Buyer's guide to electric bikes  By Paul Smith & Cycling Plus |
Monday, May 2, 2011 7.00am  For some cyclists, the idea of an
electric bike – even a so-called ‘pedelec’ that supplements
pedal power rather than replacing it – will always be cheating.
On the other hand, what if having a little help, like a
permanent breeze at your back, could open up a whole new world
of cycling possibilities?  That could be carrying a week’s
shopping on the bike, making a long or too-hilly commute doable,
or riding to work every day of the week rather than just when
you’re feeling top of your game. Or maybe an electric bike is
what it takes for a family member or friend to catch the cycling
bug.  In this guide we explain the different types of electric
bike, what to look for when buying one and the current legal
situation. For reviews of the latest models, see the 'electric'
section of our Bikes & Gear browser, where you can search by
price, star rating or brand.  Shopping, in a shop  We'd always
recommend buying bikes from a