General Ebike
Legal
Are throttles legal in the UK?
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.
Can I ride my ebike on cycle-paths?
You can ride your electric bicycle anywhere a normal bicycle can be ridden, this includes cycle-paths and bridle ways
What is the top speed of an ebike?
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 over 15.5mph
Do I need a driving license?
No, as long as you are over the age of 14 you can ride an electric bicycle without a licence
Can I legally ride my ebike anywhere in Europe?
Yes, however it is always advisable to check the local traffic laws in the country you intend visiting
General
What’s the difference between crank drive and hub drive?
A crank drive or central motor drives the pedals and a hub motor drives the wheels directly. A hub drive is more efficient and does not damage the chain and gears but is sometimes considered better when climbing very steep hills or pulling very heavy loads.
What are the benefits of riding an ebike?
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 futher. 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
Is it safe to cary an ebike on a car rack?
Yes certainly, however always make certain the rack you are using is built to take the heavier weight of your bike compared to no ebikes. We advise you take off the battery and make sure the electrical parts are protected from the weather.
How much does it cost to own and run an ebike?
A good electric bike can be as inexpensive as £1,149.00 and will last for many years. Including maintenance at a local dealer we would expect a bike to cost in the region of £35.00 a month to run over the corse of five years.
Maintenance
How should I maintain my ebike?
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.
What happens if my ebike gets wet?
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.
Salt water
If your bike is exposed to salt water 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.