E-Bikes / Electric bikes are, as the name suggests, part electric. They have a battery and a motor, and because of this they're heavier than other bikes, but you'll never curse a hill again in your life.

What It Is: 

The “e” stands for a small electric motor that provides an assist to the rider’s own pedaling. There are three classes: Class 1: pedal-assist to 20 mph; Class 2: pedal-assist or throttle-driven to 20 mph; Class 3: pedal-assist to 28 mph. Once mostly found on urban bikes, you can find styles now across almost all kinds of bikes.

When you start pedalling, the motor ‘kicks in' and gives you a push as if you had a fierce tailwind at your back, meaning you can essentially go anywhere at a steady pace without breaking a sweat. (Under UK legislation, the motor has to stop helping you once you hit 15.5mph, so you won't get the chance to rocket uphill at 60mph just in case that was your intention). The most popular types of bikes are hybrid bikes, but electric mountain bikes are also popular with those who love the downhill bit but aren't so fond of the uphill, and now there are electric road bikes and electric folding bikes too.

Sub-Types of E-Bikes:

• Commuter: As in the Urban category above; you’ll find all three classes; Class 3 is great for fast commutes.
• Cargo: Especially useful on long-tail and front-load bikes, the motor makes load-hauling easy.
• Mountain: Can be hardtail or full-suspension, usually Class 1. These are not always legal on local trails, so check with your local trail association before heading out.
• Road: Usually Class 1 or 3, made for spirited road rides alone or with friends.

What It’s For: 

The point of an e-bike is to deliver the same basic experience of cycling, with a little less effort. E-bikes can help people enjoy the same kind of road or mountain bike rides regardless of differences in age or fitness; give your commute a speedy boost with less sweat; or make the difference between using the car or the cargo bike for that grocery run. Basically, e-bikes allow more people more access to ride.

Defining characteristics: A hybrid bike, mountain bike, road bike or folding bike with a battery and a motor.

Get an electric bike if: You want to go twice the distance for half the effort.

Don't get an electric bike if: You want to ‘feel the burn' and develop thighs of steel.