FAQs
Wisper Specific FAQ
All batteries within each Wisper range will fit without changes or adjustments to the bikes or batteries.
Traditional Bikes
Standard 375Wh with a range up to 50 miles (80 km)
Long range 575Wh with a range up to 75 miles (120 km)
Mega range 700Wh with a range up to 90 miles (140 km)
Wayfarer Bikes
Standard 450Wh with a range up to 60 miles (95 km)
Mega range 700Wh with a range up to 90 miles (140 km)
Tailwind Bikes
Standard 360Wh with a range up to 50 miles (80 km)
Long range 540Wh with a range up to 70 miles (110 km)
A brief note on ranges: As in the car industry, eBike manufacturers quote maximum achievable ranges. In the past we have always given real world ranges. Understandably the range figure influences prospective buyers and is one of the first things they look at when making a buying decision. We have therefore recently fallen in line with the rest of the industry and are now quoting maximum achievable. Please remember these are maximum ranges that can be achieved in perfect conditions and should be used for guidance purposes only.
Tyre pressures, rider and luggage mass, air temperature, terrain, the number of stops and starts during a journey and even the aerodynamics of your clothing make a huge difference to achievable ranges, please take this into careful consideration when choosing your battery.
Cadence/speed sensors.
Cadence sensors turn the power on when pedals are turned forward and turn the power off when pedaling stops.
On our Traditional Range of bikes it will take between ¼ and ½ of a complete revolution of the pedals before the power is turned on. The Wayfarer and Tailwind will activate faster due to improved hardware.
Note: Power is available immediately on all our ranges by simply twisting the throttle or activating the thumb throttle.
The magnetic disc is a part of the cadence sensor system and sits on the inside of the right hand crank by the bottom bracket axle. It holds several magnets on it’s circumference which, when they pass a sensor on the frame tells the bike when the pedals are being turned forward, at which point the power switches on. When a rider stops pedaling, the magnets stop passing the sensor and the power turns off.
Cadence sensor bikes require three magnets to pass the sensor in the correct order (pedals turning forward) before the power is switched on, the magnets must keep passing by the sensor or the power will turn off again. If the pedals stop turning, the bike will recognise this in a small fraction of a second and the power will turn off, hence the reason we do not need or use brake cut outs.
Torque sensors
Torque sensors recognise when and how much pressure is being put onto either pedal. Power will increase as the pressure on the pedals increases.
Power is available immediately pressure is put onto either pedal.
On Wisper bikes fitted with the Torque Power Pack, the torque and cadence sensors are housed inside the bottom bracket where the pedals are connected through the bike frame.
The Wisper Torque system works in a completely different manner to the the cadence sensor. Through the torque sensor the system measures the pressure a rider is putting onto the pedals. Pressure on the pedals turns the power on and the torque sensor reads the amount of pressure being exerted. The more pressure a rider puts onto the pedals the more power will be demanded from the motor.
So… if the bike is starting from standstill, encounters a hill, a strong headwind or if the bike is heavily laden, the torque sensor will recognise that more pressure is being put onto the pedals and the bike will offer more powered assistance. It’s very simple and very clever!
Either the left or right pedal will activate the torque sensor.
All Wisper bikes have either a twist grip or thumb controlled assistance regulator as a part of or next to the left hand grip.
The assistance regulator is set up to comply with European law, it will power the bike up to 6km per hour (4mph) without pedaling, this should only used for assistance when walking the bike.
HOWEVER….. If a rider activates the assistance regulator and holds it open whilst riding (pedals turning forward) the assistance regulator will override all the sensors and offer assistance up to a maximum speed of 15.5mph regardless of the amount of pressure being exerted on the pedals.
There is a lot of misleading information circulating regarding the legality of full throttle eBikes up to 15.5mph. This information is often disseminated by electric bike brands that are not able to offer full throttles on their bikes. Full throttles can be legal as long as the bike has been Type Approved as an L1e Low Powered Electric Moped
See our page on Full Throttle Ebikes for more information.
Firstly high capacity battery will give you much more range than a smaller capacity battery. Most importantly the maximum power band is much longer, helping you climb steep hills on max power for more of your journey.
A larger Wh battery will last significantly longer than a lower Wh battery. This is due to the stress levels put on the battery during use being much lower on the larger capacity battery. A 500Wh battery for example will last up to twice as long as a 250Wh model, and can therefore save you money in the long run.
We guarantee our batteries will not lose more than 30% of their capacity within two years of purchase. Consider that when a 575Wh battery has lost 30% of it’s capacity you still have a battery with a 400Wh, this will still offer assistance for longer than a brand new 375Wh battery, the same applies to the 700Wh battery after 2 years we guaranty you will still have at least 500Wh left.
In the long run a higher Wh battery is always cheaper.
The critical point regarding battery longevity is that the battery is topped up regularly and and never left flat for more than a few hours.
Wisper bikes are powered by high quality lithium ion batteries.
To achieve maximum battery life, it is important that a lithium battery is correctly maintained. All lithium batteries gradually lose capacity and therefore reduce the range of an electric bike. If well maintained a high quality lithium battery will give several years and thousands of miles of good reliable service.
The latest Wisper 700Wh LG batteries are installed with the very latest battery technology. These state of the art batteries automatically assist in keeping a battery in perfect condition. Please refer to paragraph three below.
Click on the > to the right of the headings below for more information.
1. Following these easy steps will ensure the long life of your battery
Recharge your battery after every use if possible
Keeping a battery charged extends its life and ensures your Wisper bike is always ready to go.
You no longer need to “condition” your battery by fully charging and discharging before it’s first use
This used to be the case with older battery technology but is not necessary with modern batteries.
Never leave a lithium battery completely discharged for more than 12 hours, doing so may damage the cells and void your Warranty.
Lithium batteries should be recharged every six weeks even if it is not being used
Most lithium batteries will continue to discharge even when the bike and battery are turned off. Our 700Wh super long range battery can be safely left for six months when fully charged.
Voltage falling bellow minimum is by far the most common reason for lithium battery failure. This is particularly noticeable in the spring when customers are using their bike for the first time in the new year after a period of non use.
Never leave a lithium battery connected to a charger or mains power over night.
Never recharge a battery outside, in damp conditions or in temperatures of less than 0 degrees centigrade.
Never open a Wisper battery case, try and maintain the battery or give it to any person or organisation other than a registered Wisper Stockist for maintenance. (Failure to comply will void your warranty)
Never use a lithium battery if it seems to be damaged.
Never use a non Wisper branded charger or one that has not been supplied directly by Amps Electric bikes or a bone fide distributor, using a charger from any other source will void your warranty and may cause a fire or an explosion.
Never store your battery in an enclosed space such as a drawer or cupboard, it should always be kept in a well ventilated area.
3. Wisper 700Wh LG Lithium Batteries
The latest Wisper long range batteries are equipped with features to help keep it in good health.
“Deep sleep” or “hibernation” mode
Once a Wisper 700Wh battery has been fully charged it is not necessary to recharge again for several months, for example, over the winter. We recommend the battery is recharged every 6 months.
General Maintenance
Like any bicycle, it is important that your Wisper Electric Bicycle is kept clean and well lubricated. Our ebikes fall into the City and Trekking category and are not designed as mountain bikes. If you do use your Wisper bike in “off road” conditions, it is important that all mud and sand is cleaned from all moving parts and the parts are lightly lubricated, before storage or further use. Making sure no lubrication is applied to braking surfaces. A build up of mud and/or sand on moving parts will damage your bike and may negate the warranty.
If you ride your bike in a salty environment, such as near the sea or on roads that have been salted or gritted, it is critical that you wash your bike with fresh clean water as soon as possible after use.
You can find the correct tyre pressure moulded into the side of your tyres. Just remember not to over inflate, you can however run tyres up to 30% lower than recommended if you want a softer ride however your range will be affected by about the same %.
All bicycles need regular servicing and electric bicycles in particular should be serviced and checked over by an electric bike specialist at least once a year. If you are using the bicycle on a daily basis, for your safety and for the correct levels of maintenance, we recommend six monthly servicing. Your local Wisper Service Centre will be happy to help you look after your bike.
1. Call your Wisper Dealer
If you need to arrange a service for your Wisper ebike, or need technical assistance, your first point of contact is with your local Wisper Dealer. In nearly all cases they will be able to arrange a service or resolve any issue you may have with your bike quickly and efficiently. They will be pleased to hear from you and are best placed to look after you. If they can’t resolve an issue, they will call our service department for assistance. We have many years experience and hold thousands of spare parts in our warehouse in Kent and in most cases can despatch the exact part you need within 24 hours. Uniquely in the ebike business, we at Wisper support our bikes up to and often more than seven years from new.
2. Call us
If your local Wisper Dealer is unable to offer the assistance you require, you are welcome to call and speak to one of our tech experts. In most cases they will refer you to your original supplier and liaise with them in order to assist you. Whatever the situation we will make absolutely sure you are looked after in the most efficient manner possible.
General Ebike FAQ
General
Neither one is better than the other, however great care should be taken when choosing the best for your riding style and area, they both have advantages and disadvantages.
A central motor drives the pedals where as a hub motor drives the wheel directly. A hub drive is considered more efficient and does not damage the chain and gears. A crank drive or “mid motor” is considered better when climbing steep hills or pulling heavy loads.
IMPORTANT Torque at the rear hub should be multiplied by 2 to find out what the equivalent mid motor power should be. i.e A 50Nm hub motor delivers approximately the same torque power as a 100Nm mid motor.
The four major benefits of a rear hub system over mid drive systems are as follows:
Reduced wear on the chain drive and gears
Power is directly and efficiently applied to the rear wheel. This eliminates issues associated with chain stretch/wear and putting too much torque through delicate hub or derailleur gears.
Companies such as Shimano do not recommend that more than 35Nm of electronic power is put through their systems.
More power to the rear wheel
Our rear wheel direct drive hub system avoids the bicycle chain and gears, therefore, the whole 50Nm of available power can be directly applied through the rear wheel.
A quieter ride
Rear hub motors are normally quieter and more discrete than a mid motor.
The Advantage of a Mid Motor over a Hub Motor
Better hill climbing or load pulling as the power is directed through the bike’s gear system.
Better grip
Positioning the motor and battery at the rear of the bike keeps the weight directly over the rear tyre ensuring a more positive grip, especially in wet or slippery conditions.
There are many benefits including the following:
- Arrive at your destination fresh and not needing a shower
- Travel further and more often, in studies ebikes are shown to be used three times more than an non electric bikes and people who have electric bikes are less likely to use their cars for shorter journeys
- The health advantages are substantial. An electric bike will assist the less healthy to start using pedal power and the fitter to go further. Cycling an ebike is considered moderate exercise, perfect for weight loss and cardiac fitness
- Save money on commuting and general travel, an electric bike typically costs under 10p a mile to run
- Most importantly they are great fun, get you out into the open air and are a very social means of transport
As long as the rack is certified to carry the weight of the bike and is properly fitted it is perfectly safe to carry an eBike on a bike rack. We recommend removing the battery before loading the bike in order to reduce weight. We offer dummy batteries which help to protect the electronics, alternatively a securely attached plastic cover will reduce the chance of water ingress in wet conditions.
After the initial purchase which can be between £1,500 and several thousand pounds for a good bike costs are relatively low. Allow £100.00 for a service and about 8p per mile to run the bike.
Legal
Throttles are legal under the following criteria.
- The throttle alone can drive the bike up to 4mph without the pedals turning forward. The rider should not be sitting on the bike.
- The throttle can be used as a form of assistance regulator up to a speed of 15.5mph as long as the pedals are turning forward.
- The throttle can be opened up to 15.5mph as long as the bike has been Type Approved and certificated as a 250W L1e-A low power moped, this is something we offer. This does not effect the status of your eBike in law as far as usage is concerned. UK Only. See our page on Full Throttle Ebikes for more information.
You can ride your electric bicycle anywhere a normal bicycle can be ridden, this includes cycle-paths and bridle ways
The speed limit for an electric bicycle is the same as for a normal bicycle or any other motor vehicle. The assistance on an electric bike must cut off at 15.5mph
No, as long as you are over the age of 14 you can ride an electric bicycle without a licence
Yes, however it is always advisable to check the local traffic laws in the country you intend visiting. If your bike has been converted to a full throttle version it may not be legal in counties outside of the UK, so please check before you travel.
Maintenance
We recommend that you take your ebike to your local Wisper dealer to be serviced twice a year, depending on usage. You should top up your battery as often as you can to keep a “full tank”. Before every ride check the brakes and lights are working well and that there is no visible damage to the bike, tyres or battery. It is important that you keep your bike clean and lightly lubricate the moving parts least once a month making sure you do not get lube on any of the braking surfaces.
Your ebike is designed to work perfectly well in the rain and drizzle. The electronic parts should never be submerged and it’s best to keep your bike and battery in a dry place when not being used. If your bike gets particularly wet, we advise quickly drying it off before storage.
If your bike is exposed to salt water or roads that have been salted it is very important that the bike is rinsed with fresh water as soon as possible after exposure. If you leave your bike to dry after being exposed to salt water, certain parts will corrode.