it easy to store and carry in your bag alongside your puncture repair kit. It requires more work and usually doesn’t have a pressure gauge but you can get a rough estimate by squeezing the tyre with your thumb and forefinger.

The Essential Bike Tools To Look After Your Electric Bike

Bike maintenance is a vast topic but most essential tasks can be worked through easily with a few standard tools to keep your electric bike running smoothly. Having the right tools at your disposal will make the task much easier, and can ensure you that the job has been done safely. We have compiled a list of equipment that will get you started on your bike’s general maintenance at home!

 

Allen Key Set 

An absolute essential in every cyclist’s home toolbox, Allen keys most likely will be the tools you use the most. It will let you go through the majority of repairs on your electric bike. The keys come in a variety of sizes and shapes. An L-shape set allows a versatile use and reaches when tightening/loosening bolts. (most commonly used are 4mm,5mm,6mm)

 

 

 

 

Wrench/Spanner

Handy and multipurpose, a wrench key is also essential for tyre repairs and maintenance. It securely holds the nut to prevent spinning when loosening or tightening the bolt to the correct level of tension. Adjustable wrenches are versatile and practical for repair on the road. (Commonly used are 15mm, 10mm, 9mm for the Furo X and 17mm for the Aventa model)

 

Phillips screwdriver

You will need a Phillips screwdriver to make adjustments on your bike and fit accessories.

 

 

 

 

Bike Multitool

With a good cycling multitool, you will be equipped for most eventualities! It usually includes a range of tools such as different sized Allen keys, Torx keys and screwdriver heads. Multi-tools can vary from minimal tools containing the bare essentials to more comprehensive sets including pretty much everything you need.

 

Puncture Repair Kit

Puncture repair kits usually include tyre patches, glue, valve hose, sandpaper to repair a punctured tyre. Ensure to keep your kit in your saddlebag should you need it on the road for an unexpected puncture. Also, we do recommend keeping a spare inner tube.

 

 

 

Pump

We recommend using a pump with an integrated pressure gauge so you can accurately pump to the desired air pressure. Make sure the pump has a Schrader valve for a perfect air seal.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lubricant

GT85 is one of the best sprays to have in your cupboard. Versatile and multi-purpose spray, it will come in handy for chains, cables, levers, gears and derailleurs. Note that you should not use WD40 as it’s primary use is as a solvent or rust dissolver.

 

 

A set of tyre levers

Inexpensive and another toolbox essential, tyre levers are designed specifically for removing your tyres off the wheels without causing damage in the process and will make the job much easier

 

 

 

Essential Bike Tools

 

 

 

Brush set

A collection of brushes will help with cleaning the mud and dirt that can be in hard to reach places

 

Microfibre Cloth

A handy one for your post-ride cleanup! Super absorbent and soft, microfiber cloths will easily eliminate blemishes and absorb all the excess moisture when you wipe down your bike.

Bike Lights: See And Be Seen On Your Commute

Winter is coming and bike lights are an essential part of your cycling kit to keep you riding throughout the darker days. It is important to have the right lights for the right purpose and accordingly adapts your bike light output to the situation.  On an early morning ride or on a night time commute back home from work, your top priority will not only be to see where you’re going but make sure you get noticed. Fitting a combination of lights with different lighting modes will make you more visible and increase your safety on the road. Depending on where you venture, you will want to pay attention to the lumen rating of the lights to find which lights are most suitable for your needs.

 

What Are Lumens?

Most bike lights are now rated in Lumens (Lm). It is a measure of how much light is emitted from a light source. The higher the lumen rating the brighter the light while fewer lumens means a dimmer light. When shopping for a bike light, compare lumens to make sure you’re getting the level of brightness best suited for the situation.

 

 

How many Lumens do I need?

Below we’ve created a graphic to help you choose the right light output depending on your specific use case and conditions. Remember that you will want a brighter front light than rear light.

 

 

 

Bike Lights what are lumens

 

 

What type of bike lights to use on the road?

The type of light you need will depend on the kind of riding you do, as well as the kind of conditions you will ride in. The main focus of road bike light is to make you visible so you can be seen by motorists – without blinding them – and of course, allow you to see.

 

To “be seen” lights

In an urban environment, cyclist’s priority should be to be seen. According to the UK’s Road Vehicles Lighting Regulations, it is a legal requirement to have lights on your bike if you’re cycling between sunset and sunrise but you might want to ensure that you remain visible to the other road users at any time of day. Daytime lights will allow you to stand out and give you that extra visibility on the road.

 

Helmet lights

Whilst being a great addition to your main light, wearing a light on your helmet can increase your visibility by lighting up where you’re looking. It will also help other road users to notice you more easily as you move your head around.

 

Daytime lights

Daylights are not legally required to be fitted to your bicycle unlike new cars but they are ideal to give you extra visibility when cycling in the daytime and ensure you are noticed from a distance on rural roads or in the midst of the traffic. Using the flashing mode of the light will help attract other road users’ attention.

 

Laser lights

For an extra layer of distinctness on the road at night, you can add a laser light as a rear tail light which will project your own personal bike lane onto the road. This “safety corridor” will encourage motorists to allow for more space when overtaking.

 

“Seeing” lights

“Seeing” lights will allow you to ride in unlit roads or country lanes at night time. Contrary to “being seen” lights which are bright enough to make other road users aware of your presence on the road, you will need to upgrade your lumen output for stronger front light which is bright enough to light up your surroundings and see further where you are going. You might want to look for a light that features a road specific beam pattern, which is designed to illuminate the whole width of the road.

 

Sidelights

Sidelights are designed to allow cyclists being seen from the side in urban settings. Attached to the frame they provide additional safety by increasing lateral visibility.

 

 

 

 

UK Bike Light Law

The law for bike lights in the UK states that it is illegal to cycle on a public road between sunset and sunrise without lights. The lights must also be fitted to your bike and not your helmet.

Your bike must also be equipped with the following:

  • A front lamp white front light
  • A red rear light
  • Red rear reflector
  • Amber pedal reflectors – front and rear on each pedal

Features to consider when purchasing a light

  • The light output (lumens)
  • The different light modes
  • Beam
  • Battery life and how easy it is to recharge/change
  • Mounting option

 

Other accessories to be seen at night

These other options are very quick and easy ways to increase your visibility to supplement your set of lights on your bike:

 

Reflective knee and ankle stripes – A great way to be seen in less than optimal lighting conditions as they reflect back the light that hits them.
Reflective bike wheel tape – Easy to stick onto your wheels, it is another good way to remain visible while in motion.
Reflective spokes – They will make you stand out at night and allow for near 360° reflection.
Clip-on lights – Compact and easy to clip they are designed to be attached on your garments and make a great impact when paired with other reflective accessories.

 

 

 

Virtual shopping experience: Have you tried it yet?

As England plunges into its second lockdown, tough new restrictions have come into place. To comply with the new rules we have had to suspend test rides for our customers. We understand that purchasing a new bike without trying it can be frustrating so we decided to enhance the customer shopping experience. This is where augmented reality can make a difference.

 

 

AR brings the showroom to your home(room!)

We’ve now introduced a great new feature for you to explore, an Augmented Reality tool that is integrated into our website. The AR technology provides you with an immersive shopping experience to visualise the product directly from the comfort of your home. Using your device’s camera, AR technology supplements reality by superimposing computer-generated elements. Displayed in real size, they can explore our electric bikes and scooters and their features from all angles to help in the decision-making process.

 

Nothing will replace a real test ride or speaking to a person when browsing products, but virtual shopping gives our customers the opportunity to collect more insights to become familiar with the product before making a purchase.

 

Using AR aligns with Furosystems’ commitment to innovation but most importantly to continue to develop the online customer experience across online assets. The new feature is available on the devices via the AR icon displayed.

 

 

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