They may not be allowed in the Tour de France this week but Electric bikes are flying out of shops across the UK as more environmentally aware consumers opt for two rather than four wheels.
The bikes are useful for shorter journeys in particular and could be a mode of transport soon to swamp the country.
Designers and retailers of electric bikes say the they have many advantages over a car and that consumers should pick one up now before the rush!
"In the time it takes you to get into your car and then get it out of the drive and onto the road you'd already be hundreds of yards away on your eletric powered bike" said one desginer.
Electric bikes have been around for longer than we would probably imagine with the first patent being sought in the late 1800s.
So why do people now want to pick up such modes of transport. Well retailers say people like to ride electric
bikes because:* they enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle except for hills and headwinds so the helping hand is appreciated!
* they prefer their local errands to be easy, slow paced and scenic
* they like to save money, meet new people and protect the environment
* they look for extra chances to exercise even if it's just a little
* they want their own traffic lane, convenient parking and shortcuts
The cost of buying an e-bike can range from anywhere between £200 and £2,000 with some new models even exceeding that.
However with increasing fuel costs, congestion problems and greater focus on environmental issues they are growing in popularity at a rapid rate as Britons decide to get on their bikes!
