What is an e-bike?

An e-bike is a ‘normal’ bike, just with a motor added to help you up hills and keep going on the flat without lots of sweat. You can buy an e-bike from a manufacturer or convert your existing Bike* with a Boost kit, you can turn many bikes into a great e-bike.

The Boost system is rear wheel motor powered for a smooth, safe riding experience. Front wheel drive systems add weight to the front wheel and can feel uncomfortable in slippery conditions or in corners, compared with rear-motor bikes.

The UK and EU have specific regulations to determine whether a two wheeled bike is an e-bike or an electric motorbike (which would require registration and insurance). The Boost system is fully UK legal as an EAPC (Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle). When buying other systems, make sure to ask if the kit is legal. If the kit features any kind of thumb throttle or exceeds 15.5mph, it is probably illegal and you could be fined or have points on your driving license.

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What is the range?

We often get asked how far you can ride with a Boost kit; unlike when measuring the range off an electric car, there is no standard test and the big variable is the rider – the harder you pedal, the greater the range.

Our ‘formal’ range is 50km; you should be able to achieve more than 50km if you are pedalling on the flat and putting the same amount of effort on moderate hills. It requires 60 – 80w to maintain a bike speed of 20km on the flat on a bike with properly inflated tyres (https://www.gribble.org/cycling/power_v_speed.html). Not more than 10% of the journey should be on hills greater than 2% and with a maximum hill climb of 8%.

The Kit has been tested in south London and easily achieved over 50 kilometers / 31 miles. A customer in Belfast says he achieves over 100km per charge.

We do not recommend using the battery below 20% charge / 34v. The battery will safety cut-off at 31v.

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Will Boost fit my bike?

Boost is designed for non-folding bikes with 26″, 27.5″, 28″, 700c & 29″ wheels. 

If you are unsure if the Boost will fit in your frame just give us a call or pop into the shop. Many Full suspension mountain bikes may not have space.

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Boost cannot be installed on the following:

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• Bikes with Thru Axles

• Tandems – the weight limit of the motor is 120kg bike + rider.

• Kids bikes – Current UK EAPC Regulations state the minimum Age to Ride an E-Bike is 14.

• Bikes with child seats – Childs’ seats will likely exceed the hub motor weight limit.

• Folding bikes – Motor cables will eventually fail if routed over a bike fold. 

• Bikes with Rear Hub Gears

• Bromptons (coming Soon)

• Bikes with hub brakes (some Dutch bikes)

• Bikes that brake on reverse pedalling (some Dutch bikes)

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*Bike must have Rear Dropouts