Go ride an e-bike

This story first appeared in the October issue of EvTalk – CLICK HERE to download the magazine FREE

Back in 2013, sales of electric bikes were fairly limited to a white step-through frame and … a white step-through frame.

The SmartMotion eEssence came with a two-year warranty on the motor and battery (360Watt/hours) and a price tag of $2499.

The manufacturer, Smart Motion – a New Zealand company – was years ahead of the game.

There were no real competitors in the market – largely because there was no market of which to speak.

Time has rolled on and so too, thankfully, have customer choice options in terms of frame designs, colours, battery range/resilience, and motor technology.

More players have entered the market.

These include both new, low volume, niche manufacturers as well as the larger, traditional bike manufacturers.

The market is opening wider still as non-traditional bicycle manufacturers such as those from car and motorcycle firms team up with frame designers to bring their motor and drive-train expertise to bear.

Too many traditional bike shops have closed due to a collapse in sales of pedal bikes; parts suppliers being caught out for not carrying enough basic items like brake pads (yes, e-bike’s use them) and a general lack of qualified technicians.

We can expect yet further disruption across manufacturing, distribution and sales channels, and transportation modes such is life at the beginning of a new micro-mobile industry.

In this guest editorial, Bikes and Barbers focuses on what we see as major trends for e-bike development and implications for New Zealanders looking to buy one.

We will be sharing challenges (and opportunities) for the e-bike industry (November issue) and giving a heads up on some exciting developments arriving over the course of 2020/2021 (January issue).

Bikes and Barbers’ Christian and Darleen Tana Hoff-Nielsen were recently invited to Switzerland to view the new range of Scott e-bikes for 2020.

Scott Sports is not so well known in New Zealand but it is certainly renowned in the USA and Europe for their decades-long contribution to high-performance sports – including cycling.

It was incredible to meet the super talented people behind the brand and a fantastic opportunity – clearly, to be first in the world to view (and test ride) the latest Avanti, Scott, and Bergamont e-bikes to hit the market.

It was clear from travelling through Switzerland, Austria, Germany, the Czech Republic and Denmark that e-mobility is gaining in political popularity to address congestion, pollution, and health issues.

Banned use of diesel vehicles, increased pedestrian zones, public transport (electric, of course), separated cycle paths, and e-bike and e-scooter rentals are just some examples of initiatives rolling out across Europe.

European standards for design and manufacture are certainly very high.

They sit at the top end of the price range for an e-bike ($5000 upwards for a commuter).

While this price point may seem steep to many Kiwis, after servicing thousands of e-bikes these last seven years, we can attest to their value and quality componentry.

Many e-bikes at these higher price points have potential to be your bike for life.

Longer-range batteries (from 630W/h) and speed regulation around 32km/h look to feature for bikes coming from the traditional bike manufacturer.

While Bosch seems to be winning with the larger frame makers, do keep an open mind for some of the other mid-drive manufacturers (Brose, Dapu, Bafang, Yamaha, Shimano, etc).

We observe New Zealand developers are still leading the way in terms of building e-bikes that are relevant for our volcanic terrain, bigger bodies, and “unicorn aspirations” for what a bike can do.

Watt Wheels, Hiko Bikes, eVinci, and ONYA join the Kiwi-led charge to manufacturing and delivering e-bikes that respond to Kiwi demands for accessible price points also.

Priced between $2000 and $4000 and built largely in China with Dapu or Bafang mid-drive motors, the e-bikes are proving their worth in value for money, reliability, and performance.

While ride geometry or componentry choice could always be better, the return on investment is worthwhile and an experienced bike person can advise tuning or improvements to widen your smile.

We advise people to just go and test ride … as many bikes as you can.

Find the e-bike most comfortble and buy from the retailer who will look after you for the life of your bike.

The Hoff-Nielsens are specialists in electric mobility, having come out of the European motor vehicle sector.

They are supporters of small, independent businesses working innovatively with communities to encourage conscious choices for the well-being of people and the planet.

Bikes and Barbers is their main retail, service, and rental activity and they are both active with several cycle, school, community, and business associations.

Darleen is also a founding member of the Electric Island Trust on Waiheke Island, aiming to make it the world’s first fully electric island.