SAFETY
There's no doubt that an electric bike helps to keep you out of danger. The same general principle applies to road junctions - the faster your acceleration, the sooner you can get out of trouble. And with no need to rush the hills, you won't be tempted to ride downhill at breakneck speed... yet another useful safety feature. A good electric bike also flattens ot the 'groan' factor of hill climbs when a gradient comes into view. Provided you supply a reasonable amount of effort, you can probably expect to climb hills of 1 in 10 (10%) on an electric bike with ease, and clear a maximum gradient of 1 in 7 (14%), or much more.
RUNNING COSTS
Purchase cost is a little more than a conventional bike, mechanical wear and tear is about the same, and electricity is so cheap as to be largely irrelevant, but there is an extra expense in terms of battery depreciation. Consequently, an electric bike costs more to run - typically 5 - 10 pence per mile against 4.2 pence per mile for a non-assisted bike. However, electric bike running costs should really be compared with those of a moped, or a car, when the electric bike replaces car mileage. With cars costing 50 - 80 pence per mile, an electric bike can save a great deal of money.
NO SWEAT!
Sweat may not be a serious issue when you're out for a leisure ride, but it's more important if you're cycling to work. Although some employers are rather grudgingly providing showers and other facilities for cyclists, the great majority have no intention of doing so. An electric bike eliminates the problem at source. Oddly enough, you won't sweat on an electric bike, even if you put in the same amount of effort as you do on an ordinary bike. This is because you will be going faster, and the 'wind chill' effect is greater, keeping you cool. In hot weather, it's possible to maintain a normal schedule by transferring a bit more load to the electric motor. In colder weather - or if you feel in need of exercise - just throttle back, or turn the motor off.
