Electric Bikes - A design for all seasons

Electric bicycles make perfect sense in the urban environment. Towns and cities in Britain regularly exceed legal limits on air pollution and yet the government does little to actively promote electric bicycles. For example, e-bikes are not eligible for any of the grants that subsidise electric cars. One of the unexpected benefits of lockdown has been a resurgence of interest in commuting by bike - and electric bikes make short work of longer distances in all weathers.

The good news is that pretty much every category of bicycle is now available with battery assist, plus a few new types.

Looking a little like a Honda Monkey Bike, the Unimoke is billed as a rugged multi-purpose electric bike. All-terrain balloon tyres and a full-length seat look up to tackling potholed streets and perhaps a little light off-roading.

• Electric Pedal Assist Cycle (EPAC)
• Speed: 25 km/h (20 mph) pedal assist speed
• Motor: 250 W max contionous power rear drive
• Range: 40-45 km (30-40 miles) depending on rider weight, terrain, incline, etc.
• Website: urbandrivestyle.com

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZh2DjleLUo

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Why does the Unimoke look so little like a conventional bike? Well, it's designed to appeal to young, style-conscious urbanites for whom cars hold little appeal.

Significant changes to social-economic conditions and living circumstances are the main factors behind a marked drop in car ownership among young people in the last generation, conclude academics from the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) in a study for the Department for Transport.

The researchers found a decline in home ownership and increased higher education participation were among trends that influenced the transport decisions of the young. A preference for young people to communicate online rather than face-to-face was noted as another factor.

If the Unimoke is about lifestyle choices, the Stromer ST-5 is a focussed commuting tool - a bike that makes no secret of it's intention to replace the need to own a car. It features a host of clever features including keyless start and GPS location in the event of theft, but commuters will be most interested in its 30 mph top speed and 100 mile+ range. For those countries such as Britain whose laws have yet to catch up with these so-called 'speed pedelecs', Stromer have included all the features (such as a brake light) necessary to register the bike as a moped. See stromerbike.com

Insurance from the top ethically accredited company in Britain

Not only are we an ethical company like no other, we campaign for sustainable transport. Sometimes that means protesting until a school gets the zebra crossing they've been refused or running roadshows to encourage people out of their cars. Supporting this work is easy - you simply have to take out cycle insurance with us - cover for you and your bike that just happens to be excellent.

Unlike other insurers we never devalue your bike. And if you ride a carbon bike, rest assured we will never have a cracked frame repaired - we will always replace your bike with a new one. How many other insurers can say that? Find out more

..and it's not just cycle insurance that we offer. We provide home insurance, cycle insurance, travel insurance and breakdown cover - all while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

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