Can I turn my bicycle into an e-bike?

For almost as long as there have been bicycles, some folk have added motorised assistance. The first true motorised bicycle is considered to be the French Michaux-Perreaux steam velocipede of 1868 - a machine that pre-dates the first safety bicycle by almost two decades and which heralded the evolution of the motorcycle.

Over the years, the hybridisation of bicycles and motorbikes has blurred the lines between the two modes. The Velo Solex of 1946 was little more than a sturdy bicycle with a small petrol engine sitting over the front wheel. It was to be 6 years before the term 'moped' - a contraction of the Swedish words for 'pedal cycle with engine and pedals' and by then the Solex already had a boxier frame and looked less like a bicycle.

Thanks to the advent of lightweight and powerful electric motors and batteries, motorised bicycles as a distinct category in their own right are part of market that is growing rapidly. The price, range and practicality of electric bicycles makes them the most viable option for those wanting the benefits of a battery-powered vehicle today, so it’s perhaps unsurprising that the market is already worth billions.

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Many riders who want to retrofit an electric motor opt for kits made by Bafang, which are available with either hub or mid-drive motors. The kits represent good value for money and are easy to fit, but be aware that many exceed the UK legal limit on power - currently 250W.

If you prefer the idea of a retrofit electric motor that's quick and easy to swap between bikes - and don't want the hassle of installing a kit, the soon-to-be-launched Skarper is sleek-looking and novel take on the idea.

An easily-detachable unit houses both the motor and battery that drives the rear wheel via a special rear disk brake, which allows the direct connection of a Skarper motor drive unit whenever desired. When not electrically driven, the disk behaves normally as a brake.

Most conversion kits available currently weigh in at 10-15kg and require a toolbox and some skills in electronics and mechanics to install them, but according to its makers, Skarper provides an ultralight, clip-on drive system that avoids the many limitations of existing e-Bike drive systems. Weighing a total of 3.3 kg, the unit delivers an estimated range of up to 20km on a 30-minute charge. While there's no word yet on a launch date, you can join Skarper's email list here

Insurance for electric bicycles

We cover all road-legal electric bicycles as standard. If the output of your electric bicycle does not exceed 250 W/15.5 mph, we’ll cover it under our cycle insurance at no additional cost.

We also include Cycle Rescue as standard. If your e-bike develops a mechanical fault, you can call on our breakdown team 24/7.

Every cycle insurance policy of ours includes the following as standard:

• Theft, accidental damage & vandalism
• E-bike battery theft cover
• Cycle Rescue (breakdown cover for your electric bicycle and you)
• No devaluation of your bike over time
• £2m third party PLUS £20,000 personal accident cover
• Shed and garage storage
• Low standard excess of 5% (£50 minimum)
• Any rider covered to use your bike

Read a full list of everything we include as standard.

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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.