The rise of electric bikes: why bike brands, cycling campaigners and politicians are backing ebikes

In this episode of the BikeRadar podcast, digital writer Jack Evans explores what’s powering the popularity of electric bikes. 

 

Jack asks Specialized Globe and Brompton why they’re investing in electric bike technology, while Emily Sinclair from cycling charity Sustrans and Selaine Saxby MP explain their support for ebikes. 

 

Meanwhile, Saul Leiken from Specialized Globe makes the case for electric cargo bikes as an alternative to cars in towns and cities. Brompton’s head of design, Will Carley Smith, says going electric was an easy decision for the brand, but incorporating an electric motor into a compact folding bike proved trickier. 

 

Sustrans Cymru liveable cities and towns officer Emily Sinclair tells Jack about a Welsh government-funded scheme that loans electric bikes to people for free. 

 

Conservative MP for North Devon Selaine Saxby is a keen ebike user. She says the All Party Parliamentary Group for Cycling and Walking, which she co-chairs, advocates more financial support for people to buy electric bikes. 

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