The Mercury

Take your electric bicycle with you

- MOTORING STAFF

‘Watt’ ever you ride, ‘Watt’ ever you drive, Thule is there, enabling you to bring your life, the automotive accessorie­s provider says.

Electrical­ly-powered cars are, arguably, no longer a left-field novelty (with many new models destined for SA in the coming years) and improving battery technology and expanding power infrastruc­ture is reducing the bane of the e-car driver’s life: Charging Anxiety.

Thule says a similar revolution is taking place in the bicycle market, and e-bikes are getting lighter, faster and boasting better range than ever before. An e-bike is not only a commuting option though – it is a great choice if you’re touring or on vacation and need something you can use when the camper is parked up or you want a quiet, low-impact way of getting around. The view and pace from the saddle of a bicycle is also ideal when it comes to sightseein­g

DO YOU need advice on matters motoring? Here is Drive360’s all-useful contact list:

Worried about drinking and driving? Road Trip chauffeur service offers a sober solution by collecting you and driving you home in your own car. Choose from a number of packages that will allow you to enjoy yourself responsibl­y. Sign up online at www.roadtrip.co.za or call 087 943 8671 for more informatio­n. and with an e-bike you don’t need legs like Mark Cavendish to survive

Do you have a gripe with a motor dealer or manufactur­er that remains unresolved? The SA Motor Industry ombudsman might be able to help you. The ombudsman accepts written complaints on e-mail info@miosa.co.za a day on the cranks.

Thule’s product range can accommodat­e all riders; whether a serious athlete, weekend warrior or pure recreation­al rider. This includes those who are eyeing an e-bike: the Thule EasyFold XT and Thule VeloSpace XT towbar-mount ranges are designed with electrical­ly-assisted bicycles in mind. The two-bike versions of both can carry a total load of 60 kilograms, so that’s a pair of 30-kilo bikes and because few e-bikes weigh more than 25 kg, there’s plenty in reserve.

Extra-long, extra-wide wheel trays are further clues to their heavyduty ability, as are adjustable pump buckles with long wheel straps – which makes even the fattest, widest wheels easy to secure. Then there’s or on fax 086 630 6141. You can call 086 11 64672 or 010 590 8378 to request the complaint form.

The Retail Motor Industry may be able to assist you when you are dissatisfi­ed over

the added convenienc­e of tilting the entire rack for easy access to the boot or hatch, and the security of being able to lock the bikes to the bike rack and also lock the bike rack to the towbar.

According to Richard Downey, head of Thule importer and distributo­r, SA Sport & Cargo: “We’re expecting the local e-bike market to grow steadily as consumers look for more efficient ways to commute or be able to sight-see and get around in an environmen­tally-friendly way while on holiday. There is also a huge growth in sales of e-bikes for mountain bikers who wish to enjoy mountain biking without doing all the hard training. We have products in store right now to meet that need.”

The Thule EasyFold XT and Thule VeloSpace XT towbar-mount bicycle carries are available from Thule Concept stores and select cycling stores throughout South Africa.

unsatisfac­tory repairs at any of their members. For further informatio­n, call them on 011 886 6300.

Been zapped by a speed trap camera? View a photo of your offence on the internet at www.paycity.co.za. The following areas are currently supported: Joburg, Cape Town, Stellenbos­ch, Paarl, Mossel Bay, George, Mogale City, Emfuleni, as well as Free State province.

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