Electric Bikes, Portobello Road

Nearly everywhere you look nowadays, there is some new, innovative energy saving device or concept. Of course we should take note and help save our planet for future generations, as well as our own. But what about the bike? The modest pedalling contraption. From the vintage penny farthing to the high speed, wedgie-inducing road bikes favoured by Wiggo and his sideburns. Not just for play, bikes are now a popular method of transport used by many of our nation’s trusty workforce such as posties and police officers. They seem to have just always been there.

But what if the very essence of the humble bicycle as we know it was updated? What if someone decided to take the dependable structure and give it an extra oomph into the 21^st century? Enter the e-bike (short for electric bike), which does exactly what it says on the tin. Or bike. It looks like a normal bike, rides like a normal bike, even feels like a normal bike. But do not be mistaken. On closer inspection, it is anything but normal. It’s the iPhone 5 of the cycling world. New, shiny, full of techno gadgets, and ready to help ease us into the future of cycling.

Now for the geeky bit. E-bikes incorporate a rechargeable battery and an electric motor, offering all the benefits of pedal-assisted power that conventional cycling doesn’t. So, seemingly they are perfect for the busy commuter. No wobbling at the traffic lights as angry vans beep at you to move over. Just pedal, and the bike does the work for you. At the electric heart of the e-bike lies its intelligent, removable display unit – unique to each individual bike, similar to a sim card in a phone. It keeps track of your distance covered, speed and, most reassuring of all, without it the bike simply won’t move, thanks to the electronic immobiliser. Impressive.

Charged on £1 worth of electricity, an e-bike can take you up to 1500 miles. Sounds great, right? Well, almost… Got a spare few grand tucked away under your mattress? You’ll need it. But think of the longevity. These things are literally replacing emission-guzzling cars, saving you a fortune on petrol, parking fees, tax and insurance. I’m almost tempted myself.

And apparently the UK is lagging behind, way behind. Much of the Far East and Europe, the Netherlands in particular, have been waving the e-bike flag for years. With trusted brands such as Sparta, Koga, Hercules and Haibike, the new Justebikes store stocks a wonderful selection. It’s run by a welcoming family, whose passion for and knowledge of the range is so infectious that you can’t help but believe that one day, we’ll all be zooming past each other without huffing and puffing.

Justebikes
318 Portobello Road
Notting Hill
W10 5RU

020 8960 9848

Email: info@justebikes.co.uk

Photo by Gonmi courtesy of Flickr