Pedal powered
Electric bike is put to the test on capital hills
Effortlessly pedalling up one of Edinburgh’s steepest streets proved not just a novelty for me but for others too.
I was still adjusting to the sensation of the electric bike powering me up the cobbled lane when I noticed tourists taking pictures of this weird phenomenon.
However, the sight of cyclists appearing to belie their fitness level by tackling the capital’s most challenging topography could soon be commonplace under a cycle hire scheme that will include electric bikes planned for next year.
Deceptively similar looking to a traditional bike, and far lighter than I had expected, electric bikes offer an entirely different experience.
Slight pressure on the pedal and the bike whisks you off – which was such an unnerving feeling the first time I tried it, my instinctive reaction was to stop pedalling.
From then on, it felt like someone was constantly giving me a gentle push, a bit like a parent propelling a child forward while they learn to ride.
To get that extra burst of acceleration, you can give the pedal a sharp kick – although the motor will only take you to 15mph. Above that, it’s down to your own muscles.
Electric bikes are only what is termed “pedal assist”, and you ride them just like a nor- mal cycle, not a powered scooter.
This I soon realised when ascending Mound Place and Ramsay Lane, between the Mound and Royal Mile – the bike slowed down because I was in too high a gear.
But that’s about the only thing to get the hang of, and with only three gears, it’s easy to master.
My test ride yesterday was as the first journalist in the UK to try out a new German-built electric bike that will be used for the Transport for Edin- burgh hire scheme if nextbike – which already operates ones in Glasgow and Stirling – wins the contract.
The Pedelec has a range of around 60 miles between charges, weighs only about 6kg more than nextbike’s traditional hire bikes, and looks pretty similar, with its motor encased in the lower frame.
They charge up at docking stations between hires.
Nextbike UK managing director Julian Scriven said: “The point is not to design an electric motorbike but a bike that feels like you’re cycling on the flat the whole time.”
I put that to the test on a longer ride, using a commuter electric bike from Edinburgh Bicycle Co-operative, with Ged Holmyard from the shop.
The Whyte Clifton, which costs £2,350, is slightly lighter and has ten gears, but otherwise a similar experience.
With that extra oomph, I found myself keeping up with the traffic much better than on my normal bike.
With much of Edinburgh now 20mph zones, Mr Holmyard said it should help normalise cycling.
But I found myself longing for hills to climb, so we headed for Arthur’s Seat.
The road to near the summit would normally be a challenge – but you hardly notice the ascent on an electric bike.
However, switching the power off up there, in the teeth of an Arctic wind, to feel the difference, I soon realised the assistance the motor had given me as I slowed to a crawl.