National Bike Week begins tomorrow – with a record number of electric bikes taking part in a variety of events designed to showcase the many advantages of cycling.
Stiff price increases at the petrol pumps have led to a huge rise in the number of people leaving their cars at home and using bicycles.
The biggest increase in bike sales has been in electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes. This year, there is expected to be a doubling of sales to 300,000, bringing the total number of e-bikes on our roads to more than one million.
Pedal power: As part of National Bike Week, the Government-backed Cyclescheme is being promoted
There are already 20million traditional bicycles in the UK.
The number of e-bike sales would be higher, but they are still expensive – typically costing from £1,000. However, as part of National Bike Week, the Government-backed Cyclescheme is being promoted, which enables buyers of both traditional and electric bikes to enjoy discounts of 25 to 40 per cent on a new two-wheeler, plus accessories such as helmets and locks.
The discount, available to workers whose employers are signed up to the scheme, results from the fact that the purchase is made from gross – not net – pay.
More than 2,000 bike shops UK-wide are also signed up to the scheme, details of which can be found at cyclescheme.co.uk.
E-bikes have a rechargeable, battery-powered motor on the frame, which is especially useful when riders tackle hills.
At speeds of up to 15.5mph, riders no longer receive assistance from the motor.
