Batribike electric bicycles

Snowy Batribike

2012-02-10T14:32:00.002Z

Extra snow yesterday has made our parking area very pretty in todays sunshine.

Top Tips for Safer Cycling

2012-01-17T17:13:00.001Z

We like to think that you are out there cycling safely. Transport for London agrees with us and have published this great advice.

Top Tips for Safer Cycling

Be alert

Be aware that there are blind spots all around large vehicles. It's often safer to hang back.

Pay attention to what's going on around you and what other road users might do.

Make eye contact with drivers so you are sure they have seen you.

Get seen

Wear bright clothing in the day and reflective clothing or accessories at night.

Use lights after dark - white at front and red at rear. You may be fined £30 if you don't have them.

Use appropriate hand signals when making a left or right turn.

Consider wearing a helmet.

Be in the right place

Ride assertively, away from the gutter. If the road's too narrow for vehicles to pass you safely, it may be safer to ride in the middle of the lane to prevent dangerous overtaking.

Ride in a straight line past parked cars, rather than dodge between them, and allow at least a full door's width between you in case a car door opens suddenly .

Waiting at traffic lights

Wait in front of other vehicles at traffic lights by using the advanced stop line for cyclists, if there is one.

Don't ride through red traffic lights. You may be fined £30.

Cycling in colder weather

Cycling in winter can be as easy and safe as it is in the summer months.

Invest in a lightweight waterproof jacket and non-slip gloves - they'll keep you warm and dry in rain, sleet or snow.

Consider mudguards, waterproof trousers and shoe covers as more water can come up off a wet road than down from the sky.

Wear breathable layers that you can take off and put on as the weather changes.

Regularly clean and oil your bike chain to keep your bike running smoothly and remember to check your brakes and tyres.

Carry a spare inner tube, pump and tyre levers (in case you have a puncture) and make sure you know how to use them.

Invigorating Electric Bike Ride

2012-01-16T16:35:00.005Z

The hard frost this morning made me wonder if today really was the day to be out test riding electric bikes. The sun was shining brightly though, and by lunch time most of the frost was gone from the sunny side of the lawn.

It was really nice that there were two of us out riding today, usually it's just me on my lonesome. It was exactly the right time of day to be out. The sunshine was beautiful and really made a difference to the temperature.

We were out looking for some rough tracks to really put the bikes through their paces. We found an unsurfaced road with loads of little potholes all close together. It was actually rather fun to ride over them.

I bounced along giggling as the bike found some strange harmonic that made it seem like it was prancing across the ground. Considering the fact that the ground here was still covered in frost I was very impressed with the sure footedness of the bike. Despite the bouncing it didn't falter once and felt very stable.

Our rough track test over we rode back through the park. Hylands House was magnificent in the winter sun and the parkland trees very statuesque against the blue sky.

Sunny Day for Test Ride

2011-12-09T16:48:00.003Z

All our electric bike testing seems to be done in the winter! This is probably because we are so busy at other times of the year - and this is the time to look at the new models we might have up our sleeves for the spring.

The potential new lighter weight bike we are prototype testing at the moment already has a name - the "Sprint". It is a trendy, sporty looking bike.

Today I got to take the Sprint round my usual haunts to see how it performed. The weather really made it a pleasure to be out there, blue sky and sunshine almost made me forget the gales of yesterday. There were some sections of the ride however where it was a bit blowy and the wind had a definite edge to it. I was glad to be wrapped up warm with my super gloves on!

It was a joy to be outside after several days cooped up in the office. The trees were looking good, I usually prefer them with leaves on, but today with the sun you could really appreciate their architectural lines. The red berries on some were shining out just like miniature Christmas lights, and a willow with some uppermost leaves still on, shone out silvery white.

There were lots of little hedge birds popping in and out along the ditch line and I saw one squirrel rummaging in the leaves.

One of the fields I passed has been ploughed recently and the soil was a rich velvety brown in contrast to all around that was shining in the sun.

28 lovely miles ridden, I'm hoping for some more good weather over the next couple of weeks as I test out all the settings, and give the Sprint a real work out.

A sneaky preview gives a glimpse of the upswept mudguard!

Lithium Battery Improvements on the Horizon

2011-11-29T12:05:00.002Z

Recent news from scientists in America reveals that in the future Lithium Batteries could have an even bigger range.

The breakthrough has come about with the development of a new type of polymer which is better than the current material and is relatively economical to manufacture.

The benefits to the electric bike market could be excellent. Higher energy storage values mean that greater distance per charge can be achieved, or batteries could be made smaller and lighter for the same distance.

The new material is still in the development stage at the moment but we can look forward to using this new technology in the future.

Islay's Cycling Coffee Stop!

2011-11-28T12:23:00.003Z

Last week we were privileged enough to stop off for a coffee at Debbies famous coffee shop at Bruichladdich on the Scottish isle of Islay.

The coffee and cake was excellent and the cycling memorabilia worth a quick picture (or two).

Early Training!

2011-11-16T12:58:00.003Z

A passion for bikes is something that starts from a young age, so I couldn't resist sharing this picture of our technical and social media departments in their formative years!

Here at Batribike we are still passionate about bicycles, especially those with electric motor assistance.

Batribike in Jet Set Lifestyle

2011-11-09T12:46:00.003Z

It's only some of us that are jet setting and really it's not as glamorous as you'd think! Living out of a suitcase is only fun the first time. But the news for Batribike is quite exciting.

Steve had only just come back from visiting the factory in China, and then he was off again, this time to the Bike show in Milan.

Steve with Bruce, Cynthia and Rain at the Milan Bike Show

Bikes on the stand in Milan

Our Trike 20 is on display in Milan!

I too was out and about, (but not internationally), in Lincolnshire yesterday, braving the horrors of road closures that sent me scurrying down the back lanes to Tattershall. The Autumn leaves are still looking spectacular and the mild weather is keeping the winter chill away.

More Choice on Where to Buy

2011-10-28T15:09:00.003+01:00

We are delighted that there is now more choice of where to buy your Batribike electric bike. New stockists are now listed on our website.

Welcome to our new dealers, In the north, Ian Gerrard Cycles, who are in Bedlington, Northumberland. Over in Merseyside, Wirral E-Bikes at N&C Jet Ski and down on the south coast it's a big hello to Stowaway Bikes in Birdham, West Sussex.

Motorhomes, Caravans and Electric Bikes

2011-10-18T20:18:00.004+01:00

Whew, what a busy week we had last week.

The Motorhome and Caravan Show at the NEC showcased new models for the coming year. Reduced ticket prices this year meant a record number of visitors, the opening day saw 15,000 leisure enthusiasts packing the halls and 25,000 on Saturday.

The Batribike stand was busy everyday with show goers finding out about the attractions of Electric Bikes, many of them tried one out for themselves in the test ride area.

We were delighted to be asked by Chausson to be part of the demonstration of their 'Bike Up' system of storing bikes in a motorhome garage. We lent them a Granite which we think you'll agree looks very stylish.

The winner of a Quartz Folder in the Caravan Club competition takes a spin on the test track

Batribike Breeze on the Gadget Show

2011-10-06T09:38:00.002+01:00

There was great excitement in the office when the Gadget Show phoned and asked if they could borrow the Breeze for an up coming programme.

We packaged the bike up and sent it off, we didn't know what the programme would be about and so waited with interest to hear back. The Bike duly returned and we were told the date of the show, series 16, episode 8.

We had seen electric bikes on the Gadget Show before and knew that they get a huge range of bikes to test and that there was a good chance that ours would not be pictured, let alone mentioned.

The premise of the challenge was car valeting, Ortis and Pollyanna needed to choose a compact means of transport to collect cars quickly.

The show went out on Monday, with a repeat showing this coming Saturday. We were delighted that right from the beginning of the segment there were close up shots of the Breeze, part of the attraction may have been it's lovely Wine Red colour - there's no doubt, it is an attractive bike.

Pollyanna chose to test ride the Breeze and commented on how easy it is to fold. Whilst she felt it wasn't as fast as one of the other bikes we know that it's gentle 'no drama' power is a hit with our customers. What a great endorsement of our bike.

Exposure on TV on the Gadget Show is great for the electric bike industry as a whole, it shows the diverse range of bikes available to the consumer and raises awareness of the many and varied uses of electric pedal power.

You can view the segment on the bikes here

Batribike, Busy at the NEC Cycle Show

2011-10-04T14:48:00.006+01:00

The new venue for the Cycle Show proved to be popular with electric bike manufacturers with several brands new to the show displaying their bikes.

The increase in the size of the test track meant that it was easier to get a real feel for the bike you were trying.

Bikes in the riding area before the show started

We had great feedback from the trade and retail customer alike with many commenting on how smoothly the power assistance came on and what great value the Batribike bikes are for the amount of technology they include.

Ralph with Patrick and Matt who were demonstrating Storck bikes and then with the Batribike Quartz and Granite

It was great to catch up with some of our current stockists who came to look round the show and visit us on the stand. We also had a chance to chat with other BEBA members about the electric bike industry as a whole.

Marty from GoEco in Eire (Batribike stockists) chatting with Steve on the stand

Chatting with Target Wheels at the exhibitors drinks party

Bikes all locked up on the stand at the end of the day on Saturday

I hear the show will be even bigger next year with companies that didn't attend this year clamouring for a space at next years event. We are certainly looking forward to being there again.

Ready for the crowds at the Cycle Show

2011-09-28T21:18:00.002+01:00

The Cycle Show has moved to the NEC this year, previously we had been trekking into London to Earls Court. The change of venue has given much more space for test riding with both the road bike and mountain bike tracks starting in the halls and then heading outside.

We set the Batribike stand up this afternoon amidst the hustle and bustle of other bike manufacturers and retailers wheeling around bikes and bike related products, as everyone gets to grips with the new show layout.

It has been a very warm day and the forecast is hot for the duration of the show so I guess there will be big queues for riding outside.

Hopefully I will get some good pictures to post on here in the next few days

Breeze, Folding Electric Bike, Now Available in Two Colours

2011-08-17T13:04:00.003+01:00

The really popular 'Wine Red' is now joined by 'Royal Blue'

The Breeze has been a popular bike this summer, it's attractive retail price of £749 has been matched by it's features. Three levels of pedal assist, twist grip throttle, 36v lithium battery and a 20 to 40 mile range plus the added advantage of being a folder give this bike great kerb appeal.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any better we've added another colour, side by side they look amazing!

Welcome to new Chelmsford stockist

2011-07-25T16:49:00.005+01:00

We are delighted to announce that The Cycle Company, of New Street, Chelmsford, Essex are now official stockists of the Batribike range of Electric Bikes.

The Cycle Company is a family business established in 1902 which prides itself on customer service. We popped along today to take some pictures for a press release and to see their window display.

We are very pleased to welcome Michael and the team on board.

Congratulations to Mark Cavendish!

2011-07-25T12:28:00.002+01:00

The first ever Brit to win the Green Jersey in the Tour de France. That is quite something and I'm sure he will remember that day forever.

British cycling has taken on quite a resurgence over the last few years, the success of the British Olympic Cycling Team has encouraged mere mortals out onto their bikes either in competition or for leisure.

This interest in cycling has also spilled over into electric bikes with customers wanting to join the cycling revolution. Indeed the feeling that assisted cycling gives you is that you too could be an Olympic cyclist, especially when ascending hills.

Boris on Bikes!

2011-07-22T14:41:00.002+01:00

I met Boris at Madam Tussauds yesterday and tried very hard to engage him in conversation about electric bikes but he was waxing lyrical about the TfL Barclays bikes!

Arrow Cycles Load up at Batribike

2011-07-08T15:33:00.003+01:00

The busy week at Batribike continues as Arrow Cycles came to restock.

Arrow Cycles, based in Lincoln, are our nearest dealer, Paul enjoys the drive into the countryside to visit our showroom and warehouse.

Arrow cycles opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9.00 - 17.30 and Friday and Saturday 9.00 - 17.00

The staff at Arrow Cycles are all keen cyclists and will be happy to advise customers on their purchase.

In the picture the very smart Arrow Cycles van being loaded.

The Clean Energy Centre Visits Batribike

2011-07-06T12:06:00.004+01:00

"Electric bikes are a fun, practical, low-carbon means of transport"

The Clean Energy Centre based in Newtown, Powys are passionate about helping people to reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions and are keen electric bike owners.

Jeremy and Jo visited the Batribike Showroom this week to view and test ride the full Batribike range. The weather was glorious and it was a great opportunity to really try out the paces of the bikes.

The Clean Energy Centre is a Batribike Stockist which offers bike hire as well as test rides. They are open 9.30 to 4.00 Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday and 9.00 to 1.00 on Saurdays

Full contact details can be found on the 'where to buy' section of the Batribike website.

Busy Time for Electric Bikes

2011-07-06T11:24:00.003+01:00

Things have been very busy at Batribike this week. We had a big delivery of bikes on Monday many of which went straight out to dealers so they should be in the bike shops now.

Electric Trikes are rapidly gaining in popularity with all the Trikes in the latest delivery being pre-sold and Trikes from the next delivery at the end of July already being reserved.

Our next show is the Northern Motorhome Show at the Cheshire Showground near Knutsford from 15th to 17th July.

Life, The Universe and Electric Bikes!

2011-06-08T10:01:00.005+01:00

Riding has been on hold for the last five and a half weeks, I fell over and hurt my arm (Royal Wedding Day actually) three trips to the hospital later and it was diagnosed as a fracture in my elbow. Apparently this is a common injury if you have an impact on your hand - so clearly I shouldn't have tried to save myself! As the elbow started to improve I realised that my wrist and shoulder were quite tender too, so I guess the whole arm took all the shock. Typically it was my right arm so it has made it quite difficult to do many things.

Shows have of course continued, I haven't done any lifting, but I have chatted to lots of lovely people about bikes in general, electric bikes specifically and loads of customers have been to tell us where they have been with their bikes and how much they are enjoying them.

Travelling between the shows we have seen giant swathes of Oxeye Daisies along the roadsides and across the fields and poppies too bringing a bright splash of colour.

So just when I thought the arm was nearly better and I could be out on the bikes again - I have a cold! now I know that shouldn't stop me but, it's in my head making me feel slightly un balanced and as I'm breathing through my mouth I think I'd rather not be sucking in any flies or other flying insects!

Hopefully this time next week I shall be out on the Lincolnshire lanes, and then we will be off to the 'Great Summer Escape' at Belvoir Castle. We are in the Green area there with our own individual riding area so it should be a good show.

Electric Bikes in the Lincolnshire Echo

2011-05-16T17:39:00.003+01:00

Following our visit from a reporter and a photographer we are on page 3 of the Lincolnshire Echo today! Also on their website so you can read it here, causing some discussion too with comments left already!

Local Press Visit Batribike Showroom

2011-05-14T14:55:00.003+01:00

The BEBA event with electric bikes at the House of Lords last Tuesday has sparked interest from the local press.

A reporter and photographer from the Lincolnshire Echo have been to the Batribike showroom this afternoon to interview me about the event at the House of Lords and to see the Bikes.

Photos were taken in the showroom and they also got pictures of Steve riding the Diamond outside.

Look out for the resulting editorial in the Lincolnshire Echo on Monday!

Review on BikeRadar

2011-05-12T11:15:00.000+01:00

The Batribike Granite is reviewed on BikeRadar today

We are delighted to see that they have said "Good value, decent weight and good range"

Electric Bike Day at Westminster

2011-05-11T13:37:00.003+01:00

Batribike attended the Electric Bike Day that was held by BEBA (The British Electric Bicycle Association) at the House of Lords yesterday.

The event was hosted by Lord Laird who introduced several influential speakers from diverging backgrounds such as the DfT, the Bicycle Library and the City Police Bike Squad.

MP's, transport planners and other influential guests had the opportunity to test ride electric bikes in the courtyard and in Black Rod's Garden.

We were delighted to demonstrate our Quartz folding electric bike to Simon Burns MP, Minister of State at the Department of Health.

Customer review

2011-05-04T17:11:00.003+01:00

We received this e-mail from Mr and Mrs H today and we are delighted to share their comments.

We purchased 2 Quartz 2011 model bikes from Locks of Sandwich, Kent in early January this year.

We just wanted to say how good they are and we are amazed how many miles per charge can be achieved. We haven't yet found a hill too steep to go up, even with just using the motor. I've seen some rather dismissive blogs about the power of Batribikes, but can assure you that these bikes do MORE than they say on the tin! The build quality is good, the lights bright and they fold up and down in seconds. Seat big and comfortable as well.

Please feel free to use this email in any reviews or blogs as we want other people to try them out.

Royal Wedding Delays Electric Bike Test

2011-04-30T14:43:00.003+01:00

Actually it was the rain! but I used that as an excuse and watched the Royal Wedding before I went out riding. The riding in question was testing the Breeze on throttle only, now I have been out throttle testing in the pouring rain before, it was a cold day and it was a job to keep warm with the rain stinging my face.

Yesterday it was definitely worth waiting, the afternoon was sunny and it was very pleasant to get out on the bike. Throttle testing takes a lot of will power as the urge to pedal sets in, but I resisted and had a great ride. Usually I try not to go out at weekends or holidays as the cycle/foot paths get busy but it seems everyone had stayed home to party and it was quieter than usual along the route.

I chatted to a couple of cyclists who were interested in the bike, neither of them had seen one up close before and both were impressed with the design and compact nature of the bike, also the distance I had been on throttle alone. Further along I met a man on an specialist Electric Trike who was interested in the testing aspect, he said that he often cycles my route as it has great scenery and is traffic free.

I was really pleased with the distance, 22 miles is pretty impressive on battery alone with plenty of torque to build the speed with ease.

Two Day Electric Bike Ride

2011-04-28T11:43:00.003+01:00

The weather over Easter weekend was superb and I had a brilliant break getting in some non bike related exercise, but it did leave me somewhat achy for the start of yesterday's test ride.

The new folding Breeze has three assist levels, low, medium and high. Last week I was distance testing on high which assists the rider up to 15 mph (the legal maximum). This week I needed to try medium, this gives less assistance and therefore goes further on a charge. The speed is also slower as I use the same minimum level of effort as for high assist, giving an average speed of between 8 and 10 mph.

It's funny how differently the world looks when you slow down those few miles and hour. I couldn't make out what was different to start with. Last week at the faster speed I didn't really notice the people, I was in a world of my own where the flora and fauna really stood out. Yesterday it was all to do with people (probably because it took longer to pass them!) and the wildlife took a back seat.

Firstly there was a whole group of school children wearing Hi Vis and riding their bikes single file between two adults, there was lots of excited chatter, I guessed they were out learning how to ride safely. (having previously taught Cycling Proficiency for ten years I am a firm believer in teaching children how to be safe on the roads. I always said that if they only thing they learn is to instinctively look behind at junctions or before they turn then it's all worth while).

The children weren't riding fast but it still took a little while to pass their convoy. Next there was a group of young mums doing exercise in the park, they jog down behind their pushchairs, when I passed them they were doing some really fast running on the spot.

I moved on and was away over the new bridge when I met two cycling police people coming the other way, it really is a good way to police the parks. It's nice to see the Police back out on bikes, I know that the City of London now has a crack team of cyclists who patrol the square mile, they have also been testing electric bikes.

Coming back through the park the cycling children had stopped and were practicing hand signals. On the stretch of tarmac here I could see where the Police horse had been riding, it's metal shoes had left a series of U shaped scuff marks.

In the early afternoon I met a couple of the assistants from the Kiddy Caru nursery, they had eight small children in an enormous cart, out for some after lunch fresh air. Back down by the river some children were out of school and were paddling - one girl still wearing tights and her school shoes! I wondered what her mum would say when she got home.

Later a gentleman on a bike came along side to ask what it was like to ride an electric bike, we had a lovely chat before our ways parted, normally I would have been going too fast for him to catch me!

So there you have it 37 miles yesterday and another 7 today to take it to 44 miles in total, very friendly miles with greetings called, and for me, a completely different view of the park.

Electric Bike Riding

2011-04-21T17:38:00.011+01:00

Yesterday was a glorious day for electric bike riding. Having just spent the last twenty days travelling aroundthecountry attending shows it was really good to be out riding again. Our new folder (the Breeze) was calling and I just had to get out riding.

The hedgerows had changed dramatically since I was out last, it seems like overnight summer has arrived, the wind was warm and it felt like July rather than April. But unlike summer the greens were really vibrant, the new leaves standing out dramatically against the blue sky. In the hedge bottoms white flowers and bright yellow dandelions vie for my attention while the dandelion clocks are almost perfect silvery balls as the sunlight transforms them.

One field of yellow caught my attention, the stalks were too short for it to be rape, but then I looked again and they were cowslips, a whole field of them!

Near here too were a series of flowering Broom, I could smell the blossom before I could see it.

There was plenty of wildlife about too, as usual loads of waterfowl on the reservoir,

and then to my surprise a grass snake zig zagged across the tarmac

in front of me and disappeared into the vegetation before I had chance to even think about taking a photo. Lots of small Orange Tip butterflies flitting around and then a man with a net catching flying things making a note on his clipboard and then freeing them again.

It was a superb ride of 29 miles a great start to the Easter weekend and now I'm looking forward to getting out there again next week.

New Electric Bikes Well Received at Peterborough Show

2011-04-18T10:38:00.002+01:00

Batribike displayed it's updated versions of the Diamond (step through) and Granite (cross bar) at the National Motorhome Show at Peterborough this weekend. The new bikes have an easy to read LCD fitted to the handlebars which gives riders the convenience of a built in cycle computer. Easy to operate buttons give six levels of pedal assist plus a selectable throttle and the addition of an easy start button.

The sunshine over the weekend brought crowds to the show and many got the opportunity to test ride the new models, the feed back was excellent and with advance orders taken we are looking forward to stock arriving in mid May.

Peterborough Show Expects Crowds

2011-04-14T19:37:00.003+01:00

The National Motorhome Show opened it's gates to ralliers at 1.00 today. Once again it looks as though it is going to be a fantastic event with the showground packed with trade stands.

The photo shows our stand just before the gates opened, we have a fantastic selection of electric bikes to try including a chance to try the brand new Breeze which is now available to pre-order for delivery in mid May.

Batribike Supports British Heart Foundation

2011-04-11T08:48:00.004+01:00

Batribike was approached in January by the British Heat Foundation regarding the benefits of electric bikes. We subsequently gave them some information about our bikes and a folding Quartz bike for their competition. The April edition of Heart Matters magazine is now out where you can read about the benefits of cycling as a whole.

Romsey Sunshine Brings out the Crowds

2011-04-08T18:31:00.005+01:00

The fantastic summer like weather has brought many motorhome and caravan fans to the lovely Broadlands near Romsey.

Batribike are showing their range of electric bikes and many showgoers have taken the opportunity to take a test ride.

The new advertising banner shows the perfect partnership of a Quartz folding electric bike and a WildAx motorhome.

Great Weather for Biking with Electric Assistance

2011-04-06T17:45:00.002+01:00

The sun is shining today and there couldn't be a better time to get out and try an electric bike. The weather at this time of year seems to change day by day. On Sunday we were at a show in Shepton Mallet and were treated to dark stormy skies, momentary heavy rain showers and even hail.

Today it is very summery with sunshine, blue skies and the birds singing. The daffodils are still out but now there are primroses and cowslips too.

Whatever the weather an electric bike can take you into the countryside with ease, taking the strain out of riding whilst you enjoy the scenery or getting you home quickly when there is that unpredictable shower.

Electric bikes are great for commuting too, the rising cost of fuel and parking issues are leading many more to commute by bike. The only issue is arriving hot and sweaty with no shower or changing facilities to help freshen up. An electric bike takes away the need to work hard to arrive within a reasonable time frame and levels out those hills!

There hasn't been a better time to test ride an electric bike, try one this weekend, see us at the Motorhome Show at Broadlands, Romsey near Southampton.

Batribike Electric Bikes in the Press

2011-03-31T15:27:00.005+01:00

We are pleased to be in several magazines at the moment including a review on the Granite in Cycling Plus magazine and reviews of the Quartz and Micro in the Camping and Caravan Club magazine.

One of our new retailers the Bike Shop, Newark was featured along with the Quartz in their local newspaper.

Cycling the Lanes

2011-03-24T10:03:00.008Z

Electric bike test riding again! The weather has been superb for the past week which has coincided nicely with some riding I needed to do. The first day (last Monday) was just a short recce, the weather has changed for the better and I was keen to get out on my favourite route.

The sky was blue but the was still that edge in the air, with leaves starting to show slightly green and one marvellously pink tree it did seem that the season was turning.

The next few days were slightly overcast and even a little misty, but the birds knew that spring was on the way. The bird song along the hedgerows has been fantastic, they have been swooping in and out of the hedges as I ride past. Even Friday when it lashed down with rain and really, I wasn't sure whether I wanted to be out there or not they were still singing their hearts out. After an hour in the rain, as my glasses dripped and my hands were cold, the weather started to improve slightly - it went from lashing to just drizzle! and I realised that actually it was great to be out there even on a day like that.

Yesterday was brilliantly sunny again and the breeze was warm too - a touch of early summer? Nature has moved on somewhat since last week, the pink tree is now over and looking rather drab, but the Hawthorn has sprung to life with a superb display and the fluffy brush catkins have almost a metallic gleam in the sunlight. The Celandines this year seem to be bigger than ever.

When I passed the man made lake the first time there was an abundance of waterfowl and my plan was to take pictures on the way back, of course by then most of them were out sitting on the grass! There was a large flock of gulls on the water though, but as I approached something spooked them and they lifted in unison and wheeled above the water, in a panic I grabbed the camera, wobbled to a stop and took a few shots, and I'm actually quite pleased with the outcome.

Over the past few days I have ridden over 220 miles in various weather conditions, but all of them have been enjoyable. I have used several different levels of electric assistance which I think will prove to be very popular and easy to use.

Motorcycle News - MCN - Today

2011-03-23T10:14:00.002Z

Electric bike in the pits at Brands Hatch!

Senior test rider Michael Neeves of MCN recently used a Batribike MIcro in the pits at Brands Hatch for the first round of the MRO Powerbike Championship.

Using a lightweight folding electric bike to get around the pits is ideal.

A report on how the championship round went together with a picture of Michael on the Batribike Micro is in todays MCN.

Folding Electric Bike on YouTube

2011-03-15T18:00:00.002Z

You can now see how to fold our Quartz electric bike on YouTube. We took some video while we were at the recent Boat, Caravan and Motorhome Show at the NEC.

How to Fold a Batribike Quartz Electric Bike

How to Unfold a Batribike Quartz Electric Bike

Batribike at Chepstow.

2011-03-05T18:45:00.000Z

Showing our Electric Bikes at different shows around the country means we get to do a lot of driving. We have just spent a whole week indoors at the NEC under artificial lighting and whilst it is a good show by the end of it you long to see proper daylight. So I really enjoyed the drive down to Chepstow from Lincoln, most of it is on the A46 that follows the old roman road, the Fosse Way that linked Exeter to Lincoln.

Much of our travelling lately seems to have been during dull grey days but there seemed to be a lightness in the air on Thursday and a hint of spring in the verges and hedgerows. The Snowdrops have been out for some time but to me they are still a flower of the winter, now there is the odd spark of bright green in the hedges and the willows have that lovely lush aura that heralds the beginning of the new leaves. In the gardens the yellow flash of the forsythia flowers against their stark brown stalks seem to say that spring is in the air.

Yesterday (Friday) was a glorious day the sun shone and the sky was a clear deep blue. There are tiny lambs in one of the fields the other side of the racecourse and they were jumping and running the way small lambs do, it seems incredible that they can spring into the air (much like a jump jet!) without so much as a run up, yet you never see sheep do the same thing.

Today has been much colder, it started out sunny but soon the white cloud covered the sky as a chilling breeze started to blow, but the promise of spring is still here, we saw it in the sky yesterday, the clocks will be changing soon bringing lighter evenings. I am looking forward to cycling my local tracks and watching the season unfold.

Boat and Caravan Show at the NEC

2011-02-27T11:01:00.001Z

Electric bikes have been proving very popular here at the NEC all week. Ralph has been busy demonstrating how easy it is to fold the Quartz.

Published with Blogger-droid v1.6.5

Electric Bicycles – A Buyers Guide

2011-02-16T15:57:00.007Z

Commonly asked questions and the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of electric bikes.

What is an Electric Bike?

a.k.a Battery bike, E bike, Pedelec, Battery Powered Bike

In it’s most basic form it is a bike with a motor, a battery and a controller to regulate speed and power.

Commonly asked questions

How fast will it go?

The law says that an electric bicycle should not be capable of more than 15 mph (25kph) under power.

The bike will go faster than that (going downhill or if you pedal really hard!) but not under power.

The average leisure cyclist rides at 8 to 12 mph – so 15 mph is actually quite quick!

Do I have to wear a helmet?

Not if you don’t want to.

Do I need Tax or Insurance?

No, as long as the bike conforms to the regulations for electric bikes it is classed as a bicycle and can be used on cycle paths etc.

Will it go up hill without me pedalling?

Electric bikes are designed to assist the rider and by their very nature will not climb the steepest hills with no assistance from the rider.

Do I have to pedal?

Yes, electric bikes are designed primarily as pedal assist, but they can make it a lot easier. They take the strain out of joints allowing the rider to exercise without over exerting or arriving hot and sweaty.

How do I choose the right one for me?

To decide which electric bike is best for you, first think about how you will use it.

Frame first – does it need to fold? Do you need a trike for stability? What size wheels do you prefer?

Distance – will you be using it for lots of short journeys or are you regularly riding for longer distances?

Level of assistance – How much help do you want the bike to give you? Do you want maximum assistance with minimum effort? Do you want to do most of the work but with assistance on hills? Do you want variable assistance so you can select the level of help for each journey?

When you know how you are going to use your electric bike it is much easier to choose the right one for you.

Pedal Assist – What does it mean?

Exactly what it sounds like, as you turn the pedals, the controller senses the movement and turns on the motor to help. When you stop pedalling the motor stops.

Types of Pedal Assist

Rotation Sensor – this senses the pedals are turning and switches the motor on at a pre-set speed. This type of system can be available with a single speed or selectable levels.

Advantages – You don’t have to push hard on the pedals to get maximum assistance. Selectable level versions are very versatile.

Disadvantages – Single level version goes at maximum speed all the time.

Torque Sensor – this additionally senses how hard you are pressing the pedals and varies the assistance level accordingly.

i.e. If you press gently it just gives a little help (slow), press harder and it helps more (faster). This system may also have selectable power levels.

Advantages – Slows down and speeds up intuitively. Uses battery economically for greater distance per charge.

Disadvantages – To get maximum assistance full pressure must be put on the pedals.

Twist Grip Throttle - Some motors are not actuated by the pedals but by a twist grip throttle that must be turned whilst you are pedalling and held in position.

Advantages – Power assistance variable

Disadvantages – Holding the throttle twisted all the time, including while signalling.

Combination, Pedal Assist and Throttle

Some bikes with pedal assist have a twist grip too. This can allow the rider to take ‘a breather’ without having to stop. On a torque sensor bike this allows the rider to select ‘extra’ power, which can be useful when going up hill.

Easy Start and Launch Assist

These are both terms for a device used to help you to set off on your electric bike. Often the hardest part of cycling is the initial push to get going especially if you have stopped on an incline, or in traffic when you want to get up to speed quite quickly.

Twist grip – variable power, twist more for extra assistance.

Advantages – instant assist

Disadvantages – twisting too quickly could make bike unsteady (particularly front hub motors)

Button – up to 4 mph (6 kph)

Advantages – nice steady start, no ‘drama’, can be used to assist when pushing the bike.

Disadvantages – one speed only.

Battery Types

Sealed Lead Acid (SLA) – when electric bikes were first becoming popular they were hampered by battery technology and were equipped with SLA batteries.

Advantages – Low cost

Disadvantages – heavy (typically 15kg), limited range (10 – 15 miles), short life (300 cycles)

Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMh) & Nickel Cadmium (NiCd) – lighter weight than SLA and greater distance (15 – 20 miles).

Advantages – Cost (mid price)

Disadvantages – memory effect (must be fully discharged regularly) performance reduced in cold weather.

Lithium Ion (Li-ion) – even lighter (36v 3.5 kg) with high energy density and no memory effect. There are several types of Li-ion batteries the principals being

Lithium Polymer (Li-Po)

Lithium Manganese (Li-Mn)

Both these types of battery offer good power to weight characteristics.

Advantages – lightweight, good distance (30 – 40 miles), good life (1000 cycles)

Disadvantages – Higher cost

Lithium Ferrous Phosphate (LiFePo4) – has good electrical and thermal stability

Advantages – extended life (2000 cycles)

Disadvantages – lower energy density giving slightly shorter distances (25 – 30 miles)

Battery Charging – how long does it take?

If you have chosen an electric bike with an adequate distance for your needs an overnight charge can be the best solution.

Standard Charger – 6 – 8 hours

Advantages – Kind to the battery, suitable for low power situations

Disadvantages – you can’t recharge over lunch!

Fast Charger – 2 – 3 hours

Advantages – Fast!

Disadvantages – can reduce the life of the battery

Charging from 12V – generally not available as a direct charger but can be done via an inverter.

Battery Charging Cost

This will of course depend on how much you pay for your electric but typically between 5 and 20 pence

Battery Replacement Cost

May seem very expensive (£300 - £500) but when you consider the distance you can ride on an electric bike it actually is very reasonable. Even if you only do 20 miles per charge for a thousand charges that gives you 20,000 miles. For a £300 battery that equals 1.5p per mile.

Battery Position

Below Seat – in front of the rear wheel, this has been a popular position for heavier batteries.

Advantages – keeps centre of gravity low

Disadvantages – increases wheelbase making some bikes too long for a standard bike rack.

Rack Mounted – popular position for Li-ion batteries.

Advantages – Wheelbase can be standard. Battery can be ‘disguised’ with panniers.

Disadvantages – slightly higher centre of gravity.

Water Bottle – some manufacturers ‘hide’ the battery here

Advantages – discreet and small

Disadvantages – small battery which gives lower mileage.

In Frame – New lightweight bikes are being developed with the battery inside the frame.

Advantages – discrete, secure.

Disadvantages – Very high cost, harder to replace.

Motor Types

Hub Motors – fitted to the centre of either the front or rear wheel.

Front Hub

Advantages – can then fit hub gears in the rear

Disadvantages – can be a bit skittish in slippery conditions.

Rear Hub

Advantages – very stable power delivery

Disadvantages – not compatible with hub gears

Brushed Motor

Advantages – can be used for regenerative braking. Simple. Reliable.

Disadvantages – can cause drag when pedalling with motor off.

Brushless Motor

Advantages – causes very little drag when riding with power off. Lighter. Compact. Efficient.

Disadvantages – cannot be used for regenerative braking.

Crank Motor – drives the bike through the normal gear system

Advantages – efficient, changes gear with the bike.

Disadvantages – expensive, requires specialist frame, beware cheap crank motors.

Displays and Gauges

Battery Meter – ideally choose an electric bike that has a battery indicator on the handlebars. This can be in the form of an LED display or a series of lights that go out as the battery charge is depleted.

On Battery Meter – some batteries incorporate a meter, which is useful if you have more than one battery and can’t remember which one you have charged.

Power level – shows the selected level of assistance

Brakes - these can be any of the ‘normal’ bicycle types, blocks or discs. The important thing is that purpose built electric bikes have an additional wire from the brake lever this is from a cut-out switch that shuts off the motor when braking.

Lights – these can be powered in several ways, directly from main battery, separate battery for individual lights, dynamo. Be aware that if they are powered from the main battery and it goes flat you will be without lights.

Test Ride - wherever possible, different models have a different feel when riding, try several to see which one suits you.

The Law – In the UK the minimum riding age for an electric bike is 14. The bike must weigh less than 40kg (60kg for a trike). Be restricted to 15mph (25kph). Maximum continuous power output 200/250 W.

Electric bikes get more use – Many people buy a bicycle with the intention of riding to work to save on parking or fuel cost, or as a way of getting fit, but the bike ends up sitting in the garage. Statistics show that people that purchase an electric bike are more likely to ride it and go out more often.

Happy Customers Visit Exeter Show

2011-02-12T09:42:00.002Z

We were pleased to see happy electric bike riders at the Exeter Show yesterday.

A customer who purchased a Quartz at the Chepstow Show was back to tell us how he had enjoyed his summer last year. He and his wife had been to France where the campsite was someway out of town but situated on several cycle routes. We cycled every day he enthused, something I would not have been able to do before I got the Quartz. We cycled down to the coast and along the prom, it was marvellous, I saved money too as we hardly used the car while we were there. His wife was pleased too, as previously she would have had to go on her own, it was good to be able to go together. It was so good we have booked to go back to the same place this year he told me.

The Health Benefits of Electric Bicycles

2011-01-31T14:17:00.004Z

The idea that an electric bike is ‘cheating’ and ‘does all the work’ is a misconception held by many. Electric bikes aka e bikes have great value in getting people back into cycling after an illness or getting people into cycling that have never ridden before.

Electric bicycles or battery bikes in general are designed to be ridden in pedal assist mode. This means that the rider is putting in effort and the motor is assisting. Some electric bikes have a feature whereby the rider can vary the amount of assistance given by the bike, whilst others have the ability to be ridden without pedaling at all. The ability to go completely under power may be useful if a rider can only put in effort for a short time and then need a ‘breather’. This allows them to either continue their journey, or when out riding with other companions, to keep up and not delay the ride.

To use an electric bike as an aid to rehabilitation or improving fitness, select one that offers adjustable power levels. Start out with the setting on high or maximum assist. The rider will be putting in a minimum amount of effort and the bike will be doing lots of the work. As fitness improves the power can be reduced allowing the rider to put in more effort. The assistance level can easily be raised again to give extra help on hills or if you want to increase the distance ridden.

If you choose a bike with ‘torque sensor’ technology the bike detects pressure on the pedals, the harder you push on the pedals the more assistance the bike gives you. So for example, if you are riding on the flat and only pressing gently on the pedals the bike gives you a small amount of assistance. If you want to go faster, there is a head wind, or a hill and you increase the pressure on the pedals the bike senses this and puts in more power accordingly.

Electric bikes that offer ‘launch assist’ or a throttle override can be very useful in setting off. The initial push to get going on a bicycle takes more effort than that required to maintain speed once riding. The ability to select ‘instant’ help as you set off is also a definite advantage when starting on an incline or even if you have stopped in the ‘wrong’ gear, which means it takes far more effort to get moving. When setting off in traffic, either in a queue or at traffic lights the danger of going too slow is that this can make the rider slightly unstable, extra assistance here can bring the rider up to a more stable speed very quickly.

At the start of any fitness programme, whether it is for general fitness or for rehabilitation after illness or injury, maximum exertion and endurance levels can be very low. An electric bike gives the rider the confidence to try inclines and distances that they would otherwise consider unattainable because they have the back up of additional power should they require it.

Exercising alone is not very attractive to some people; indeed this can mean that they do not do it at all. A cycle ride with friends and family is a much more attractive option, the advantage of using an electric bike is that the less able person can still keep up with the other members of the group. Very often a key part of rehabilitation after illness is being able to feel like you have returned to normal, riding with friends can help with this.

An electric bicycle can make the difference between thinking that cycling would be a great way to get back in to exercise and actually getting out there and enjoying it.

Electric Bicycles and the British Heart Foudation

2011-01-31T12:51:00.005Z

Batribike was approached recently by the British Heart Foundation to discuss using electric bikes as an enjoyable and effective means of rehabilitating heart patients. They have an editorial promoting cycling in the forthcoming April edition of their Heart Matters magazine.

I realised that rehabilitation is a big issue and so I have written an article on the Health Benefits of Electric Bicycles.

Batribike Micro - reviewed on BikeRadar

2011-01-31T12:05:00.000Z

Electric bikes continue to make interesting reading in the cycling press.

The Batribike Micro is reviewed today by BikeRadar.

Batribike Micro - First Look - BikeRadar

BatribikeTeam Gets International Flavour

2011-01-26T13:57:00.001Z

Batribike are delighted to welcome Marine Dogny to the team. Marine is on a five week placement with us from university, she is studying International Business at Lycée Saint Jude in Armentières, Northern France.

Marine is bi-lingual in French and English and also speaks Spanish. She has a keen interest in sport and is very pleased to be working with Electric bikes.

Electric Bikes and Technophobes

2011-01-23T11:39:00.004Z

Yesterday I started to think about how people who are worried about technology get on with Electric bikes. Then somehow the comparison for choosing a new electric bike and choosing a new laptop leapt into my mind! They seem so dissimilar – which they are in purpose – but actually the mind set is bizarrely the same.

I recently changed from a ‘normal’ windows laptop to an Apple MacBook Air, its stylish lines, light weight and the long time it lasts on the battery were very attractive – you see what I mean? These are exactly the criteria that most people use when choosing an electric bike!

The Mac is a strange creature if you have been used to a windows machine you have to get used to a whole new way of working (there is no delete button! Why is that?) It has taken me some time to get used to it but I am definitely getting there. Then on Friday the power supply stopped working and my Mac went flat, suddenly I realized that actually I really did like it, and I didn’t want to go back to the old slow laptop. (I have a new power supply now and it’s all working wonderfully again)

Electric bikes are like that, they get under your skin without you really noticing. Some of our customers have said that they really would like an electric bike but they can’t do anything complicated and they don’t do technical stuff. I have explained how easy they are to use, you can just get on and ride don’t even have to adjust anything if you don’t want to. Once the customer has been on a test ride and seen just how easy it is they start to think, so how can I change this setting? All of a sudden it’s not as complicated as they thought.

When I first started in the Electric bike business I thought that I would ride them when I had to, but keep my old pedal cycle for most of my riding, then I became the test rider for Batribike. I have so enjoyed riding the bikes that I haven’t actually been out on my old bike since and it is languishing in the garage (poor bike) In fact my planned rides for December had to be cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances and I have really missed them, I hope I can get out there again soon.

So the moral of this ramble is don’t worry about the technology on an electric bike get out there and have a go – you’ll wonder why you didn’t try one before!

BEBA (British Electric Bicycle Association)

2011-01-19T17:31:00.003Z

Having just had four days in London at the London Bike Show at ExCel we were back up in the capital again yesterday at the House of Lords for a meeting of BEBA.

The meeting was well attended with existing members and new ones looking to join. As usual there was much to discuss in relation to electric bicycles and an interesting presentation from ACT.

BEBA is forging ahead with plans for some new totally independent research into who uses electric bikes and how other road users perceive them. This sort of research will be useful to the Electric Bike industry as a whole.

Discussions and networking went on well past the intended end of the meeting so we didn't get lunch until four o'clock, followed by a short meeting of the working group. This actually worked well for us as we had chosen off peak travel on the train!

I was amazed by the amount of flooding in the fields that we could see on the way up to Liverpool Street (too dark to see on the way back) The rivers had really burst their banks and there were lots of trees ankle deep in water.

London Bike Show

2011-01-19T15:55:00.005Z

Electric bikes were a hot topic at the London Bike Show with several manufacturers and suppliers displaying their range.

The Batribike stand proudly displayed the BEBA.

The show is a new event for the bike industry, the co location with the Outdoors Show and the London Boat Show seems to have been popular with the event visitors giving value for money for a full day out.

A huge amount of interest was shown in the Electric Trikes.

Batribike has two different sizes available.

The smaller narrower version TRIKE 16 being particularly suitable for those with limited storage options as it is small enough to fit through a standard doorway.

The slightly larger TRIKE 20 has capacious baskets for load carrying.

Around the show there was lots to see including the 'Cool Wall' for pedal cycles.

London Bike Show

2011-01-12T16:36:00.005Z

The London Bike Show is an all new event running from tomorrow until Sunday at ExCel in London's Docklands.A ticket to the London Bike Show also gives you entry to the Outdoor Show and the London Boat Show which are running concurrently.

We at Batribike are excited about the show and will soon be all set up and ready for tomorrow.

Electric Bikes are currently very much in vogue for commuters and the show is a great place to come and test ride a battery bike on the commuter test track.

New Year's Revolutions?

2011-01-04T11:44:00.004Z

Have you made any New Year's resolutions this year?

The usual over indulgence over the Christmas period probably means that many of us are wanting to get some exercise in the next few weeks and shed a few pounds along the way.

A battery bike from Batribike may be the perfect partner to help you get back into shape!

Statistics show that those with an electric bike are far more likely to use it on a regular basis than those with ordinary pedal cycles. Having the knowledge that you can get help when the hills make it tough going or using power to get back after a workout really makes the difference. With long range and power for the hills we are sure to have something to suit you.

Why not take a look at our range at our showroom or come along to one of the shows we are attending in 2011 and let Batribike help you to turn your New Year's resolutions into New Year's Revolutions!

Great Snow Pictures

2010-12-09T16:30:00.004Z

Last week everyone was having a competition to see who could take the best snow pictures.

Here are three of the best.

Battery Bikes make a great Christmas present and there is still time to buy and have one delivered in time for the big day. Buy before January 1st and beat the vat increase too.

Brilliant Bikes

2010-11-03T10:00:00.004Z

Jane and Graham came to our showroom on Monday to try the new Quartz Bike. Delighted with the test ride they purchased two Quartz folding electric bikes and set off on holiday to Derbyshire.

They write -

Thanks for your time demontrating the two Quartz bikes yesterday - they are now duly unpacked, charged and ready to go.

Very pleased with the bikes and the weather here in Derbyshire has just relented a bit, so we're off out on the first trip!

Jane picked up a rear puncture on the High Peak Trail. It is a brilliant cycle trail, so I've no idea why a metal tack was lying in wait for us in the middle of nowhere!
Anyway, puncture duly mended (we always carry a repair kit).

All told, brilliant bikes which we would recommend to anyone.

Graham and Jane

See here for other electric bike reviews

New Battery Bikes in Stock

2010-10-23T13:30:00.007+01:00

Great news! We had a delivery of new battery bikes yesterday which means we now have the new 36V Quartz bike in stock. The Quartz bike is a step through folder with the same technology as the popular Batribike Diamond and Granite electric pedal bikes. With a range of 40 to 60 miles on pedal assist and with regenerative braking to improve distance in hilly terrain the Quartz bike looks set to be a winner!

The Batribike Trike is also now in stock, this fantastic electric tricycle with new styling to complement the Batribike range comes in two different sizes.

The Trike 20 comes with 20" wheels all round and the Trike 16 has a 20" front wheel and 16" wheels at the rear. Both have a compact shape allowing them to be stored more easily than the more traditional trike. Look out for full spec. sheets and more detailed descriptions on the website soon.

NEC Finishes Show Season on High Note

2010-10-18T12:00:00.003+01:00

Batribike has had a great time at all the shows this year, thanks to all the nice people who have been to see us on the stand and talked about battery bikes.
The NEC show was once again the last of the season and it was lovely to see some of our customers there and hear about where they have been with their bikes and how well they have coped with the hills.
Once again there was a huge amount of interest in our Micro Bike which is ideal for motorhomers and caravanners where space is limited and payload is reduced.
The show season is over for us now until we go to Shepton Mallet in January but customers are very welcome at our showroom where we have a fleet of demo battery bikes available to try.

Battery Bikes on Display at the NEC

2010-10-14T21:11:00.004+01:00

The Batribike display is creating lots of interest here at the NEC, we are delighted to be helping Chausson demonstrate their new bike rack system by lending them some of our Diamond and Granite battery bikes which have the excellent regenerative braking.

The bike sits on the rack and then at the push of a button the rack slides in and tilts - it's so easy.

The Batribike stand looks great just before the show opened on Tuesday, we have a tast ride area too which has given lots of our customers the chance to try the bikes.

Batribike Heads for the NEC

2010-10-11T15:51:00.006+01:00

Battery bikes had a great time at Earls Court, it's really nice to talk to people who are enthusiastic about cycling. I got to meet several people that I had only spoken to on the phone so it was good to put a face to the name.
I have been known to be slightly prone to falling down at the drop of a hat, and yesterday was no exception. The MET Police had a huge lorry at the exhibition that they were using to demonstrate how difficult it was for drivers to see cyclists when they are very close. This was a fantastic opportunity to promote safer cycling and lots of cyclists were able to sit in the cab and look down from a lorry drivers point of view. Around the lorry there was an imitation road made of black plastic taped to the floor, as I was walking towards it I noticed that there was extra tape and was concentrating on the potential trip hazard, the next minute I was sliding along the carpet on my palms and knees! I'm not sure how that happened as I had succesfully avoided the dangerous bit and seem to have tripped over my own feet. The upshot of this is I am now headed to a six day show at the NEC with two purple knees and bruised hands!
We will have a fantastic presence at the NEC based Caravan and Motorhome Show, we have a small riding arena adjacent to our spacious stand (8-10) and our battery bikes will also be on display on the Chausson stand in hall 8 where they will be demonstrating the new bike rack fitment in the Chausson motorhomes.
Come and talk to us on the stand and view the new, updated folding Quartz which is being launched at the show, with regenerative braking and 36V torque sensor power delivery it is the latest tech for Motorhome and Caravan owners. We will also be happy to discuss deals on our Mercury SE (show edition) bike for customers buying one or more of the Mercury e bike.

Cycle Show 2010 part II

2010-10-09T22:19:00.005+01:00

Battery bikes and e bikes have been vey prominent at the show with lots to choose from in the riding arena and on the trade stands.
Tonight it looks like I've managed to get Ralph's photos uploaded - so here they are

The New Quartz - out on test in the riding area

The Diamond has proved to be a very popular choice - comments include "it's got loads of power" and "very smooth"

The Quartz parked in the cycle pods at the commuter test circuit

I got to give one of the London Hire bikes a spin on the track!

Cycle Show 2010

2010-10-08T21:14:00.005+01:00

We are having a great time here at Earls Court. I haven't had much chance to take pictures but managed to grab one of the stand before the show opened this morning.

It's been really busy with the Diamond and New Quartz in the commuter riding area we have been talking to lots of interested riders.

I got a chance to try out a few bikes yesterday including the opportunity to ride one of the London hire bikes. There was also a penny farthing style bike which I declined to ride having seen several people come to grief either when mounting or dismounting and decided that the safest option was not to ride so I still have all my limbs in tact for the rest of the show!

There is lots of choice for customers looking for a battery bike with a huge range styles and prices from a variety of manufacturers, our bikes are definitely proving very popular with their reasonable price tag and miriad of features.

I have some nice pictures of customers on our bikes but the connection is so slow tonight they won't load so I will try again tomorrow!

Battery Bikes Brave the Exeter Weather

2010-10-04T10:35:00.007+01:00

Sunshine, high winds, torrential rain and a light breeze! The weather at Exeter Racecourse this weekend swung from one extreme to the other but the Batribike e bikes recieved a warm welcome from the West Country.

Batribikes in the sunshine after the show closed on Saturday.

We drove down in appallingly wet conditions on Friday and set up in fair weather on Saturday, the ground was quite waterlogged but dried quickly in the sunny, breezy conditions. Customers came specifically to see us having looked at the list of show dates on the website. They were able to test ride the e bikes on a tarmac lane running parallel to the race track.

Heavy rain and high winds overnight transformed the site so that when we arrived on Sunday morning it looked somewhat like a tornado had passed through!

John, Paul and the Appletree team did a stirling job to improve the conditions underfoot creating walkways with bark and chippings, many thanks to them.

Then with the rain dying out Sunday proved to be another great day.

Today we are going back to base in glorious sunshine - the capriciousness of the English weather can never be under estimated!

Hairy Biker Judges Bike Competition

2010-09-19T17:39:00.003+01:00

The Batribike Hairy Biker was on hand today at Lincolnshire Council's 'Cycle Sunday' to judge the 'bling your bike' competition.

The choice was tough, the joint winners were The Pied Biker - who had a whistle and many mice! and the Safety Cyclist who was wearing many safety items including goggles, knee and elbow protectors.

The Hairy Biker was there on his battery bike.

Battery Bikes Join 'Cycle Sunday'

2010-09-19T16:52:00.006+01:00

Riding my battery bike beside the River Witham today as part of Lincolnshire Council's 'Cycle Sunday' was lovely. The weather was a bit disappointing as there was drizzle in the air nearly all the time, which was a shame for the organisers but I thoroughly enjoyed my ride. The route was along the 'Water Railway' a cycle/foot path along a disused railway line, the surface is tarmac so perfectly fine for any weather conditions. I was riding between the River Witham and a sizeable ditch or drain giving a different variety of vegetation to where I normally ride.

There were lots of reeds along the verge as well as patches of old Willowherb and some stretches of Hawthorn adorned with bright red berries. Several swans were quietly dredging the edges of the drain their bodies gently floating and their necks looped into the water. The wildlife on the river was of an entirely different nature, I could hear it coming, a gentle grinding groan and a soft swish in the water, there was a rowing event on the river! the grinding noise was the seats sliding backwards and forwards in the boat.

There are some great sculptures along the route, with several points of interest boards, I only managed a small part of the route which goes from Lincoln all the way to Boston, but it has definitely whetted my appetite and I hope to be able to go back and do the whole route.

Batribike were there at the request of the council to demonstrate E bikes and to show how they can make cycling more inclusive.

Battery Bike Ride

2010-09-17T17:37:00.005+01:00

I haven't been out riding for some time due shows and office stuff and I was beginning to get withdrawal simptoms, I love being out riding our battery bikes. When we were on our way to the show at Shepton Mallet we pulled into a layby just past Stonehenge, there was a lovely stand of Willowherb that had gone all fluffy on the top with the sun shining through it which made me want to be out there.

Today was my first opportunity to get out on the new uprated Batribike Quartz which will be available in late October. I took the 36V battery bike out to try it on the hill local to base, it has lots of torque and I wanted to see just how good the throttle was, marvellous, I made it up extremely easily. The torque sensor power delivery is excellent as is the regenerative braking which gives very controlled hill descent.

On the way back I couldn't resist a detour into one of the many country lanes here, sadly the fluff on the Willowherb is over but there was lots more to see. A damson tree had dropped its purple fruit onto the road edge so it looked like school boys had been there playing marbles. There were plenty of berries in the hedge row, hips, haws and elderberries making a huge splash of colour against the green leaves, it seems that the summer is really over, harvest is nearly finished, the colours in the hedge reminding me of the festive season (I can't say any more its far too early!). There were some enormous dandelion flowers on the verge, the largest I think I have ever seen, I wonder if they are some special strain.

Lots of work has been going on in the fields here, ploughing and seeding for next year and some of the hedges have had back to school haircuts.

Riding the battery bike went very well and I hope to be doing some distance mileage soon, whatever the season there is always so much to see.

Batribike Welcomes Take Charge Bikes

2010-09-11T23:23:00.004+01:00

We welcomed David from Take Charge Bikes to our stand today here at the Motorhome show at Shepton Mallet. Take Charge Bikes are based in Bath and are stockists of Batribike Electric Bicycles. We were delighted to see David on the stand and to talk to many showgoers about local stockists.

Ralph and David discuss the Diamond

Batribike Micro

2010-09-09T12:19:00.007+01:00

New website launched today for the Batribike Micro!
We have been working away on a new website dedicated to the Micro bike, there are so many users that could benefit from this compact lightweight folder that we decided to give it, its very own micro site. Whether you are a commuter, aviator, yachtsman, caravanner or leisure user all the information you need is now on this dedicated site.
Micro bikes are transforming electrically assisted cycling because of their compact size and portable nature perfectly integrating with todays busy lifestyle.

Micro Electric Bikes, Could They Revolutionise Commuting?

2010-09-08T17:12:00.003+01:00

Micro bikes in the transport mix?

During the 30’s, 40’s and 50’s the bicycle was king for transporting the masses to and from work. But the automobile revolution of the 60’s meant that the car was affordable and available. Many more families owned cars and breadwinners were able to travel further in their search for employment. The bicycle as a commuting vehicle became less and less attractive.

Concern for the environment and interest in green issues is bringing sustainable transport back into focus again and the bicycle is having somewhat of a resurgence as a viable commuting tool. Fuel costs, parking charges, congestion zones and road taxes are all having an impact on our pockets and commuters are looking for more economical ways to travel.

Folding bikes, the way ahead?

Folding bicycles have been around for a number of years. They were quite cumbersome at first but gradually design has improved. Folding mechanisms have become easier to use, and size and weight have come down making them much easier to transport.A similar revolution has been taking place in the electric bike industry. Originally batteries were extremely heavy and cumbersome and there was no point in having a folding version. As battery technology has advanced so has electric bike design. Bikes are now lighter, trendier and have a greater distance on a charge than had previously been thought possible.

Design attention was turned to the folding bike, how would this work in the electric format? The answer was, quite well! Electric folding bikes (also known as e bikes) have become very popular in the leisure industry, particularly in the caravan and motorhome market. The versatility of a folder has made it easier to store and the bonus of electric power has made it much more attractive to the user. For commuting though it still needed to be smaller.

Micro electric folding bikes, the revolution?

The problem with the standard electric folding has still been the weight. Taking the e bike with you on the daily train commute has meant you need a few muscles. Bikes have typically weighed around 20kg, with lighter ones at 18kg. These purpose built folders have been great for putting in the boot of the car, but are slightly heavy for carrying up steps at stations etc.

To make a truly micro bike with electric power assistance technology needed to move on again and now lightweight folding micro electric bikes are available. Weighing in at less than 10kg these e bikes are light enough to be carried up steps and onto trains. They are also compact enough to be stored by your desk in the office or taken on the tube at rush hour. Typically distances on pedal assist are around 10 to 15 miles which is ample for a daily commute.

So to the question, “Could micro bikes revolutionise commuting” the answer is a resounding Yes! The savings that could be made financially and in terms of the environment are considerable. The flexibility of using a micro bike to ride a mile or two to the station and the office makes this the ideal solution. The electric power assistance gives this type of bike e bike a definite edge over the conventional cycle making the ride much more relaxed and enjoyable.

Could this mean that we will see a return to the mass bicycle riding of the early years of the twentieth century?

Batribike has a warm reception at Sywell

2010-09-05T23:52:00.003+01:00

We have had a fantastic weekend at Sywell Airfield showing our range of electric bikes to some of the 700 light aircraft enthusiasts that flew in for the weekend. Everyone has been very patient with us as we struggled to come to grips with the number of different types and names of planes.

Thanks to everyone to helped make this a great weekend.

Some of the very interesting planes we have seen.

E bikes at Light Aircraft Rally

2010-09-03T19:29:00.003+01:00

E bikes have been a great hit with pilots here at the LAA Rally at Sywell Airodrome, Northampton. Limited storage space and weight restrictions have limited their options in the past. The Batribike Micro has proved to fit within these limitations and gives electric assistance where previously there was none!

The other e bikes in the Batribike range are receiving lots of interest too.

The weather here today ghas been fabulous and its great to see so many planes, especially the old ones 'up close and personal'

Caravan for Electric Bikes

2010-09-01T16:45:00.003+01:00

We like the look of this caravan which would be ideal behind our battery bikes.

Seen on show at the Motorhome Show at Dusseldorf today.

Photo's of Bikes with Regenerative Braking

2010-08-26T15:36:00.002+01:00

The battery bike photos I posted in the last blog appear to be the same bike twice - I wonder how I managed that? Here they are again this time hopefully I've got it right.

Regenerative Braking Experience

2010-08-24T10:11:00.005+01:00

Battery Bikes Ride Out!

We (Ralph and I) were holding the fort at the showroom in Lincolnshire on Friday and Saturday, it made a nice change to be there to see customers at base rather than out in a field at a show. Nice too to meet customers that said that they read the Blog, it's good to know that you're out there.

When we closed up on Friday the sun was shining and it was shaping up to be a great evening for a ride on an e bike so we took the opportunity to take a Granite and Diamond out to Marton Hill to give the regenerative braking the once over. I had been doing all the distance testing but had left the others to work with the regen. so it was good to get the chance of some hill work.

Regenerative braking works by making the motor act as a brake, the energy created using the momentum of the downward journey puts power back into the battery.

We took the demo's out of the showroom and set off, I had my trusty GPS strapped to the handlebars showing that we were doing a very respectable 15mph, even with the head wind, as we rode out to the level crossing. The long drag up to the top of the hill past the school posed no problems, this is not a steep hill but a one mile drag that really takes it out on your legs when you're not on a battery bike.

Wizzing over the brow of the hill at 15mph does seem a little mad as you start the descent...I'm usually a little more cautious on hills being rather accident prone...but I started to back pedal (no pressure, just rotation) to initiate the regenerative braking mode, the motor braking cut in very smoothly and my descent was very controlled, as the ground leveled out I started to pedal normally and the assistance cut back in again just as smoothly. I had survived the hill with no drama at all!

Now it was time to go back up the hill - 1 in 10 steepening to 1 in 8 - I know this is not a huge hill compared to other counties but the sharp kick at the top can be quite interesting. I set off in top gear (7) on power level 3 (out of 4) I thought that I would have to change down towards the top, but no, I made it all the way....

So just the drag down to the level crossing and then another drag back up to the showroom, the sun was still shining, it was a lovely evening and a very enjoyable ride, only one thing left to do - repair to the local hostelry for a spot of dinner.

Battery Bikes at the Western Motorhome Show

2010-08-15T19:31:00.004+01:00

The weather has been mixed here at Malvern but the reception for our battery bikes has been warm. The Western Motorhome Show is a themed event with a re-enactment village from the American mid west so there are many visitors dressed in period costume. I was delighted to photograph a well dressed couple with our Mercury bike.

There was also the oportunity to meet up with some of our past happy cutomers and discuss the finer points of out new models.

Batribike Test Route from the Air!

2010-08-10T18:59:00.004+01:00

Just over a week ago I was lucky enough to go up in a hot air balloon. The flight path took us over my battery bike test route and I was able to get some photos.

1) 2)

In the top right of number 1 is the lake where I often see the water fowl, travelling along the tree line I pass the single white house (marble corner). In the bottom left corner is the Animal Care Unit of the college.

Number 2 has a closer view of the buildings.

Obama Calls for Economy of Energy Usage

2010-07-28T12:46:00.003+01:00

Battery bikes could play a vital role in reducing the use of non-renewable fuels such as oil.
In the backlash following the BP oil spill many world leaders such as Barack Obama are concerned about the huge consumer use of non renewable energy sources and are calling for everyone to be much more aware of how they use energy. Recently Obama has said that the US' oil dependence and broader energy policy was "unsustainable".
Many of the journeys we make by car are less than five miles and could be replaced by using a battery bike. Not only would this be a saving on fuel and emissions and therefore much kinder to the planet, this would also have a considerable financial benefit in a saving on fuel costs and also parking and congestion charges.

Battery Bikes – Cut short distance travel by car, cut emissions, save money!

2010-07-23T17:03:00.002+01:00

Battery Bikes - The joy of two-wheels without the strain

The feeling of liberation, of freedom and abandon. As a child, nothing compares to the sense of independence that riding a bike enables and yet, as adults, we seem to grow apart from our trusty childhood friend as other, more expensive forms of transport come into our lives. After walking and talking, learning to ride a bike ranks up there as being one of any child’s greatest achievements and helps lay the foundations for a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise and yet, once adult, many of us shun the humble bicycle and the benefits it provides, seemingly content to battle our way to work stuck in never-ending queues of traffic, sucking in exhaust fumes and consigning ourselves to an unhealthy, inactive lifestyle, undoing all of that good foundation work.

The trouble is that the car is too convenient. It takes no effort and its progress is acceptably swift for most, despite the rush hour traffic. For sure, it has expanded our horizons and made long distance independent travel possible but for many of us and for many occasions its use as the primary form of transport is nothing more than habitual.

Short Distance Travel – Cut Your Emissions

Statistics suggest that up to a staggering 80% of all car journeys made are less than six miles and that almost a third of all journeys are of approximately only one mile! It’s also estimated that 75% of a car’s harmful exhaust emissions during a typical six mile trip are made during this first mile. It’s well known that a car is most inefficient when cold and during such short journeys, the catalytic elements within the exhaust system do not operate fully and so not only are such journeys most damaging to both our cars and our planet, they’re also not doing much to help our personal financial situation as fuel costs continue to spiral.

Battery Bike - Who’s it for?

The beauty of a battery bike is that the assistance it gives will compensate for our natural fitness deficiencies at the time when we need the help most – right at the commencement of any regular routine. Because the effort required to pedal is reduced, it arguably places less load on our joints and cardio-vascular system and so it can make the return to regular exercise less stressful for our bodies.

Unsurprisingly, a large proportion of battery bike sales are to the “Golden Oldie” or “Silver Surfer” generation of upwardly mobile early retirees who are busy enjoying their selves by travelling and visiting many places with their Motorhomes and Caravans. The appeal of the battery powered electric bicycle is natural in that it provides instant and easy local transport without having to take their motor caravan off-site and into local towns / attractions. The concept also appeals to the commuter who is looking for a quick and reliable transport method to get into and around towns and cities and for anyone who is looking to kick-start their fitness regime either after illness, injury or inactivity.

Battery Bike – All Round Benefits

The benefits of an electric bike are many fold, an improvement in general health and fitness for the rider and an enjoyment of short distance travel, no more traffic jam frustration. Saving money in the current economic climate is on everyone’s list and fewer emissions give a long term benefit for the planet and the future.

For further information in relation to Battery Powered Bicycles please visit our website at Batribike.com

Battery Bike Ride

2010-07-22T18:47:00.004+01:00

Another superb 48 miles today, the weather really is perfect for riding a battery bike (aka electric bicycle or e bike) the wind was warm again, maybe a trifle blowy for the normal cyclist but with assistance the riding was a breeze!

I always enjoy riding through the college as there are so many different varieties of plants and shrubs set out in many different gardens, There are several big pine trees clustered at the corner of one of the carparks and the windy conditions had knocked lots of the cones to the ground, because it has been so dry they are all fully open and look like a host of tiny hedghogs.

Going past the farm unit of the agricultural college they had just put two tactors and trailers out onto the field that had been cut for hay, there were three or four young lads and I think they were going to practice driving with trailers - what fun.

Away from the college the plants along the edges of one of the bridleways have grown so much, one of the thistle type plants must be nearly six feet high and the Hogweed is not far behind, when I saw them yesterday after not being out on a battery bike for a while it was like seeing children you haven't seen for a while I felt like saying 'how tall you've grown!'

Battery Bike Testing

2010-07-21T22:27:00.007+01:00

Today's ride has been about comparing some different battery technology. It seems like ages since I was out on one of the electric bikes, there have been a few shows back to back and some office work to do which meant that I haven't had the chance to be out battery bike testing.

It has been a typical summers day today with a lovely warm wind which has made the 48 miles I have done an absolute pleasure. The wind created some lovely noises, blowing through the rape with a shush, shush, sound and whistling through my hoop earings meanwhile the grasshoppers created a background chorus, the joggers I passed with their iPods plumbed to their ears didn't know what they were missing!

There were lots of changes since I was out last, it was my first opportunity to see the completed bridge with all the temporary fencing taken away and the vehicle bridge that was made just for the construction vehicles had been removed too.

The wheat and rape have changed colour and are looking very golden against the blue sky and there were some wild oats which shimmered silver in the sunlight.

The bush that had been covered in catterpillars and webs has recovered, when I saw it last it was just twigs, but today it was covered in green leaves, it is amazing how resilient nature is.

The teazle flowers are nearly finished leaving bluey purple rings around the spiky green centres, they weren't out last time I came this way.

The agricultural college has finished for the summer so I took the opportunity to sneak onto one of their fields to see the turf maze they have created. It's a 'proper' re-creation of an ancient maze as it is a labyrinth, a single line, this one with an in and an out, finishing with a woven structure. When I came back down the bridleway passing the field I saw that a group of young people had also been drawn to it and were walking its route.

Going over the 'click clack' sleeper bridge in town I saw that a man from the Environment Agency wasout in a small boat, cutting and clearing the weed on the river, it was the first time I had seen it and was rather intrigued with the hedge cutter type device fastened to the front of the boat that could be used under water.

There was so much to see it was very easy to forget that I was riding for a purpose, but overall it was a very useful ride with much information gathered about battery bikes and their batteries.

Batribike Trike Looking Good

2010-07-16T19:02:00.005+01:00

A range of battery bikes are on display here at the Northern Motorhome Show at the Cheshire Showground. The Batritrike is turning heads with its classy blue colour and capacious white baskets, the narrow wheel base makes it ideal for motorhomes so it is comanding a lot of attention.
The weather here was really windy first thing, but that soon died down and the sun peeked it's face out occasionally.

One happy customer demonstrated how her dog Brodie loved to ride out and about with her.

Battery Bikes at Brands Hatch

2010-07-11T19:21:00.004+01:00

The Batribike Micro was again turning heads here at BikeRadar Live today, it's unique size and weight combination made it stand out from other electric bike options. Many people who tried it expressed their surprise at the amount of power for such a small package.

Our new friend Olivier at Rapha the coffee and cycle clothing specialist enjoyed his test ride too!

Battery Bikes - "c'est superbe!"

2010-07-10T19:37:00.003+01:00

Battery bikes have been causing quite a stir here at BikeRadar Live. Rapha the coffee people have a stand next door to ours and have been doing a roaring trade in iced coffee as it is so hot here, unfortunately demand was outstripping supply and they were running out of ice! They requested the loan of one of our demo bikes to fetch some more and we were happy to oblige - the verdict on return "The Quartz, c'est superbe!"

There has been the opportunity to ride the Indy circuit here at Brands Hatch and we were very excited to take up the challenge, I rode the new 2010 Diamond and was delighted with the performance, on the main hill I was able to comfortably pass nearly all the 'normal' cyclists and really enjoyed the ride.

Ralph meanwhile took up the challenge and rode the circuit on the Micro our smallest and most compact battery bike. The performance once again was remarkable, to the point that one of the commentators, who had not previously been mentioning individual cyclists, announced that the tiny bike was out on the circuit and passing other cyclists, the speed sensor clocking it at 12mph along the straight.

Paul Heaton Bike Enthusiast

2010-07-09T22:41:00.003+01:00

It has been very hot here at Brands Hatch today but there is a great festival atmosphere in the tented encampments.

Tonight there were a couple of live bands in the Big Top and then Paul Heaton (of the Beautiful South and the Housemartins) played some great songs including 'Build' one of my favourites. Paul was here because he is a great fan of cycling and has recently been on a cycle tour of the country.

I am now looking forward to demo-ing our battery bikes tomorrow.

BikeRadar Live!

2010-07-09T09:15:00.001+01:00

The weather is forecast to be very good this weekend. We are looking forward to riding our battery bikes round the Indy circuit at Brands Hatch.

Battery Bike Demo Postponed

2010-07-06T13:02:00.003+01:00

Unfortunately the demo today has had to be postponed by BEBA due to circumstances beyond their control. The good news is that it is only postponed and not cancelled, it is hoped that the event will be re staged in early October.
We at Batribike are very disappointed not to be in London today to demo our battery bikes but it is really good news that the event will be going ahead later in the year.
We are now looking forward to attending BikeRadar Live at Brands Hatch this weekend where lucky showgoers will have the oportunity to try our e bikes around the Indy Circuit.

Battery Bike demo at Westminster Palace

2010-07-03T12:29:00.002+01:00

There will be a demonstration of battery bikes in Black Rods Garden at the Houses of Parliament on Tuesday 6th July for the members of both Houses and special invitees. This has been organised by BEBA (British Electric Bicycle Association) and will include a presentation on The Electric Bicycle - Cycling E-volution or Re-volution? where there will be discussion on how electric bikes can be integrated into the transport mix to promote greener transport.

The promotion of e bikes as a valid form of transport will create growing public awareness and further the use of electric bikes.

Battery Bikes – Your opportunity to reduce your carbon footprint!

2010-06-29T15:30:00.004+01:00

Battery Bikes are not created equal – What to look out for in the best bikes

You pay your money and you take your choice but when you purchase an e bike (also known as Battery Bikes) what are you actually paying for? For whatever reason, many of us still feel the need to assess any bicycle based solely upon its purchase price when we have little regard or understanding of the difference in features, technology or materials that can otherwise have a significant impact on its price and performance.

First up is the battery itself. Battery technology is a very dynamic and fast moving field right now. Though many manufacturers will happily quote the nominal voltage of their machines, often what’s more pertinent is the actual make-up of the battery itself since the different technologies vary wildly in their performance and cost. Lead Acid (Pb) batteries are traditional, old school technology. Invariably found on cheaper machines, they penalise the rider through their increased weight and relatively slow recharge cycle times. Nickel based technologies (Nickel Metal Hydrides or NiMH) are lighter than lead acid batteries and are more user friendly although they do suffer from losing their charge over time even when not in use. Lithium based battery technology offers a welcome reduction in weight, increased energy density and by far better recharge characteristics and shelf life. Laptops and mobile phones are now commonly powered by Lithium based cells and since their adoption in these products (which used to use Nickel based cells), overall size and weights have tumbled whilst run times and performance have increased.

Secondly, the way that the motor is controlled can vary. Some, invariably cheaper e-bikes, employ a simple switch which offers no control over the amount of power that is being made available to the motor. Whilst this is a cheap and workable solution, this can make the bike feel awkward to ride and, if being ridden alongside a friend or partner, both riders have to start together else the gap between the two cannot be easily bridged.

An evolution of the switch is the twist grip which allows the rider to vary the amount of power being sent to the motor. This type of control overcomes many of the drawbacks of the switched operation although it is still effectively powering the motor at all times and requires the rider to continually apply some throttle in order to maintain momentum.

By far the most technically accomplished solution is the use of a torque sensor within the crank assembly, or a drop out sensor which measures chain tension. This effectively senses how much effort the rider is having to input and increases or decreases the motorised assistance accordingly so as to preserve the battery’s energy and increase the battery bike’s usable distance between charges. As you encounter an incline or need to accelerate, instinctively the rider will push down harder on the forward crank. The sensor picks up on this torque increase and automatically increases the power to the motor but when on a straight, or coasting downhill, the rider needs no power assistance from the motor to maintain their constant speed (as sensed by no torque being input through the crank) and so the system automatically switched off or decreases the power to the motor.

Motor and battery technology aside, battery bikes then share common features with normal bicycles. Suspension forks and suspension seat posts all aid rider comfort whilst disc brakes or powerful V type brakes increase braking consistency and power which can be an important consideration given the additional weight that an e-bike carries over its non-powered traditional cousins. Aluminium continues to be used to provide lightweight and strong frames and normal, derailleur gears can provide the ability for the rider to optimise their pedal speed with their chosen road speed and conditions and if you are considering an e-bike for a daily commute, then the addition of racks and panniers will be appreciated as will be the inclusion of lights, chain guard and mud-guards.

In conclusion you need to choose the best battery bike you can within your budget, but perhaps more importantly go out and have a test ride, not just of one bike but of several because they all feel slightly different to ride. So many people think that having ridden one sort they will all feel the same and that’s just not true, it’s a bit like thinking that a Mini will feel exactly the same to drive as a Ferrari, they both work as cars but are worlds apart to drive. So go and have a test ride and choose the bike that you feel most comfortable riding – you are more likely to use the bike if you love being out on it, this will make you investment and time spent choosing well worthwhile.

Batribike in the City Square Lincoln

2010-06-25T18:14:00.006+01:00

Battery bikes were displayed today as part of Lincolnshire County Council's Bike Week initiative. Batribike were very pleased to be invited to the display in City Square where cycling leaflets and bike information was available alongside the 'Bike Doctor' and a security marking service.The event proved very popular, with the lunch time pedestrians spending time finding out about the benefits of electric bikes.

Many of the locals wanted to know if our bikes would go up Lindum Hill the City's famous climb, so Ralph went out on the new Granite and rode right to the top. The hill has a 10% gradient sign and is a long drag, followed by a hairpin bend which steepens on the inside. The bike performed admirably and Ralph only had to drop down to forth gear. The biggest problem he encountered was the poor state of the road edges which were sprinkled with potholes and the fact that the traffic was pushing him to the edge, unfortunately even an electric bike can't sort out these problems.

Battery Bikes at the Lincolnshire Show

2010-06-24T20:27:00.004+01:00

Battery Bikes from Batribike have been on show at the Lincolnshire County Show for the past two days. The event is only six miles from our showroom and so it was good to be able to spread the word to lots of local people about the benefits of electric bicycles, many took the opportunity to test ride and see for themselves our excellent build quality.

Battery Bike News

2010-06-22T20:41:00.004+01:00

Before we left Swansea we managed to fit in a photo shoot of the new bikes

Great news the shipment is due tomorrow so we will be dispatching next week after the bikes have been through their pre delivery inspection.

We are now back at base after the Swansea show and I have taken some pictures of the Yard and drive as we have had it all resurfaced, it looks great! and it's a super surface for our customers to try riding the battery bikes.

Battery Bikes at Swansea Boat Show

2010-06-18T22:56:00.003+01:00

Batribike are showing their battery bikes in Swansea this weekend. We are all set up and ready for the show to start tomorrow so w took the opportunity to walk around the marinas this evening. What a really super area this is, there are lots of cycle paths and footpaths, we went over a lovely suspension bridge that is part of Cycle Route 4.

It has been a glorious evening, with a warm wind and a lovely sunset, lets hope it's a sign of a super day to come.

Bike Week, All Party Parliamentary Cycle Ride

2010-06-16T16:53:00.006+01:00

Battery Bikes took part in today's bike ride through the streets of London to the Houses of Parliament. BEBA (British Electric Bicycle Association) members were privileged to join the ride and to demonstrate their battery bikes. Batribike were delighted to be there with three of their bikes one of which was ridden by Edward Leigh MP. Olympic gold medalist Victoria Pendleton headed the cycle ride along with several MP's and Lords.
Mr. Edward Leigh MP on a Batribike Diamond

Mr. Edward Leigh MP was very keen to try the paces of the Batribike Diamond when the group stopped to watch some school children demonstrate their cycling safety skills. Mr. Leigh enjoyed a fast lap of the square and commented that he enjoyed the faster ride.

The Cycling Group A BEBA member

The ride started from Bike Week sponsors EDF Energy's headquarters where participants enjoyed breakfast drinks and pastries before a group photo. The riders were marshalled by a newly formed crack team of cycling policemen who were very keen to demonstrate their cycling skills and to talk about how they are targetting bike crime within the City, they also showed a keen interest in the battery bikes and how they worked. The ride then continued to the Houses of Parliament for a presentation in the Jubilee Room.

After the official ride was over I had a fantastic ride back to the van passing Buckingham Palace just at the right time for the changing of the guard, through Marble Arch and then through Hyde Park which is such a special green space. Battery bikes at the All Party Parliamentary Cycle Ride had definitely been a success.

Battery Bikes, What is a Battery Bike and why would I buy one?

2010-06-15T22:17:00.003+01:00

Battery bikes or as they are variously known, electric bikes, e-bikes or battery powered bicycles are becoming more popular and more common place. At the beginning of this style of transport the choice was limited and the design seemed rather ‘old fashioned’ but not anymore! Technology has moved on very quickly and with advances in battery manufacture power packs are now lighter and give a greater distance and frame design is much more stylish.
So what’s a battery bike, and why are Battery Bicycles becoming so popular?
Battery Bikes aka electric bikes are power assisted bicycles that offer motorized power assistance through the use of electric motors and battery technologies. Limited by UK & EU law to 200W/250W motors and with an assisted top speed of 15mph, the motive of a battery bike is that its assistance ultimately reduces the cycling effort and increases the useable range of the bicycle concept. Battery Bikes are classed as bicycles though do not attract road excise duty in the way that mopeds would do and, of course, they can make use of the ever increasing national network of quality cycle paths and routes.
Battery Bike - Who’s it for?
The battery bike concept has a wide market appeal to different people of all different ages. The motorised assistance expands the usable range of the bicycle as a mode of transport and makes daily commuting much easier. It has health and fitness benefits since the rider is still more active than they would otherwise be if sat in a car and if the concept makes the thought of cycling more appealing, then it will be used more regularly than a normal bike.
One problem that most of us face as we get older is that as our fitness diminishes through age or inactivity, the sheer thought of sustained hard effort can be enough to put us off. Even if we do venture out on a push-bike, as soon as a head-wind or a hill is encountered and our speed drops to a crawling pace, our thoughts can all too easily drift back to the comforts and convenience of the motor car. It’s an irony to think that although we’d all benefit from regular exercise, it is most hard to maintain the impetus to get into the routine at the very beginning because our bodies complain so much during the early stages of any regime.
Why buy a battery bike?
The reasons for buying a battery bike are varied, you could be looking for an environmentally friendly way to get to work or you may want to just ride a bike in your leisure time and would like some help with the pedalling, either way the Batribike range has something suitable for everyone.
Battery Bike Advantages?
Green - Although using more energy than if there were no power input, an electric bicycle uses a very small amount of energy compared to other motorised forms of transport. It also creates a lot less noise pollution than vehicles with combustion engines.
Fitness - Many would argue that a conventional bicycle would keep you fitter, this is true if you ride regularly, but if having an electric bike means that you go out more often the advantages are obvious. An electric bike will help with hills, when it’s windy and help with carrying loads.
Commute - If sitting in traffic drives you mad in the mornings but arriving at work all hot and worn out after a hard bicycle ride doesn’t appeal to you then an electric bike could be the answer. It takes much less effort to maintain a steady speed with a pedal assist bike.
Running cost - Typically an electric bike costs ten times less per mile to run than a car! There is no MOT or insurance required to ride an electric bike on the road.
Safety - When riding up a hill most cyclists slow down, this makes the bike much less stable and in more danger from passing cars and lorries. An electric bike can help maintain speed and therefore safety on hill climbs.
Cycle Paths - Because an electric bike is counted as a ‘bicycle’ by law you are legally allowed to ride it on cycle paths. This gives the commuter and leisure cyclist access to a huge network of routes that are not available to other motorised users.
For further information in relation to Battery Powered Bicycles please visit our website at
battery-bike.com Battery Bike.com

Bike Week 2010

2010-06-15T14:15:00.003+01:00

Battery bikes will be participating in the All Party Parliamentary Bike Ride tomorrow ahead of Bike Week next week - 19th to 27th June 2010. The special guest at the Parliamentary Bike Ride will be Olympic gold medalist Victoria Pendleton. Batribike are delighted that the MP for Gainsborough Mr Edward Leigh will be riding one of their new battery bikes with regenerative braking. Read more in the Blog tomorrow.

Batribike Diamond, more testing....

2010-06-14T18:24:00.004+01:00

Battery bike testing has been on hold for a few days whilst I have been busy organising shows. It was last Monday when I went out testing on the Quartz, so when I started todays ride I was very keen to see what progress had been made on the new bridge, the concrete barers were being laid seven days ago so I was hoping to see a nearly finished bridge. I was amazed that today I was able to ride over it for the first time, The wooden hand rail was all in place and the tarmac slopes from the bridleway to the very start of the bridge were completed. The slats of the bridge itself are coated in a non slip material and the whole thing is looking really good.

I spoke to one of the workman and he told me that they still have to take out the temporary bridge they made to get the heavy equipment over the water, (this was made with the corrugated tubes I saw when the construction first started.) they will be putting up some fencing and landscaping the area, it should all be finished this week.

I hope to be riding again tomorrow but after that I won't get another chance for over a week so by the time I see it again all the working debris should have gone.

All the Elder was flowering profusely today and I'm sure that was what triggered my hayfever, I needed to have my pockets stuffed with tissues! The wind was warm too which made the whole thing seem like a summertime ride - even the rain that started half way through was quite warm.

Nearly thirty miles ridden today on the battery bike, Batribike Diamond, I was testing on level two which is quite low but on the flat was excellent, once up to speed it was no effort to maintain a steady 13mph, it was a bit steadier on the hills than using level three or four but I am confident of getting a very extended range from the battery.

Battery Bikes at Bike Radar Live 2010

2010-06-09T16:06:00.003+01:00

Batribike is very pleased to announce that we will be attending Bike Radar Live at Brands Hatch on 10th and 11th of July. Show goers will be able to try out our bikes in very auspicious surroundings. There is going to be such a lot going on with a great festival atmosphere, lots of celebs from the bike world will be there and there will be lots of stunting demos!
This is going to be one of the very first places you will be able to see, try and buy our new battery bikes with regenerative braking, the Diamond and Granite.
Lets hope the weather is good, some real summer sun could make this THE event to go to this year.

Battery Bike Enthusiast Wins a Batribike Micro

2010-06-08T14:54:00.003+01:00

A recent Caravan Club members competition had a Batribike Micro as the exciting prize. The winner Mr Keith Hunt of Pontypridd, Mid Glamorgan told us that he is very keen to get out on his new Batribike Micro, he is delighted with his prize as he wants the chance to get back into exercise and an electric bike is the ideal solution. Mr Hunt is a keen caravanner so the Micro with it's convenient storage bag is ideal for taking away in the caravan too.

Batribike Folder Test

2010-06-07T21:18:00.002+01:00

Battery bike or battery powered electric bicycle testing isn't always about the distance they can go, there are times when it's more about how a battery bike rides and feels and how it performs in all of it's modes. Today I was out riding on a prototype 20" wheel folder, with four pedal assist modes and four throttle modes there was a lot to get to grips with in terms of how fast it would comfortably go in each mode and how well it would cope with any inclines. I had my trusty GPS strapped to the handlebars giving me speed, maximum speed for the trip, trip distance and total distance travelled all on one screen. This enables me to see exactly what is happening at any given time - it is important though not to spend all your time watching the screen otherwise there is a danger of running into things!

I took my normal 8 mile route as I was keen to see how the bridge construction was coming along, lots of progress had been made since my visit last week. The shuttering for the concrete was all gone and the piers were in place, a digger/crane was lifting the cross members into place, the I section beams have been clad in wood which I expect the designers hope will help the new bridge to blend in when complete. Planking was all stacked ready to fit so I must visit again soon as progress will probably be quite rapid now.
Not so much change in the flora this time out although there were quite a lot of Dog Roses, where I stopped to take a picture there was a bumble bee going from flower to flower and giving a very summery sound of buzz, buzz in each. There was also a lovely double row of Foxgloves in one of the college gardens.

The battery bike testing went very well, I was rather impressed with the performance up a stiff incline especially when tried with no pedalling at all.

Battery Bikes on Display at Stratford

2010-06-04T18:48:00.004+01:00

The new Diamond and Granite were on show today in front of the banners displaying the new regenerative logo. Batribike are also pleased to be displaying the banner showing their membership of BEBA the British Electric Bicycle Association.
Battery bike interest has been triggered too, by the Motor Caravanners who had been at their National Rally at Newark recently where they had seen the Quartz and Micro under test and many had had the opportunity to try them out for theirselves.

Batribike Launches Exciting New Models

2010-06-03T11:52:00.005+01:00

Battery bikes with regenerative braking are the exciting new additon to the Batribike range. The popular Granite and Diamond models have been redesigned and have a raft of new features. The battery which powers the bicycle has been moved to be positioned in the carrier as is the current vogue, it has a rattle free mounting and the power rating has been increased to 36V 10Ah for greater cycling distance. Battery powered distance has also been increased by the use of regenerative braking, when going downhill the motor can be activated to act as a brake to slow the bike down and at the same time put some power back into the battery.

The battery powered bicycles now have a 250W rear hub motor, torque sensor power delivery (the harder you push the pedals the more power is delivered, up to a pre set level), four selectable power levels, throttle control and seven speed indexed gears.

Frame design has once again been a key feature, the Diamond retains its low step through Dutch styling with curved handlebars, in fact the step through has been widened to give even easier access. The Granite now has flowing lines with a cross bar that curves gently down to a lower position below the seat post, the trendy rounded triangle shaped tubing provides a strong and robust frame now rated to 130kg max. rider weight. Both the Granite and the Diamond continue to feature full chain guard, mudguards, centre stand and LED lights for the full rider package.

Batribike Diamond, test complete

2010-05-28T10:06:00.003+01:00

Battery bike testing takes place in all sorts of weather, it had rained over night and the cycle paths were wet this morning which meant that the snails were out in force, doing their little suicide dash across the paths in front of my bike! Actually a snail dashing out in front of you is not as dangerous as having a large brown labrador leap out of the bushes in front of you, luckily the brakes are good on the Diamond and I came to a stand still without falling off (hurrah!) Why is it that some dog owners seem to think that this sort of thing is amusing - and acceptable!
There was an event happening at the college today and the place was swarming with primary school children, all there to learn about farming and the countryside, as I went past a man was explaining to a group of them that in Victorian times even the children had to work on the land, then a very large modern bailing machine disgorged it's load infront of them and they were amazed!
Later on there was a lady with binoculars watching the waterfowl on the reservoir, she was interested in battery bikes and happy to chat, she told me that there were Crested Grebes and Tufted Ducks with babies out on the water as well as the usual geese and gulls. I may take my binoculars next time.
The bridge construction is coming along, lots of wooden shuttering going up ready to pour the concrete for the bridge supports. There were lots of workmen there today in many vehicles, all parked on the cycle / footpath, there would have been plenty of room to get past if it wasn't for the fact they all decided to stand in the remaining space and chat.

Mmm, I seem to have had a few grumbles today, it wasn't that bad really, I had a lovely ride, the Diamond battery powered electric bicycle was going really well, I was using level three which is one down from maximum power, travelling mostly at about 13 mph, (which is plenty quick enough when you go through a patch of flies, they sting a bit when they hit you in the face) The battery was nearly flat at 55 miles which I am really pleased with, the last light of the battery meter was flashing then which gave me just enough power to get home.

Batribike Diamond on Test

2010-05-27T09:09:00.004+01:00

Battery bike testing gives you a chance to see the countryside changing on a daily basis. I went out yesterday afternoon to test one of our latest battery bikes on power setting three, having already achieved forty miles on level four I am hoping for a good distance on level three.

The weather has cooled considerably since I was out in the heat on Monday so I needed to wear a coat and gloves! I was amazed at the change that just two days can make on the vegetation, Oxeye daisies and Poppies that weren't there on Monday were waving in the breeze, the rape flowers have almost finished now and the fields are changing from yellow to a sort of olive green. The catterpillar bush has changed a lot too, they are on the march now spreading themselves out everywhere, the hand railing on the bridge was their new highway. Having done some research they seem to be moth caterpillars possibly Brown Tail Tussock or Ermine, they don't always cover the whole bush or tree and there was a plague of them in 1782 when Londoners were paid a shilling a bushel for their 'tents' which were then burned!

Distance testing on the Diamond battery powered electric bicycle continues today.