Image of a bike

ebike advice

For years, the benefits of electric bikes have been enjoyed by our cousins on the continent, but they are a relatively new concept to our shores. So, what is an eBike, what are the benefits of riding with motor assistance and how do you go about choosing one?

eBikes can be many things to many people. Whether a tool for business, a way to extend your cycling commute or to simply have fun, there’s an eBike out there for everyone.

ebike-guides

EBIKE BUYERS GUIDES

Introducing our comprehensive eBike buyers guides, crafted through extensive research and backed by genuine testimonials from real eBike riders.

View Guides

The Benefits of eBikes

eBike-health

Healthy Body

No pain no gain is a thing of the past! Forget the stress of public transport, sitting in traffic, or struggling up a hill on a bicycle, eBikes are a super-fun, fast and liberating alternative. Enjoy every aspect of your ride and arrive smiling and perspiration-free!

Sustainability-Planet

Healthy Planet

The need for our city to get a grip on its toxic air has never been more important, after reaching yearly legal pollution limit within a month in 2024. eBikes offer a sustainable method of transport that contributes to a cleaner, less congested city.

Mental-Health

Healthy Mind

eBikes are fantastic machines, helping to reduce the stress associated with cycling. Forget worrying about the hills and arriving hot and bothered, eBike offer only the best bits, the fun, the smiles, the enjoyment you get out of cycling - whist, - feeling superhuman!

Money-Savings

Healthy Wallet

With increased taxation on fossil-fuelled vehicles and rising costs of public transport the eBike alternative is very financially attractive! With clever ways to purchase including 0% finance, cycle schemes and leasing, you can spread the costs and make great savings!

Which eBike is right for you?

Style-eBike

Urban eBikes

Ride around the city in style. Travel further, faster and stress-free.

Portable-eBIKES

Folding eBikes

Portable and practical. An ideal city companion.

cargo-ebike

eCargo

Ditch the car or van. Carry loads throughout the city more efficiently - and save money!

OffRoad-ebike

eMTB

Ride more trail faster and have more fun! Make more of your riding time!

Urban eBikes

Getting around, especially in a city such as London, can be expensive, congested and -polluting.

Whether you have a long commute, encounter hefty hills, don’t want to arrive at work hot and bothered, or simply want an efficient means of personal transport, choosing an eBike can save you time and money - and you can be a part of the future transport solution.

“The best damned upgrade I ever made, one of the best things I've ever bought. Said goodbye to lycra, now cycling around town and commuting is literally and metaphorically no sweat.“ – Peter Holbrook, Social Enterprise UK

Folding eBikes

Fast-folding and portable, the Tern Vektron and Gocycle are the leaders in this category, providing a efficient solution for those commuting and getting around town.

Mudguards, lights, panniers and suspension are found on the majority of these bikes, whilst benefiting from a comfortable eBike geometry so all the necessities are covered.

eCargo and Family Bikes

eCargo Bikes have seen a big uptake in usage in recent years as businesses realise their benefits - reducing their fleets of cars and vans to take advantage of the cleaner, greener, more efficient transport method.

As our cities become more congested, eCargo bikes offer a viable answer to getting around - travelling further, carrying more and saving time and money.

Hybrid Electric Bikes

Do you need an eBike that suits the town as much as the countryside? These bikes have the versatility for a mixture of uses, whether it be riding comfortably and smoothly on the road or tackling tough terrains in the rural areas.

Whether you have a multi-terrain commute, encounter hefty hills, or simply want an efficient and fun eBike. Commute in the week, explore on the weekend with a hybrid eBike.

How eBikes work: Mid Drive vs Hub Drive

Mid-Drive

With mid drive systems, the motor is housed centrally within the bottom bracket, keeping the centre of gravity low and central, making for a more balanced ride.

Typically mid drive motors are more intuitive, with triple sensor technology used to measure pedalling power, cadence and speed over 1000 times a second to ensure the force of the motor is harmoniously coordinated with the riders’ cycling style.

 The new smart system from Bosch combines high-quality eBike components with digital functions, is fully connected and always up to date thanks to over-the-air updates.

Hub-Drive

A hub motor can be mounted in the front or back wheel. Hub motors have sensors to detect a rider’s pedaling and power is sent to the motor.

Power delivery varies, some hub motors are able to measure power lots of times every pedal stroke, making them responsive.

Others are simpler, measuring only a few times per stroke, resulting in a linear power delivery.

Test Rides

  • Where do I book my test

    You can book a test-ride at either our flagship store in London Bridge or our Silverstone Test Centre via our homepage or any product page on our website.

  • Where are you located in London?

    We are based at Unit 6, Arch 5 Crucifix Lane (SE1 3JW), only a 3 minute walk from London Bridge train station and the iconic Shard. If you’re spending the day coming to see us, then pop into Vinegar Yard for some excellent street-food, and say hi to Drew at Blackyard Coffee, which is the trapdoor at the top of Bermondsey Street!

    Our service centre is at 891-894 Holyrood St, London, SE1 2EL

    We also have partner stores located across the country, which you can view in the Support & Stores section.

  • How long can will a test ride last?

    A typical appointment with an eBike specialist is 30 minutes, including a test-ride for anything up to 15 minutes.

  • Can I test ride more than one eBike?

    All of our eBike Specialists want to put you on the right bike for your requirements and as such you may find yourself trying out a selection of bikes that we offer on display.

  • Can I test ride ride the specific bike I'd like to purchase?

    Yes! We try as much as possible to have as many models of our range of brands available for you to test-ride. In some cases we may not have the exact frame size of the bike you’d like to test-ride, but we carry at least one demo of a particular model you would like. If you’d like to find out if your model is available for demo please email us at info@fullycharged.com

Purchasing

  • What payment methods do you accept?

    We accept debit cards, credit cards, mobile payments, electronic bank transfers and cash. We do not accept AmEx.

  • How do I pay using Cycle Schemes?

    We work with a number of different cycle scheme providers here at Fully Charged. The application process couldn’t be easier. For more information regarding how you pay via the Cycle-to-Work scheme please [click here link to cycle scheme page]

Aftercare Support for your eBike

  • Where should I get my electric bike serviced?

    Whether you're local to one of our locations or live far away, we will provide support for any bikes purchased from us, within a six month window. Our recommendation here at Fully Charged is for you to keep up and not catch up, as it will cost you significantly more to repair a problem than it will to prevent one. In the unlikely event that you experience an issue with your new eBike and a simple fix cannot be found, we will cover the costs for the first sixth months.

  • Where can I book to get my eBike serviced?

    Link https://fullycharged.setmore.com/

  • I don't live near you, what happens if there is a problem?

    In the unlikely scenario that you have any issues, you can contact us via our service centre page where you can book an appointment to see one of the technical support teams. All of our eBikes are under a 2 year warranty on any of the electrical components, as well as 5 years on the frame. Most bike shops can work on the regular analogue components and carry any additional spares if needed. As your certified eBike dealer, we can supply them to you or your local bike shop. If you have a Bosch eBike and need a diagnostic, you can look online to see the nearest available expert to your address.

  • The 6 month guarantee

    In the unlikely event that you experience a warranty issue with your new eBike and where a simple fix cannot be found remotely, for the first six months we will cover the costs of all warranty service, including return shipping, labour and parts, If you are outside of the six months, just get in touch. As a Fully Charged rider, our Technical Support team is always here to help work with you to find a solution.

  • Will you repair an eBike not from Fully Charged?

    At Fully Charged we pride ourselves on putting our riders first, and as such we only repair and maintain eBikes bought by Fully Charged customers. If you have bought an eBike either online or at another retailer, we suggest you speak to them directly to see where you can get your bike seen too. Similarly if you have converted your own eBike from the comfort of home, we cannot be of assistance. We are proud to be an eBike specific retailer, and as such do not cater for any eScooter repairs.

  • What kind of support do you offer for the eBike

    We offer a two year warranty on any electrical components of the eBikes we sell and a five year warranty on the frame repairs.

Shipping / Collection

  • How long will it take for my eBike to arrive?

    We typically have anywhere from 150 - 250 eBikes in stock in London, with many more being scheduled for delivery throughout the year. If a bike is in stock online, delivery is estimated for up to 5 working days from the point of order. If the online status is ‘back in stock soon’, do get in touch and one of our team will give you the estimated date.

  • What is involved with the assembly of my bike with each shipping option?

    Free shipping: You’ll need to remove the bike from it’s box, straighten the handlebars and tighten with an allen key. The pedals will also need to be screwed on to its corresponding sides and tightened with a spanner. Accessories will be fitted by Fully Charged so long as the bike still fits in the box, otherwise accessories will be sent separately. Dedicated courier: An Addison Lee or similar will deliver your bike fully assembled. Protective packaging is used to ensure no transit damage will occur, and the driver will have the phone number to ensure a smooth delivery. All accessories will be fitted to the bike. Premium delivery: A member of the team will drop the bike off in our electric van fully assembled and ready to ride. We’ll do a detailed handover of the bike including feature explanations and give you top tips for keeping your bike well maintained. Cargo Bikes: Cargo bikes always are collected or delivered fully assembled. Please note, cargo bikes do not qualify for free delivery.

  • Can I order online and collect in store?

    Of course! You have the option of ordering any of our products online and collecting them from our store, should you so wish.

  • I have purchased an eBike or eScooter from another retailer or second hand and I have a problem - can you assist?

    We only offer essential warranty work, repairs and servicing to bikes that have been bought from us at Fully Charged. This is a policy that has been put in place to not only give our customers a five star service, but also due to the fact that we do not stock available parts to brands that we do not sell here at Fully Charged. As the UK’s premium eBike retailer, we do not sell eScooters and cannot unfortunately be of assistance.

Insurance

  • Are you eBike legal?

    Here at Fully Charged we only sell pedal-assist electric bikes. Pedal-assist eBikes are legal in the UK. While you should do your own research about your local legislation, pedal-assist bikes are the most widely accepted electric bikes and you can usually ride them anywhere you can a traditional bike. If an eBike has electrical assistance when travelling at more than 25kph (15.5mph), has a motor which generates more than 250 Watts of power or motor assistance that is provided without the bike’s pedals being in motion, they are legally treated as a moped or motorcycle.

General Questions

  • How fast can I go?

    UK law states that for road use, electric bicycles must stop assisting at 15.5 MPH then you can push faster with your legs if you want. There are manufacturers who make HS (high-speed) eBikes which have to be type approved and registered with the DVLA. Riders will also need a CBT license, insurance and have to wear a helmet.

  • How far can I go?

    Anywhere between 15 and 200 miles. There are many variants that determine range - battery capacity, terrain, speed, rider weight and many more. Crank drive bikes from Bosch often have larger ranges, and some Bosch eBikes have the option for Dual Battery technology with a 1250Wh capacity!

  • How long does it take to charge?

    Depending on the battery, charge times range between 2 hours and 5 hours. All of our bikes use lithium ion technology meaning you don’t have to let the battery run flat before charging them up.

  • What's the lifespan of the battery?

    Batteries range in overall lifespan. All of the bikes we sell have a 2 year warranty which include the battery. A Bosch eBike battery for example is guaranteed for 2 years, or 500 charge cycles. That being said, the lifespan is likely to be much longer. In fact Bosch themselves state that the battery should be good for around 10 years or 1500 full charge cycles.

  • Do I need a licence to ride an eBike?

    No, you do not. It qualifies as a standard bicycle as long as it emits 250Watts and the assistance is limited to 15.5mph. However you must be over 14 years old to ride on the road.

  • Can I try before buying?

    Absolutely, we encourage test rides as much as possible, they are the best way to understand how fantastic these machines are. You can visit our showrooms in London Bridge or Silverstone and choose from our large range of demo eBikes we have in store, and we can talk you through what bike best fits your needs.Overnight test-rides are also available for those wanting to test out their commute.

  • Do you ship internationally?

    For those outside the UK, we offer express international shipping. Please contact us before making your purchase for a shipping quotation. Purchases made online will be offered a standard shipping rate, but due to the complexity of shipping routes and the shape and sizes of bikes shipped, these are subject to change. Please note that we reserve the right to adjust shipping charges and we will contact you in the event of any change.

  • Can I shop UK VAT free?

    For purchases made in store by overseas visitors to the UK and entitled European Union residents exporting goods from the EU, we can offer a completed VAT 407 application for tax-free shopping. Present the completed form along with the goods at the point of exit of the UK within three months of your purchase to claim the UK VAT refund.For door-to-door export shipments to customers outside of the European Union, or to a business outside of the UK with a valid EU VAT number, we can remove the UK VAT on your invoice. Please contact us for your VAT-free quotation including shipping.*Free shipping available to mainland UK addresses for selected bikes over £2000. Due to the size and weight of the Bultaco Electric Bikes and our eCargo bikes, we are unable to provide shipping on these items. We are sorry but we cannot offer free shipping on discounted bikes.A free health check is offered on all bikes purchased in store. Please contact us in advance to book your service appointment. Bikes are returned at the customer's expense.Shipping costs associated with repairs or returns are the responsibility of the customer. In the unusual event that your product is not functioning correctly , you must return it to us for inspection by our trained mechanics who will, with the manufacturer's guidance, make the decision to either repair, replace or refund in accordance with the Consumer Rights Act (2015).

!