Why not to buy a cheap eBike
It’s safe to say it’s been a manic few months at Fully Charged as we are seeing a huge influx in potential buyers who are looking to adopt a different form of travel leading into this decade.
One thing we have noticed recently is finding ourselves dealing with several bemused would-be buyers nervous about starting cycling again and with often unrealistic ideas about how cheaply they can hop on an eBike. The key message from us here at Fully Charged and from any experienced eBike user is that ambivalent beginners often spend so little that their journeys fall quite literally apart! Low-priced eBikes do not have the components good enough to stand regular travelling reliably and safely. We are here to change that.
Here at Fully Charged, we have hand-picked our 10 manufacturers, making sure that only the best, premium brands who champion this industry are in our shop. Below we’ve selected some of the main reasons why you should buy from us and our manufacturers. We believe that quality should never be compromised and that the principles and philosophies held by our partners ensure you get only the very best experience from your eBike.
Whilst we live in a digital age, we advise you to look with care if buying online. What-with the advent of direct-to-consumer brands coming into the industry and seasonal online discounting, some eBike customers end up with wrongly sized internet-purchased bikes and struggle to get recourse for any warranty issues. If you are unsure whilst looking online, you can always speak to one of our eBike specialists virtually via our live chat feed, or alternatively you can come in for a free consultation and test ride before making your final decision. We have a 2,500 ft showroom and a 5,000 ft service centre in London Bridge that can cater for all of your needs, be them prior to or post purchase.
EBikes spawn a new world of components to that of a regular bike, the most notable of which are the batteries and motors. In this area, it is very much a case that you get what you pay for, so it’s worth keeping an eye out for big household names like Bosch. Bosch has really embraced the electric bike market and their range of motors offer a variety of power assistance depending on how much you’re willing to spend. We are only one of the three certified Bosch Experts in the U.K. and we have experienced eBike technicians on hand to offer you specialist support anywhere in the world!
Fitting a battery into an eBike is a design challenge, but it’s one that a few brands have met with expertise. One who most definitely has is folding bike maestro’s, Gocycle. It’s been just over a decade since Gocycle have been on the market and their mission is simple, according to Founder Richard Thorpe, ‘to create the world’s best urban electric bikes.’ These fantastically de-compartmentalised bikes are capable of packing into a small carry case and making your eBike seamlessly portable.
Gocycle has renowned the world over for its innovative products and no compromises approach. We have always been in awe at FC HQ of the Gocycle GX (video above), a fast-folding, portable eBike with a lightweight and stylish design. Perfect for those whose lives fit into every nook and cranny, this is easy to lift and manoeuvre around town and at home. You can get this for £40.22 a month as part of the Cycle to Work scheme or £2,899.00.
Microbility is changing and with that consumers needs for authentic, compassionately made products are too. It is a shame to see recently that certain eBike brands are cutting environment and sustainable corners, in order for financial, short-term gains. However, all of the brands that we are proud to support at Fully Charged share one common goal, and that is the relentless pursuit of always making things better. They do not cut corners in their supply-chain for mere profitabilities sake, but always have the long term satisfaction of the end-user in mind.
No brand embodies this more than Riese and Müller, a German brand whose entire philosophy is summed up by three words, ‘born with conviction.’ We were fortunate enough to gain access into their Head Quarters in Hesse last year, where our Founder Ben and Heiko, Founder and Managing Director of Riese and Müller, talked about the company’s perfectionist approach to their manufacturing, all of which is done in-house. The products that result are eBikes of the highest quality, perfected down to the tiniest detail and featuring state-of-the-art technology and pioneering design.
Riese & Muller Charger3
Here at Fully Charged we often compare Riese and Müller to the Rolls Royces and Bentleys of the car world, and it’s with good reason. Our pick for those of you who want quite simply the perfect all round ride is the Riese & Müller Charger3 GT Vario (pictured above), which you can get from just £59.50 a month or £4,289.00 outright.
We are obsessed with companies that are “Born Electric”, that is, that they started out as an electric bike outfit decades ago. French eBike specialists, Moustache, are one of those companies and have always brought new, creative ideas that have constantly adapted the industry. Based in the Vosges region of France, the 100 man team work tirelessly to produce a range of bikes suitable for all purposes; be that urban, all road, road mountain bikes and kids bikes.
We’ve chosen the Moustache Samedi 28.3 as the perfect eBike for you to get up and running. Suitable for all purposes, this hybrid bike can take you from cities to fields, work to weekends and is the epitome of chic sophistication. You can get this for £37.44 a month or £2,699.00 outright.
>Moustache Samedi 28.3 Open
Much like Riese & Muller, Moustache take complete responsibility for their bikes, ensuring they are made to perfection and are overseen throughout the entirety of the manufacturing process.
Another beautifully designed and handcrafted eBike is Deskinio. At Deskinio, it’s not just about the engineering, the design, or the craftsmanship, it’s about you, the customer. Deskinio’s philosophy has always been that less is more and their lightweight frames, hidden technology and distinctive components gives this bike an element of chic sophistication above and beyond its years. Every part on these bikes have been carefully selected from the best to guarantee the quality of the assembly. Deskinio puts you first.
At Fully Charged we have researched thoroughly into the types of brands we on-board. We are constantly weighing up whether or not new brands coming into the market hold the values that our brands do, and whether or not they would like to be compared with each other. This is why we take absolute pride and joy in partnering with 10 beautiful companies who are just as passionate about us as their own movements. From assisting in the mechanics of your bike, to developing finance packages, everything we do at Fully Charged is shaped by you, for you. An eBike is not a throwaway purchase, it is a proper investment and we are here to make sure that you make the best decision to suit your lifestyle.
