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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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New to electric bikes?  20 Common ebike questions answered 

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.

 

 

Bike Insurance? Does your electric bike need insurance?

Whilst ensuring your electric bike is not compulsory in England, there are numerous reasons to consider insuring your new ride. 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.

 

 

Keep your investment safe

Purchasing an electric bike is a significant investment you want to protect. There are different policies available on the market and you might want to shop around for the coverage that is right for you.

Assuming your home insurance policy provides the right cover is risky as you may only be covered while the bike’s at home. It is worth checking how much cover you are likely to receive as there are some strict conditions and limitations. Whereas specialist electric bike insurance policies often offer higher amounts of cover.

 

 

Electric Bike Insurance Cover

There are different policies available and factors you should consider when comparing ebike policies to find the coverage that is right for you:

  • Theft
  • Accidents and vandalism
  • Third-party liability insurance
  • Replacement cycle hire
  • Cycle rescue
  • Personnel accident
  • Other riders cover
  • Cover for accessories

 

 

Tips to prevent your electric bike from theft

Bike thefts reported to BikeRegister rose by 48% in June, compared to last year, so here are some tips to prevent your electric bike from being stolen in the first place:

  • Register your bike online
  • Invest in a high-quality lock
  • Protect your bike with an ImmobiTag identification chip
  • 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 every day
  • Don’t leave it parked in public for long periods of time
  • Failing to protect your bike adequately can also result in your insurance protection being invalidated.

 

The cost of specialised electric bike insurance is generally affordable but will vary depending on your policy and the add-ons that your policy offers to increase your coverage. Being on the safe side is always best as the damages you may be responsible for in the case of an accident can be significant.

 

 

Find more information about our UK theft and damage insurance packages here

 

 

Electric Bikes: Tips For New Owners

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.

 

Lithium-ion battery etura Folding electric bike

 

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

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.

 

Buying an electric bike

 

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.

 

 

Buying an electric bike

 

 

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.

 

 

Ebike Insurance

 

 

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.

 

 

air quality in major cities

 

 

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!

Folding Electric Bikes Are Brilliant. Here’s Why

There’s never been a better time to get a folding electric bike. As a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and convenient mode of transportation, they’re perfectly suited to urban living. In this post, you’ll see how much better a folding e-bike makes it to commute, run errands, and generally get around town.

 

Getting Around Town Is No Sweat

Riding an electric bike is a great way to burn off excess calories without breaking a sweat. Pedal away as much as you want to get your heart pumping; when you need to take a break, simply let the electric motor do the work. You’ll especially appreciate this every time you commute or ride to a social event as you won’t need to shower or change clothes when you arrive at your destination.

 

 

 

 

You’ll Be Riding Up That Hill With No Problems

You shouldn’t have to choose between struggling to pedal up a hill as your legs and lungs beg you for mercy or getting off and walking your bike up, which can be a hassle in itself. Your e-bike’s motor can power you up hills; you’ll also have a less strenuous ride when you’re carrying your rucksack, bags of groceries, or anything else you need to transport by bike.

 

 

 

Get Up To Speed Easily

There are times you need to accelerate from a dead stop quickly to keep up with traffic, both on roads and bike lanes. Your folding e-bike’s motor takes care of this for you instantly, giving you added peace of mind at intersections. Additional power can also benefit you when you need to overtake – just as long as you’re doing so with total awareness of what’s going on around you. After all, with extra speed comes extra responsibility!

 

 

 

 

How Convenient

Lightweight and foldable, yet incredibly durable, folding electric bikes are easy to store and carry. If you need to use public transport during your travels through town, you can quickly fold up your e-bike and carry it on with you. Because it takes up no more room than a large piece of luggage, your folding electric bike is far less of a bother to transport than a regular bike. 

When you get to your destination, you can keep your bike with you and store it without obstructing others. This beats locking it outside or putting it somewhere that’s going to annoy the people you live or work with. Since you can store your foldable electric bike indoors, you don’t need to worry about bike thieves taking off with your ride – in essence, your bike comes with a built-in security system. 

 

 

 

No Room Too Small

For the growing number of people living in micro-homes, storage space is a serious issue. No matter how small or big your home may be, folding electric bikes help you maximize your available space. You can store it pretty much anywhere – in a closet or corner, under a table or bed, or on a balcony or a hook in the foyer.

 

 

This advantage extends to car storage – when you want to take your e-bike with you on a road trip, fold it up and pop it in the boot. You no longer have the hassle of affixing your bike to a roof rack or folding down the back seat to fit your bike into your car. Bringing your own foldable electric bike also spares you the expense and risks of renting a bike during your travels.

 

 

 

 

 

Become An Eco-Road Warrior

Well, maybe not a warrior, we just like the way that sounds. The point here is that more bike riders mean less air pollution. Folding electric bikes are as environmentally friendly to ride as push-pedal bikes. They also happen to be a convenient, healthy, and fun way to get around.

 

 

 

Explore Your Options

To get a better idea of how much a folding electric bike can bring to your life, check out our Furo X. This popular e-bike fuses style, performance, and practicality – plus an abundance of extra features – to give you a riding experience that experts are raving about. If you’re looking for something that’s even lighter but still a dream to ride, take a look at our eTura.

 

We’re always available to answer your questions and help you choose the right folding electric bike for your needs, so get in touch with us.

Why Folding Electric Bike Sales Are Booming in 2020 

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. 

 

electric bikes and exercise

 

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!

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