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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

AIBU electric bikes

66 replies

2023forme · 10/02/2023 16:17

AIBU asking this about electric bikes? We (DH) and have decided to buy two and take some U.K. breaks where we can see a bit more of areas without driving.

DH thinks we should just pop down to Halfords and get a couple as apparently Halfords can do no wrong!

AIBU to suggest we do a bit more research about what we will need WRT battery life, quality of the bike, expense of parts/tyres etc.

UABU - Halfords is fine and their electric bikes will suit your needs
YANBU and should consult a bike specialist

and if anyone uses an eBike and has any tips, I would welcome them!

OP posts:

TeresaCrowd · 10/02/2023 20:46

Where are you based OP, regular riders might be able to recommend you a good local bike shop or two. Buying a bike from Halfords is hit and miss as the staff generally (there will of course be the odd very bike-knowledgeable ones) don’t know much beyond what is written in the sales blurb. LBS staff are more likely to be cyclists with a range of bikes and so between them have a broader range of experience with different types/brands etc and also more likely to have good workshops and the ability to swap out parts if needed to get a more optimal bike fit. They will also be able to advise and offer a better range of suitable accessories such as mudguards, racks for luggage, lights, helmets, kickstands etc. you might get one basic type of each at Halfords.

BarrelOfOtters · 10/02/2023 20:52

Bought mine from a local bike shop….

watch out if you want to put on a bike rack, you need a specialist one, about £1,5k with fitting.

Greydogs123 · 10/02/2023 20:52

They are generally quite a bit heavier than non-electric bikes. How are planning on transporting them on your car? I imagine two might be too heavy for a rear carrier (could be wrong, but needs to be considered).

GOODCAT · 10/02/2023 20:57

I have also got an xs liv e bike. I love it. The size is exactly right for me. I am 5'3.

I got mine through the cycle to work scheme which is absolutely brilliant.

GOODCAT · 10/02/2023 21:00

I got a witter bike carrier to carry the bike on the back of the car. It was £300 and something. The towbar was just over £100. I also bought a ramp for it as the bike is heavy. I can't lift the rack on and off very easily as it is so heavy so my husband normally does that.

SnackSizeRaisin · 10/02/2023 21:09

Lcb123 · 10/02/2023 16:41

I’d do some research first and read reviews but Halfords have good reputation. Also see if you could both get one on the Cycle to Work scheme as it saves you with tax relief. Just bear in the mind they can be quite heavy - in mind of getting them to your destination! Could be better to just hire them when you get there if will be the odd use

Halfords have a terrible reputation for bikes. A lot of what they sell is really poor quality and not for for purpose. Their staff are not bike mechanics so the bikes are often not built safely . Brakes on wrong, even seen handlebars pit back to front. Maybe it's ok for car stuff I wouldn't know.

TiaraBoo · 10/02/2023 21:18

AnotherEmma · 10/02/2023 20:25

On paper you don't own the bike but in reality you own it. When you get to the end of the "hire" period you can extend it for a small cost and then at the end of the extended period you can legally buy the bike for what is usually a small fee. The different schemes vary slightly and it depends on the value of the bike you buy, but overall it is usually well worth buying it that way, as you save so much in tax. The main factor to consider is whether your employer sets a limit on the amount you can spend (and if so how much) because a good ebike usually costs a fair bit.

www.bikeradar.com/advice/buyers-guides/cycle-to-work-scheme-everything-you-need-to-know/

Show quote history

WHAT the effing fluffers!
I hope not. I bought a £1000 voucher.

SnackSizeRaisin · 10/02/2023 21:20

It's a big purchase. Would you just go to any car shop and buy whatever car they recommend? Or for any other big purchase like a computer, mobile phone or holiday? Only people who know nothing about what they are buying would think the salesman would know what they needed better than they did themselves.

AnotherEmma · 10/02/2023 21:23

TiaraBoo · 10/02/2023 21:18

WHAT the effing fluffers!
I hope not. I bought a £1000 voucher.

Show quote history

Are you saying you bought a voucher before deciding what you want to buy?

tanstaafl · 10/02/2023 21:33

OP
Halfords has a free 6 hour bike trial offer:
www.halfords.com/cycling/bikes/electric-bike-trials/?_gl=11yquspx_upMQ.._gaMTU1NjI1MTQ4NS4xNjc2MDY0Mzkw_ga_VK44BRER97*MTY3NjA2NDM5MS4xLjAuMTY3NjA2NDM5MS4wLjAuMA..

As I understand it, for bikes to be used on the road, in the UK ( and EU?) once your speed reaches 25km/h the motor assistance stops.

Those bikes will be limited to a 250watt motor and up to a 36v battery.

I don’t know for sure if the same rules applies to off road, that is mountain bikes.

Whendovescry03 · 10/02/2023 21:45

I wouldn't buy a regular bike from Halfords, definitely not an electric one. Everyone we know who's into cycling told us to avoid them (apparently they have a terrible reputation for bikes) but DH saw a good deal and went for it and, as we'd been warned, their service was shocking and the bike needed repairing within a week.

TiaraBoo · 10/02/2023 22:24

@AnotherEmma
I’ve signed up to the scheme. I didn’t really understand but exDH had a voucher printed out that he took to decathlon and bought a bike and bike stuff. I assumed it was the same! And my friend didn’t say anything different when she did it!

Mine is cycle scheme and the email does say I have to sign a hire agreement. But I haven’t got an activation code to go into my account yet.

This is much harder than I expected!

Namechangingagain111 · 10/02/2023 23:17

It's as much about how the size/style of the bike suits your body as it is about the bike itself, and no bike retailer will sell every make of bike
So definitely do some research and try lots out before committing.
And avoid Halfords !

AnotherEmma · 10/02/2023 23:30

TiaraBoo · 10/02/2023 22:24

Mine is cycle scheme and the email does say I have to sign a hire agreement. But I haven’t got an activation code to go into my account yet.

This is much harder than I expected!

The usual process is

find out which scheme your employer offers and whether there is a spending limit
decide what you want to buy (can include bike and accessories) - obviously need to use a shop that accepts the scheme offered by your employer - and then you will have an amount
apply to the scheme for the amount you need, then do the necessary paperwork/admin (sign salary sacrifice agreement, etc)
get code/voucher from cycle to work scheme and give it to bike shop

SleepyRich · 11/02/2023 00:08

Personally I don't rate halfords as much of a bike store, but if you find a bike that you like then I suppose it doesn't matter where it comes from.

Halford do allow longer trials of bikes so give one a go for a few hours:
www.halfords.com/bikes/services-advice/free-electric-bike-trials.html

Generally the cheaper end will be extremely heavy, the motor won't be very well powered/battery will not let you get far, the components will be low spec and wont last as long. Although prices are crazy these days, not far off car prices really!! I was just browsing the Trek webiste and notice a lot of their e-mountain bikes cost over £10k!!!

confusednewbie · 11/02/2023 00:10

Sounds like your approach to decision making is very different to each other and I’d wonder how this will work long term in the relationship.

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