The Health Benefits of Riding an E-Bike

Low-Impact Exercise: Riding an e-bike provides an excellent form of low-impact exercise. Even with electric assistance, riders still engage in pedalling, which helps to strengthen leg muscles and improve cardiovascular health. Unlike high-impact exercises like running, e-biking puts less strain on joints, making it suitable for individuals of all fitness levels and ages.

Weight Management and Calorie Burn: Regular e-bike commuting can help with weight management and weight loss efforts. By pedalling and utilising electric assistance when needed, riders burn calories and boost their metabolism, contributing to maintaining a healthy body weight.

Mental Well-being: The endorphins released during exercise can help reduce stress and improve mental well-being. E-biking offers the advantage of combining physical activity with the sheer joy of riding, allowing riders to unwind and clear their minds while navigating through scenic routes.

Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Engaging in regular e-bike rides can improve cardiovascular health by increasing heart rate and blood flow. This can lead to reduced risks of heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular issues, making it a worthwhile investment for long-term health.

Improved Respiratory Function: As e-bike riders tend to travel at slower speeds compared to motor vehicles, they are exposed to fewer harmful pollutants, leading to better respiratory health. Additionally, the exercise from pedalling can strengthen respiratory muscles, benefiting lung capacity.

Integrating E-Bikes into Daily Life

Commuting to Work: One of the most practical ways to integrate e-bikes into daily life is by using them for commuting to work. With the assistance of the electric motor, commuting longer distances becomes manageable, while avoiding traffic congestion and reducing your carbon footprint.

Errands and Shopping: Replace short car trips for errands and shopping with e-bike rides. Most e-bikes come equipped with cargo racks or baskets, allowing you to carry groceries and essentials without a hassle.

Exercise Routine: Incorporate e-bike rides into your weekly exercise routine. You can alternate between traditional biking and e-biking, allowing you to challenge yourself physically while still enjoying the thrill of e-assistance.

Recreational Rides: Utilise ebikes for recreational purposes, exploring nearby parks, nature trails, or scenic routes. It’s an enjoyable way to spend time with family and friends while reaping the health benefits of outdoor activities.

Group Activities: Join local e-bike clubs or organise group rides with friends and neighbours. Group activities not only make the experience more enjoyable but also provide an opportunity to socialise and motivate each other towards a healthier lifestyle.

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Wincanton is situated on the main A303 London to Penzance Road. Lying in the extreme southeast of Somerset and on the Dorset / Wiltshire borders. Wincanton is in easy reach of many places of interest which makes it the perfect location for exploring whether you are on foot, bicycle, or horseback.

Market town with a long history

Thought to be the site of a market since medieval times it was not until 17th March 1556 when Queen Mary granted a charter for two annual fairs and a market every other Wednesday that Wincanton turned into a thriving and attractive market town

The making of woolen cloth was Wincanton’s main industry, in addition to silk and linen, and Mill Street, possibly the oldest and prettiest street in the town, leads from the Market Place down to where the old mill once stood.

Wincanton’s other thriving businesses were pottery, brick making, and clocks as there were several clockmakers in the town.

Gory Battles

Wincanton was the scene of several bloody battles between the Britons, Danes, and Saxons. One battle between the army of King James II and invading forces of Prince William of Orange took place on November 1688. Six men were hanged, drawn, and quartered after.

On 13th May 1707, a fire destroyed most of the older buildings in the High Street and the town centre.

Coach and Rail Travel

Wincanton was on the stagecoach route from London to Exeter and many coaches called at the town. This led to a post office opening, and coaching inns being established. By the 1790s post was dispatched to London six days a week. Coach service to London and Taunton ran three times a week, while several wagons went regularly to Bath, London, Sherborne Taunton, and Weymouth.

The Dorset Central Railway line reached Wincanton in 1861

Ankh Morpork

Wincanton was twinned with the French town Gennes and Les Rosiers on 19^th July 1975 and with the German town Lahnau on 16th October 1991.

On 7th December 2002, Wincanton was twinned with a place that does not exist – Ankh Morpork. This is a fictional city created by Terry Pratchett in his Discworld books…and there begins another story.

You can find our Wincanton showroom within easy reach of the A303; Unit 4, Lawrence Hill Business Centre, Saxon Way, Wincanton, Somerset, BA9 9RT call us on 01963 824700

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The cycle to work scheme is part of the Governments Green Transport Plan. It aims to cut congestion on the roads, improve the health of the nation and have a positive impact on the environment. In other words: “save the planet, save money, beat the traffic, and get happy!”

How the Scheme Works

The Government made the cycle to work scheme part of the 1999 Finance Act. It is free to join and like a year’s interest-free credit on a fabulous bike of your choice. The employer buys the bike for the employee who pays for the bike from their gross salary (Before tax & NI) saving the employee both tax and NI whilst the employer saves 13.8% employer’s NI.

What are the benefits

Cycling improves physical and mental health, which is known to boost productivity. Cycling to work regularly is a good remedy against sedentary illnesses. It is known to halve the risk of obesity, heart disease and cancer. Giving a fitness level equal to someone ten years younger. A 2018 study by Vitality Health found that cyclists had levels of depression 25% lower than that of sedentary employees. Being more satisfied with life, cyclists offered on average higher productivity and lower absence levels. Giving an extra six days work a year compared to inactive colleagues.

What are the choices

There are several cycle schemes on the market. The two main ones we offer are the Cyclescheme and Green Commute Initiative. For any other scheme please contact us.

For more information on these schemes check out our Cycle to Work Page where you will find a calculator to see how much money you could be saving. Alternatively, head to our showroom where we can help you choose the right bike for your budget and lifestyle.

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Black Friday Ebike Deals are back

Black Friday is here once again.  If you have been thinking about buying an electric bike you could benefit from one of our super deals.

This year Black Friday is on Friday 23 November 2018 and Cyber Monday is on Monday 26^th November 2018.

We will be running several deals from now until cyber Monday and then two massive deals not to be missed – one on Black Friday and one on Cyber Monday. Visit Ebike sale page to take advantage of our current offers

If you have been wondering what Black Friday is and where it comes from, read on!

Black Friday comes from America and is the day after Thanksgiving Day, which is on the fourth Thursday in November and since 1952 has been known as the beginning of the Christmas shopping season. It is not an official holiday, but in some American states, it is seen as such by the State Government, who gives their employees time off in lieu.

It has become the traditional day for retailers to give big discounts to mark the unofficial launch of the Christmas shopping period.

It was named “Black Friday” by the Philadelphia Police Department in the 1950s and 60s. Due to the high number of shoppers out to get the best deals, cities became gridlocked and they described the chaos caused on this day as Black Friday.

Although this shopping phenomenon dates back to the Great Depression in 1939, it only came to England in 2010. As public awareness grew, 2013 was a real turning point with Amazon and Asda a subsidiary of Walmart announcing Black Friday deals which have led to companies now offering bigger and better deals each year.

At Espokes we run various offers all year long. Check out our demo bike page to pick up a fantastic deal on an ex-demo electric bike.

You could wait and see what we have on offer to take part in Black Friday and Cyber Monday, but there’s no need to delay as we will be giving up to £100 off all ebike purchases throughout the weekend; saving our two best deals specifically for the Friday and Monday.

Visit our BLACK FRIDAY page to keep updated on our offers through out the week or pop into our showroom for even more discounted prices.

We will be keeping our deal under wraps until the weekend in question – but if you want to hear about it first, make sure you sign up to our newsletter below

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Hands Up anyone who’s ever owned a Raleigh!! Mine was a Raleigh Silhouette! I attached a spare freezer basket on the front and a child seat on the back. Many an enjoyable ride followed with my daughter and Raggy Doll.

Here are a couple of pics of my daughter Laura on her first Raleigh. (I couldn’t find any pictures of my Silhouette!)

Sir Frank Bowden

One of the world’s oldest and best-known bike brands; Raleigh was founded by Woodhead and Angois in 1885; acquired by Sir Frank Bowden in 1888, who after suffering a spell of ill-health discovered a love for cycling whilst experiencing its health benefits first hand. Many years have passed, and Raleigh is still as strong now as they were when they were first established.

Now part of the Accell Group, a European-based company who own several Bicycle and Accessory brands throughout Europe and North America and are market leaders in electric bikes; invaluable to Raleigh’s product development; but bike design and wheel building are still traditionally done at Head office in their hometown of Nottingham.

In the 90s Raleigh was the first UK based company to produce and market mountain bikes and electrically assisted bicycles.

Low maintenance greatly priced with styles and performance to please everyone; the electric bike will improve fitness and wellbeing as well as reducing carbon footprint.

Let’s take the Motus range from the lightweight quiet cruiser with it’s Bosch active line at a remarkable price of £1650

to the Grand Tour, sleek and sophisticated with an award-winning Bosch Active + motor and 400Wh battery giving you a range of up to 110miles, perfect for city trips, relaxed tours and weekend adventures.

How about a bike that revolutionises the urban commuter ebike! Featuring a new frame design with adapted geometry to improve agility, Shimano Steps E6000 motor, carbon blades, hydraulic disc brakes and 400Wh Shimano battery. You won’t fail to wow on the Strada Elite, available in Blue or Silver at a stunning price of only £2250.

We don’t want you to miss out and have put this fabulous range in stock. So don’t dally, come and test ride BOOK NOW

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Reasons for owning an ebike

Why own an electric bike? Beating the hills, exploring the world whilst keeping fit, saving money and having fun! That is what owning an ebike means.

Electric bicycles offer the same benefits as regular cycling; the difference is due to the motor and the power setting you choose. Every time the pedals are pushed you’ll get three, four, five or maybe even 10 pedal strokes more. This means greater distances and longer rides. Great news for the heart, lungs and blood pressure as endless scientific study has proven the link between regular exercise and reduced stress levels.

According to a report by the Transport Research Laboratory, regular bikes are taken out of the shed less than 25 times a year, with 46% being used just once or twice a week. In comparison, 30% of people with electric bikes use them every day, while 81% ride them at least once a week. E-bikes are also good for those whose fitness isn’t what it could or used to be due to age or illness.

The average speed of cars in central London is 7.4mph! On an e-bike 15mph can almost instantly be reached, making them safer than ordinary bikes as it takes a few vital seconds for a regular cyclist to build up speed when stopped at junctions, crossroads and roundabouts; which is where most bike accidents on the road happen; due to the instant acceleration from the motor a faster exit from the danger zone is achieved. Ebike riders are also less likely to jump a red light and are more willing to slow for bends and corners; where many cyclists come off. Finally, being able to keep up with the flow of traffic more easily means, fewer cars, buses and lorries feel the need to overtake, making for safer riding.

With the many choices of stylish electric bikes and accessories now available; many have swapped their cars saving money on commuting as well as saving the planet making ebikes the “coolest way to travel”.

Give it a try and hire an ebike for the weekend www.espokes.co.uk/ebike-hire/

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The History of the Bicycle is fraught with unknowns and confusion that a yearly Bicycle History conference is held in an attempt to clarify these details. Currently in its 28th year.

Karl Von Drais on the Dandy Horse

The bicycle celebrated its 200^th birthday in 2017.  Invented by Karl von Drais who travelled to Mannheim for the first time on June 12 1817 the dandy horse or “running machine” as it became known (because it had no pedals, steering mechanism or brakes, was propelled by the rider pushing himself along with this feet on the ground; making it difficult and dangerous to manoeuvre) was the basis for the development of the bicycle, the world’s most successful mode of transport.

At first, it was called a velocipede, later becoming known as the bicycle from the French word “bicyclette”. Continuously re-invented it connects the past to the future combining technology, culture, tradition and history. The next evolutionary stage has now been reached; electrification and automation. The eBike!  A trailblazer for the mobility of the future and one of the most successful electronic vehicles worldwide; bicycles save over 238 million gallons of fuel every year.

There are estimated over one billion bicycles throughout the world. They are used for transport, recreation, competitive racing, courier delivery and many other tasks.

The energy required to cycle at low to medium speeds is roughly the same as the energy required to walk, yet travelling three times faster.  No other living being is able to put in so little energy for so much self-powered travel!

Some amazing facts:

A bicycle can stay upright without a rider as long as it’s moving at 8mph or faster.

The most expensive bike ever a Trek Madone or the “Butterfly Bike” designed by artist Damien Hirst, was auctioned at Sotheby’s for $500,000.

Built and ridden by Didi Senft from Germany the largest bicycle has a wheel diameter of 3.3 m (10 ft 9.92 in). The smallest bicycle ever made has wheels the size of silver dollars.

The longest tandem bike ever built had 35 seats and was about 67 feet long.

268 km/h was the fastest speed achieved on a bicycle; ridden by Fred Rompelberg in 1995; on flat terrain and with the help of a pace car removing wind turbulence.

A recent psychological study conducted by ‘Mindlab’ found that cyclists have a unique blend of intelligent generosity (“The cool factor”). A great reason to get on your bike!

If this article has inspired you to get cycling, browse our range of electric bikes or hire one for yourself

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