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As one of the premier providers of quality Electric Bikes in Dublin, we often discuss these bicycles' advantages with our customers at Mike's Bikes. While electric bikes have been around in one form or another for decades, the recent advances in battery technology have made them a cost-effective, attractive choice for Dubliners on both sides of the Liffey.

inevitably clients have questions about electric bikes, and our team of experts often field en quirieson everything from pricing to safety. So, to make selecting an electric bike that much easier, we've gathered some of the most common questions and added them below.

Of course, if you have a query not explored in this blog, please reach out to our Dublin bike shop directly. Our team of bicycle experts will happily answer any questions – electric bike related or otherwise – that you may have.

What are electric bikes?

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a bicycle with an integrated electric motor that can assist the rider in propelling the bike forward. The rider can control the level of assistance the motor provides, making riding uphill or against headwinds much easier. Some e-bikes also have a throttle that allows the rider to control the amount of power the motor delivers, independent of pedalling.

E-bikes are becoming more popular in urban areas as they can make it easier for people to get around without relying on a car. They are also becoming a popular alternative to traditional bicycles for commuters and recreational riders who want to extend their distance or tackle hills with less effort.

How much are electric bikes in Ireland?

The cost of electric bikes in Ireland can vary widely depending on the type of bike, its features, and the brand. For example, our Online store has a budget Italwin Lite E-Bike that costs €1,800.00. On the upper end of the price spectrum, we also stock the Orbea Urrun 10, which will set you back €4,799.00. Your budget and requirements should dictate the price you pay. However, the cost of an electric bike is affected by:

Motor: Different types of motors can have different price points. Mid-drive motors, which are integrated into the bike's crank, tend to be more expensive than hub motors, which are integrated into the wheel hub.

Battery: The capacity and type of battery used in an e-bike can also affect the cost. Lithium-ion batteries are more expensive than lead-acid batteries but are also more lightweight and have a longer lifespan.

Features: E-bikes with additional features, such as suspension, lights, racks, and bags, may be more expensive than those without these features.

Brand: Some brands are well-known for making high-quality e-bikes, which are more expensive than lesser-known brands.

It's worth noting that the prices of our e-bikes change. Mike's Bikes runs promotions, so check our website and call in-store regularly. The government also runs a Cycle to Work Scheme, which helps to offset the cost of e-bikes and cycling accessories.

How do Electric Bikes Work?

Electric bikes, or e-bikes, work by using an electric motor to assist the rider in propelling the bike forward. The motor is powered by a rechargeable battery, which stores electrical energy that can be used to drive the motor.

Here's a basic overview of how an e-bike works:

The rider pedals the bike in the usual way, turning the cranks and drivetrain. The pedalling motion activates a sensor, which sends a signal to the bike's controller.

The controller, typically located on the handlebars, receives the signal and determines the level of assistance needed based on the rider's pedalling effort and the bike's speed.

The controller sends power from the battery to the motor.

The motor then assists the rider by turning the wheel, making it easier to pedal.

Some e-bikes use a "throttle" in addition to the pedal assist, allowing the rider to control the amount of power the motor provides independently of pedalling.

The amount of power the motor provides is measured in watts, and typical e-bikes have motors that deliver between 250 and 750 watts of power. Some advanced e-bikes can have higher power motors, up to 1000 or 1500 watts. The battery capacity also varies widely between e-bikes, with some batteries having a total of 300 to 400 watt-hours, while others can have over 1000 watt-hours.

How fast are electric bikes?

The speed of an electric bike, or e-bike, can vary depending on the type of bike, the level of assistance the motor provides, the rider's pedalling effort, and the terrain.

As per European regulation, most e-bikes have a maximum assisted speed of around 25-45km/h (15-28mph).

This means that the bike cannot go faster than this speed when the rider is pedalling and the motor is providing assistance. The rider can still pedal more quickly than this speed, but the motor will not provide additional help.

However some e-bikes might have a higher maximum assisted speed, but it depends on the local laws and regulations.

In addition, some e-bikes are equipped with a "throttle" feature that can allow the rider to go faster without pedalling, but again the maximum speed will be restricted by the region's regulations.

Keep in mind that e-bikes are not designed to be fast; they are designed to assist the rider in making pedalling easier, allowing longer rides, climbing steep hills and so on.

E-bikes should be used within the legal limit, and always be aware of the surrounding traffic.

There you have it, some of the most common questions regarding electric bikes answered. Are you ready to quit the car and take up cycling? We recommend calling Mike's Bikes today. We can advise on the right bike for your unique needs and budget. We can also discuss payment plans and advise on availing of the government's Cycle to Work Scheme. When looking for the best selection of electric bikes in Dublin, please check out Mike’s Bike’s retail shop or our online store today.

Are you tired of being stuck in traffic on your morning commute? Are you done with squeezing into packed trains? Or are you hoping to use your time commuting to get fitter and healthier? It sounds like you have decided to begin cycling to work.
In the last couple of years, any stigma around cycling has disappeared. Cycling is very much the in thing to do. It's obvious why cycling has become so trendy. Not only does it help a person stay fit and healthy, but cycling also has mental health benefits and is an environmentally responsible transportation method. Not only this, but in a city like Dublin, which is often traffic-clogged, cycling to work is often faster than driving or getting a bus.

However, once you've committed to cycling into work, you need a few bike accessories. While cycling is undoubtedly good for cardiovascular health, it can be dangerous if you don't use the proper safety equipment. As one of Dublin's premier bicycle sales shops, we recommend the six must-have accessories you need when cycling to work.

1. Helmet

Every time you get on a bicycle, you must wear a helmet. Even the slightest bump to the head can cause a concussion, which can have potentially drastic consequences for your cognitive ability in years to come. In a more severe accident, it's no exaggeration to say that a helmet can save your life.
A good quality helmet can be purchased for under €100. For someone who wants to use their bike for commuting, we recommend the Oxford metro V helmet or the Lazer compact DLX Mips helmet.

2. Rain jacket

There's no getting away from it; we live in Ireland. This means that if you live in the south of Ireland, you'll likely live through 151 days of rain; in the west of Ireland, you'll endure 225 days of rain every year. When you cycle to work five times a week, you will get wet. Investing in a high-quality rain jacket is therefore essential. We also recommend investing a little bit extra in waterproof cycling trousers. A massive variety of rain jackets are available. Of course, we always recommend going for a vivid, eye-catching colour to increase visibility in the rain.

3. Bike lock

According to the latest crime figures, almost 6000 bicycles get stolen in Ireland every year. Unfortunately, an unlocked bike is irresistible to an opportunist thief. With this in mind, you must invest in a good quality lock. We recommend the Kryptonite Original Keeper or those willing to spend a little more with the Abus Bordo 6000.

4. Backpack

A backpack to carry your office supplies is essential when commuting on a bicycle. Unfortunately, your old nylon school bag just won't cut it here. What you need is an economically designed, high-visibility waterproof backpack. See our online bag page to review our range of backpacks and saddlebags.

5. Lights

When you are cycling early in the morning, and late in the evening, visibility will always be a problem. That's why you need flashing lights on your bicycle. Lights are there to alert other road users of your presence and hopefully prevent any accidents from occurring. We provide a range of lightweight lights equipped with long-lasting batteries.

6. Basic repair kit

On a city street, sometimes there's going to be a stray piece of glass or even a nail. Yep, punctures are inevitable. Therefore you are going to need a basic repair kit. A good repair kit should include a tool for removing the tyre from the bicycle wheel, a pump and, of course, a replacement tyre tube.

There you have it, the six essential items you'll need when commuting by bike. All these items can be purchased in-store or ordered online. Still not sure what items are right for you? Please get in contact with us. Our team of bike accessory experts can make recommendations based on your requirements.

While electric bikes certainly aren’t new – they’ve been around in one form or another for decades. – it would certainly seem as though in 2022 e-bike’s are having their moment. With the proliferation of electric ride-ables flooding the market. Everything from skateboards to scooters are now fitted with electric motors, the e-bike has the advantage of pre-existing bicycle infrastructure. Most major roads now have bicycle lanes. While electric scooters may not be comfortable moving into these lanes, e-bikes are quite literally made for the bicycle lane. Other electric ride-ables may very well prove to be a short-lived tech fab, but e-bikes will stick around and could be the future of transportation.
This isn’t an exaggeration, when we look at a bike heavy nation like the Netherlands, e-bikes have been outselling standard bikes year on year since 2018. While here in Ireland we are a little behind our Dutch friends, e-bikes are becoming ever more prominent on Dublin’s streets.
The Bicycle to Work scheme, which gives tax incentives to purchase a standard bike or an electric bike has certainly encouraged this move to cycling. If you’re thinking about ditching the car, tram or train in favour of cycling to work, we highly recommend considering an e-bike. Our buyer's guide breaks down everything you need to know before purchasing an electric bike

Budget

Most electric bikes are within the €2000 range. City shaped e-bikes with the battery pack behind the saddle are usually a little cheaper than mountain e-bikes that have the battery pack integrated with the bike’s frame.

Commuter E-Bike

If you’re going to use your bike to commute through a city or town and want to keep the budget as modest as possible we suggest the Italwin Lite city bike. If you’ll likely be taking your bike on and off trains or buses a foldable electric bike may be more convenient. In this instance, we recommend the Dawes Curve E-Bike.

Trail Bike

Perhaps you intend to use your e-bike on trails. If that’s the case you will need a more robust frame and a battery that holds a charge for longer. We would suggest either the Italwin Trail Rear or if you have a little more money to spend consider the Italwin Trail Ultra. Both these bikes offer a powerful long-lasting motor.

Still not sure what bike is right for you? Check out our Range of Dublin electric bikes online or visit our Dún Laoghaire bike store to discuss your options with our Electric bike experts.