Try an e-bike & lead ride

This session is for people who are competent on a bike.

This session is 30 minutes only and is an introduction to using an e-bike.

A longer session can be arranged with Kieran after the introduction on how to use the e-bike you will get to cycle the bike during the session.

You will still get to try an e-bike during the first 30 minutes of the session. Please get in touch with Kieran before you attend the Try an e-bike & lead ride session.

Time slots available are:

12 pm

12:30 pm

1pm

1:30 pm

2 pm

I am happy to arrange a time that best suits your workplace needs.

We have a wealth of other training sessions and Kieran will provide 1.1 sessions too, if required. These longer sessions will run throughout the year. From the Active Travel Centre.

Please book a time and date that suits you, these sessions are weekly and on a first come basis.

We have 3 e-bikes available for this session, we supply helmets too so please wear suitable clothing for the weather forecast.

Once you have done the induction, the bike is available for you to try out and take home for a short period. We would also encourage you to try out cycling into work on the bike. Kieran can support you throughout this period so please get in touch.

Kieran Coyle

Workplace Active Travel Officer | Sustrans Northern Ireland

FAQs about e-bikes

How far can I go?

There many factors that affect this, like hills, wind and how hard you pedal. It will also depend on the amount of assistance you use. If the e-bike is on the Eco Setting you might be 40-50 miles from a full battery, if you use the Turbo setting this is likely to be reduced to around 30 miles.

Does the e-bike have gears?

Yes. The e-bike has gears which are controlled using the levers on the handlebars in the same way you would for a normal bike. To change gears smoothly just keep pedalling as you move through the gears using the levers on the right handlebar.

Can I leave the e-bike on a regular bike stand?

Yes. You can park the e-bike as with a normal bike on a bike stand or another immovable object. The battery is locked to the bike frame so you do not need to remove this when leaving the bike.

Can I buy an e-bike through the cycle-to-work scheme?

Yes, most workplaces are running the scheme; please check with your HR Department.

Isn’t it cheating?

To say e-bikes are cheating implies there is something to ‘win’ but being on a bike is more about the enjoyment of riding and an e-bike allows you to do more of that, which is a good thing.

Guidance on using the e-bikes

• You can ride your e-bike with or without assisted power. To turn the power on press the on/off button.

• Look on the screen to check if the battery icon shows that it is charged before you set out.

• To charge the battery unlock it and detach it from the bike. Plug the battery into the charger provided. A fully charged battery will last for approximately 40 - 50 miles on the Eco setting.

• Once charged, fit the battery back onto the bike and click into position.

• The e-bike has four power settings. From least powerful to most powerful they are Eco, Tour, Sport and Turbo. The power settings will assist you with your ride but you will still need to pedal.

• To move from one power setting to a more powerful setting press the + icon. To use a less powerful setting press the – icon.

• When you are using the power settings you should use the gears as you would on a normal bike.

• Please note, if you stop the bike whilst in Turbo, please remember to drop down the settings to Eco, before you set off again for a smoother and safer take-off.

• When sharing space with other bicycles, who may not be riding power-assisted cycles, please remember to slow down and overtake giving plenty of room and when stopped behind other cyclists remember you can accelerate much faster than they can, so don’t stop too close and consider setting off without the power assist.

• The e-bikes are fitted with hydraulic disc brakes, these brakes are more efficient than normal rim brakes, so please be aware if you pull the brakes hard you will stop very quickly.

Follow the Highway Code at all times.

If you need any more infromation email kieran.coyle@sustrans.org.uk