The world of ebikes can be very confusing at times. Here is a collection of our most commonly asked questions about electric bikes to help you get a better general understanding. Don’t see your question answered here? Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us!

• Can you ride an electric bike without the battery?

If you wish to ride your Furo X without electric assistance like a traditional bike, you can lower the assistance level to 0 and the motor will disengage itself providing you with a natural riding experience supported by its gears and hydraulic disk brakes.

• Do I have to pedal to get assistance on my electric bike?

Pedal-assist electric bikes are easier to ride than normal bikes but still require pedalling. In order to activate the electric assistance, all you have to do is pedal for the motor to engage.

• Can I ride on a trail?

If you are looking to include some off-road cycling the Furo X will perform well on mild off-road use, such as towpaths, gravel paths and other country paths. Features like its 9 speed Shimano shift system are great for confidence when riding uneven terrain.

• Are electric bikes good on hills?

Electric bikes are great at hills and do make it easier! Hills are effortless and your electric bike will take some of the strain but it does not serve as a complete replacement, pedalling is still required when riding your e-bike.

• Is 250w enough power for an e-bike?

In the UK That legislation allows for a motor with a maximum continuous rated power of 250W. ‘maximum continuous rated power’ means the maximum thirty minutes power at the output shaft of an electric engine as set out in UNECE Regulation No 85”. The Furo X setup has a peak power output that reaches 500w. But the electric motor won’t assist you if you’re travelling more than 25 km/h (15.5mph). If your e-bike exceeds those regulations it will need to be registered, insured and taxed as a motor vehicle.

• Can I travel on a plane with my e-bike? 

You can’t take an electric bike on a plane, because of the battery. Considered as a fire hazard, any rechargeable lithium battery larger than 100Wh is prohibited from being taken onto a plane. An alternative is to remove the battery and fly with what is essentially just a normal bike and source a battery compatible with your bike to use for the duration of your trip.

• Are electric bikes heavier than normal bikes?

Different types of e-bikes will come at very different weights based on their specifications but  E-bikes remain a bit heavier than conventional bicycles. The battery, motor, extra accessories and reinforced frame do inherently add extra weight to the bike compared to standard bikes. The biggest advantage of 250-watt motors is they add very little weight to your bike increasing its performance.

• Why are electric bikes so expensive?

Several key parts of the bike will cause electric bikes to be on the pricey side. The motor and the battery are the heart of your electric bike and the key factor in its costs. Add up the need for higher quality and reliable components to support the extra power and the extra weight. Compromising on standards will result in lower quality components which in consequence decrease the bike’s longevity.

•  How can I secure my electric bike?

The first thing to do for any new e-bike owner is to invest in a high-quality lock, register the bike with Bike Register at www.bikeregister.com and protect your bike with an ImmobiTag identification chip. This will increase the chances of the police being able to trace the stolen bike back to its rightful owner.

• What is the lifespan of an electric bike battery?

The battery life is calculated in charge cycles. This means it depends on the number of full charges (from 0 to 100%) that the battery can undergo before its effectiveness gradually diminishes. With the Furo X, you can expect 500 full charge cycles before the battery reaches 70% of its original capacity. After this, the decrease in efficiency is linear rather than a sudden drop in performance.

• Are electric bikes allowed in bike lanes? 

If your bike meets the ‘electrically assisted pedal cycles’ (EAPC) requirements it is classed as a normal pedal bike. This means you can ride it on cycle paths and anywhere else pedal bikes are normally allowed.

• How far can I go?

Your electric bike’s range means how far you can ride it on one single charge and will depend on your battery’s capacity (measured in Watt-hours (Wh)). But several external factors can affect how far your electric bike can go:

• The level of assistance you are using
• How much you weigh and if you carry extra luggage
• The terrain style
• The style of ride
• The weather
• The tyre pressure

Those factors will require more power from the motor and exhaust the battery quicker. To determine your Furo X approximate range, try our autonomy calculator to anticipate your journey.

• How is the battery charged and when does it need to be recharged? 

When you first get a new electric bike, take time to fully charge using the charger that has been provided with your bike.

Charging and care are the two most important factors when looking at extending the life of your battery. A flat battery will take between 4 to 6 hours to fully charge. The Furo X has a removable battery which can be charged on or off the bike. The battery does not have to be completely discharged before you recharge it again, we would recommend charging it when you reach 30%.

Fully discharging the battery can decrease its efficiency quicker while partial discharges with regular top-ups are recommended to extend the battery life.

• What’s the top speed of my e-bike

The main factor limiting the speed of your electric bike is your local regulations. Electric bikes will normally be restricted in the top speed they are allowed to assist you and will provide assistance up to 25mph in most of Europe. But, you can go faster than this by pedalling up to the fastest of your capacity but the assistance will disengage when you reach the 25mph limit.

• Are electric bikes water-resistant?

The Furo X can be ridden in the rain as the battery and motor are protected by water-resistant cases, allowing you to ride in the rain without any danger.  The bike is rated IP55 certified as such no dirt can actually enter the bike and it is protected from low-pressure water jets.

• How do you store an electric bike battery when not in use?

The optimal operational and storage temperature for modern Lithium-ion batteries is between 15°C and 23°C in a cool and dry place. Your Lithium-ion battery must be stored in a charged state, ideally at 60 percent of its capacity. Lithium batteries do not like to be left completely discharged, so if you do not use it, recharge your battery a minimum of once a month. A long discharge will result in deteriorating the internal components over time, the battery will fall into “deep discharge,” leaving it unable to charge

• What maintenance is needed on an electric bike?

Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to prolong the lifespan of your electric bike and keep it running smoothly. Check the tire pressure, rims, braking and lighting for proper operation before each ride. Under-inflated tyres put more strain on the motor and therefore decrease your range. To optimise your battery life, be sure to regularly maintain your tire pressure, which should be approximately between 40 and 60 PSI. We also recommend that you have your bike serviced once a year at your local bike shop.

• Do I need insurance for an e-bike?

Purchasing an electric bike is a significant investment you want to protect. Whilst ensuring your electric bike is not compulsory in England, there are multiple reasons to consider getting insurance. It is highly recommended to find a suitable policy in the event that you have an accident, which leaves you and your bike with a public liability cover as well as protection against theft and damage.

• How do I clean my electric bike? 

It is necessary to clean your electric bike regularly to ensure a longer service life and keep your bike working as it should. The frequency of cleaning will depend on usage. Most electric bikes these days are made with water-resistant sealed components that prevent the rain and dust from getting into the battery or the motor. Check the IP-rating of your bike before proceeding to clean. The Furo X is rated IP55 but you cannot completely submerge it, nor can you clean it with a jet wash as this can cause water to penetrate the seals. Instead, use a sponge and warm soapy water. Prior to cleaning your bike remove the battery and protect all electronic displays. We recommend equipping yourself with care products dedicated to bikes, such as a degreaser to clean the drivetrain, a disc brake specific cleaner and chain oil to keep it lubricated after cleaning (but never wait for it to be completely dry). Finish off with a dry cloth to remove any trace of water especially on the battery holder.

• What happens if my E-Bike battery runs out while I’m on a ride?

Your e-bike will work just like a traditional bicycle if your battery runs out of charge while out riding. You will have to simply pedal home! Some bikes might require more effort than on a traditional bike because of the additional weight but if you own a Furo X you won’t experience any drag and will be able to make it back home.