Electric bicycles, commonly known as e-bikes, have been growing in popularity among cyclists of all ages across the UK in recent years. Have you been wondering if an e-bike is for you? Are you asking yourself what the real benefits and downsides of an electric bicycle are? Single Parents in Holiday have looked at the facts, including the pros and cons of using e-bikes with children as a single parent, so that you can make an informed decision on whether an e-bike is right for your family.
What Is an E-Bike?
E-bikes provide riders with an extra boost when pedalling thanks to a small electric motor and battery. This motor assists the rider’s pedalling, making it easier to ride uphill, accelerate and cover longer distances with less effort.
Thanks to e-bikes, cycling has become accessible to more people, regardless of their fitness level. E-bikes come in a variety of styles, including classic two-wheelers, cargo bikes, and folding bikes. For daily commuters, busy parents, and recreational riders alike, e-bikes open new possibilities for incorporating cycling into their lifestyle.
What Are the Pros and Cons of E-Bikes?
E-bikes offer many unique benefits, not least for single parents. As electric bikes become more prevalent on UK streets, it is however important to understand the impact they can have and how to ride them safely. Here are some of the pros and cons of using e-bikes with kids:
Pro: E-Bikes Offer Freedom and Flexibility
E-bikes offer parents a new level of freedom and flexibility for getting around. The electric “assist” makes it possible to ride with kids in tow, whether they are in a child seat or trailer attached to the e-bike. It means more time together, less sitting in traffic jams and no stress parking.
Because the electric motor takes some of the effort out of pedalling, single parents can ride further and tackle more hills on an e-bike. This opens new possibilities for active family time. You can travel further, through the countryside, for a picnic or to pursue a hobby such as fishing with children or golfing that would otherwise only be possible with a car.
Best of all, by using an e-bike for all the short trips, time-strapped single mums and dads can also fit a little exercise and fresh air into their daily routine.
Pro: E-Bikes Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
For single parents who don’t own or don’t want to rely on a car, using an e-bike to run errands, doing the school run, and getting to and from activities is a cheap and practical way of getting around. And you do not only save fuel – you also reduce your family’s carbon footprint. For every km you travel on an e-bike instead of using your petrol car, you can save some 250g of carbon dioxide. So, ditch the car and take an e-bike instead to save money, fuel and start travelling responsibly.
Pro: You Can Take Multiple Kids
One major advantage of e-bikes is the ability to take multiple children. There are e-bike models for every need: You can get a child seat or two behind you, or one in front for younger children – or both. If you take a younger child in a front-mounted seat between you and the handlebars, you can see them, chat to them, reassure them, etc.
If your electric bike doesn’t have a child seat integrated, it might be compatible with a trailer, which can hold multiple children if necessary. Make sure you choose one with suspension and a rain cover, so that your kids have a comfortable ride.
Pro: E-Bikes Teach Kids Healthy Habits
E-bikes provide a great opportunity for single parents to instil healthy habits in their children. Cycling together gets kids outdoors and exercising during e-bike rides if you their rear seat has pedals. Children learn the importance of physical activity early on.
E-biking also sets an example by using green, eco-friendly transport instead of cars, and seeing parents make these sustainable choices teaches kids good values. It also fosters curiosity and a sense of adventure as you explore new places and take in your surroundings much more consciously than you would sitting in a car.
Learning about bike safety rules such as wearing helmets and signalling will become part of your kids’ everyday life. In time, these lessons about exercise, sustainability and road sense will pay dividends. In short, teaching children healthy habits is fun and easy when e-biking as a family.
Pro: Transporting Cargo is Easy
As the electric assist takes some of the effort out of pedalling, the additional weight of cargo is less challenging on an e-bike. In addition, the stability provided by the electric motor makes balancing a heavy load far easier than on a traditional bike. For single parents faced with doing it all themselves, being able to conveniently transport cargo and kids by e-bike is a game changer.
Con: Increased Risk of Injury
Needless to say, there are also some drawbacks to consider. The added speed of e-bikes means there is an increased risk of accidents compared to traditional bikes if not ridden carefully, such as on the pavement thus endangering pedestrians. Having said this, this statistic is down to the fact that electric bicycles are used by more vulnerable road users such as the less fit or elderly. If used correctly, statistics have shown that riding e-bikes with kids is as safe, if not safer, than traditional bikes. Needless to say, it is important to purchase a quality bike, maintain it, and to use suitable seats, trailers, and helmets to reduce the risk of injury.
Whilst you may not need a license to ride an e-bike, knowing the rules of the road are vital to ensure that you do not have an accident. So, if you don’t have a driving license, make sure that you get familiar with the traffic rules before you hit the road. This includes knowing where you are allowed to ride your electric bike.
Con: The Cost of an E-Bike
Another key consideration is the price of an e-bike. Naturally, e-bikes are more expensive to purchase than traditional bikes, especially if you want to use the e-bike with kids, or need a cargo bike, so the upfront cost needs to be factored in. E-bikes also require some basic maintenance, such as maintaining tyre pressures and brake pads. Riding in rain or snow can also reduce the battery range. However, even factoring in annual insurance, servicing, charging and possibly small parts, the cost of purchasing and maintaining an e-bikes is small compared to the cost of purchasing, servicing, and maintaining a car, however small.
Con: Secure storage and transport
E-bikes are heavier than regular bicycles, making them trickier to carry and store. Locking up an expensive e-bike safely when out and about requires extra consideration too.
Taking your e-bike on your single parent holiday can be done, but you will need a car rack designed to carry your bike as e-bikes are significantly heavier than traditional bikes.
Things to Consider When Buying an E-Bike
Much like buying a kids scooter, there are a few key factors to consider when shopping for an electric bicycle. Test riding the e-bike with kids or any child seats or trailers you plan to use is important to ensure they attach securely and safely. Prioritising e-bike models with specific safety features or accessories to transport children, such as integrated lighting and child helmets, is highly recommended.
Opting for sturdier cargo e-bike models designed to handle the extra weight of kids and gear makes sense for family use, and seeking out dealers that specialise in family e-biking is worthwhile to get the expert advice. It can also be prudent to think about future resale value by avoiding highly niche e-bike styles.
Considering factors like battery range, motor power, and easy charging access can make the daily use of e-bikes with kids easier. Allocating an extra budget for family e-biking gear, such as panniers, helps prepare for outings while taking advantage of e-bike subsidy schemes, where available, makes purchasing more affordable.
In summary
E-bikes have their pros and cons, but on many levels the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, especially for single parents that want to save time and money. Electric bicycles undoubtedly offer families greater freedom and flexibility when navigating daily logistics while at the same time allowing extra quality time with their kids. At Single Parents on Holiday, we believe that if you buy the right model and follow proper safety measures, your e-bike will become an invaluable lifestyle asset for and a beloved family routine.
About the author:
Single Parents on Holiday offer group holidays for single parents in the UK and abroad, including farm holidays, beach holidays, city trips, and ski holidays. In addition, we offer ski and beach holidays for solo travellers 40+. Go to our homepage find out more.
