'I tried an electric bike for the first time, and it really did make cycling e-asy'
16.06.2022 - 14:23
/ manchestereveningnews.co.uk
Cycling is a topic that divides the nation. Whether you’re a leisure cyclist, a commuter, or just enjoy a bike ride around town every now and then, we all have different uses for our bikes.
One thing that most of us can agree on, however, is that cycling can be tiring. And, if you’re using it as your daily commute, it can leave you a little sweaty for work – especially if you’ve travelled uphill.
That’s why e-cycles are different. With an e-cycle, you can still get in your daily workout, but with some battery-powered assistance from the electric motor, making that daily commute, or that run around town, a little easier.
Having never tried an electric bike of any kind before, I jumped at the chance to go and try one out for myself, at the launch of Cycling UK’s, ‘Cycling made e-asy’ programme in Manchester on Thursday, May 12.
The idea behind the programme, with an investment of up to £8 million from Department for Transport, is to offer free e-cycle loans in pilot areas across England throughout 2022-2023.
Now, I’m not much of a cyclist, in fact, I’d say that I’m definitely guilty of taking the car out when I could have hopped on my bike instead. But, it turns out that is exactly the kind of people Cycling UK wants to reach out to.
The ‘Cycling made e-asy’ programme aims to show people how exciting choosing to use a bike over a car can be - from short runs around town, to your daily route to work.
With that in mind, I stepped up to my chosen e-cycle, flicked away the kickstand, and flew off onto the road ahead.
I had heard many people talking about how getting on an e-cycle puts a smile on people’s faces if they’ve never tried one before. Sceptical, I started to pedal my way along trying to keep a straight face, but