‘There’s so much untapped potential for e-bikes’

Jacqui came on Choose How You Move's free e-bike session, and found that having an electric bike has boosted her confidence and wellbeing. ✍️ Jacqui Beard, e-bike user

An electric bike parked in front of a pedestrianised bridge with teal railings.

The Choose How You Move team’s free e-bike training course has been helping residents across Leicestershire try cycling with a little extra power. Jacqui went on the course, claiming back £300 on her e-bike, and told us recently how it has changed her life.

What got you into e-bikes?

With Covid lockdowns, the first thing my son’s college did was stop the buses. When I thought about him cycling, I didn’t think it was safe enough. But I thought, there must be another way. As part of that research, I got on social media and saw some active travel accounts.

Why did you book onto the course?

It popped up on social media that there were these training courses and ways of getting a discount off an e-bike. I’d done a bit of cycling for leisure, but I’d had back problems because the handlebars were too far and too low. I was keen to do the training course to see whether an e-bike would get me back to cycling again without that problem and with more confidence.

What was your experience of the e-bike session?

It was lovely. [The Choose How You Move team] were very friendly and there was a row of different types of bikes to try.

I was amazed at the feeling of the assistance the battery gives you. I was whizzing around with a big grin on my face. They had some e-bikes that were adjusted to have fairly high handlebars, so I could make sure I wasn’t putting my back out at all. I absolutely loved it and I got a voucher at the end.

Three people ride e-bikes on a road in Melton

How has having an e-bike changed your behaviour?

Two trips a week, I’m cycling rather than using my car, so it is reducing my car use. I’m helping the climate a little bit.

The more I’ve used it, the more it’s opened my eyes to the joy of it.

I’m more ambitious in how far I will cycle now. It’s enabling me to explore much wider and new areas, with gorgeous countryside, beautiful views. When you’re cycling, you’re more connected with your surroundings.

What would you say to people who haven’t used e-bikes before?

There’s so much untapped potential for e-bikes, for people like myself – people who are not Lycra-clad sports cyclists. Younger people, disabled people; there are e-tricycles; mums with children can have e-cargo bikes. And those cycles are all a fraction of a price of a car.

There are lots of health benefits and well-being. You just feel so good that you've done it. And I always come back with a grin on my face.

A woman on an e-bike, her foot on the pedal.

Melton residents can book now for the session on Saturday 19 October, at the Melton Borough Council Civic Suites.

Interested in the course? Stay up to date on sessions coming to your local area on Choose How You Move.

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