More power to your pedals
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With the increasing popularity of electric bikes, John Davidson took one for a test ride in the beautiful and – in places – hilly Black Isle
Pedal power is often my favoured way of getting about so when I was offered the chance to try out an electric bike I was keen to see what all the fuss – or should that be “buzz” – was about.
In recent years these bicycles with batteries have become a popular choice and, I’m told, are increasingly used by those over 55.
But, according to Inverness businessman Cameron Ross – who lent me one of his hire bikes for the day – there’s a wider potential for these vehicles, which he uses on a daily basis around the Highland capital and further afield.
Having tried out one of his longest suggested routes, from Inverness to Rosemarkie and back, I can see what he means.
I felt a little embarrassed at first when I overtook a cyclist on a road bike heading up the Kessock Bridge (via the current detour around the roadworks) as I wasn’t really doing much.
Taking on hills on this battery-powered beast was a whole new ball game. I just had to keep the pedals turning but there was very little resistance, so any uphill became a chance to sit back and let the bike do the hard work.
It’s a strange feeling when you’re used to putting in the effort yourself and getting out of the saddle when necessary.
I first noticed the power these batteries have when setting off from Inverness. They kick in once you’ve pedalled half a turn and – suddenly – I was away. In fact, I found myself putting the brakes on at first to make it feel like I was still in control!
That little boost of power became a friend rather than a foe as I got used to the bike and started to feel comfortable on it. Setting off from traffic lights or other junctions around town, it’s nice to know you can get going without the usual effort.
These would be great bikes for those less confident in their fitness, especially to get round and about town or for commuting. The extra power also strikes me as being useful for pulling along one of the bike trailers I have for towing the kids. Having done 20-mile rides with that extra weight behind me, I’d be grateful for any extra help!
Regular cyclists might find the same frustration I did on the flat, though – that, because there’s less resistance in the pedals, you can’t push it as fast as you might a normal bike. Or maybe I just needed to get used to it for longer.
As for that embarrassment I felt earlier, it disappeared after I met a group of cyclists at a junction on the Black Isle and they didn’t even notice I was riding “an electric” until I pointed it out.
Those extra glances from onlookers are inevitable as these bikes are not a common sight on Highland roads but there’s no real stigma attached – apart from the inevitable question: “Isn’t it cheating?”
Well, if “cheating” helps get more people active and exploring the area or going about their daily business by bike, I’m all for it. I certainly felt like I’d done some exercise after 35 miles, even if I had some help along the way.
That battery – which operates with a key and can be removed easily – costs around 10 pence to charge up and can last for up to 65 miles. A fully kitted-out bike would set you back between £1000 and £1500, a fair investment but not so bad if it’s in place of a car. They come in all shapes and sizes, from mountain bikes to hybrids and road bikes.
Mine was a mountain bike version with seven gears (you don’t need any more with the battery as well) and it performed well on a cold, clear day, though I wouldn’t like to have the trouble of fixing a puncture on the back tyre, behind the battery unit.
On the way back from Rosemarkie I took a detour up a particularly steep hill I know, just to give the bike a further uphill test. Again, I didn’t need to get out of the saddle as I just kept turning the pedals with ease.
A small panel on the handlebars tells you how much power you’re using at any moment and allows you to increase or decrease the battery usage on a low/medium/high scale. I settled for medium most of the way and tried out the high on a few hills but the medium setting was plenty even on the steepest ones.
Rather than being a cheat, I think electric bikes could allow more people to explore the north of Scotland on two wheels without having to worry so much about the terrain. For me, that can only be a good thing. It really is just like riding a bike.
Get plugged in . . .
Happy Go Electric Bikes / Happy Tours
Cameron Ross hires and sells electric bikes from his Inverness base as well as doing guided bike tours to Loch Ness. A three-hour guided tour costs £30 while hire for an electric bike costs from £25 for five hours.
For more information, contact him on 07828 154683, email happytours@uwclub.net or visit www.happy-tours.biz
