An electric trailer to push your bicycle

The drawback with electric bicycles is that they can be a little heavy to pedal long distances without the help of the motor and too expensive to buy in addition to a good conventional bicycle. Enter the Ridekick, a small electric trailer that hitches to almost any type of bicycle to push it at speeds of up to 19mph and costs £450.

A throttle mounted on the bicycle’s handlebars controls the speed and the trailer can be uncoupled in 15 seconds. The trailer can push a bicycle for between 8 and 12 miles before it needs to be recharged.

Every electric bike configuration adds weight, but the makers of the Ridekick argue that conventional Ebikes place the heavy battery on the bike frame and the motor within the wheel hub, causing the bike to be heavier and the distribution of the weight unfamiliar at first. The Ridekick trailer pushes on the rear axle, so power is applied to the bike in the same way as pedalling.

The trailer has enough storage space to carry a brief case or bag of shopping.

Electric bicycles and the law

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “It is unfortunate that the Ridekick falls foul of current restrictions placed on electric bicycles in this country because it demonstrates beautifully the potential of this technology.”

The 500w Ridekick exceeds the current power limit for electric bicycle motors sold in Britain (250w) and its top unassisted speed of 19mph is higher than the legal limit of 15mph.

Powered bicycles

The idea of getting a little help with the pedalling is nothing new – the earliest motorcycles were bicycles fitted with tiny petrol engines. But the challenge of adding power to a bicycle without adding too much additional weight is something that still occupies the designers of today’s electric-assisted bikes.

One solution to the problem of a heavy motor is to carry it on a trailer and only hitch it when it is needed.

In 1948 this meant attaching a petrol engine, but the electric motors of today are quieter and cleaner.

Cycle insurance

Cycle insurance from the ETA includes new-for-old, cover for accidental damage, third party insurance, personal accident cover and if you breakdown, we will even come out and recover you and your bike. Covers electric bicycles, too.