An ultra-compact folding electric bicycle for £233

Electric bicycles have the potential to change the world for the better. For while an electrically assisted cycle may not be as environmentally benign as a conventional pedal powered bike, they offer the very real prospect of luring drivers from their cars. It's an argument that is lost on those who have yet to experience an EPAC (electric power assisted cycle) or pedelec. The effort of stop start riding in town is negated by a silent motor that whisks you to a a speed of just over 15mph and hills cease to be a challenge. Purists will see this as a kind of cheating, but the idea that battery assisted cycles are for the lazy is false. Not only do pedelecs open cycling to the elderly, disabled and those wishing to carry passengers or heavy loads, but in our own experience they seem to encourage more pedalling effort at cruising speed, not less.

Britain is being slow in its uptake of electric bicycles, but given our general reluctance to take to two wheels perhaps that's hardly surprising. Elsewhere in Europe and in Asia, sales are soaring. In fact, while we decide whether they're a good idea or not, the electric bicycle is evolving. Europe has already made provision in law for so-called speed peddlers. These faster machines are capable of speeds of up to 30 mph and are capable of travelling over 70 miles on a single charge - they are perfect for commuters using main roads who want clean, fast and quiet alternative to commuting by car. Here in Britain, we have yet to make provision in law for speed pedelecs and insist that they be registered as a moped.

One barrier to the uptake of electric bicycles in Britain has perhaps been price. All that may be about to change with electric bicycle manufacturer Stark Drive.

According to founder of the company, Oscar Stark: "The first time I tried an electric bike, I fell in love. Unfortunately for me this trial was at a local bicycle shop and my trial was limited to 15 minutes."

"Although I fell in love with the bike, the price was a huge barrier for me. The particular bike i tried was about 40,000 Kr (4500 USD). It had everything hidden in the frame as well as GPS tracking. Being an engineer I set out to work with a few friends of mine that had the same passion as I did and after we completed a first principles cost analysis of what every single component on an electric bike should cost and the results really surprised us."

"The price was nowhere near 4500 USD in fact it was about a tenth of that price all in. We immediately set to work to find a manufacturer that could build us the bike of our dreams for the price of our dreams."

Like so many young entrepreneurs, Oscar Stark took his ideas to the crowdfunding community and last year his company Stark Drive delivered its first consignment of electric bikes. Now they're back with an ultra-compact folding electric bicycle priced at £233.

The Stark Drive Mini boasts a 250w motor, 36v in-frame battery and 25-mile range as standard with buyers offers the opportunity to specify various upgrades including puncture-proof tyres, GPS tracking and carbon belt drive.

The diminutive Mini is unlikely to replace the need for a full-size bike, its weight of 13kg and ability to fold small enough to store under a desk, in the boot of a car or even the overhead locker of a passenger aircraft means this clever design has the potential to replace many short car journeys.

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

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