Commuters who wish to ride an electric bicycle to travel directly from home to work and back on a daily basis tend to choose bicycles with larger wheels and conventional rigid frames, as these provide the best ride. Those who have a commute in excess of 2-3 miles each way often prefer to have gears so that an optimum pedaling speed can be chosen if and when desired. With regard to distance, the range commuters travel on electric bicycles varies considerably. We know of some riders who travel less than a mile per day while others cover in excess of ten miles each way per day. The electric bicycles we suggest commuters consider, in no particular order, are the ED-1, UM44,  THD-9 (41 kg) for the medium/normal to larger rider and the UM55 and Low Step for the smaller rider. If lighter bicycles are preferred then the UM44 and UM55 should considered as both have NiMH batteries and Aluminium frames and so are well below 30 kg. See also the look-alike and genuine electric scooter and mopeds discussed below.

Commuters whose journey includes an overland train or car journey

When an electric bicycle must regularly be placed in the boot of a car or on a train then an folding electric bicycle is often considered as an alternative to the rigid framed bicycles listed above. We offer a wide range of folding bicycles but would suggest frequent commuters consider at least a mid range model for their journey such as the UM24, GR-6 or GR-8 all of which have gears. For short journeys and smaller riders the Folde and E-Cycle should also considered, although neither has gears.

Commuters whose journey includes a London Underground type section

The difficulties of carrying even a light weight folding electric bicycle along crowded walkways, up and down flights of busy stairs and on and off overcrowded trains tends to make them, and indeed any bicycle, unsuited to London Underground style journeys. If it is however sometimes possible to lock up and leave bicycles at one point in the journey, such as stations, and continue on foot. In such cases commuters should consider those rigid and folding electric bicycles listed in the sections above.

Boating, camping, caravanning, motorhome users and holidaymakers

Boating, camping, caravanning, motorhome users and holidaymakers can have widely differing requirements and expectations of their electric bicycle. Some simply want a small electric bicycle to go to and from the local store a trip often no more than a few hundred meters in length, while others like to use their bicycle for travel and exploration and may wish to cover twenty or more miles each day. In addition, some holidaymakers demand a folding bicycle since it must be transported in a car boot, onboard a boat or in a small space while others can attach a rigid framed bicycle to the roof or rear of their vehicle. Thus, the guidelines here are a list of electric bicycles which would typically NOT be considered.
The Thd-9 is generally too heavy (41 kg) and the Zn and Zi9 are both too heavy and have too many plastic body components to allow them to be readily carried on a vehicle without risk of damage. More practical bicycles for holidaymakers include the ED-1, UM44 and UM55 from the rigid frame group and UM24, GR-6, GR-8 from the folding range. For shorter journeys and lighter riders the Low Step, Folde and E-Cycle are also good alternatives. For light off road use the 906 Sport and UM36 mountain bike style electric bicycles offer distinctive alternatives.

Shopping

Electric bicycles used to transport shopping require carrying space. Electric bicycles which come with baskets and racks as standard include the ED-1, THD-9 (41 kg) and Low Step from the non folding frame range and the Folde from the folding electric bicycle range. All bicycles can however be fitted with a front basket and rear rack as required.

Increased Mobility

Many people who purchase an electric bicycle do so as it gives them more independence and enables them enabling them to get-out-and-about. The best solutions here tend to be the simpler, and thus lighter, electric bicycles, often with low step through frames these include the UM44 (without the crossbar), UM55, ED-1, Low Step, UM24 and Folde. All of the UM range of bicycles have Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) batteries and Aluminium frames, thus keeping total weight to a minimum. 

Moped Look-Alike Electric Bicycles

These are not to everyone's taste however those customers that do desire them tend to be most insistent. We offer two electric bicycles which have the appearance of an electric scooter, these are the Zn and the Zi9 at just over 40 kg.

Genuine Electric Mopeds

In addition to electric bicycles, which look like mopeds, we also offer a range of electric bicycles which are actually classified as mopeds and thus require DVLA registration etc. These are considerably bigger than our electric bicycles ranging from 1.5 kilowatts to 2 kilowatts in power and require that the rider hold an approved license, insurance and wear an approved crash helmet.

Electric Bicycles Just For Fun

Without exception, all electric bicycles, scooter and mopeds are fun. The magic of being whisked along effortlessly and silently often at speeds which would make pedaling arduous brings a smile to most faces. For many of our customers each and every electric bicycle, scooter and moped we list could fulfill all their needs. However, for those in search of an electric bicycle with a care free character the mountain bike style UM36 from Urbanmover is very good and don't forget the 906 Sport.

And Finally,

Please don't be left believing that there are hard and fast rules about electric bicycle selection. Frequently any one of the electric bicycles, scooters or mopeds could fulfill all the tasks asked of them and thus personal preference is usually at least as important as wheel size, frame style or weight. We hope, however, that this section helped outline some selection criteria that can be used while deciding upon the most preferred electric bicycles.