Are electric bikes just hype, or are they really the future of travel? I bought one to find out. Support the channel by signing up for Nebula (and get 40% off): https://go.nebula.tv/simonclark
(link updated March 2023)
Recently I bought myself a Ridgeback Arcus 1, a budget electric bike (an EPAC, electric pedal assisted cycle), to find out if e-bikes lived up to the hype. In particular, I wanted to test if its stated range of 50km was actually accurate, so cycled from my new home in Bath to a meeting at the Yogscast’s studio, yogstudios, in Bristol.
Notes
(1) https://electrek.co/2021/06/29/the-affordable-electric-vehicles-outselling-electric-cars-around-the-world/ and https://www.spglobal.com/platts/en/market-insights/latest-news/electric-power/012821-us-ev-sales-tumble-in-2020-but-ev-load-increases-with-more-charging-stations and https://www.bicycleassociation.org.uk/news-press/official-industry-stats-reveal-record-extent-of-covid-cycling-sales-growth/
(2) Much of this was taken from https://urbanebikes.com/pages/electric-bike-laws-uk
(3) https://electricbikeaction.com/tour-de-france-champion-greg-lemond-launches-e-bikes/
(4) https://veloviewer.com/segment/1401767/Ralph+Allen+Drive
(5) https://ourworldindata.org/travel-carbon-footprint
(6) This is based on the calculation that my battery has a capacity of 313Wh, and the UK average power supply has an intensity of 0.233kg of CO2 per kWh. This implies it takes 73g of CO2 to charge the battery, and thus, given a range of 50km, an intensity of 1.46g of CO2 per km.
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In this video I buy an ebike to test if e-bikes live up the hype. I tested the bike going up a monstrous hill in my home town of Bath, and rode it from Bath to Bristol to visit the yogscast, to test the bike’s range. I compare EPACs with S-pedelecs with electric moped with electric motorbikes. My experience with my electric bike has been very positive, and I hope you enjoy the video!
Music by Epidemic Sound: http://epidemicsound.com
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22 Comments
"It's like driving over a teenagers face" Classic comedy !! …………..
I thought you came off 😭
Ha! 4:11. And some TdF winners use them in competition!
Excellent video. I’ve just ordered one and really looking forward to it! I trialled one a little while back and was immediately hooked
You say you electricity is renewable can you tell me how do they make sure only their electricity goes to your house how do they separate the electricity in the grid
They don't your using the same electricity as I am you've been scammed
I don’t think electric bikes are worth it because first reason there so expensive and if you get it it won’t last as long as size so it ain’t worth it in my opinion
Very informative. Thanks.
What would help with some of these bikes range is re-gen system. I ride a regular mountain bike which is old heavy and I have sciatica in one leg. I guess they're a lot heavier than a bike made with pig iron.
6:43 that comment came out of nowhere hahaha
Great video mate , very impressed
10:44 I wonder how much C02 one breaths out per kilometer while biking on a normal bike? Bing AI says it is 16g/km.
Carry an extra battery for your trip like this next time just in case… those pannier bags for the back of the bike or in the USA they call them saddle bags are great for carrying such things and one I have can handle 130 lbs extra on the back and of course I won't add that amount of weight to it… but useful. Any way great example of a hill run with an E-Bike… thanks for your video review for what these are worth.
I use my electric bike as I'm disabled, speed is the last thing i need ,people who use them for racing around, give other cyclists a bad name
Poor comentry
I don't understand why everyones so worried about it being stolen? Most offices have secure bike storage areas, if you stop for pub lunch/cafe on a weened ride, it sits next to you. And if you need to pop into the shops you can double lock it with U-lock for frame. There are also app related alarm triggers you can buy for bikes.
What stops you to charge your battery at work ?
there is no gear box on a bike.
I got called out by a pedestrian for riding an e-bike as “that’s cheating.” I just shouted back: “No it’s not I am not racing anyone.” He had no come back.
Edit:
I would say from my own experience the two main drawbacks are:
1. Close passes by ignorant drivers on the roads. So like you I wear a camera on my helmet. I have reported more than 30 close passes in the two months I have owned the bike.
2. Security. Where you store and secure it at home. I am apprehensive of leaving it out and about even if locked up to non moveable object.
Ebikes are cool… yeah right.
That cluttered Handlebar would drive me crazy😂
Also take a look at your saddle tilt, no way that is comfortable.
But if you ride your bike as means of transportation and not for fun, its allright. Im just a bike snop😂
one really important thing you didn't mention is that the ebike in this video uses a rear hub motor, it's not as efficient as a mid-drive motor.
Hey there, fellow e-bike user! I just stumbled upon this video and was truly intrigued by the concept of the Freebeat Morph 2-in-1 e-Bike. The idea of having a bike that can be charged indoors while I work out is truly game-changing. The impressive motor power and torque, along with the 80mm front suspension and puncture-resistant fat tires, promise a smooth and confident ride on any terrain. Additionally, the integration of fitness and technology with the Smart Saddle Detection+ feature is a brilliant way to keep us motivated. I'm definitely excited to support this crowdfunding project and can't wait to see the Freebeat Morph e-Bike in action!
Ahhh i remember Ralph allen drive XD glad i no longer have to travel like that anymore!