Are E-bikes REALLY WORTH IT?

With more people turning to eco-friendly transportation, and with electric-bike sales on the rise, we challenged writer Kim Willis to spend a week on one and ask...

- Kim Willis

Living in rural Wiltshire, I’ve always thought a car was essential and that bikes and scooters were only practical alternatives for city folk. But with concerns about the climate crisis and my contribution to it, plus wanting to get more active, I swapped four wheels for two. Here’s how I got on.

Monday

I’m not a confident or stable cyclist. Taking one hand off the handlebars to signal I’m turning always makes me wobble. I’ve always looked at the cool kids who can cycle hands-free with awe. So after my E-bike arrives and I’ve charged her up, I start with an easy journey, posting some letters at the post box half a mile away.

Nipping there on the bike was a delight. Electric power-assisted cycles have a battery, motor and control unit, so provide assistance while pedalling. It feels like I’m being given a gentle push. Minimal effort, maximum whizz!

Tuesday

I’m looking after our neighbour’s dog, and Henry loves walking almost as much as my husband Gaz, 39, and I do. Henry doesn’t usually like bikes, but I let him sniff around first, then off we pedal up the country lanes. Henry is unfussed, doesn’t pull on the lead and keeps pace beside me. He’s happy, perhaps because an E-bike is so quiet. The only problem is I enjoy walking Henry – cycling Henry doesn’t feel the same.