FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I HAVE NEVER RIDDEN AN ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE BEFORE, HOW WILL I KNOW WHAT TO DO?
On the day of your rental we will take you through how the bike operates and provide you with some "top tips".
HOW DO ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKES WORK?
All of our Electric Mountain Bikes (EMTBs) are UK legal Pedelecs. The assistance is automatic and seamless, so you ride a Pedelec just like a normal bike, brakes and gears operate in the normal sense. However, as you pedal a small battery powered motor assists you. The level of assistance can be varied by the rider. So you can zip up hills and cruise over tough terrain. The assistance stops at 25KPH or when you stop pedalling.
DO I NEED TO BE SUPER FIT TO RIDE AN ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE?
Our EMTBs are for every level of fitness. The wonderful thing about electric bikes is that EVERYONE can have a go. Since the rider can vary the level of assistance from the motor, they can decide how hard or easy they want the ride to be.
HOW FAR CAN I GO ON AN ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE?
This will depend on the terrain, the level of assistance demanded and how fast the rider wants to cover the ground. 75+ KM is quite possible over easy terrain and using the lowest level of assistance (ECO mode). However, the battery will also deliver 40+ KMS of very relaxed riding using increased assistance from EMTB or TURBO modes.
CAN I RIDE AN ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE IN THE RAIN AND THROUGH PUDDLES?
Riding in the rain is not a problem. We've even fitted mudguards to help keep the spray off you! Our EMTBs will tolerate shallow puddles that would normally be encountered on a trail. However, we would recommend avoiding puddles where possible. The lowest part of the bike where the motor is housed will not cope with being submerged and this MUST be avoided.
HOW DO THE GEARS WORK ON AN ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE?
The gears on an electric mountain bike work in the same way as a regular mountain bike. For example as you approach a steep slope select a progressively lower gear to keep your cadence (rate of pedalling) brisk and easy to maintain. In fact, selecting an appropriate gear to maintain a good cadence is really important, since it will optimise the assistance from the electric motor.
WHAT IF MY BATTERY RUNS OUT?
We will ensure the battery is fully charged before you take the e-bike away for the day. The system display will allow you to monitor the remaining charge to ensure you have enough to get back. If you are concerned, discuss your plans with us and we will advise. Better still, and to see the best Wiltshire has to offer, hire one of our Garmin navigation units pre-loaded with routes that we have checked are possible.
WHAT IF I GET A PUNCTURE?
All of our e-bikes are running tubeless. This means they are fitted with self sealing tyres, which means punctures are few and far between and therefore results in more carefree riding time for you. However, if you suffer a puncture that doesn't seal we will supply you with a puncture kit, pump and instruction on how to fix it. However, if you have a puncture you can't seem to fix you can of course call us.
HOW WILL I KNOW WHERE TO GO?
We can supply you with Garmin navigation units, pre-loaded with routes of varying distances and terrain. They work just like the navigation system in your car, providing turn-by-turn directions, except the map will be on your handle bars! Our routes have been carefully selected to take in the breathtaking local area with stop off points at the best pubs, restaurants, galleries, museums and monuments. Or if there is somewhere in particular you would like to go let us know in advance and we will plot a route for you.
HOW DO DROPPER POSTS WORK?
We have fitted all our EMTBs with "droppers". A dropper post is a hydraulically operated seat post that allows the rider to change the saddle height whilst riding. They are a God send! It means getting on and off the bike is easy and when coming to a stop the saddle can be dropped so the rider can easily put a foot down. You'll never want to ride another bike without one!
DO YOU SUPPLY HELMETS?
We supply helmets with all of our bikes at no extra cost
WHERE AM I ALLOWED TO RIDE AN ELECTRIC MOUNTAIN BIKE?
You are allowed to ride an EMTB anywhere that you are allowed to ride a regular bike. So public roads, bike paths and bridleways.
IS THERE A MINIMUM AGE TO RIDE ELECTRIC BIKES?
Law states you must be over 14 years of age to ride an electric bike on public roads. However, we will only rent electric bikes to over 18's.