What Is The Correct Tyre Pressure?

Emmanuelle Chatel February 2, 2021 No Comments Uncategorized

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.

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.

Virtual shopping experience: Have you tried it yet?

Emmanuelle Chatel November 17, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

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.

New to electric bikes? 20 Common ebike questions answered

Emmanuelle Chatel October 25, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

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.

Electric Bikes: Tips For New Owners

Emmanuelle Chatel August 25, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

It’s always exciting to receive a brand new bike so you must be keen to get the first spin in! Before you take out your new Furo X, here are a few tips to get the most out of it.

Speed limit

Legally, the UK legislation is based off European regulations, limiting the speed of electric bicycles to 15.5mph. The electric assistance cuts out automatically if the speed exceeds 15.5mph. However, you may want to change this speed limit if you use your bike in an area with different restrictions (for example, USA 19.8mph), or if you do not use your Furo X on public roads (for example on private property). All electric bicycles that meet these requirements can be ridden on any cycle paths and anywhere else that bikes are normally allowed without the need for insurance.

The different levels of assistance

The Furo X has 5 levels of assistance that can be adjusted via the onboard computer on the handlebars. In order to activate the assistance, all you have to do is pedal for the motor to engage. Each mode offers a level of assistance that allows you to pedal with minimal effort.

Level 1-2 – economical mode
Level 3-4 – normal mode
Level 5 – maximum sport assistance mode

For those who wish to ride without electric assistance like a classic 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.

Ebikes are water-resistant

You can ride your electric bicycle in the rain as the battery and motor are protected by water-resistant cases, allowing you to ride in the rain without any danger.

However, you cannot completely submerge your electric bicycle, nor can you clean it with a jet wash as this can cause water to penetrate the seals. Instead, clean it with a sponge and warm soapy water. Remember to remove the battery when cleaning your bike.

How to boost your range

As a key element of your electric bike, there are tips to prolong the life of your electric bike battery:

Use your electric bicycle preferably between 15°C and 35°C rather than in temperatures inferior to 15°C.
Don’t wait until your battery is completely discharged before recharging it. This can increase its capacity from 500 to up to 6000 cycles. (Optimal longevity is obtained when the battery is charged to 75% and discharged to 25%).
The optimum storage temperature for Lithium-ion batteries is 23°C in a cool place and at 60% capacity.
Moderate your average speed and the intensity of your acceleration and deceleration.

The lithium-ion cells used in your battery will achieve 500 full charge cycles before reaching 70% of their original capacity. Following this, the decrease in capacity will be linear. As described above, charging your battery to 75% of its capacity and using it up to 25% of its capacity will greatly enhance its life. In this case, in order to maintain performance, it is important to conduct a full charge and discharge every 10 to 15 recharge cycles.

It’s important to maintain your bike regularly

Regular cleaning and maintenance are necessary to prolong the lifespan of your bike and keep it running smoothly.

Check 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.

Be prepared for any eventuality and always carry tools and spare parts with you. Here is a list of the essential items you should have on hand during a bike ride to ensure that you can proceed to minor repairs:

a compact multi-functional tool
a puncture repair kit
a spare inner tube
a compact bicycle pump

Click to access the Getting Started Guide

Download your Owner’s Manual

Test our Range Calculator to anticipate your trips!

If you have any after receiving your Furo X, do not hesitate to contact us here

Why 2020 is the Year you Should Consider an Electric Bike

Emmanuelle Chatel August 13, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

The pandemic has changed the way we travel. As lockdown started easing, bicycle businesses reported that the demand for electric bikes skyrocketed, as people seriously started to consider alternatives and better ways to commute.

In the wake of the government encouraging people to go back to work, surveys show that the majority of employees are not comfortable returning to public transport for their commute because of coronavirus.

Public transport is seen as too risky, as well as shared mobility services. This is where electric bikes come in handy to avoid car use and close contact on crowded tube trains – we will now go through several reasons why electric bikes are a good idea.

Ebikes Make Cycling Easy and Accessible

Limited to 15.5mph, you do not need a licence to ride an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC), it does not need to be registered, taxed or insured. It can be ridden on roads, bike paths and other places where bicycles are allowed under UK law.
Electric bikes are easier to ride than normal bikes but still require pedalling. They will let you glide uphill, accelerate smoothly and cover miles of distance with little effort! The motor boost on hilly sections allows you to wear work clothes without turning up to work sweaty and exhausted! You can think of it as a car replacement to undertake short journeys and reduce reliance on cars. They also ease the transition to riding, helping people switch from four wheels to two.

Improve Your Overall Fitness

It’s a great way of getting people to have a moderate-intensity activity regularly, helping them build their fitness level and giving them the confidence to go further. Cycling with an electric bike is still an exercise and therefore good for your health. The main benefit is that you can choose the level of effort you put in, for example, our Furo X has 5 levels of assistance, allowing you to work your way up to more challenging rides.
E-bikes appeal to a potentially wide range of riders athletes to older people, including those suffering from impairments, disabilities or getting back into exercise post-injury or after a long absence.

Save on Transport Expenses

Cutting your commuting costs, spending less time in traffic and boosting your overall health are the main reasons why e-bikes are a popular choice. They are a perfect way to combine moderate exercise with a commute and maybe save on gym memberships for those who cycle regularly!
Compared with public transport and driving a car, e-bikes will save you money in the long run. The only expense is the initial investment and maintenance, the latter being minimal. The cost of electricity to charge the battery is also minor (about 20p per 150km in the UK). Plus, several companies are taking part in the Cycle to Work scheme which allows you to get tax-free bikes and accessories.
Many short car trips can easily be replaced and cycling for commuting instead can save you a ton of gas and car-park fees, which in turn can save you hundreds to thousands of pounds per year.

Help Cut Air Pollution

Air pollution is not just irritable, it is dangerous. It is stated as a UK national public health emergency since 2016. The emissions from transports are a major source of air pollution and a contributor to the poor air quality in cities. However, we have seen dramatic improvements in the air quality throughout London as a result of the significant decrease in traffic during the lockdown.
Becoming ever more popular, cycling can bring large improvements in air quality and electric bikes offer an exciting opportunity to slash transport carbon emissions, reduce congestion and improve mobility. The Department for Transport has since taken action to promote sustainable urban mobility and stated that changes are being made to implement transport policies to remove polluting vehicles from roads and increase the use of active travel by 2025.
Now is the perfect time to grab an e-bike and play a key role in reducing air pollution! Long term benefits being the reduction in air pollution and emissions.

Government Willing to Create a New Era For Cycling

Desperate for green solutions which allow people to get to work without risking their health on public transport, the government have funded work with local authorities across the country to help make it easier for people to use bikes to get around.

https://twitter.com/SadiqKhan/status/1286388970289537025?s=20

The UK government is now offering first of their kind financial incentives for the use of ebikes over cars by issuing vouchers for cycle repairs and introducing the Cycle to Work scheme, an option which gives a discount on the cost of a new bike to help encourage employees to take up cycling in their everyday routines.

U.K. transport secretary Grant Shapps has announced what he calls a “once in a generation” £2 billion plan to boost cycling and walking both during and after the lockdown.

Pop-up bike lanes with protected space for cycling, wider pavements, safer junctions, and cycle and bus-only corridors will be created in England within weeks as part of a £250 million emergency active travel fund – the first stage of a £2 billion investment.

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps said: “During this crisis, millions of people have discovered cycling – whether for exercise or as a means of safe, socially-distanced transport. We know cars will continue to remain vital for many, but as we look to the future we must build a better country with greener travel habits, cleaner air and healthier communities.”

So, could an e-bike be the answer to your post-lockdown commute? If you’ve been thinking about buying an electric bike but have been hesitant to pull the trigger, why not book a test ride and see for yourself!

Why Folding Electric Bike Sales Are Booming in 2020

Eliott Wertheimer June 19, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

Our city streets have gone electric. If you’re living in an urban centre or been to one recently, you’ve probably noticed the increasing number of eco-friendly vehicles like folding electric bikes and scooters zipping to and fro. This electric bike sales boom shouldn’t really come as a surprise, as conditions are ideal for growth.

We’re going to see a lot more electric bicycles on the roads; Deloitte predicts that global ebike sales will skyrocket to 130 million over the next three years. There are many factors contributing to the rapid, and ongoing, growth of the personal transportation industry. We’re going to take a look at a few of the more significant ones.

Electric Bikes Make It Easier to Get Around in The New Normal

The novel coronavirus has forced us into “The New Normal”, where “normal” means lockdowns, remote working, social distancing, and facemasks. COVID-19 has also prompted a surge in bicycle sales in part because they make it easier to adhere to social distancing rules.

With an electric bike, you save yourself the stress of sharing public transport space with other commuters. In addition to minimizing the risk of exposure to the coronavirus, commuting on an ebike also means no more cheek-to-jowl rides on crowded busses or subways during peak hours.

Governments Are Making it Better to Bike

To reduce traffic congestion and air pollution that comes with population growth and increasing urbanization, our governments want us to cycle.

To encourage us to ride our bikes in town, all levels of government are investing in cycling infrastructures, with a focus on creating dedicated lanes. For instance, the UK has committed £250 million to the construction of new bike lanes and safer junctions. With a budget of €300 million, Paris is building 400 miles of pop-up bike lanes and transforming the city’s biggest cross-city through route into a bike-only highway. Local governments are also offering subsidies and other ebike incentives to drive adoption and push eco-friendly initiatives.

These programs and incentives have helped spur electric folding bike sales globally, especially in Western Europe, the US, China and Singapore.

Clean Transportation for Clean Air

Even without the threat of coronavirus and other airborne illnesses, more people are enjoying the fresh air and personal space they get when getting around town on an electric bike. While “fresh air” doesn’t immediately come to mind when talking about urban centres, lockdowns have resulted in less congested streets, which has caused a drop in pollution levels.

The rise of the electric bike can also be attributed to more environmentally conscious consumers. As they reduce their personal carbon footprints, they’re preserving the huge improvements in air quality that cities across the globe have experienced during COVID stay-at-home orders and business closures.

A Quicker, Cleaner, More Comfortable Commute

With all the improvements cities are making to their cycling networks, commuters have even more reasons to buy eco-friendly folding electric bikes. If, like most of us, you travel to and from the office during peak hours, bike lanes keep you out of gridlock, enabling you to travel more quickly than you would in a car or bus.

More commuters also see the value in riding a bike that is less physically demanding. As an e-cyclist, you put in less effort than a regular cyclist, so you’re not going to arrive at work sweaty and in need of a shower and a change of clothes. On commutes where the motor does all the work, you simply need to expend a few seconds of energy unfolding and folding your electric bike at the start and end of each ride.

Electric Bikes Are for All Fitness Levels

The opportunity to enjoy the health benefits of cycling at a comfortable pace, regardless of fitness level, has also contributed to the ongoing surge in ebike sales.

Because they require less physical effort to use than a normal bike, electric bikes make cycling appealing to those who might be concerned about overexerting themselves. So if you feel like you could be in better shape, a folding electric bike is a great way to start exercising. You can let the motor do the work when you need to, such as when you’re going uphill, riding into headwinds, or transporting something heavy.

Electric Bike Technology Keeps Getting Better

Continuous innovations are also helping drive new and upgrade electric bike sales. The lithium-ion batteries that power them are lighter, cheaper, and more powerful than ever. Many use the same cells used in the Tesla Model S, and some include a USB output so you can charge your smartphone, tablet, or any other device while you’re riding.

Technological advances also include safety and comfort features that are important to riders. For instance, integrated wireless turn indicators, bright front and rear LED lights, and onboard computers give you peace of mind and convenience that help ensure a great riding experience every time you hit the road.

Advances in the construction of the bikes themselves have also increased their appeal. E-bikes made of carbon fibre are both lightweight and robust. Easy to fold, unfold, carry, and store, folding electric bikes are especially popular among RV owners and people who live in small spaces.

Electric Bikes Are Trending, Not Trendy

E-bikes and other modes of electric personal transportation are riding a rising wave of popularity. With increasing awareness of the benefits they bring to air quality and quality of life, more people are opting to get around town on folding electronic bikes. Governments are giving us even more incentive to become a part of this rapidly growing trend.

While the tech is improving, ebikes are getting more affordable. For instance, our Furo X offers premium features at an accessible price. If you’re looking for something even smaller, our eTura is an ultra-compact folding electric bike that you can carry and store pretty much anywhere. If you’d like help choosing your ebike, we invite you to get in touch with our helpful team!

Urban air quality after the lockdown: How eBikes can help

Eliott Wertheimer April 29, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

Over the past few weeks, the world has been on lockdown. Travel has been restricted, restaurants, cafes, and other public places are closed, and the streets are virtually empty. It’s a strange and stressful time for most of us, but there is one silver lining of being forced to stay at home. Less activity means less pollution, and the air quality of major cities has been drastically improved. Not only does this give the Earth a welcome respite, but it could also lead to a drastic change in attitudes towards emissions and our common modes of transport.

Changes in air quality

In London, Birmingham and other large urban areas in the UK, nitrous oxide (NO2) and tiny particle pollution have dropped by approximately 33%, with some areas seeing drops of up to 50%. London’s air quality, in particular, is now at the lowest level since the year 2000 when the population was 2 million less than it is today! Nitrous oxide and tiny particle pollution are “the two air pollutants that have the biggest health impacts on people”, according to the National Centre for Atmospheric Science. Poor air quality is estimated to cause 110 premature deaths every single day, and that’s just in the UK.

It’s not just the UK that has seen improvements, the air quality in major cities around the world is strikingly better. Cities like Milan, New Delhi, and Jakarta are enjoying noticeably better air and clearer skies, which can be seen in these side-by-side images. Perhaps the most striking outcome is that the Himalayas are now visible from 125 miles away in parts of India for the first time in 30 years!

Change in attitudes

These improvements in air quality show three things. Firstly, it very clearly shows just how polluting our current methods of transport are. Secondly, it shows that our cities (and the wider planet) can recover very quickly if we stop adding pollutants to the air. And thirdly, it shows that we need to seek alternative methods of personal transport for the masses because our current methods (specifically cars) aren’t sustainable in their current form. Something needs to change, for the sake of our lungs and our planet. It’s a sentiment that’s shared by Dr Benjamin Barratt of King’s College London.

Electric bikes could be the solution we’re all looking for, and we aren’t just saying that because we make them!

Electric bikes are an emission-free mode of transport, and they’re more accessible than regular bikes thanks to the motor’s assistance. Those who may not feel fit enough to complete their entire commute by bike, or those who may have felt vulnerable while cycling on roads, can now enjoy the pleasure of riding a bike without having to solely rely on their own power.

Ebikes are still an excellent form of exercise, with studies showing that an ebike has a comparable effect on the rider’s heart rate and calories burned as a regular bike. With more people riding eBikes, there’ll also be less congestion in cities during rush hour (since a bike takes up far less space than a car). Not to mention how much cleaner the air can be, especially in major cities like London. You can read more about the benefits of electric bikes here.

We hope that the recent improvement in air quality leads to a change in attitudes toward electric bikes. We hope that more people see the benefits of these brilliant machines, and what they can do for our cities and our health.

If you want to be a part of the future of transport today, then check out our range of electric bikes. They’re all emission-free and road legal in the UK, making them the perfect way to get around the city. Our Furo X is one of the most powerful folding eBikes you can buy, making it fun, fast, and practical. Perfect for commutes, leisurely weekend bike rides, and everything in between.

Electric mountain bikes vs Mountain bikes: What is the Difference?

Eliott Wertheimer April 22, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

The advent of electric mountain bikes has been a bone of contention within the mountain bike (MTB) community. Some people see using an electrically-assisted mountain bike as cheating, whereas others think they’re a great evolution in biking and that there’s room for both eMTB riders and MTB riders. Here we discuss some key differences between electric mountain bikes and traditional mountain bikes to help you decide whether you should buy one.

Target audience

Mountain bikes are aimed at a very particular niche. People who love cycling off-road, and those who are fit enough and experienced enough to ride over such dangerous terrain safely. It takes a lot of practice to get good, and it’s an exciting but also very gruelling activity. Electric mountain bikes aim to open up the activity to more people.
They’re aimed at those who are less experienced at cycling off-road, or perhaps older people who wouldn’t feel comfortable going off-road without some electrical assistance. Even experienced mountain bikers who are recovering from an injury can enjoy the benefits of an electric motor. It also opens up the activity for your friends and loved ones, who want to join you on your mountain bike adventures but aren’t able to keep up. E-mountain bikes lower the barriers to entry for mountain-biking so more people can enjoy it.

Do more with an electric mountain bike

Following on from the previous point, as well as allowing more people to take part in mountain biking, e-mountain bikes allow even experienced riders to do more than they otherwise could. With assistance from the electric, you can ride faster, travel further, and conquer tougher terrain. Peaks that were previously out of reach can now be reached, and steeper inclines are easier to ascend now you don’t have to rely solely on your own power.
Electric mountain bikes allow many people to do more within the sport of mountain biking than they otherwise could. Purists may see it as cheating, we see it as technology helping us to achieve more than we previously thought possible. Is sending an email “cheating” when compared with writing a letter by hand? Of course not!

As a form of exercise

A criticism that mountain bike enthusiasts may have regarding electric mountain bikes is that they’re a less effective form of exercise. The claim is that the electric motor takes much of the strain away from the rider, thus making the activity less of a workout. The logic makes sense, but is this actually the case? A good way to test this is to compare the average heart rates of a person riding a mountain bike vs an e-mountain bike. One experiment did just that and found that the heart rates are almost identical, suggesting that both vehicles are an excellent form of exercise. Riders shouldn’t be worried about skimping on exercise if they choose an electric mountain bike over a traditional mountain bike.

Weight difference

The battery and motor of electric mountain bikes add considerable weight, so much so that they can be twice as heavy as traditional mountain bikes. You’ll certainly notice this when you have to carry or push the bike over rocks, a stream, or even up to some stairs. That being said, when you’re actually riding the bike, you’ll hardly notice the added weight thanks to the motor. The assistance provided will carry the lion share of the extra weight, so it’s effectively cancelled out. Also, the added weight may actually give you more stability and control when riding downhill.

Battery vs no battery

A natural concern that many may have in with regards to the battery life. With a traditional mountain bike, you only need to worry about your legs running out of juice. An electric mountain bike brings with it some more potential worries. What if you forget to charge it fully before setting off for a day on the hills? And what if the battery runs out while you’re miles from anywhere?
The truth is, ebike batteries are excellent nowadays, and they’re likely to last longer than you can! It may take some extra organisation to ensure your bike is fully charging before you embark on your journey, but it’s unlikely to run out of battery before you call it a day. Plus, if the worst should happen and your battery does die before you’re finished, it’s still a fully-functioning bike – you can just ride it home! You won’t have any assistance, of course, but you won’t need to push it by hand.
At their core, both mountain bikes and their electric cousins are very similar in how they’re used. While electric mountain bikes cater for a wider audience, there’s no need to see them as a “challenger” to traditional mountain bikes. There’s space for both in the world, and electric mountain bikes may act as a gateway to mountain bikes for some people. If you’re interested in buying an electric mountain bike, check out our very own Sierra. An extremely powerful, rugged yet comfortable e-mountain bike.

Electric bike terminology explained: Jargon busting

Eliott Wertheimer April 6, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

The world of electric bikes is filled with jargon and it can all be a little confusing to those who are new to it. We hope to clear up some uncertainty around electric bike terminology by explaining the keys terms you’re likely to hear when researching ebikes.

TYPES OF ELECTRIC BIKES

First off, not all electric bikes are created equal. There are a few different types of electric bike, and they have certain features that set them apart from each other.

Pedelec (or EAPC)

A Pedelec, otherwise referred to as an electrically assisted pedal cycle (EAPC) is what many people think of when they hear the term “ebike”. It’s a bike with a motor that assists the rider’s pedalling – it does not provide assistance unless the rider is pedalling. In the UK and Europe, Pedelecs are limited to a power output of 250W (we’ll discuss this unit later) and 15.5mph (25kph), meaning the motor will switch off if the bike exceeds this speed. They’re legal to ride, treated exactly like a traditional pushbike in the eyes of the law. Our Furo X is a perfect example.

S-Pedelec

An S-Pedelec is much like a Pedelec, the key difference being the speed at which the electric motor switches off. S-Pedelecs assist the rider up to speeds of (45kph) and have a power output of 500W. Given this high-speed capability, they’re not legal for general use. In order to use one in Europe and the UK, riders will need to register and insure the vehicle and possess a driving licence. And yes, the “S” stands for Speed.

E-mountain bikes

E-mountain bikes (E-MTBs) are simply electric mountain bikes. As a result, they’re hardier than other ebikes, with better suspension, different tires and braking systems, and additional weight-carrying capabilities. As long as they conform to the EAPC standards, they’re legal to ride in the UK and Europe. Take our very own Sierra as an example.

Twist & Go bikes

Twist & Go bikes are bikes that you do not need to pedal in order to make them move. Much like a motorbike or moped, you simply twist the throttle in order to go (hence the name). These aren’t road legal in the UK and are treated the same as motorbikes due to the lack of pedalling involved.

MOTOR

The motor is a key component of an ebike. It’s the part that converts electrical energy, supplied by the battery, to mechanical energy. In other words, it uses the electricity supplied by the battery to help make the ebike move.

The following are terms that are closely associated with motors.

Power

Power is the rate of “doing work” or transferring energy over time. The more power a motor produces, the more energy it converts each second. To put it in context, more powerful ebikes are faster than less powerful ebikes because they produce more mechanical energy (or do “more work”) per second.

Watts (W)

Watts are a unit of measure used to describe the power output of a motor. The standard way of measuring power is in Watts.

Torque

Torque is the rotational power of the motor. The higher the torque, the more turning power the motor produces, and the better the bike is at assisting the rider. Torque is particularly important when travelling uphill.

Newton-metres (Nm)

Newton-metres are a unit of measure used to describe the torque output of a motor. In other words, torque is measured in Newton-metres.

BATTERY

The battery is the other key component of an ebike. It’s the part that supplies electrical energy to the motor. The following terms are closely associated with batteries.

Lithium-ion batteries

While there are many types of batteries, most ebikes use lithium-ion batteries (including our ebikes). They’re a type of rechargeable battery that’s very lightweight for the energy it provides. Lithium-ion batteries can be found in a range of electrical devices, including smartphones and laptops.

Range

The range is simply the distance an ebike can travel one a single charge. The range of an ebike will be affected by the size of the battery, how efficiently it uses power, its weight, the terrain on which you’re riding, the incline, and even the direction and strength of the wind. We designed an online range calculator to evaluate the range of light electric vehicles.

Volts (V)

A volt is the standard unit of measure to describe electrical potential between two points. In other words, voltage is the energy per unit of charge. It’s the “push” that moves electrical charges from one point to another (giving us a current).

Watt-hours (Wh)

Watt-hours are the unit of measurement used to describe a battery’s capacity. The higher the Watt-hours, the higher the capacity of the battery, and therefore the greater the range of the ebike (as a general rule).

Amps (A)

Amps are the standard unit of measurement for current, which is the rate of flow of electrical charge. The higher the amps, the faster the flow of electrical charge.

Ampere-hours (Ah)

Ampere-hours is a unit of measure that describes the rate of the flow of current over time. It can be thought of as the amount of energy that passes a particular point in an hour and is often used to describe a battery’s capacity.

OTHER FEATURES

As well as the technical, scientific terms, there are a number of features that are common to most ebikes. It’s helpful to be aware of them when you’re researching which ebike you should buy.

Walk assist

Walk assist is a useful feature that helps riders to move their ebike around when they’re unable to ride, or help them to start riding. The motor accelerates the ebike to a speed of approximately 6kph, making it easier when walking with the bike or when you’re just starting to pedal. It’s especially useful when you’re setting off on an incline.

Regenerative braking

Regenerative braking is another innovative feature that improves the energy efficiency of an ebike. When braking, kinetic energy is lost as you slow down. With regenerative braking, the ebike will store this energy instead of allowing it to be lost. In essence, it charges the battery a little each time you use the brake.

We hope this guide is useful and helps you to make a more informed choice of an electric bike. Start by checking out our very own Furo X, one of the most powerful folding ebikes you can buy!

Coronavirus Chaos: How to move around London without risk

Eliott Wertheimer March 30, 2020 No Comments Uncategorized

The coronavirus pandemic has thrown the world into disarray. In the UK, as elsewhere, the government has placed severe restrictions on movement. Restaurants, cafes, bars, cinemas, and just about any other location where gatherings could potentially take place have been closed down, whilst home working has been recommended for all but a handful of ‘key workers’.

The message from Prime Minister Boris Johnson is loud and clear –’Stay at home’. If you happen to be one of these key workers, however, you may be left wondering how you can get to work without the risk of picking up or spreading coronavirus.

The latest reports from London show that tubes and trains are still packed during rush hour – perfect conditions for this disease to pass from person to person. As fewer services are running and stations closed, those who do have to travel around the capital (and many that don’t) are cramming into carriages.

In order to prevent the spread of this disease and the NHS from being overwhelmed, two things need to happen: firstly, we repeat, stay at home; secondly, seek other ways of moving around the capital that are less risky.

As it happens, we might just know the ideal alternative to the tube during this troubled time.

Pedalling against the pandemic

If you’re a key worker, one of the most secure ways to avoid contracting or spreading COVID-19 on your commute is by getting on a bike. Now, you could use a standard old-fashioned bike, but this pandemic has caught you unaware and you might not be in the best shape to pedal across the capital. An eBike is the answer, and here’s why.

Motor-assistance – Electric bikes are fitted with lithium-battery-powered motors that assist you up to a maximum speed of 15.5 mph. This means you can get to your workplace without breaking a sweat, and probably faster than you would with the tube anyway.
Sustainability – Electric bikes are an environmentally-friendly way of getting around. Whilst pollution has plummeted in London since the beginning of the outbreak, riding an eBike certainly won’t dirty the capital’s air.
Reliable – TfL has closed more than 40 stations around London and reduced most services to a weekend rota. Although it’s committed to ensuring key workers are able to reach their destinations, travel is likely to be disrupted. With an electric bike, however, commuters can take control and be where they need to without delays.

Cycling during Coronavirus

Cyclists must adhere to the normal rules when cycling during Coronavirus outbreak. This includes regularly washing hands, not touching your face, and severely limiting social contact. Specific consideration for cyclists is to be wary of touching handlebars, helmets, and any other equipment. Preliminary research has shown that the virus can live on surfaces from anywhere between a few hours to days, so it’s highly advisable to wash your hands as soon as you’ve finished your ride to your workplace or home.

Everyone must do what they can to stop the spread of coronavirus. For most, this means staying inside and avoiding all but the most essential contact with people from other households. For others, especially those deemed as ‘key workers’, this means reducing the risk of contracting and spreading the virus. Alongside thorough hygiene practices, choosing alternative modes of travel like an electric bike will help to stop the spread of this disease.

FuroSystems make a range of electric bikes to aeronautical design precision. Our eBikes offer commuters a fast, efficient, and green way to travel to-and-fro. Check out theFuro X – the first ever full-carbon folding electric bike.

Tag: electric bikes