Greased Lightning Cycles

Changing the way you ride a bike forever

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FAQ.  This page will be updated as and when we receive new questions. Here are some of the questions we've been asked so far:
 
Q: What are the legal requirments for electric power assisted bicycles?
A: Current legislation rules that the speed of the bike under electrical power alone must not exceed 25kmh which equates to 15.5mph. A solo bicycle must also weigh less than 40kg. The elctric motor must cut out when 15.5 mph is exceeded.
Q: Do I need a licence to ride an electric bicycle?
A: No, as an e-bike is classified as a bicycle, there is no requirement to hold a licence, and you may legally ride on cycle paths, cycle lanes on roads - in fact anywhere you could ride a conventional bike!

Q: Do you supply a childs e-bike?
A: Unfortunately not - current legislation prohibits children younger than 14 from operating an electric bicycle

Q: How much does an e-bike cost to operate?
A: One of our ebikes will cost in the region of 5 -8p per mile to operate. The cost per mile of an average family car covering an average of 10,000 miles per year is more like 75p - £1.03 per mile (Source of data: The AA Running Costs for Petrol and Diesel Cars 2008)

Q: How far will the bike go on a charge?
A: This very much depends on a number of factors, including the weight of the rider, wind conditions, and the nature and frequency of hills. It also depends on whether the rider is helping the motor by making pedal inputs too. A rough guide though, assuming a fully charged battery is 40 - 60 miles.

Q: Are there any health benefits to riding a power assisted bike?
A: Yes - contrary to what you may have assumed, a power assisted electric bike does still offer health benefits. Firstly, any sort of physical activity is good for your cardio-vascular system. Secondly, you will find that riding one of these modern lighweight cycles is actually FUN. Whilst not many companies have dedicated shower and changing facilities for cyclists this is changing, albeit slowly. The beauty of an electric bike is that you can wear your work clothes whilst cycling in - by using the electric motor, you will not get hot and sweaty. You can use the cycle home to do a more intense physical ride!

Q: How much will an electric Bicycle cost me?

A: Some companies may offer you electric bikes quite cheaply, so you need to be aware of where the savings are being made. Many cheap bikes have lead acid batteries, which have a limited lifetime, and offer less performance.

 

 The bikes that we supply are top quality machines, and are fitted with a high specification of equipment, including a Panasonic Lithium-Polymer battery, a powerful hub motor, and Shimano transmission systems. Some models are also fitted with disc brakes and hub generators for the front light. Our prices also include free delivery, and the option to change to a different model within the range within 48 hours of delivery - subject to price adjustment. Our prices start at £889.00. We are also happy to offer easy finance packages.


Q: Can I take an electric bike on the Tube, or Railway Trains?

A: Yes, our folding electric bike, the Model 805fe comes with either 16 inch or 20 inch wheels, and weighs just 19kg complete with all accessories and its battery. It still has enough power to offer 15 miles range running solely on electric power, or up to 25 miles if being used in the power assistance mode.


 Q: How safe is a electric bike?

A: Our range of electric bikes are designed to be both safe and reliable. All bicycles are thoroughly inspected before they leave the factory, and are checked again by us, before delivery. All of the electrical parts are safe, even in the rain, but we would advise against allowing the bike to become drenched or immersed in water.

 


 Q: How well made is a Wisper Bike?

A: All of our Bike Frames are hand built and are placed in a jig where the components are welded together. Once the welds are completed, the entire frame is subjected to a heat process that enables all of the stresses caused by the welding to be relieved. Frames are also subjected to a vibration test, and are carefully inspected. Batteries on many of the newer models are made by Panasonic, and the motors are all made from high quality Japanese components.

 


 Q: What about frame sizes?

 A: Due to the relatively small market (currently!) electric bikes are not measured in frame sizes, and rely on adjustable seatposts and handlebar stems to give flexibility for differing rider builds. Riders from about 5 foot 2 inches up to 6 foot 2 inches should be able to ride the 905 and 705 models in comfort, and the 805 series is also pretty much a universal size. Bear in mind that under current legislation, no riders under the age of 14 should be riding these bikes, so smaller sizes are not really needed.